"Mai-senpai, what about your grades?" Mochizuki-kun asked again.
"Well…" Sakurajima Mai became a bit bashful.
Looking at her expression, Mochizuki-kun knew that Sakurajima Mai's grades were probably not good.
But thinking about it, this was normal.
If she was busy filming all day, Sakurajima Mai wouldn't have much time for studying.
And she rarely attended school.
It would be strange if her grades were good.
"It seems they're not very ideal."
"Senpai, you're already a third-year high school student, you know," Mochizuki-kun said, shaking his head as a reminder.
In Sakura Country, third-year high school graduates face the choice between further education and employment.
However, for Sakurajima Mai, this wasn't particularly important.
Having been a well-known star, the money she earned was enough for her to live comfortably for the rest of her life.
So, as for choosing between further education and employment, Sakurajima Mai could simply choose based on her interests.
"I feel like a junior is lecturing me!"
"But, for art universities, you don't need very high scores!"
Seeming to think she was being looked down upon, Sakurajima Mai folded her arms and argued with slight dissatisfaction.
Mochizuki-kun opened his mouth slightly, about to speak.
At this moment, Ichika, who was hiding behind, could no longer hold back.
Ichika suddenly jumped out.
She mustered her courage and shouted loudly, "Studying is completely irrelevant!"
Among The Five Sisters, each one's grades were worse than the last.
If each of them took the score from their best subject, they probably couldn't even get a hundred points combined.
And yet, they were still living well.
It seemed she had forgotten about being forced to transfer schools.
And Ichika's loud shout successfully attracted everyone's attention.
Instantly, the waiter and customers at other tables all looked towards Nakano Ichika's location.
"Ah, this is the rebellious phase."
"Yes, yes, it's really interesting…" many people laughed.
"Ah, what a cute girl…"
Mochizuki-kun and Sakurajima Mai, who were closest, were startled by Ichika.
"Ichika!"
"Ichika… student?"
Immediately, Mochizuki-kun reacted quickly.
"Idiot, don't be so attention-grabbing!"
Mochizuki-kun quickly grabbed Ichika's wrist and pressed her into a seat.
He didn't want passersby to discover Sakurajima Mai eating here later, and then the three of them would be surrounded and photographed like monkeys in a zoo.
"Ah!" Ichika then noticed the surrounding people's gazes and the inappropriateness of her actions.
She nervously shrank in her seat.
It's over.
She accidentally blurted out her true feelings.
And so loudly.
Ichika's face quickly turned red as she awkwardly covered her cheeks.
How could she face Mai-senpai now?
Fortunately, seeing Ichika sit down, everyone withdrew their gazes.
After all, it was rude to keep staring at others.
"Mai-senpai, I'm really sorry!" Nakano Ichika lowered her head and clasped her hands together, feeling uneasy.
"It's alright," Sakurajima Mai shook her head and comforted her.
Sakurajima Mai had a good impression of Ichika.
After all, she was the first person to come up and greet her and ask for an autograph that morning.
Thanks to her, other students also mustered their courage and followed suit.
However, Sakurajima Mai still had a good impression of Ichika.
"Ah, that's great!" Seeing that Sakurajima Mai didn't blame her, Ichika's hanging heart finally relaxed.
Her pretty face bloomed with a smile again, and she naturally hugged Mochizuki-kun's arm.
"And you call yourself the older sister," Mochizuki-kun said helplessly.
Ichika, in her current state, didn't look like the eldest sister of The Five Sisters at all.
"Hmph hmph!"
"Alright, let go of my hand quickly." Mochizuki-kun exerted a little force to pull his arm away.
"So, what is your relationship?" Sakurajima Mai asked curiously, looking at their somewhat intimate actions.
The two exchanged glances.
Ichika said with a grin, "Mai-senpai, please rest assured, actually, I am Mochizuki-kun's cousin."
Rest assured about what?
Sakurajima Mai first glared at Mochizuki-kun, then looked bewildered.
"Really?"
"Mhm mhm." Mochizuki-kun nodded affirmatively.
Seeing how certain the two of them were, they likely weren't lying, and Sakurajima Mai seemed very surprised.
"Having five such cute younger sisters, Mochizuki-kun is indeed not simple!"
Ichika: "Ehehe, thank you, Mai-senpai."
Just then, the waiter brought their meals.
After seeing Ichika change seats, they were slightly confused before realizing the reason for Ichika's strange behavior just now.
After the waiter left, Mochizuki-kun asked, "So, why are you here?"
"Oh, about that… First of all,"
"I definitely didn't follow Mai-senpai here."
Sakurajima Mai: "…"
"Actually, I'm here for an interview…"
Next, Nakano Ichika explained the whole story.
Mochizuki-kun and Sakurajima Mai showed expressions of realization.
Ichika then said sheepishly, "And I accidentally overheard your conversation just now…"
"It turns out Mai-senpai is going to leave the entertainment industry."
"If possible, I hope Mai-senpai won't leave," Ichika said full of hope.
"Hmm… What's the reason?" Sakurajima Mai asked with interest.
Sometimes, listening to fans' opinions was not a bad thing.
"Mai-senpai has such great acting skills, is so popular, and has so many fans and excellent works…"
"If Senpai leaves, your fans will definitely be very sad and regretful, including me…"
"Senpai is also my favorite and most admired artist, always motivating me to move forward…"
"So, Mai-senpai, please consider it carefully again, I beg you!" Ichika expressed herself with sincerity and earnestness.
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