After Ichika finished speaking.
Mochizuki looked surprised, not expecting Ichika to like Sakurajima Mai so much.
He didn't have any favorite idols, so he didn't quite understand fervent fans.
"Alright, Ichika, calm down a bit."
Seeing Ichika looking a bit excited and teary-eyed, Mochizuki patted Ichika's back.
"Mm... sorry, I lost my composure."
Nakano Ichika sincerely apologized to Sakurajima Mai again. Given her status, saying so much was actually inappropriate.
Sakurajima Mai shook her head again. "It's fine, I also really wanted to hear other people's opinions."
"Of course, it's just for reference."
"Also, having such a cute fan like Ichika makes me very happy."
"Of course." x2
Mochizuki and Ichika said in unison. It was impossible for them to sway Sakurajima Mai's thoughts.
"However, from what Mochizuki Junior said, it seems you think it's better for me to continue my studies?" Sakurajima Mai continued asking about the topic that had just been interrupted by Ichika.
Ichika also started staring at Mochizuki with unfriendly eyes.
Seeing Ichika's expression change at light speed, Mochizuki rolled his eyes.
"I knew I shouldn't have comforted you!"
Then Mochizuki reached out, used a little force, and flicked Ichika's fair forehead.
"That's punishment," Mochizuki said lightly.
Ichika immediately covered her forehead with both hands, showing a wronged expression.
"Ow... it hurts so much, Mochizuki, you actually hit me."
Mochizuki ignored her and continued to answer Sakurajima Mai's question.
"Just now, Senior also said you seemed to want to apply to an art university? Doesn't that mean deep down you still want to work in a related field?"
"Oh..."
So that's how it is.
Ichika's sadness turned to joy.
Sakurajima Mai fell into slight contemplation.
"That makes sense."
Then, Sakurajima Mai couldn't help but add:
"But don't underestimate me! If I study hard from now on, it's not like I can't get into other good universities."
"Yes, yes." Mochizuki expressed his support. Sakurajima Mai wasn't an idiot like Ichika.
"Ah, Senior..." Ichika became nervous again.
Ichika's amusing appearance made Mochizuki and Sakurajima Mai exchange a smile.
Looking at Nakano Ichika, whose expressions changed frequently and emotions were rich.
Sakurajima Mai thought that perhaps she was quite suited for acting.
"It seems this issue can't be decided in a short while. Let's eat first!"
Sakurajima Mai suggested. The main purpose of this meal was still to thank Mochizuki for his help.
If they didn't eat soon, the food would get cold.
The three happily enjoyed the delicious food.
After the meal.
Sakurajima Mai returned to her disguised appearance.
Then she said goodbye to Mochizuki and Ichika.
Because Ichika was there, she and Mochizuki didn't talk about the unobservable phenomenon, nor could she properly express her gratitude.
However, today wasn't without gains.
Let's have another meal next time, Sakurajima Mai thought to herself.
...
"So, why are you still following me, Ichika."
Mochizuki asked, looking at Ichika sticking close to him.
Their directions home were not the same.
He could walk back, but Ichika should be heading towards the train station.
"Of course, I'm going home with you!"
Ichika looked bewildered.
"What are you going to my place for?"
"Seriously, isn't it normal for a younger sister to go home with her older brother?"
"Or is there some secret you can't let me know about?"
Mochizuki was startled. "No!"
Ichika, however, analyzed with a serious face, "Something's fishy."
"...Don't guess wildly."
Thinking about the last study session, Miku and May had also come.
So, Mochizuki didn't stop her and let Ichika go back with him.
"By the way, how did Wang Yue Table Brother meet Sakurajima Mai?"
After only a few steps, Ichika asked curiously.
She had wanted to ask this question during dinner.
Now she finally had the chance.
"Oh, that? You want to know?"
"Mm-hmm!" Ichika nodded vigorously.
"It's a long story..."
"It's okay, take your time." Ichika was very expectant.
"I won't tell you."
"No way, that's so sly!"
This made Ichika very dissatisfied, and then she acted spoiled.
"Tell me..."
After a while, Mochizuki suddenly spoke,
"If you pass your math test, I'll tell you."
Because Ichika was in charge of managing The Five Sisters' household expenses, she was relatively good at calculations.
Math had become her strong subject, but her score was still some distance from the passing line.
"Huh?!! Math? Test?"
"Isn't that just deliberately making things difficult for me!"
Ichika tried hard to recall her math score from the midterm exam... Hmm... it seemed to be 39 points.
For her, when it came to the passing line...
It was simply out of reach.
Thus, along the way, Ichika tried every possible way to haggle over this condition.
But Mochizuki wouldn't yield an inch.
The scene changed.
Under Ichika's persistence.
The two had already arrived at Mochizuki's apartment door.
As soon as the door opened.
Ichika stepped in first. "Excuse me for intruding!"
"Welcome... home?"
A familiar and an unfamiliar voice entered Ichika's mind.
Both sides were slightly startled.
"Ichika?"
"May?"
And another girl whose name Ichika couldn't immediately recall.
Mochizuki, who was a step behind, also walked in at the right time. "May, why are you here too?"
"Huh, May is here too!"
I didn't expect May to learn how to sneak over, Ichika thought silently, then turned her gaze to the girl beside May.
May lifted the textbook on the table and replied sheepishly, "I came to study."
Shiina Mahiru nodded towards Ichika, then explained to Mochizuki, "May came back with me."
Immediately after, both May and Mochizuki wanted to introduce Ichika and Mahiru to each other.
Ichika suddenly blurted out the answer, "Wait, I know! It's the school's Angel!"
Although she never attended classes seriously at school, Ichika had also heard some gossip.
Then Ichika looked at everyone, looking like she wanted them to praise her quickly.
"Please, please don't call me by that name..."
Shiina Mahiru spoke quite shyly. Mahiru herself didn't like the title Angel.
But she also understood that Ichika had no ill intentions.
"If you don't mind, just call me Mahiru."
"Oh~ Then you can just call me Ichika, Mahiru-chan." Ichika returned to her older sister persona, stepped forward, hugged Mahiru, and said happily.
"Mm, Ichika..."
After seeing this, May said, "Ichika, you're going to make Mahiru uncomfortable like that!"
"Does May want a hug too?"
Ichika released Mahiru and directed her embrace towards May.
Mochizuki sighed, girls and girls together are really great!
"Alright everyone, I'll go prepare dinner first." Perhaps not quite used to the enthusiastic Ichika yet, Mahiru was the first to run off.
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