Because the store was fairly spacious, neither Shirase nor Ichika noticed Nino and Yotsuba slipping in and out.
Not long after the sisters left, Shirase was also whisked home by the system.
This left Ichika, who'd been planning to say something more, frozen awkwardly with her hand raised halfway, as if completely ignored.
She chuckled lightly, lowering her hand and muttering quietly, "Shirase-kun really is a strange guy. Why'd he run off so fast? Was he afraid of something?"
Her actress-senpai whispered softly beside her, "You and that good-looking boy really don't have anything going on…?"
"Nope," Ichika answered with an easy smile, knowing exactly what her senpai was implying. "We're just friends."
"But that's even stranger. If he likes your younger sister, then why'd he specifically come buy you a gift?"
"Well…maybe he's trying to raise my opinion of him," Ichika mused. "Then I might say good things about him later—or maybe act as his wingwoman?"
Ichika shrugged nonchalantly, adding playfully, "That's how these plots usually play out in TV dramas, right? Even though that guy's thinking can get pretty weird sometimes, he still counts as a normal person."
"Your assessment gives me mixed feelings," her senpai laughed. "But still, if he actually did have feelings for you, what would you do?"
Ichika's smile turned dazzlingly bright. "Of course, I wouldn't even give him the time of day."
"Eh? That decisive?"
"Absolutely decisive."
Ichika picked up the shoebox, smiling softly.
If Shirase-kun really did like me, he'd have to figure out how to deal with Nino first. Besides, if you truly like me, you'd better come chase after me boldly—I won't be the one pursuing you.
Anyway, you already have plenty of girls chasing after you at school.
Ichika walked along lightly, entirely unaffected by this small event.
Still, she was very happy with the gift.
She'd made her decision: If Shirase-kun really became the tutor for their five-sister household someday, she'd definitely help him out with her sisters, just because of this thoughtful gift.
After all, accepting gifts does create obligations.
The entire way home, Shirase activated "full flame" mode, showering the system with curses the whole journey.
Only upon reaching his doorstep did he regain control over his body.
"I'm absolutely giving you a bad review this time," Shirase growled darkly.
[Due to the host losing a prize this time under special circumstances, the compensation has been adjusted: Host's physical capabilities will be enhanced even more significantly than before.]
Shirase immediately submitted a five-star review.
[Thank you for your feedback. This review's cashback reward is: Host's cooking ability greatly increased.]
Remaining silent, Shirase opened the door and went inside.
The rewards weren't important. Mainly, he just liked the satisfying sound effect after submitting a five-star review.
Yes, definitely just that.
He'd already eaten dinner and prepared pastries, so to avoid wasting ingredients, there was no need to test the upgraded cooking skill tonight.
As for the improvements in physical abilities…
Shirase returned to his room and began testing.
"My movements seem even more agile. My strength's gone up too… Huh, even my waist strength seems noticeably stronger..."
Shirase looked thoughtfully down at his abs and waist.
If these improvements continued, he was willing to bet that his future girlfriend would have plenty to enjoy—from feasting her eyes, to indulging her appetite, to finally sweating herself silly.
A certain famous singer, Miss Faye Wong, once sang, "When I miss you, you're stirring up the sea."
At this rate, perhaps his own body would eventually evolve from "splashing around" to full-blown "stirring up the sea."
...
At 8 PM, Kojima Kana finally came home.
She wore her usual work attire—a tight pencil skirt paired with black stockings. Her colleague and new friend Kirisu Mafuyu wore a similar outfit, though the curves on Mafuyu-sensei's chest were nowhere near as pronounced.
At least in Shirase's memory, Kojima Kana was definitely the biggest of them all.
Of course, Shirase wasn't having indecent thoughts—he was simply contemplating the future.
Like how his future wife definitely couldn't be flat-chested.
After all, no matter how difficult things got, one shouldn't wrong the children—or oneself, for that matter.
"You look like you had fun today," Shirase said, seeing Kana walk in cheerfully after changing into slippers.
"I've finally made a new friend—isn't that something worth being happy about?" Kojima Kana happily trotted over, sitting right beside him.
Shirase ignored the pleasant sensation on his arm and subtly shifted away. "Did she ask you to help clean her apartment?"
Kana shot him a displeased glare. "What are you imagining? Sure, Kirisu-sensei's place might be a bit messy, but she's definitely not someone who takes advantage of others. And besides, as friends, I'd gladly help her out anytime."
As she spoke, her eyes sparkled upon spotting the pastries on the coffee table. "You made these?"
"Yeah, give them a try. You might like them."
"So tasty!" Kojima Kana was already stuffing a cupcake into her mouth. Her lovely eyes narrowed into crescents of delight, her glossy, lipstick-covered lips moving happily, looking exactly like a plump rabbit stealing bites of snacks.
"I set aside some especially to send over to the Nakano household," Shirase added.
"That's good. Nakano-san's always been helping you, after all." Kana stuffed another pastry into her mouth.
"I meant… Kana-nee, could you deliver them for me?"
"Hmm?" Kana stopped chewing, sending him a curious glance.
Shirase maintained a calm expression. "There was a small incident today involving me and Nakano Ichika. If I show up tonight, it might make things awkward."
"What kind of incident?" Kojima Kana's eyes widened, leaning in closer.
"It's really nothing special. You don't have to mind it, Kana-nee."
"…Now you've got me even more curious. Fine, don't tell me if you don't want to. I'll deliver them tomorrow morning instead. Tomorrow's Saturday anyway."
Shirase nodded, continuing to watch TV.
Kana pulled up her legs, casually placing her stocking-clad feet inelegantly on the sofa's edge, causing the hem of her tight skirt to ride higher, nearly revealing her full, shapely thighs.
The TV was airing a family drama filled with sentimental moments, and Kojima Kana watched it earnestly.
Shirase, meanwhile, dutifully accompanied her as a tool-man.
Ever since that mysterious commotion the other night, he'd realized this mature beauty could occasionally feel lonely too. Thus, rather than immediately returning to his room to study, tonight he stayed quietly beside her.