...
*POV Nene*
*Beep*
*Beep*
*smack*
After turning off the alarm, I started to get up.
A few minutes of struggle later, I found myself getting ready for school.
Once I had my uniform and bag ready, I went downstairs. It was time to prepare breakfast for those little brats.
*sizzle*
Nene: "Yes, it smells good."
I nodded to myself as I turned off the stove.
While I was making the bentos, I saw my parents coming down the stairs.
Mom: "Sorry for the trouble, sweetie, I have to rush today..."
That's what she said before grabbing a piece of toast with jam and dashing out the door.
My dad was more relaxed.
Dad: "Don't worry about your siblings; I'm only working until noon today, so I'll take care of it. You relax with that young man..." said my dad with a meaningful smile.
I responded by throwing a piece of toast at him.
Not long after, a couple of hungry little troublemakers came downstairs.
Nono: "Onee-chan, I'm hungry!"
Kazuya: "Me too! Me too!"
Nana just wobbled over to my dad to be carried and started picking at his plate.
Nene: "Mooh~ I get it, I get it... stop pulling on my skirt," I said, irritated.
These brats... at this rate, they'll never grow up...
...
After breakfast, we all piled into Dad's car.
Nene: "Does everyone have their stuff?"
Kazuya: "Yes!"
Nono: "Yes!"
Nana lifted her little bag of toys.
Dad: "Yes!" my dad nodded while holding up the car keys.
Nene: "..."
*sigh*
Sometimes I wonder who the adult is here.
...
At Itan High School...
Once at the school gate, I took a deep breath and exhaled.
After a sigh, I entered with renewed energy, ready for another day with that person.
However...
"Boo!"
A sudden scare came out of nowhere, making me jump and nearly drop my stuff.
When I turned to face the culprit, I saw Hito-kun with an amused look.
Tadano: "Hey!" he greeted.
I couldn't help but pout in annoyance.
But I couldn't hold it for long because he wrapped his strong arms around me.
Tadano: "Hehe, come on, don't be like that. I just wanted to surprise you... here, I'll buy your love with this milk coffee." He said while waving one hand and pulling out a can of coffee.
Nene: "Just this once..." I said, taking the drink.
Nene: "Are we starting the preparations for the festival today?" I asked.
Tadano: "Not yet, the president's been having trouble with the supply of raw materials, so things will be delayed until Monday," he said, resting his head on my shoulder.
Nene: "I guess that's what you'd expect from Ichou-san..." I murmured, remembering how unreliable our student council president could be.
Tadano: "Hehe, since it's already been decided that we're doing a maid café, there's not much to do today except some paperwork. How about you and I hang out together?" he said sweetly.
I shivered for a moment at the sweet tone in my ear.
Nene: "B-But the others..."
Tadano: "Don't worry, Shouko's trying to make friends with Isagi-san today, and that might take a while. But she has Ase-san's help, so I don't think it'll be too much of a problem... I think," he said, somewhat uncertain.
I smiled at his doubtful expression.
Nene: "Hehe, that girl has grown a lot with your help. Last week you helped her become friends with Kometani-kun, and if I remember correctly, the week before that was Naruse-kun. Are you planning on turning her into a Najimi 2.0?" I said, amused at the thought of Komi in that situation.
Tadano rubbed his head on my shoulder, making me jump from the suddenness.
Tadano: "Hehe, I promised I'd help her achieve her dream the day we met, so as a man of my word, I'll do whatever it takes to make it happen," he said firmly.
Nene: "Hmmm... I see..."
Tadano: "Eh? Are those...jealousy?" he teased while poking my cheek with his finger.
Nene: "Who's jealous?!" I shot back, turning my face away.
He laughed and continued.
Tadano: "Come on, don't be like that. You can ask me for anything, and I'll do my best to make it happen. So tell me, what is it? Money? Friends? Connections? Just ask, and I..."
Before he could continue, I faced him and sealed his lips with mine.
Nene: "Your time is enough for me..." I said with a smile as I pulled away and started walking, trying to hide my blush.
You might see me like this, but I still have to show my character as the eldest sister, right?
Or so I thought when a strong arm wrapped around my waist.
Tadano: "In that case, I don't have work today, and both Kaede and Yamai will be busy with the little star and the company, respectively. So... how about you and I take a walk while we eat a burger like last time?" he said with a bright smile.
My heart warmed, and I couldn't say no.
Nene: "I guess it can't be helped..." I said, returning his smile.
...
At Shuchiin Academy...
*Swish*
*Baam*
Announcer: "And that was a perfect shot from 100 meters! As expected of Vice President Shinomiya-sama!"
*sigh*
After exhaling a hot breath, Kaguya released her bow and started walking toward the showers.
But she was stopped by a charming girl with bluish-black hair.
Kaguya couldn't help but frown for a moment when she saw the plump figure of the other person, but it only lasted a second before she returned to a polite smile.
Kaguya: "Do you need something from me, Miyajima-san?" she said courteously.
The other person was the president of the Kendo Club, Miyajima Sakura, an incredible prodigy in swordsmanship and Kenjutsu, with quite a few trophies to her name, so Kaguya had to be polite.
Miyajima: "Shinomiya-san, sorry to interrupt, but the principal asked me to inform you."
Kaguya: "Oh? And what would that be?" asked the ruby-eyed girl.
Miyajima: "Next week, there will be an open field club competition, and he wants you, as the best archer, to represent the Archery Club," she said seriously, with firm eyes.
Kaguya: "Oh? But I believe I made it clear that I'm only unofficially part of the club and not really a member..." she said while placing her hand on her cheek.
That's what Kaguya said outwardly, but...
Inside Kaguya's mind...
Bakaguya: "I don't want to! I don't want to! I got lucky and found out that next week Onii-sama will be very busy preparing for his school festival. This is my chance to take care of him! I'm not giving up my opportunity for something as stupid and useless as the club competition!" the little one grumbled angrily as she fluttered about.
Ice: "Stop complaining. We have to maintain an image, you know? We can't just refuse, or we'll look bad, and under no circumstances can we let ourselves be seen in a negative light. We are the representatives of the Shinomiya group!" she said firmly.
Bakaguya: "Who cares about that? In the future, Onii-sama will be the owner and leader of both the group and the Shinomiya family..." she grumbled.
Ice: "That doesn't matter! We can't ruin our image!" she replied.
Child was standing indecisively, unsure of which side to join.
While Ice had a point and was the more rational option, Child also really liked their Onii-sama.
Involuntarily, she recalled that day they spent at the zoo.
It was the first time in a long while that all three of them had felt such warmth.
Plus, they had found a new hobby—photography!
It was really interesting and fun.
Ice liked taking pictures of landscapes, Child liked photographing cute animals, and Bakaguya... well, she filled an entire 1TB memory with photos of Onii-sama, which she occasionally looked at.
So, at this moment, she was deeply conflicted.
...
Miyajima: "I see... however, the principal said Shinomiya-san would agree if I told her about the prize!" she said with renewed energy.
Kaguya: "Oh? And what would that be..." she asked calmly.
"It doesn't matter what it is, nothing can keep me from spending time with
Onii-sama," Bakaguya said in her mind.
Miyajima took out her phone and showed her a picture.
Kaguya's expression froze when she saw what it was.
In the image was an autographed photo of the Wandering Musician. This wouldn't mean much to Kaguya if it weren't for the fact that the Wandering Musician was posing in nothing but pants, showing off his toned body, with a seductive smile as he looked at the camera.
Kaguya already knew that her Onii-sama and the Wandering Musician were the same person, so this only filled her head with thousands of pink thoughts.
Miyajima, seeing Kaguya's flustered expression, smiled.
Miyajima: "It's incredible, isn't it? I heard that for a while, the Wandering Musician did some autograph signings while accompanying Ai-chan on her concerts. These autographed photos are so rare that even with money, you can't buy them. I don't know how, but the principal got one and is giving it as a special prize for the competition," she said excitedly, a growing blush on her cheeks.
Kaguya: "Y-Yes... if there's something that valuable, why tell me and add another rival?" she asked after recovering slightly, but her eyes never left the photo.
Miyajima: "I like a fair competition, and since you're the best archer in the academy, I'd like to compete against you," the girl said with sincerity.
Kaguya: "In that case, I appreciate the invitation. However, be assured that I'll do everything in my power to win," she said with a dignified tone.
Miyajima: "I wouldn't expect anything less from Shinomiya-san! See you at the competition." After issuing her challenge, the girl left.
Kaguya walked away with a quick but dignified step.
Once out of sight, she immediately pulled out her phone and called Hayasaka.
Hayasaka: "Do you need something, Kaguya-sama?" the blonde asked calmly.
Kaguya: "Hayasaka! I know what we're doing today!" she said, full of excitement.
...
Author's Note: "Here's another chapter, hope you all enjoy it! Remember to drink plenty of water and that I love you all. Sincerely, your favorite depressed author."
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