Watching the Matou siblings walk away without much interaction until they were out of sight, Taiga turned to Shirou and asked, "Shirou, why did you stop me before dinner? Don't tell me you actually have feelings for your friend's sister."
"I already said no," Shirou sighed, looking in the direction they had left. "If I had to explain, it seems like a sister trying to get closer to her brother."
"Huh? Sakura-chan wants to get closer to Matou-kun?"
"Yes, Taiga-sensei, you noticed too, right? Shinji is rather cold toward Sakura."
Taiga nodded. "Now that you mention it, it does feel that way. Even though she's his sister."
"So, Sakura asked me to teach her housework, like cooking, hoping to improve their relationship."
"I see," Taiga said, realization dawning. "It's like they say, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach."
"It feels a bit different, but close enough."
"Still, isn't it too much trouble?" Taiga frowned. "Wouldn't it be easier for me to just talk to Matou-kun directly?"
"Probably not. I've told him countless times, but as you can see, it hasn't made any difference. Shinji seems to dislike talking about these things, probably because of his family."
"I see," Taiga nodded again. "Now that you mention it, it's a bit strange. I've called his father about his absenteeism, but he's always impatient and hangs up before I finish. It seems like there's some issue with Matou-kun's family."
"We should avoid prying into sensitive matters."
"True. I just hope Matou-kun understands his sister's efforts someday."
"Shinji will realize it eventually," Shirou said hopefully, his thoughts drifting back to a morning nearly three years ago.
Sakura, still an elementary school student, had shyly asked him to teach her how to cook, saying her brother seemed to like her cooking.
Shaking off his thoughts, Shirou sighed, "Shinji is really fortunate."
A week passed quickly. During that week, Sakura went to Shirou's house every morning and after school to help with chores under his guidance, even on weekends.
Although she was clumsy at first, Sakura gradually became more proficient at housework and cooking as the days went by.
Meanwhile, after only four days of intense training in the archery club, Shinji participated in the novice competition with Mizuji and won the championship.
According to Mizuji, Shinji trained like an indefatigable monster, with a focus that was almost frightening.
For four days, he trained for about twelve hours a day without rest. With his natural talent and such intense training, Mizuji, like Issei, was puzzled.
It seemed like he was genuinely interested in archery, as his eyes were solely focused on the target. No other reason could explain his dedication.
But...
"Um, excuse me..."
Standing in the hallway outside the classroom, Shinji looked at Mizuji, who was blocking his path and informing him about the after-school club activities. He spoke calmly.
"Didn't we agree that I'd only stay until the competition ended? I'm no longer interested in archery."
"Ugh..." Mizuji sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Just like the vice president said."
"Issei? What did he say?"
"Nothing," Mizuji said, looking straight at Shinji. "Can I ask you something? Were you ever genuinely interested in archery?"
"Why do you ask?"
"It's strange. If you weren't interested, why put in so much effort? But if you were interested, why give up so easily after achieving success? It's such a waste."
"Really?" Shinji scratched his chin, thinking. "I don't think it's a waste. The idea that something is meaningless unless you see it through to the end doesn't resonate with me. For me, participating is enough."
"You're really strange, you know that?"
"Am I?" Shinji shrugged indifferently. "Anyway, my experience with the archery club is over. Please inform the president and Taiga-sensei."
"I don't care! And if you want to quit, write a proper resignation letter!"
"Too much trouble, and it was you guys who asked me to join. Clean up your own mess."
Mizuji sighed, raising one hand. "Even if the club president agrees, do you think Fujimura-sensei will?"
"Who knows? Anyway, this is your problem to deal with."
Looking at Shinji's indifferent face, Mizuji could only shake her head. "You really are..."
"Um, wait," Shinji suddenly leaned closer to Mizuji, grinning. "Could it be that you don't want me to leave because you want to spend more time with me? If that's the case, I might reconsider."
"Before we discuss this, please remember my real name. It's Mizuji Ayako," Mizuji reminded him with a smile, then sighed again. "Besides, your attitude is probably the worst for girls. Even if someone dates you, you'd probably dump her on a whim."
"Why do you think that about me?" Shinji asked, exasperated.
"Everything about you."
"That's really hurtful." Shinji pouted, then crossed his arms, annoyed. "I wouldn't do that. My approach to these things is different from my whims."
"Really?" Mizuji looked surprised.
"Of course... uh..." Shinji trailed off, suddenly remembering something. He sighed deeply, burying his face in his hands.
Shinji finally realized that due to being busy with various system tasks, he had never dated or gone out with a single girl in this life!