Yotsuba jumped in front of Haruto, placing her hands behind her back and staring at him with wide eyes.
*STARE—*
Haruto stayed silent and softly asked, "What's wrong?"
Yotsuba looked at him seriously: "I'm curious... because Kuromori-san is the first stranger to recognize us."
After saying that, she gave a bright smile, patted Haruto's arm, and smiled as she said, "Kuromori-san, you weren't secretly watching us, were you?"
"A stalker? Call the police..."
Seeing Miku press her phone to her ear, a few black lines appeared on Haruto's head as he said, "Miku, please put the phone down."
"Ha ha…"
A bright, charming laugh echoed.
Yotsuba said seriously, "Confirmed, Kuromori-san can really tell us apart, so I want to apologize for doubting you."
"Sorry. But…"
Yotsuba's face tensed, and she crossed her arms: "Peeking is not allowed, strictly forbidden!"
Haruto covered his forehead. Each of these five sisters had their own unique personality.
"What about you, what's your name?"
"Eh—"
Yotsuba blinked her eyes, then suddenly slapped her forehead and smiled as she said, "I almost forgot, my name is Yotsuba, Nakano Yotsuba."
"I heard Kuromori-san is a legendary model student, is that true?"
Haruto rubbed his eyebrows: "Even if that's true, please don't add the word 'legendary' in front of 'model student.'"
"Got it."
Yotsuba gave a thumbs-up and said seriously, "You're definitely a model student."
Haruto: "???"
In short, he had already learned the names of the Nakano sisters. After some playful banter, they dropped their disguises.
Haruto turned.
The eldest, Ichika, had asymmetrical short hair and wore a single earring. She looked like the friendly older sister next door and exuded a mature charm. She had a mischievous personality and loved teasing people.
Next was Nino. She had long hair down to her waist, the longest among the quintuplets. With black swallowtail hair accessories tied on both sides of her hair and her arms crossed over her chest, she looked like a proud girl.
She placed her hands on her hips, raised her head, and glared without showing any weakness: "I know you, and I'm stating up front that you're not allowed to bully Itsuki!"
"Nino, what nonsense are you talking about?"
Itsuki's face turned slightly red, and she quickly pulled Nino away: "Kuromori-kun, I caused you trouble today..."
"Nino, let's go!"
Then there was Miku, who always wore Audio-Technica headphones around her neck, had shoulder-length hair, and long bangs that covered her right eye. She was quiet, introverted, and reserved.
"..."
Soon after, there was a girl with shoulder-length hair and green bunny-ear ribbons on her head. She had a bright and touching smile, was full of energy, and seemed easygoing.
Lastly, there was Itsuki, who loved eating meat buns. She had slightly curly burgundy hair and wore star-shaped hairpins at her temples.
After getting the answers they wanted, the quintuplets said their goodbyes and left.
Ichika walked behind Nino, holding her school bag with both hands, turned, and gave a charming smile: "Kuromori-kun, the gift will be given to you tomorrow, please look forward to it..."
"Hmph!"
Nino turned and glared at him with a warning look.
"Kuromori-san, see you tomorrow."
Yotsuba gave a bright smile, raised her hand, and waved in a small arc before quickly turning and following them. The hem of her skirt lifted, revealing a dazzling glimpse of snow-white skin.
Itsuki wasn't happy, and the more she thought about it, the angrier she became.
Haruto had actually said her legs were thick and smelled like meat buns... No girl would be happy hearing that!
Itsuki couldn't help but glare at Haruto before quickly chasing after them.
"Kuromori, see you tomorrow."
Miku's lips moved slightly, then she silently followed the others.
"…Careless Kuromori."
"…So, you're the one who wanted to play this game!"
Haruto covered his forehead.
Finally, he looked at the quintuplets as they were about to leave. As the five of them walked, Nino led the group.
Next was Yotsuba, followed by Ichika and Itsuki.
Miku gradually fell behind. Haruto remembered that Miku had just come out and was the last to leave.
Haruto calmly watched that fierce grin, then realized Miku was looking back.
Haruto was slightly surprised, then smiled and waved at her.
Miku's face warmed slightly, and she turned away without a word.
When the five Nakano sisters disappeared, Haruto withdrew his gaze and looked at the gap beneath the blue sky.
The problems facing the Nakano quintuplets were indeed related to an Oddity!
"Is this also an invasion by the Oddity? Actually using this method..."
"This is very troublesome."
Haruto sighed, sent a message to Mafuyu, and then followed them.
The sun was setting in the west, and the sky was red.
A faint red light appeared from the gap in the sky.
He didn't know when that Oddity point would happen.
Aside from the Hollow, which came from the damage to human souls, other monsters like the Void Demon appeared for unknown reasons.
In the past, as long as the monsters born from the Oddity were eliminated, Oddity could be prevented from invading the world.
But now, the situation had changed.
Oddity had a new method of intrusion!
And it was directly related to humans in this world!
If Oddity really crossed through the gap in the sky and attacked the world in this new way...
Then congratulations! The day the world faces nuclear launch might be near.
"Hopefully it won't be that bad..."
Haruto rubbed his temples.
Sure enough, today wasn't the right time to visit Sobu High School. As soon as he arrived, he was faced with a difficult situation.
But if he hadn't come, he might have missed the best chance to act, leading to everything falling apart.
"So troublesome."
Haruto thought as he followed the Nakano quintuplets from a distance, pondering the reason for his visit.
His phone rang.
Mafuyu called, and Haruto chose to answer. Her cool, sweet voice came through the phone: "Haruto-kun, are you alright?"
"Yeah."
Haruto's tone was calm, then he reminded her, "Drinking will cause trouble. Remember not to drink. Even if you want to drink, don't exceed one glass of beer."
Mafuyu's drinking capacity couldn't be praised, and she would get dizzy after just one glass of beer. She would transform from the feared Siberia Ice Queen into someone overly complimentary.
This contrast was amusing and very cute.
Mafuyu also remembered something and felt a little embarrassed. She used the most common word: "...Insult!"
After a pause, her voice became softer: "Don't worry, I didn't drink."
"You should be careful. If nothing can be done, just come back."
"Safe."
Only after drinking, in moments like this, Mafuyu revealed her gentle personality and became incredibly soft.
Because if it weren't for her, Haruto probably wouldn't have done something dangerous at all, so she would naturally feel a little guilty.
However, in reality, even after Haruto faced difficulties, he would still choose to do it, even if Mafuyu weren't involved.
No one could escape the Oddity's invasion, and he didn't want to regret it in the future because he did nothing.
Humans are creatures that struggle to confront themselves.
Some people will never know how strong they are until they're in a desperate situation.