That evening, the woman had just returned home when she pulled her husband aside to talk.
"The business partner in your recent deal—does that include the Yukinoshita family?"
"Yes. But they're not the best option, so I'm a bit hesitant."
"Go with the Yukinoshita family."
"Why?"
"Today I met the Yukinoshita family's younger daughter and the eldest daughter of the Nakano family.
There was also a boy with them. By the way, he was very good-looking and had a charming presence.
Talking with them felt really comfortable. I doubt he comes from an ordinary family."
"You mean the Yukinoshita and Nakano families are close?"
"Seems like it. Otherwise, why would they be hanging out together?
Working with the Yukinoshita family might be a good opportunity. We might even get a chance to meet Director Nakano and the boy's parents in the future."
"Good point. Gaining three friends in one go is a great deal. I'll call Mrs. Yukinoshita now."
…
At 8 p.m., Yukino, wearing a nightgown, sat in her bedroom, unable to calm down.
Just moments ago, her strict mother had called—not only unusually expressing concern but speaking to her in a very gentle tone.
When Yukino, utterly confused, asked why, her mother sounded even more puzzled:
"Didn't you help secure a deal for the family? Yukino, you did great today. You became friends with Director Nakano's eldest daughter so quickly—it shows you're making progress."
That's when Yukino understood.
She didn't like taking credit for things she hadn't done, so she told her mother what Makoto had done.
"How did your classmate know about our family's affairs?" Mrs. Yukinoshita asked.
Yukino didn't know how to explain and chose to remain silent.
"I guess it's something you can't tell me? That's fine. He must be an excellent boy. You should cherish that friendship," Mrs. Yukinoshita's voice remained gentle.
"I understand." Her mother's rare tenderness left Yukino with mixed emotions.
"Sunday is the day after tomorrow. Your father and I are free. Let's meet up. Oh, and be sure to invite that Makoto boy."
"Okay."
Just before hanging up, Yukino heard her mother say, "You're becoming more outstanding, Yukino. I'm very proud."
Yukino was left speechless.
She was certain this was all part of Makoto's "combo move."
From talking to that woman at the cat café to her mother praising her—it was all within that guy's calculations.
So this is your strategy?
Yukino stared at her phone and opened Makoto's contact.
Yukino: [Thanks for what you did today.]
Makoto: [Did your mother call you?]
Of course!
He knew everything!
Yukino's emotions became even more unsettled.
Then a new message came in from Makoto:
Makoto: [She wants to meet me, doesn't she?]
Yukino: [Yes. Are you free this weekend?]
Makoto: [If you prepare a sufficiently sincere thank-you gift, I'll be free.]
Yukino: [This is part of your plan too, isn't it?]
Makoto: [You could say that.]
He wasn't even pretending anymore.
Yukino stared at her phone screen. She couldn't help wondering if the "thank-you gift" he wanted was something strange.
After all, she had already noticed—Makoto sometimes glanced at her legs.
Was he asking for a picture of her legs?
Or even worse, did he want to touch them?
Yukino's thoughts were a mess.
Her phone buzzed again.
Makoto: [Are you imagining weird things and getting all flustered about them?]
Wait, how well does he know me?
Yukino's eyes widened.
Makoto: [Don't get carried away. What I want is simple. A "good morning" and "good night" from Miss Yukinoshita. That's not too much, right?]
Yukino froze for two seconds, then replied:
Yukino: [Okay.]
"Good morning" and "good night" might sound simple, but they carry deeper meanings.
People who weren't close didn't say such things.
If a girl says "good morning" to you, it means you were on her mind the moment she woke up—and that she wants your reply.
It brought them closer.
Yukino thought for a while and put down her phone.
It's not like I care about such childish things.
That's what she told herself.
…
At the Nakano household.
After taking a bath, Ichika didn't even bother with pajamas. She just threw on a pair of shorts and a loose T-shirt.
Her fair, smooth legs were completely exposed, gleaming under the light.
Most importantly, since it was an all-girls household, she didn't bother with a bra as she walked into the living room and started munching on the cookies Nino had made.
Thinking about what Makoto had taught her today—and how he now called her "Ichika"—put her in an incredibly good mood, which was obvious on her face.
"Looks like you had fun with Fushimi today?"
Itsuki's voice came unexpectedly from behind the couch.
"Itsuki? When did you get here?!"
Ichika nearly choked on a cookie, patting her chest as she turned around in surprise.
"I'm taking a bath soon," Itsuki said as she sat down next to Ichika.
Seeing her posture, Ichika guessed she had something to say. She smiled and asked, "How'd you know I went out with Makoto today?"
That grin—it was like a fisherman bragging about their big catch.
"Makoto?" Itsuki froze. "Are you two already that close?"
Ichika grinned even wider.
Itsuki pursed her lips. "Well, I guess I don't need to ask anymore. The answer's written all over your face."
"Were you going to ask about Makoto?"
"Something like that."
"Oh? Do you like him?" Ichika asked dramatically on purpose.
Itsuki huffed. "I'm trying to talk seriously here."
Ichika laughed and nodded. "Just teasing~ Don't take it to heart. But the look on your face now—it's like I hit the mark."
Still teasing, huh? Itsuki replied expressionlessly, "Fushimi and I already exchanged contact info."
Ichika's smile froze.
Itsuki continued, "He's easy to talk to. I'd like to be friends with him."
No way. You're serious?
Ichika started to panic a little.
But then Itsuki smirked. "Role reversal, Ichika."
Ichika: "..."
"Now you know how it feels to be teased, huh? Honestly, you're the eldest, but you never act like it," Itsuki sighed.
Only now did Ichika realize she was being messed with. She chuckled awkwardly. "Well, you're always keeping the peace around here."
Itsuki gave her a resigned smile. "Ichika, have you thought things through?"
"Huh? Thought what through?" Ichika played dumb.
"Every time you mention Fushimi, you can't stop smiling. You know that, right?
Even that famous Kasumigaoka-senpai approached him. And Yukinoshita seems pretty close to him too."
Ichika understood what her sister meant and replied with a soft smile, "Kasumigaoka-senpai probably had a good reason. As for Yukinoshita…"
She said meaningfully, "She doesn't want to be a fool. But I'm willing to be one."
Itsuki: "?"
Ichika didn't explain further. After all, this was her own private matter now.
At 10:30 p.m., Ichika returned to her messy room.
She collapsed onto her bed, pulled out her phone, and opened Makoto's LINE contact.
Ichika: [Are you still awake?]
She didn't have anything specific in mind. She just wanted to chat.
When a girl idly thinks of a particular boy in her downtime, it means she's already halfway to being won over.
Makoto: [It's late. If you want to chat, it's gonna cost you.]
Ichika immediately smiled: "What fee? Tell me first, I can pay you."
Makoto: "Then, please send me a sweet photo of a beautiful girl."
Ichika blushed slightly but sat up straight.
Sweet, huh?
Beautiful girl, huh?
Just wait and see—I'll charm you to death.
Ichika raised her phone, found the perfect angle, flashed a dazzling smile, and took a gorgeous photo of herself.
She hit send.
Now, she waited eagerly for Makoto's reaction.
One second.
Five seconds.
Ten seconds passed.
Just when Ichika was getting puzzled, Makoto finally replied: "What's with all those bottles and jars behind you?"
Boom!
Ichika whipped her head around and looked at her messy bedroom.
She was lazy and never bothered to clean her room.
When she took the photo just now, she was too focused on smiling and forgot about the background.
Then another message came from Makoto: "There's something I'm not sure I should say."
Ichika: "Go ahead."
Makoto: "Cute Ichika-chan, do you live in a trash heap?"
Ichika: Mental breakdown!
So in the middle of the night, Nino, who came out of her room to get some water, witnessed Ichika standing at the bedroom door with a broom in hand.
Nino looked completely baffled: "What are you doing?"
Ichika looked slightly ashamed: "Cleaning my room."
Nino's eyes widened: "Did you take the wrong medicine?"
Ichika looked even more embarrassed.
"Do you live in a trash heap?"
Such a small sentence, such a heavy blow.
"Nino, what's going on?" Yotsuba hadn't gone to sleep yet and was curious when she saw Nino spacing out at the door.
Nino turned her head in a daze: "Ichika's gone nuts, she's cleaning her room in the middle of the night."
"Huh?"
Yotsuba was stunned too.
Then she rolled up her sleeves with a smile: "Then I'll help too."
___
That was embarassing lol.
___
Read 20 Advanced Chapters on p@ tr eon (.) com/HalflingFics
Also, please point out my mistakes in the comment, thank you!
Don't forget to leave a review too~ Actually, please leave one.
Check out the other translations too
___