The Nakano Family's Battle of Wits

The ending was indeed good, but she wasn't happy.

She had been constantly encouraging and comforting herself before she was ready to confess.

The younger sisters accepted it without hesitation.

All that preparation made her look like a clown.

Fushimi Makoto was also smiling as he handed Ichika cup of tea, saying, "This is fine."

Thank you.

Nakano Ichika thanked her in a monotone tone, then took the tea and drank it all in one gulp.

Nakano Nino sat back down. "Now that Ichika has finished with her business, it's my turn."

"You have secrets too?" Ichika asked in surprise.

Nino, too lazy to explain, simply said, "Makoto, Miku Yotsuba Miku, and I have discussed it. Since we often go to your activity room to rest and chat, why don't we wait until you finish filming the short film and then the three of us can join in?"

Yotsuba immediately raised her hand with a grin. "Although I know absolutely nothing about photography, I'll try my best to learn."

"Me too," Miku chimed in.

Ichika and Itsuki looked surprised; clearly, Nino hadn't communicated with them beforehand.

Fushimi Makoto, however, caught the key point. "You'll only join after the short film is finished?"

Nakano Nino generously replied, "That's right, you put a lot of effort into this short film. The three of us are beginners, and if we joined halfway through, not only would you need to take time to teach us, but it would also delay your filming schedule."

Fushimi Makoto pondered for a moment, then said, "I understand. What you're really concerned about is joining but not knowing anything. As the attention around you increases, you'll feel uneasy."

Nakano Nino blushed slightly and said reproachfully, "Some things don't need to be said out loud."

Clearly, the reason they don't plan to join now is due to the girls' reserve and pride.

Fushimi Makoto and his group are all working hard, and in Nino's eyes, this short film will definitely be a success in the end.

If they join halfway through, it's as if they did nothing but still get to share in the fruits of success.

Kind and gentle girls don't like this.

"Then it's settled." Fushimi Makoto reached out his hand to Nakano Nino.

Nakano Nino smiled happily, offering her soft little hand and placing it on the back of his hand.

Then there's Yotsuba, and the slightly reserved Miku.

"Me too." Nakano Ichika also extended her hand.

With a slap, Nino brushed her hand away without hesitation. "What's it to you? You despicable person who kept this from everyone!"

The atmosphere returned to a pleasant rhythm.

At dinner time, Fushimi Makoto put on an apron and stayed in the kitchen with Nino while she cooked.

Recalling what had just happened, he deliberately remarked with emotion, "Ichika always says you have great leadership skills and a good grasp of things; I've seen it for myself today."

Nakano Nino's lips kept curling up, she couldn't suppress it at all.

Being praised to your face by the boy your sister likes is definitely something to be happy about.

Is there anything else?

She turned around, her beautiful eyes sparkling as she looked at Fushimi Makoto.

That means: I want to hear more praise.

Fushimi Makoto's tone remained unchanged. "So, when are you going to give me back my shorts?"

Nakano Nino's smile froze, and she said with a hint of embarrassment, "That's not what I asked you to say."

"But the problem is, you and Ichika really owe me a pair of athletic shorts."

"Shut up! Shut up now!"

Nakano Nino blushed, and out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Fushimi Makoto's feigned helplessness and reluctance. She couldn't help but smile charmingly, "I washed your two pairs of shorts a long time ago, and I'm returning them to you today."

Thank you for taking such good care of them.

"Pooh!"

Nakano Nino continued chopping vegetables with a happy expression, thoroughly enjoying the atmosphere.

She even had a thought that made her feel ashamed: if only she and Makoto were home today, it would be so much better.

Thinking about it, her cheeks flushed slightly, and her eyes stole glances at the boy beside her.

To everyone's Fushimi Makoto immediately exposed him. "You were peeking at me?"

"I don't..."

Nakano Nino offered a guilty explanation, even touching the back of her neck. "I just suddenly realized that my neck is a little uncomfortable again."

Fushimi Makoto feigned realization. "Looks like you need a massage again, but..."

He lowered his voice. "Can you meow at me again? Because you were really cute back then."

Nakano Nino's face turned completely red.

Is this guy flirting with me?

Even if you think I'm cute, you could at least be a little more tactful.

Fushimi Makoto used a feigned retreat to advance. "If you feel embarrassed, it's really okay."

Nakano Nino glared at her, her face flushed. "Do you think I'm stupid for playing hard to get with such an obvious attempt to get me?"

But the next moment, she turned her face away, her long eyelashes trembling nervously, and her fair and delicate skin blushing with layers of delicate red.

Meow~

A very soft, cute, and sweet voice.

Fushimi Makoto was satisfied.

Yes, that's the taste.

It would be even more perfect if it had cat ears and a cat tail.

"Are you satisfied now?" Nakano Nino asked, embarrassed and annoyed.

Fushimi Makoto gave a thumbs up.

Nakano Nino paused for a moment, then unconsciously curled up the corners of her lips. "Very good reviews?"

Fushimi Makoto: "What I mean is, be more Kuuga."

"???"

Outside the kitchen, Nakano Ichika stood with her arms crossed, leaning against the wall, listening to the two people inside chatting happily and casually. Her beautiful brows furrowed in a frown.

These two seem to be getting closer and closer?

No, I can remove "seems like".

They're very close!

Nakano Ichika looked towards the bedroom; her own home did have a guest room.

Nino and he seemed to be having such a pleasant conversation, Nino figured she wouldn't object to him inviting him to stay the night.

Nighttime is when I, Nakano Ichika, hunt.

Chapter 95 The Nakano Family's Battle of Wits and Courage

Perhaps because they had guests at home today, the five sisters did not go back to their rooms as usual after having a delicious dinner together.

Nakano Ichika also took this opportunity to reveal some information. "My manager contacted me a few days ago and said that once the short film is finished, I have a great chance of landing a supporting role in a movie."

"Movie?"

Nino and the others expressed their surprise.

We're all just high school students, and you're already qualified to act in movies?

Fushimi Makoto remained calm. "That's a good thing. Your agent must really think highly of this short film, which is why he suggested you wait until filming is finished before auditioning."

That's because you're all helping out!

Nakano Ichika smiled sweetly, deliberately drawing out the syllable "you all".

"Ichika, what's the name of the movie you're auditioning for?" Nino asked with great interest.

"I can't say for now, after all, there are rules in this industry, but I can tell you in advance that it's a horror movie."

"A horror movie? You're going to play a supporting role?"

The four girls clearly couldn't imagine it.

Instead, Fushimi Makoto recalled the movie series he had watched before his time travel, such as Ju-On, One Missed Call, and Ox-Head Village.

These classic Japanese horror film series all share a common characteristic: regardless of the film's quality, they always feature many young and beautiful girls in the cast.

Even the characters who die right after their first appearance are usually very beautiful.

"Makoto, what are you thinking about?" Nakano Ichika noticed that Fushimi Makoto in thought.

Fushimi Makoto didn't hide anything. "I think this kind of movie would be a great opportunity for you. You're definitely got the acting skills, and you're even more confident about your appearance."

"Why did you specifically mention appearance?" Nakano Itsuki asked curiously.

Fushimi Makoto briefly explained the casting characteristics of classic Japanese horror films.

"In other words, as long as Ichika's role isn't too small, she's very likely to be remembered by the audience, and might even become a hit online."

"Surely not? Ichika's just a supporting character."

Not only did Nino express disbelief, Ichika herself was also unsure.

Fushimi Makoto offered no explanation.

It's not just a classic, beautiful scene from a movie that can go viral online. A cute GIF of Asuka Saito went viral on Baidu Tieba and a certain video site, becoming known to many people.

Being cute is justice.

This statement may be old-fashioned, but it still holds true.

Fushimi Makoto looked at Ichika, who was hesitant, and said frankly, "Just do it, bring out your acting skills, and don't think about anything else."

"I know~" Nakano Ichika replied with a smile.

At that moment, Miku Nakano suddenly said, "Fushimi, have you been paving the way for Ichika all along?"

"Huh?"

The girls, including Ichika, were stunned.

Fushimi Makoto's expression remained unchanged. "Miku, do you have any other opinions?"

Miku Nakano's eyes flickered, and she seemed hesitant.

Fushimi Makoto laughed and said, "I told you last time, just be generous. Besides, there are no outsiders here."

Miku Nakano was taken aback, recalling what he had said in the elevator about being somewhat sensitive and insecure.

Ichika and the others blinked, thinking at the same time: He's gotten in touch with Miku too?

After a while, Fushimi Makoto Miku Nakano opened her mouth and said, "I just thought of that too."

Fushimi Makoto raised his hand, signaling her to continue.

Miku Nakano quietly took a deep breath. "You already knew Ichika's secret was that she was an actress, so you formed a club to shoot short films. Regardless of the quality of the short films, they can help Ichika improve her acting skills during filming."

"Oh right, how come I didn't think of that?" Nakano Nino suddenly realized.

Nakano Yotsuba nodded to herself, "No wonder Ichika performed so well; it turns out Fushimi-kun had been giving her extra lessons all along."

Nakano Itsuki pursed her lips and remained silent.

As for Ichika, while feeling sweet inside, she couldn't help but secretly observe Miku.

Miku is usually not very talkative, especially around boys.

But today, Miku not only expressed her opinion, but also kept exchanging glances with Fushimi Makoto.

Does this mean Miku isn't safe either?