Fushimi Makoto pulled a stack of documents from under the table and handed them out to the girls: "The detailed schedule is all here. I've checked it repeatedly, so even a complete beginner will be able to understand it easily."
He had already drafted these in his mind during the time loops, which is why he was able to organize them so early this morning.
"Let me see!"
Nakano Ichika was the most proactive.
It was precisely this scene that made Fushimi Makoto wonder: Is Nino really that interested in the club? Or did Ichika talk to her about it at home?
The three girls looked over the documents for a while, and Nakano Itsuki was the first to speak: "Did you make this schedule all by yourself?"
"Yes." Fushimi Makoto nodded.
Nakano Itsuki didn't hide the admiration in her eyes: "That's amazing. This can't even be called a schedule; it's more like..."
"It's more like an incredibly detailed furniture assembly manual," Nakano Nino added, her tone filled with surprise.
Just as Fushimi Makoto had said: even a beginner could understand it.
Whether it was the basic points of photography or various technical tips, he had carefully noted everything down. He had even highlighted the important parts and explained them in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
"Truly impressive."
Nakano Nino also sighed with emotion.
Through this detailed schedule, she realized that Fushimi Makoto wasn't just good at taking photos; he seemed to be excellent in other areas as well.
Only Nakano Ichika didn't offer any evaluation.
She was currently feeling touched and happy.
After all, she was the one who benefited the most from this club, and the more serious Fushimi Makoto was about the club, the higher her gains would be.
It reached the point where she had that "infatuated" thought again: Makoto is doing all this for my sake, isn't he?
She suddenly felt a bit of regret; she shouldn't have played that prank today, otherwise, she could have thanked him openly right now.
The three girls each had their own thoughts, and as Fushimi Makoto explained things to them, the doubt he felt earlier grew stronger.
Ichika is acting strange! Her behavior is too calm.
Nino is also acting strange; the way she occasionally steals glances at me is too intense.
If those were just initial signs before.
Then now, he had found the evidence.
Fushimi Makoto covertly looked at Nakano Itsuki, who was no different from her usual self.
So, did they swap identities?
This sounded like something Nakano Ichika, who was fond of pranks, would do.
He had reached a conclusion, but he didn't intend to expose them just yet.
Because he was thinking about how he could join in on this game.
To translate that: Have you had your fun? Now it's my turn to play.
Just at that moment, Nakano Nino suddenly asked: "Can I go see your room?"
She didn't have any ulterior motives; she simply wanted to see the room of a boy who had left such a good impression on her.
But as soon as she said that, Fushimi Makoto smiled inwardly.
Thank you for providing me with the opportunity.
I know how to join your role-playing game now.
"Of course you can. Nino, you girls keep looking over the plans; feel free to ask me if you don't understand anything."
Fushimi Makoto stood up after saying this.
Nakano Nino, unaware that she had already been exposed, followed him with a look of anticipation.
Nakano Ichika watched their retreating backs and pinched her fingers in annoyance.
I haven't even been to his room yet!
Once Fushimi Makoto and the other girl entered the room, Nakano Itsuki glanced at Ichika: "Regret it?"
Nakano Ichika gave an awkward smile.
"I told you this childish game was pointless, but you insisted on dragging me into it, and you even pulled Nino in."
Nakano Itsuki shook her head helplessly and went back to looking at her copy of the schedule.
Nakano Ichika covered up her embarrassment: "I don't regret it, I'm just curious why Nino is doing this."
"She's probably just purely curious about Fushimi-kun's room."
Nakano Itsuki pointed out the truth and delivered another sisterly jab: "Of course, I can also tell that you're even more curious than Nino, and you're dying to take her place and go in for a look."
"I'm only a little bit curious~ but it's no big deal anyway, it's just a visit, they aren't going to close the door and hide inside."
Nakano Ichika smiled, putting on a relaxed facade.
But the moment she finished speaking, a thud came from that direction.
The bedroom door, which had been open just a moment ago, suddenly slammed shut.
Nakano Ichika's smile froze on the spot.
Nino, what are you doing?
Nakano Itsuki muttered in confusion, "Did the door just bump shut by accident?"
Meanwhile, inside the room.
Nakano Nino was panicking like crazy.
She had been inside to look around for less than five seconds, and Fushimi Makoto had actually closed the door.
Most importantly, he was walking toward her step by step, and she had instinctively retreated until her back was pressed against the door.
"What's wrong with you? Could it be that you have some private matter you wanted to specifically hide from Nino and the others? If that's the case, then I'm very much looking forward to it."
Nakano Nino was very professional; even now, she was still playing the part of Ichika's relaxed persona.
Fushimi Makoto didn't rush to speak; he raised his hand and slammed it against the door panel behind her, pinning her in a kabedon.
The next second, Nakano Nino, her heart pounding wildly, heard Fushimi Makoto ask with a smile: "Want to play, Ichika?"
Wait!
Play what?
It couldn't possibly be playing with me, could it?
Just how intimate is the relationship between these two?
Nakano Nino was dumbfounded, her mouth hanging open from shock and nervousness, perfectly cosplaying a certain meme.
Chapter 43: Nakano Nino Wants to Sneak Ahead
In the living room.
Ever since the bedroom door suddenly closed, Nakano Ichika found she couldn't sit still.
Yet Itsuki said calmly from the side, "Fushimi wouldn't do anything to Nino, so why are you fidgeting so much?"
Nakano Ichika pointed out the core issue: "But the problem is, he doesn't know it's Nino disguised as me."
"Ichika, you're just worrying yourself sick. Nino isn't an idiot; if she really felt uncomfortable, she would just say so directly." Nakano Itsuki felt a bit helpless, thinking Ichika was getting too worked up.
Nakano Ichika paused. "That's true, I suppose."
After Itsuki pointed it out, she felt relieved.
After all, she knew that Nino and Fushimi Makoto were only acquaintances; it was impossible for anything to happen.
Looking at it that way, the door closing suddenly must have been the wind, right?
Nakano Ichika thought, feeling at ease.
Inside the bedroom.
Nakano Nino was not nearly as calm as Ichika and Itsuki imagined.
After being pinned by Fushimi Makoto's kabedon, her heart jumped into her throat, and her breathing became rapid from the tension, her full chest rising and falling quickly.
She was already prepared to blow her cover!
But just at that moment, she saw Fushimi Makoto smile and say: "Ichika is so cute."
"Eh?"
Nakano Nino froze.
Then she realized he was just teasing her!
So, how do you two usually get along?
As Nakano Nino relaxed, she became even more curious about the relationship between Ichika and Fushimi Makoto.
She deliberately mimicked Ichika's tone and said with feigned annoyance: "You're being a bit much, you know. You almost scared me just now."
Still going to keep acting?
Fushimi Makoto had thought she would blow her cover right then and there; he hadn't expected her to be so dedicated.
Nino, really, I'm dying of laughter.
He had an idea, and as he pulled his hand back, he said casually: "Didn't you say before that those things were making you a bit tired? How is your physical condition now?"
Those things?
That must be the thing Itsuki mentioned... Ichika's secret!
Nakano Nino's eyes flickered: "My physical condition is quite good, thanks for your concern."
"Quite good? Didn't you say yesterday that your muscles were sore?" Fushimi Makoto feigned confusion.
Crap.
Something outside the script had appeared.
Nakano Nino had no idea Fushimi Makoto was bluffing; she assumed Ichika had actually said that, so she had to change her tune: "I mean, I've been paying special attention to resting these past few days, and I'm much better now."
"I knew you'd be stubborn. Forget it, just go lie down on the bed, I'll give you a quick massage."
"What? The bed?"
Nakano Nino was shocked.
Ichika, has your relationship with him already reached the point where you can just go to bed together?
Fushimi Makoto put on an amused expression: "Where is your mind wandering? I just meant helping you massage your muscles to relieve the soreness. I've actually studied it a bit, you know."
"I-is that so?"
Nakano Nino was a bit conflicted.
Should I just expose myself?
Going to bed for a massage or whatever, it sounds so embarrassing.
Fushimi Makoto's voice followed up naturally: "It just so happens that Nino and Itsuki are outside looking at the schedule, so we can talk about your situation in private. Come to think of it, I still feel like you need to manage your time better. Otherwise, you'll keep having to catch up on sleep during the day, and your studies will continue to suffer."
Hearing this, Nakano Nino finally made a decision: This was the perfect opportunity to not only investigate their relationship but also uncover Ichika's secret.
"You're right, I really do need to pay more attention to that."
Nakano Nino walked to the bedside with a blushing face.
It's fine, it's just a proper massage. His expression is so natural; he definitely wouldn't do anything inappropriate.
The young girl comforted herself, then gritted her teeth and flopped onto the bed with her eyes closed.
The movement was quite significant, causing her skirt to flutter and reveal her fair thighs.
Fortunately, she noticed it and quickly pulled her skirt down, pretending nothing had happened, and found a topic to talk about: "How come I didn't know you knew how to give massages?"
"Mostly because I had nothing better to do in the past, so I just learned a few things. There's a saying: you can never have too many skills." Fushimi Makoto was telling the truth this time.
My judgment was right; he genuinely just wants to help Ichika relieve her fatigue.
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