134: New Year's Day

I've consistently received feedback that people don't like watching young protagonists, leading some to drop the series or subscribe to other shows.

Therefore, I specially compiled a summary, greatly compressing Volume 2 into just over 7,000 words, divided into eight chapters (because each chapter exceeding 1,000 words would incur a charge).

In these eight chapters, the parentheses after each paragraph indicate the specific chapter from which the plot point is referenced. If you're interested, you can subscribe again.

The original intention of publishing this compilation was to serve readers who really didn't like reading the stories from their childhood.

This is also to allow readers who skipped the subscription to understand the plot.

If you're interested, you can just skip to volume two; it won't make any difference.

Readers who have finished reading the second volume can also read the recap to relive the story.

It's free anyway.

Section 148, page 134: New Year's Day

2000.

New Year.

Shuya, wearing a mask and coat to conceal his identity, as well as the scarf that Rena had given him, waited for someone in front of Ochanomizu Station.

Today he made plans with Mai- chan and his Little Senior Sister to go to Hatsumode (New Year's shrine visit).

This is a traditional Japan activity.

Rena and the Quintuplets were standing next to him.

Rena and the Quintuplets were not wearing kimonos, but just ordinary new clothes.

After waiting for a while, Mai- chan and her Little Senior Sister arrived.

They were dressed casually and all wore masks.

As someone with some fame, it's best not to dress too conspicuously.

They went to Kanda Shrine.

This Shrine is very popular, and it is said to be particularly effective in improving career and wealth luck.

As the group walked through the crowd, Mai- chan said to Shuya with a hint of envy, "Shuya, yesterday's Red and White Song Battle was pretty good."

The Little Senior Sister nodded in agreement. "Yes, I watched it too, it's really good!"

Actually, as one of the main creators, Little Senior Sister had considered inviting her, but the higher-ups valued the buzz surrounding Hanazawa Sakura and Shuya's mother-son collaboration more, so they rejected Little Senior Sister appearance.

My Little Senior Sister didn't know about this either.

But Shuya heard about it from MHK.

He said with a hint of apology, "Thank you."

He decided not to mention it, so as not to affect his Little Senior Sister's mood.

Although she might not care.

Yesterday's Red and White Song Battle was indeed very lively and successful.

In the end, the red team, consisting of Hanazawa Sakura and Shuya, won.

It's not a big deal to win; the atmosphere between the Red and White Song Battle teams is getting lighter and lighter these days.

It's mainly for fun.

Yesterday's Red and White Song Battle was special because it marked the turn of the century, so there was a special countdown event at the end.

Hanazawa Sakura and Shuya sang a specially composed song with all the cast members.

To You Living in the 21st Century? A song for children?

To all those living in the 21st century.

The song's title and meaning are not difficult to understand.

Yesterday was so lively!

After the Red and White Song Battle ended, a big banquet was held, and everyone had a great time.

Shuya didn't get home until three or four in the morning, then slept for a while before coming out again.

This is also because he has good stamina; his mother, Hanazawa Sakura, is still sleeping, she was too tired yesterday.

With the help of record awards and the Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Song Battle), all of Alien Baby Hikari-chan's sales are increasing.

It's something like the so-called "Red and White Song Battle effect."

Hanazawa Sakura and Shuya experienced a significant leap in popularity.

Countless job offers have been sent to Hanazawa Sakura's agency. Shuya can imagine the dreaded look on Maeda Saori's face when she returns from her vacation and sees all those job offers.

Shuya doesn't currently plan to fully dedicate himself to his work.

Having been given a second chance at life, I should definitely enjoy myself more.

... Forget it, let's not think about anything unnecessary during the New Year.

Shuya shook his head, casually chatting with the girls, while firmly holding onto the seat next to Rena.

The Shrine was packed with people, Shuya have time to sense for any traces of Strange Arts. He just finished his prayers with great difficulty and then gathered at Rena's house for dinner.

Rena insisted on not accepting money and treated Shuya and the other two to a meal.

While she was cooking.

Shuya secretly slipped five large red envelopes to the Quintuplets and asked them to keep it a secret.

The Quintuplets quickly pretended to zip up their mouths, their silly and adorable antics making Shuya and the others laugh.

Mai poked Shuuya with her finger Shuya whispered, "That's not fair, where's my red envelope?"

Shuya whispered, "Sure, if you call me 'Dad,' I'll give it to you too."

Mai- chan was taken aback. "Then the Quintuplets didn't call you 'Dad' either... Ah, you... Hmm?... It's alright now."

She sensed something and gave Shuya a deep look.

This person is beyond saving.

Shuya could clearly see the meaning in her eyes.

He scoffed, "Mai- chan, stop thinking about all this nonsense. Are you ready?"

Mai- chan immediately became depressed. "Don't say anything, I'm super nervous right now, okay?"

The Little Senior Sister comforted her, "Don't be afraid, Mai- chan, you can definitely do it."

"Thanks, oh."

What could possibly make Mai- chan so worried is clearly that Morning Drama.

It's already January, and the Morning Drama airing in April is just around the corner.

I estimate filming will begin soon.

Shuya said, "You don't need to be too scared, she's not the real female lead."

The children's portion is actually very small; this Morning Drama is quite long.

The focus is still on the female lead after she grows up.

However... that's the logic, but for Mai- chan, she still has to be nervous.

"Don't worry, I'll help you."

Shuya laughed heartily.

"Ha?"

Mai- chan said in a nasty tone, "Speaking of which, you still haven't explained who the woman was last time, and now you're trying to flirt with me again?"

Shuya: "..."

He said impatiently, "First of all, I didn't flirt with you. Secondly, regarding Shizuka Hiratsuka, didn't I say at the previous gathering that she's just my friend?"

"Um, um... let's not fight..."

The Little Senior Sister said timidly.

"It's not about whether they argued or not, but it's that Shuya seems to have taken someone else's personal clothing."

Mai- chan whispered something to her Little Senior Sister.

"Hiss..."

The Little Senior Sister's eyes widened, and she gasped:

"Junior brother? I think this kind of thing... yes, it's too early for you!"

She mustered her courage and said shyly, "And, and if you're thinking about girls' clothes, I, I can give them to you! No need to look for other women, it's dangerous!"

What dangers are there?

Will they get arrested?

Shuya: "..."

Looking at his Little Senior Sister's flushed face, he blurted out, "Really?"

"Ah?"

Mai- chan let out a terrifyingly low groan.

Shuya: "... Little Senior Sister is joking. I have absolutely no interest in that kind of thing. Stockings I just wore, thigh-high nylon, pantyhose, bust size, small breasts, etc., I have absolutely no interest in them."

Mai- chan. "..."

Little Senior Sister: "..."

Itsuki: "This mandarin orange is so delicious!"

Yotsuba: "Mine is sweet too!"

The Quintuplets were completely oblivious to what Shuya and the other two were saying.

"Shuya's true nature is becoming more and more apparent."

"Shuya- kun..."

Mai- chan and her Little Senior Sister exchanged complicated glances.

"No, I was just joking."

Shuya coughed.

Okay, he's been getting a bit wild lately.

After all, he's already able to get an erection, so he's been focusing more on that aspect of his life.

But he won't make a move.

He's going to be the father of Quintuplets!

"Shu-chan, could you help me with these things?"

Rena's words saved Shuya at the right time.

"Okay, coming!"

Shuya rushed over.

Mai- chan gave him a look that said, "I'll let you off the hook for now."

The Little Senior Sister was confused and thought Shuya was really joking, so she didn't think about it further.

The New Year's Day gathering ended smoothly in the afternoon.

Mai- chan and her Little Senior Sister each went home to spend time with their families.

Shuya also went to Inoue Hikoo and Hanazawa Sakura's home near the company for dinner.

The family spent New Year's Day together.

Shuya a day, and continued to do nothing the next day.