Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

After leaving Nakano Hospital.

Daiki didn't go directly to the Nakano sisters' apartment. Instead, he arranged to resume tutoring them tomorrow.

He declined Haruno's invitation and departed with Mei. Since she was likely staying at Yukino's apartment, the woman didn't press further.

Nino and Yotsuba took the others to buy ingredients at the supermarket.

Daiki and Mei left by taxi, leaving Miku looking uncertain.

"Don't worry, Miku! By tomorrow, you two will be lovey-dovey again." Said Ichika, noticing the concern in her eyes. She gently patted her sister's head to console her.

Though Mei's relationship with Daiki remained unclear, she was still a Grade 1 Sorcerer — far from ordinary. Whatever happened between them was beyond their control.

They had more reason to be wary of Haruno. Her brazenness was enough to make even Ichika blush.

Her sister, the genius Yukino from Class 2-J, was another matter entirely — an ice queen with an emotionless demeanor and an overwhelming aura. If she became involved, the situation would grow more complicated.

Fortunately, Yukino's pride would prevent that, which gave Ichika some peace of mind.

Otherwise...

An image of Yukino flashed through her mind: kneeling with disdain, serving dutifully Big Daiki.

"..."

What normal man could resist that, let alone the passionate Daiki?

After bidding farewell to Ginko and Keika, Haruno turned toward the Nakano sisters.

Meeting Ichika's watchful gaze, she subtly wiped her lips, as if savoring a memory.

"..."

This action infuriated Ichika, but she had to remain composed for Miku's sake.

After all, she and Haruno were no different — both like greedy cats stealing food.

The only difference was that this older vixen had better luck and managed to steal a taste, while Ichika had lost at the last moment.

"What's wrong?" Miku asked, glancing at her with concern.

"Nothing. Miss Yukinoshita must be hungry, helping herself to others' leftovers without shame."

The sarcastic remark only made Haruno's smile brighter.

"Well, Ichika-san's food was exquisite. If I'd had more time, I would have savored it properly. You eat so freely, yet you're so stingy about sharing. I taste it once, and you become furious — as if you were the one who prepared it." Her cold mockery carried a subtle threat.

Neither could truly criticize the other — after all, was the dish rightfully theirs to begin with?

And Miku, the true owner, remained oblivious!

"Hm?" Miku tilted her head, confused by their exchange.

She couldn't understand why they were arguing about breakfast. Besides, Ichika had been with her the whole time — when could she have eaten?

"Never mind, I'm off to visit little Yukino. Next time, I'll treat Miku-san to breakfast!" Haruno winked and departed cheerfully in her luxury car.

Ichika could only seethe in helpless frustration.

"Don't be angry. Come help me buy ingredients — we can't let Daiki-kun go hungry when he tutors tomorrow. Besides, it's just one dish. We can let Miss Haruno have it." Miku's innocent words left her sister speechless.

At this rate, Haruno might end up with three children.

"That won't do! What's ours is ours!" Ichika protested as Miku pushed her from behind.

Since Miku was unaware, it was her duty to step up! She, Ichika, would protect her sister's happiness!

"..."

"Miku, let me ask you something. If you had a dish you really loved, but before you could eat it, I secretly tasted it... would you forgive me?"

Though Haruno was unlikely to reveal her transgression, there was no guarantee it wouldn't come out eventually.

So she carefully probed Miku's feelings on the matter.

"No need to forgive, we're quintuplets. What's mine is yours, Ichika!" Miku shook her long hair and smiled reassuringly.

Her gentle demeanor left Ichika, who had turned to face her, momentarily stunned.

That's right! They were quintuplets!

What belonged to Miku belonged to her, Ichika!

"Miku!" With tears welling in her eyes, Ichika gripped Miku's shoulders.

Just as Miku was about to offer more comfort, her expression froze. Ichika's next words, whispered near her shoulder, made her pause.

"But there's one important thing of mine that I can't share with Miku in the future."

Miku's breath caught as she realized her earlier reassurance had backfired. She simply shrugged, her expression resigned.

"That's fine."

"Thank you so much, Miku."

"It's nothing."

For once, Miku found herself in the role of the older sister, doing her best to be comforting. Despite being the third of the Nakano quintuplets, such moments were rare.

Yotsuba's boundless energy and perpetually cheerful nature meant she rarely needed consoling.

And Itsuki, ever-composed and striving to emulate their mother, was more likely to offer comfort than seek it.

Ichika nestled her head closer, feeling a twinge of guilt toward her sisters.

But matters of the heart... they were both sacred and despicable.

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Meanwhile...

Iroha, who had moved next door to Daiki, found herself suffering from unusual insomnia.

During Sōbu High's break, Ayase and Kirino came to visit. They couldn't help but show concern when they noticed the dark circles under her eyes.

"Iroha, are you okay? Were you affected by the gas explosion in the school's second year?"

Ayase's deadpan question made Iroha pause.

The school administration had explained the break was due to a cafeteria gas tank explosion.

According to reports, one of the gas tanks had been blown into a second-year classroom. The scene was allegedly so gruesome that some body parts remained missing.

Second-year students who knew about the incident had to sign confidentiality agreements.

Of course, due to Daiki's status, some people hadn't signed. Instead, the Public Safety Devil Hunter Division had sent requests for secrecy.

"No, I'm just sleep-deprived. I moved here hoping to get closer to that second-year senior. But he... he's never home at night! Really... Ahhhhh..." Iroha ran her fingers through her chestnut-colored short hair in frustration.

Ayase and Kirino exchanged knowing glances.

"Is this the second-year senior you mentioned in class? You never told us his name." Ayase said, her curiosity piqued.

Iroha was Sōbu High's famous cute beauty, and now she had moved next door just to chase after a senior.

"Hmph, just a playboy. Even if I had the chance now, I wouldn't look at him again. When he misses his chance, he'll know what regret means!" She touched her chestnut-colored hair near her ear with confident defiance.

Just then, Ayase looked toward the window, "Is that the senior you're talking about?"

Kirino and Iroha rushed to join her at the window.

"Yes, that's—"

Before she could finish, a white-haired beauty stepped out of the black car.

Ayase and Kirino's eyes widened as their breathing grew faint. Their gazes drifted unconsciously upward toward Iroha.

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