Chapter 506: Ichika is Very Suspicious!
Night, Nakano residence.
"Where are Ichika and Itsuki?"
Sitting at the dining table, Miku noticed that Ichika and Itsuki's chairs were empty, with only Yotsuba obediently present.
"Ichika went to work, and Itsuki went out with her classmates and hasn't returned yet. However, she sent me a message saying she'll eat out, so no need to wait for her return."
Nino emerged from the kitchen carrying the last dish, answering the question casually.
"Ichika really went to work? Is that true?" Yotsuba looked genuinely surprised. It was her first time hearing this news.
"Of course, it's true. She said she wanted something, didn't have enough money, so she went to work to get it as soon as possible."
After placing the food on the table, Nino sat down, revealing information she had learned in the morning.
"Final exams are next week. Isn't working part-time after summer vacation the same?" Yotsuba couldn't understand Ichika's logic.
"Who knows what she's thinking."
Nino also found this situation a bit strange, but she couldn't think of a way to argue against it, so she had to trust Ichika's words.
"Ichika is very suspicious." Suddenly said Miku.
Yotsuba asked curiously, "What's suspicious?"
She didn't think there was anything suspicious; she just found Ichika's actions peculiar.
"Ichika mentioned earlier that she studied very hard to prepare for the final exams. She even offered to compare scores and asked Ren for a gift based on her grades."
Miku paused before saying, "Judging from her previous behavior, Ichika should highly value these final exams. Even if there's something she wants, there's no need to waste time working part-time at this critical moment; it doesn't make logical sense."
"What Miku says makes sense."
After carefully analyzing from Miku's perspective, Nino agreed with this speculation.
Since she didn't care about the gift Ren would give her and didn't participate in the competition, she didn't take it to heart. So, despite finding Ichika's behavior strange, she didn't think much of it.
"Seems like it."
Upon hearing this, Yotsuba also reacted.
"But, Miku, you noticed it so quickly. Truly amazing."
"..."
Miku didn't answer, just bowed her head in silence.
The main reason she could analyze it so quickly was that she had studied hard to get a gift from Ren, and Ichika was considered by her as her biggest competitor.
Seeing this rival taking the initiative to work part-time and wasting time, she immediately realized something was amiss.
If it were her, she would never choose this time to work.
Unless there was something more enticing than Ren's gift.
If summarized, there was only one answer.
"But why would Ichika work at this hour?"
Yotsuba raised her chin, expressing her doubt.
"Maybe Ichika didn't actually go to work, but used it as an excuse to do something else." Speculated Nino.
"Why would Ichika hide it from us? She even used work as an excuse."
Yotsuba still couldn't grasp such matters.
"Maybe she's going on a date; perhaps Ichika is going on a date with Ren."
Miku said what she thought was the most likely guess, which she had just considered as an answer.
"Date with Ren-san... this, this..."
Yotsuba wanted to deny this possibility but couldn't find a suitable reason. Because this explanation was the most fitting for the current situation. It was more important than final exams, so Ichika had to find a reason to hide it from them. Besides dating Ren, there was basically nothing else.
At that moment, a "click" sound was heard, and the door opened from outside.
"I'm back!"
After entering the house and closing the door, Ichika shouted as usual.
"You're eating. Looks like I came back at the right time. I'm really hungry today."
After taking off her shoes and walking past the entrance, Ichika saw three people sitting at the dining table and walked towards it while talking.
What puzzled her a bit was why her three sisters were looking at her strangely.
"Hasn't Itsuki returned yet?"
After washing her hands and taking some plates and chopsticks for herself, Ichika sat in her chair, looked at Itsuki's empty chair, and casually asked.
"Ichika, are you really going to work today?"
Without answering her question, Miku immediately asked.
Hearing her question, Ichika panicked, but on the surface, she still pretended to be confused and asked, "What else? Besides working, I don't need to come home this early."
"If you're going on a date with Ren, it's understandable if you come back late." Continued Miku.
Ichika finally understood what was happening with their strange looks. They thought she was going on a date with Ren today. No wonder the atmosphere was so odd.
After realizing the issue, she explained helplessly, "I hope I can go on a date with Ren-kun today. Dating is much easier than working."
Yotsuba added, "I don't believe it."
"If you don't believe my explanation, you can send a message to Ren-kun now to confirm, or I can send him a message now. But first, let's discuss it suddenly; if it bothers him, I won't admit it's my fault."
"Ichika might not be lying."
Seeing the situation on the scene, Nino made a decision.
Because Ichika took the initiative to send a message to confirm the matter, it basically proved she was not guilty.
Moreover, she couldn't predict the future, and she couldn't collude with Ren just to avoid their suspicions.
"Um."
Seeing this, Miku released her doubts about Ichika.
She might really have gone to work.
"I'm back."
Not long after they discussed this topic, the door opened again, and Itsuki entered.
"Welcome back."
After the casual welcome, Ichika asked casually, "By the way, why are you coming home late today?"
"I went to a buffet with my classmates, so I wasted some time."
Thinking about her day with Ren, Itsuki said joyfully.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone