Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [193]

[Nakano Ichika used Great Charm Technique.jpg]

[MISS!]

“I haven’t thought of one yet,” Shirase said flatly, “but like I told you before, that cute act of yours doesn’t work on me.”

As he spoke, he raised a hand and firmly pressed it against Ichika’s soft cheek, pushing her away.

“Ah—what are you doing?!”

Ichika blinked in surprise. When she recovered, a faint blush colored her face as she pouted. “You know, treating a girl like that is extremely rude.”

Shirase didn’t budge. “We’ve acted together in the drama club. Don’t try to fool me with your acting tricks—it won’t work.”

Then his tone dropped low, almost warningly. “Remember this: once the cards are on the table, those little tricks are useless.”

Ichika gave a helpless smile. “Geez, you’re making me doubt my acting skills.”

“This isn’t about acting,” Shirase corrected. “It’s because we know each other too well.”

Ichika suddenly laughed, a mischievous gleam in her eyes, her blush deepening like ink. “Then… do you want to get to know me even better?”

Shirase’s expression turned stony. “The same move doesn’t work twice on a Saint.”

“…Boring.”

Ichika rolled her eyes and finally gave up teasing him—though she couldn’t help picturing how fun it’d be to see Shirase actually flustered because of her.

Once she returned to her usual gentle tone, her voice softened. “To show I’m serious, I’ll let you think about your request slowly. No rush.”

“Good. Finally some sincerity,” Shirase nodded.

“Then… could you contact Yukinoshita now?” Ichika leaned closer, her pleasant fragrance filling the small balcony.

“I can’t guarantee she’ll agree,” Shirase said, pulling out his phone.

“I think if you’re the one asking, the chances are pretty high.”

“And why’s that?”

“Intuition. A woman’s intuition,” Ichika said with a wink.

Shirase thought that sounded like complete nonsense.

Still, as he started recording a voice message for Yukinoshita Yukino, Ichika watched him with a subtle, knowing smile.

A Woman’s intuition? That was obviously a lie.

What she really suspected was that Shirase and Yukinoshita Yukino’s relationship wasn’t as simple as it looked.

At least, that’s what her eyes had told her yesterday when she saw them together.

A few seconds later, the call connected. Before Shirase could speak, a cool, familiar voice came through: “Did something happen?”

“Nothing major. Just wanted to ask if you’ve eaten yet,” Shirase replied smoothly, brain working overtime.

“I’m hanging up,” Yukinoshita said flatly.

“Wait! I actually do have something to discuss.”

“Speak.”

“Interested in going to the seaside amusement park?”

“Oh? Nakano Ichika asked you, didn’t she? She asked me the exact same thing this morning.”

Shirase instinctively glanced at Ichika, who blinked innocently, a guilty smile tugging at her lips.

At this point, he could only admit it. “Yeah, she did. She really hopes you’ll come with us to the seaside.”

“I don’t feel like going out this weekend.”

“I have a match next Tuesday.”

“So?”

“So, dear Yukinoshita-san, would you be kind enough to grant me one beautiful, unforgettable seaside memory before my match?”

There was a pause.

Ichika stared at him in disbelief, her expression screaming: You actually dare say that?

But Shirase stayed perfectly calm.

A few seconds later, Yukinoshita’s voice returned, tinged with exasperation. “Do you even listen to yourself?”

“Was there something wrong with what I said?” he asked, deadpan.

“Idiot. From that tone, are you implying next Tuesday’s match will be your last?”

“Of course not. My goal’s to win the national tournament.”

“Exactly why I’m calling you an idiot. If you’re planning to keep playing, why talk about ‘one beautiful seaside memory’ like it’s your final moment?”

“Isn’t the seaside beautiful? Picture it—running through the warm breeze at sunset, soft sand beneath your feet, the endless ocean stretching ahead, waves whispering by your side… I think you’d love it.”

“…You make a fair point. I’m slightly tempted.”

Before Shirase could respond, her calm, elegant voice added, this time with a teasing lilt, “How about this—if you agree to one condition, I’ll join you this weekend.”

“What condition?” Shirase suddenly had a bad feeling.

“Do you know the Venus de Milo?”

“Of course—the statue of Venus with broken arms. Why bring that up?”

“I’ve been practicing sketching lately. If you agree to pose as the Venus de Milo and let me draw you, I’ll accept your invitation.”

“…Are you serious? That statue’s female. I’m not.”

“What does gender matter? Besides, assuming a statue’s gender is disrespectful to art.”

“…Since when did you start countering like that?”

Shirase glanced at his phone, catching Ichika’s pleading expression. She mouthed silently: Just agree—I’ll make it up to you.

Make it up to me how, exactly?

He sighed. “Can we switch to another statue? That one’s too difficult. I’ve still got both arms—I can’t even pose properly. Surely you can’t accept an inaccurate recreation?”

“You have a point,” Yukinoshita admitted. “Then switch to The Thinker. But no more changes.”

“The Thinker…”

Shirase inhaled sharply. A muscular man deep in thought, steeped in suffering—great.

If he posed like that in front of Yukinoshita, he’d never live it down.

Meanwhile, Ichika stood beside him, hands clasped, wearing a pitiful expression that could melt steel.

“Fine! The Thinker it is—I agree!”

“Congratulations on making the correct choice. I’ll see you Sunday,” Yukinoshita said, laughing lightly before hanging up.

When Shirase turned to Ichika, she was grinning from ear to ear. “I sacrificed too much this time—you’d better…”

“I know.”

Ichika placed her hands behind her back, cheeks glowing a rosy pink, eyes glimmering like liquid sugar.

Then, parting her lips, she whispered sweetly, “How about I have Nino wear a maid outfit—with black stockings—for you?”

Shirase immediately straightened. “Are you sure you can convince Nino? Let me think—”

“A lace-trimmed skirt, thigh-high stockings, and garters.”

“Deal!”

Ichika giggled softly.

And if Nino refused—well, pretending to be Nino herself in thigh-high stockings wasn’t entirely out of the question either.

---

This is a fan translation of 谁能拒绝中野二乃呢？by 六花吖六花. Rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!