Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [187]

Kirisu Mafuyu naturally didn’t join Shirase and the others for their doubles match.

She’d only come to gather some information, but after watching for a while and failing to find a good opening, she quietly slipped away.

Meanwhile, Shirase’s earlier “strategy” proved surprisingly effective.

Yuigahama Yui swung her racket with exaggerated caution, tugging at her skirt after every swing, terrified she might accidentally expose herself.

Yotsuba started out just as careful, but her competitive instincts soon kicked in. Within minutes, the energetic sports girl was fully absorbed in the match, swinging freely and shouting encouragement for Yui to follow up or recover.

Unfortunately, her partner was far too self-conscious. No matter how fired up Yotsuba got, the pair couldn’t score even a single point against Shirase and Nino.

On top of that, Shirase’s physical ability completely outclassed theirs. Even while intentionally holding back, the outcome was obvious.

“I recognize you two,” Shirase said after scoring another point, raising his racket solemnly toward the panting Yuigahama and Yotsuba. “Your fighting spirit and determination far exceeded my expectations. In tennis, you’re definitely the strongest girls I know.”

Yotsuba wiped her sweat, smiling brightly. “Thanks! But if I’d reacted just a second faster, we might’ve scored a point. What a shame!”

“Sorry, I didn’t play very well,” Yuigahama apologized guiltily.

“Huh? Don’t apologize! It’s just for fun!” Flustered, Yotsuba quickly turned to the sidelines. “Itsuki, it’s your turn!”

“I don’t really feel like playing right now. You all go ahead,” Itsuki said, shaking her head.

“Eh? Didn’t you stay just to join us?”

“I thought so at first, but now I’m feeling kinda sleepy. I’ll just watch.”

“Really?”

Their exchange drew everyone’s attention. Nakano Nino was the first to frown.

She nudged Shirase lightly with her elbow. “Don’t you think something’s off with Itsuki?”

“Yeah,” Shirase replied quietly.

“Did something happen? Should I ask?”

“If you’re going to, wait till we’re home,” Shirase said quickly. “If you ask in front of everyone, she won’t talk even if something’s wrong.”

“That’s true.” Nino hesitated for a moment, then made up her mind. “Then let’s head back.”

Though she clearly still wanted to play, worry for her sister outweighed everything else.

Shirase nodded.

As Nino left, Yotsuba followed right behind her.

Yuigahama looked a little disappointed but didn’t try to stop them.

...

After returning home, Shirase went straight to the kitchen and baked cookies.

Once done, he packed them up and headed for the Nakano household.

Sweets were practically a magic key for Nakano Itsuki, and he planned to use them to get a read on what was bothering her.

When the door opened, it was Nakano Miku who stood there, blinking in surprise. “Shirase? What are you doing here?”

“I came to check on Itsuki. She seemed off earlier,” Shirase said, lifting the bag of still-warm cookies.

Miku went silent. She didn’t even look at him—just stepped aside and let him in.

Only after he’d changed shoes did she speak softly. “If that’s the case, then Itsuki probably won’t open up to anyone right now.”

Shirase smiled faintly. “I figured as much. That’s why I plan to use another approach.”

It’s pointless, Miku thought silently.

No matter what you do, it won’t work. The only one she might talk to right now is Ichika.

In Miku’s mind, her eldest sister was clearly the best person to handle this kind of situation.

Unfortunately, Ichika wasn’t home. Nino was already in Itsuki’s room trying to talk to her—but Miku doubted that would help either.

Having already pieced together the truth, Miku knew exactly what Itsuki was feeling.

In fact, the moment Itsuki decided to stay and join the tennis match, Miku had already predicted this.

Watching the boy you secretly like laugh and flirt with another girl—it would crush anyone.

Miku followed behind Shirase, staring at his tall back and sighing quietly.

Love really is a hassle. Good thing it’s not my problem right now.

...

The living room was empty. Once Shirase sat down, Miku poured him some tea and took the seat opposite.

“I thought you’d just drop the tea and run back to your room,” Shirase said with a teasing smile.

“If it were before, I probably would have,” Miku replied evenly.

“And today? Something keeping you here?”

“Yes.”

“Wanna tell me what it is?”

Miku didn’t answer right away.

Her clear, gentle eyes locked on him for a couple of seconds—long enough for Shirase to sense something strange. Then she finally spoke.

“Shirase, what kind of girl do you think Itsuki is?”

“Huh? What kind of question is that?” Shirase blinked, caught off guard.

That came out of nowhere.

Wait—hold on.

A realization struck him.

He studied Miku’s unreadable expression closely and suddenly understood: something was definitely wrong, not just with Itsuki, but with Miku too.

He thought back to Itsuki’s strange behavior on the tennis court—and to that day he’d carried her home, the bright smile she’d given him back then.

He wasn’t an emotional idiot. Seeing Miku’s subtle reactions, the look that said I already know something, made everything click into place.

“No wonder you said earlier that ‘Itsuki probably won’t open up to anyone right now.’ I get it now.”

Shirase’s voice turned calm and serious. “When you said ‘anyone,’ you really meant ‘me,’ didn’t you? Right now, Itsuki doesn’t want to see me. She’s scared that if we talk, I’ll notice what’s going on.”

Then he added, “Thanks, Miku. I know you were trying to give me a hint. That question just now—I understood what you meant.”

At that, Miku’s composure cracked.

Huh? Wait—what?

What is he even saying?!

All she’d wanted was to test him a little, to see what he really thought!

Without Itsuki’s permission, she’d never directly reveal her sister’s feelings.

But somehow, this guy had instantly jumped to the wildest conclusion imaginable.

As Shirase finished with a calm, “I understood your meaning,” Miku’s face flushed crimson. She barely held herself back from shouting:

“Stop jumping to conclusions already!”

---

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!