Who Can Resist Nakano Nino? [174]

Hayama Hayato had left too.

When he’d asked about the “short film project,” it had clearly just been a timely assist.

As soon as he was gone, Yukinoshita Yukino let her smile fall and leveled a complicated look at Shirase. “You shouldn’t have said so much to my mother.”

“About that.” Shirase frowned, genuinely puzzled. “I don’t really get why she was so interested in me.”

Nakano Ichika edged closer and whispered, “Not just interested—didn’t it feel like she had other motives?”

“Yes. Because my sister mentioned you to her,” Yukino said bluntly.

Shirase tipped his chin, half-smiling. “So I’m that amazing?”

Yukino looked away, not in the mood. “At this point, anyone with eyes can tell. With your current soccer talent, going pro is just a matter of time.”

She turned to Ichika, whose confusion was plain, and added, “It’s common knowledge that pro players have high social standing. If Shirase fully realizes his talent and becomes a star, his status and fame will only rise.”

Ichika’s confusion deepened. “So Mrs. Yukinoshita talked to him purely because of his potential?”

“Yes,” Yukino said, simple and direct.

Ichika fell silent.

Her instincts had warned her earlier—the elegant, kind smile hadn’t been as friendly as it looked—but hearing it stated so flatly still left her at a loss.

“What about you? What do you think?” Yukino asked, turning back to Shirase. She cared more about his take than Ichika’s reaction.

“What’s there to think? I’ll keep doing what I always do. I’m busy—I don’t have time to worry about that stuff,” Shirase said with a light laugh.

Yukino’s lips curved. “As expected. You say stupid things often enough, but I’ll admit you’re… somewhat reliable.”

“Only ‘somewhat’? Can’t you be nicer? As expected, Yukinoshita-san is stingy.”

“…Idiot. Don’t make me insult you.”

“…”

...

Shirase and Ichika didn’t linger.

After Yukino left, they headed out too, carrying the bags with their own clothes.

Compared to the bright, crowded main street ahead, the road they took was quiet—only the occasional stylish group passing by, chatting and laughing.

Ichika walked silently beside him with her bag. Since leaving the hotel, she hadn’t said a word. Her small face was tense, like something weighed on her.

“Playing the lady by staying quiet?” Shirase flicked her forehead.

She shot him an annoyed look. “Hey, what was that for? I was thinking.”

“What could you possibly be thinking about? We have to return the clothes. If you dawdle and the shop closes, we’ll pay extra tomorrow.”

“Oh? So you’re actually being considerate of me?”

“Not you—your wallet. You’re a small-time actress. How much could you have?”

“Heh… I’ll work harder.” Ichika’s sunny smile showed no fear of failure.

Even so, Shirase noticed her eyes weren’t as clear as usual—soft and a little hazy under the night sky.

“Still not sober?” he asked, remembering the brandy.

Ichika giggled. “Do I look that weak? I’m fine now. My head’s a bit fuzzy, but I’m really just sleepy.”

“Then hurry up so we can return the clothes and get you home.”

“I can’t walk fast,” she said suddenly, eyes bright as she looked up at him.

Shirase sobered. “Don’t tell me you want to borrow money for a taxi. I’ll warn you now—taxis here are expensive. I can’t bear it.”

Ichika shook her head, smiling. “Wrong guess. No taxi.”

Shirase dropped his voice, dramatic. “I get it—you want me to be your personal mount and carry you home? That’s too much, Ichika!”

“You’re really…” Ichika sighed, half exasperated, half amused. “I just want a piggyback. You already knew that. Why say something dumb on purpose?”

She gave him that mixed look—wanting to swat him, laughing too hard to do it.

Next time, she thought, her eyes openly expectant.

Shirase sighed like a martyr. “You’re getting more demanding by the day. I’m truly worried about your future.”

“Don’t lecture me like some elder. You sound like an old man.”

“See? Bossy and personally insulting.”

Under her mock glare, he crouched. “Hurry up. I’m in a rush.”

“Thanks~!”

Ichika hopped onto his back without a shred of hesitation.

As her soft, faintly sweet warmth settled against him, Shirase stood, muttering, “You’re lighter than I imagined. Same as Itsuki.”

“You just said Itsuki, didn’t you?” Ichika wrapped her arms around his neck, her gentle scent surrounding him. “I talked to her. She said you got into a fight one night. She worried for a long time.”

“So she told you. I won, you know.”

“I know. You’ve been beating up bullies since day one.”

She laughed softly against his back, then, eyes hazy on the road ahead, asked, “Shirase, haven’t you noticed you’re a little too nice to me?”

“Am I? If so, is that bad? You’re Nino’s family—her sister. I’m bound to marry into the Nakano family eventually.”

“Huh? Freeloading already?”

“What’s wrong with freeloading? Pulling it off is a skill.”

“As expected of you—saying embarrassing things like it’s nothing.”

Ichika covered her mouth and giggled.

After a few seconds, her gaze turned cautious again. “I was thinking… if one day you stopped treating me this well, I’d be really sad.”

“If that day comes, just remind me,” Shirase said lightly.

“What good would that do? If you’ve started treating me badly, you’ll probably find me annoying.”

“Doubt it. I’m pretty good to my friends. Even the neighbor’s dog praises me daily.”

“There you go again with the weird lines.”

Ichika rested her chin on his shoulder, studying his profile for a while, then let out a soft laugh.

“What are you laughing at?” he asked.

“Nothing.” She shook her head.

She was thinking about their dance on the balcony.

And all the moments before.

When he bought her the heels she liked, was it really just so she’d speak up for him at her house?

And everything after that?

He kept treating her well, never asking for anything back.

You’re making this so hard for me, Shirase…

Ichika drew a slow breath, her restless heart racing again.

She’d been selfish once tonight.

What was the harm in being selfish once more?

On the quiet street, her cheeks warmed, blooming into a soft, peachy flush.

Under the dim streetlights, she saw no one else at all.

Her arms tightened around his neck as she whispered, “Based on your answer earlier, does that mean you’ll always treat me this well?”

“Why ask such a dumb question?” Shirase shot back.

“Just answer first.”

“Can I refuse to answer?”

“You can refuse,” Ichika said, her tone playful, “but then you have to shout ‘Nakano Ichika is the cutest!’ ten times right here on the street.”

“How’s that any different from taking a dump in public?”

“Watch your language! That’s disgusting—who says something like that in front of a girl?”

“Alright, fine,” Shirase sighed. “If I actually did something that embarrassing, you’d probably run away immediately.”

“Huh? You’d really dare shout something like that?”

“Well… it’s worth considering. Anyway, if you ever run into trouble in the future, just call for me.”

“Hm?”

Ichika blinked, her lips curling into a small, gentle smile. “Anytime?”

“I guess. But don’t call me in the middle of the night, or I’ll definitely scold you,” Shirase warned.

“Then you’ll come whenever I call?” Ichika pressed, ignoring the warning.

“Well, that’s a bit much—you can’t expect me to literally fly to your side.”

At that, Ichika’s arms tightened slightly around his neck.

Shirase sighed in defeat. “Fine, fine. I’ll try to be there whenever you call.”

On his back, Ichika smiled contentedly.

The two drew closer to the lively district ahead, where the city lights shimmered in every color—streets glowing like an endless river of light, wrapping the night in warmth.

“Shirase,” Ichika said softly, her voice barely audible above the noise. “I think I might have fallen for you.”

Under the night sky, her cheeks burned crimson. Her voice trembled, breath shallow, every word heavy with courage.

Shirase’s steps faltered for a moment before he continued, calm as ever. “Liking someone at this age is normal. If you’re only starting now, you’re already behind. Even elementary kids date these days.”

Ichika stared at his profile. “Normal?”

“Yeah. Crushes are part of growing up. Books always say teenagers fall in love easily. So, it’s nothing strange. But liking someone is fine—just don’t fall in love with me.”

“Why not?”

“Because liking and loving are completely different things… And if you ask me to explain, I probably can’t right now. It’s complicated.”

“Alright.”

She nodded obediently.

But less than a minute later, her voice came again—quiet, almost fragile. “What if I break that promise?”

Shirase smiled faintly. “That’s unlikely. You probably like me because you think I’m decent—or maybe because my looks happen to fit your taste. But don’t forget, you’re aiming to be a famous actress. And if there’s one thing the entertainment world has plenty of, it’s attractive people. Once you’re famous, you’ll probably look down on me.”

Ichika was silent for a long time before whispering, “What if I don’t?”

Before he could reply, she continued softly, “What if I never do? Wouldn’t that make me feel lost, not knowing where to go?”

“Possibly,” he admitted.

“Then… would you still come whenever I call?”

Shirase’s footsteps slowed again. He didn’t answer right away.

Ichika leaned forward slightly, her flushed face brushing his shoulder, her eyes bright and steady.

“Yes,” he said at last.

Her breath caught.

Then he added quietly, “You just wait for me where you are.”

“Okay.”

Her smile bloomed, warm and full, as she rested peacefully against him.

...

By the time they finished returning their rented clothes and made it home, it was already past nine.

The moment Ichika stepped into the living room, she spotted Nino lounging on the sofa in pajamas. Without hesitation, she dashed over and threw her arms around her.

“Wha—what are you doing?! Let go of me… wait, why do you smell like alcohol?”

“You’re imagining things.”

Ichika flashed a mischievous smile, then darted straight to her room.

“I think I heard Ichika’s voice. Is she home already?” Yotsuba poked her head out of her room, confused.

Nino brushed off her pajamas, visibly irritated. “She definitely drank. Even I smell like booze now—ugh. I really don’t want to shower again.”

“Ichika drank?” Yotsuba hurried over, eyes wide. “Really? Where is she? How much did she drink?”

“How should I know?” Nino muttered, still sprawled on the sofa. “She’s in her room—go ask her yourself.”

Yotsuba laughed awkwardly. “She’d never tell me! It’s underage drinking. She’d die of embarrassment.”

Nino rolled her eyes but couldn’t help thinking: What kind of work is Ichika doing that she needs to drink?

For the past few days, she and Kojima Kana had been investigating all sorts of themed cafés—maid cafés, board game cafés, even ones with paid actors—but hadn’t found much.

...

Meanwhile, in Ichika’s room—she sat dazed on her bed, replaying the night over and over in her mind.

Then, suddenly, she stood up, stretched out a hand toward the air, and lowered her voice dramatically:

“May I have the honor of dancing with the future superstar, Miss Ichika?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she flopped backward onto the bed with a loud duang, rolling and laughing helplessly.

Her cheeks glowed pink under the warm light, the sound of her quiet giggles filling the room.

---

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!