Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

The moonlight cast a faint glow in the dark living room.

Itsuki, holding the freshly washed lunchbox, suggested to Ichika beside her that it would be better to come clean rather than waiting helplessly for Miku's judgment.

"No way!" Ichika said firmly, "Haven't you noticed that Miku's been acting strange?"

Itsuki thought back for a moment and realized that Miku did seem to be in a bad mood. Could she have had an argument with Daiki?

"Why don't we wait a couple more days, until she's in a better mood?" Ichika tentatively suggested.

Itsuki shook her head, "We should just tell her directly. Daiki and Miku might already know about the lunchbox from their conversations. There's no need to keep hiding it. Besides, we're in the wrong here. Admitting our mistake and apologizing promptly is the most important thing. We can't keep this from them and delay indefinitely."

She saw the situation clearly, but Ichika kept trying to obstruct.

"Well, maybe we could... um... Itsuki, your eyes look scary..." Ichika shrank back, not daring to meet her gaze.

"Don't tell me you never intended to return the lunchbox to Miku?"

Caught out, Ichika gave an awkward laugh.

"Why?" Itsuki asked, puzzled.

"Well... I just wanted to eat Daiki's cooking one more time."

Hearing this, Itsuki couldn't help but smile wryly. What a relief — she had almost thought Ichika harbored inappropriate feelings for Daiki.

Thinking about the taste of his cooking, she swallowed hard. Although she had eaten the food Nino brought during lunch break, it paled in comparison. If only she could savor Daiki's cooking to her heart's content...

"Why don't we just ask him directly? There's no need to keep the lunchbox."

Itsuki's suggestion was immediately met with mockery.

"No wonder you don't have a boyfriend! Daiki is dating Miku, not serving as her personal chef. How can you suggest ordering him around like that? It would damage her relationship with him." Ichika, suddenly posing as a relationship expert, shook her head knowingly.

"As if you have one…" Itsuki muttered, then continued, "But regardless of what you say, it's pointless. Miku will still meet Daiki during lunch break tomorrow."

Hearing this, Ichika froze. She had forgotten the most crucial detail.

Daiki and Miku would be lovey-dovey together every day. If Yotsuba hadn't been injured, this lunchbox would have already been in Miku's possession.

"Oh, right! Let's give the lunchbox to Miku tomorrow at noon, and we'll both apologize. As for returning it, it's better if she does it herself."

Itsuki's heart finally settled. She had genuinely worried that Ichika would keep prolonging this situation.

In truth, she had simply wanted to enjoy one more meal. That lunch during break time had been eaten cautiously, with great restraint.

However, seeing that it couldn't be helped, Ichika had no choice but to concede.

And yet... when luck strikes, there's no stopping it.

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The next day.

A cold, drizzling rain enveloped Sobu High School. As raindrops hit the ground, a thin mist gradually rose.

This weather was clearly unsuitable for eating on the rooftop. Moreover, according to the forecast, the rain was likely to continue for a week.

Ichika pressed a finger to her lips, revealing a sly, fox-like smile.

"Hey, Itsuki, you go ahead to the cafeteria first. I'll take the lunchbox to Miku. We can't keep Daiki waiting."

Itsuki hesitated slightly, not because she distrusted Ichika. She simply felt that since it was both their mistake, there was no need for her sister to bear it alone.

"Although Yotsuba's injury isn't serious, the roads are slippery in the rain, so she still needs care."

Mentioning Yotsuba's injury, Itsuki didn't delay any further.

Ichika stood in place, pretending to send a message to Miku. Once her sister left the classroom, she headed towards Daiki's class.

At that moment in the classroom, Daiki was biting into a sandwich. He had originally planned to make a lunchbox, but he had stayed up late talking with Miku. When he woke up and found few ingredients in the fridge, he simply decided to be lazy.

Beside him, Ginko felt slightly relieved seeing him take out bread. If it smelled that good on the well-ventilated rooftop... She didn't dare imagine what would happen if he took out a lunchbox in the classroom.

However... this desk mate was really keeping his talents hidden. Who would have thought his cooking skills could be so advanced? His culinary prowess might even surpass that of chefs in high-end restaurants.

At this time, the entire classroom was quiet. Some people's attention was focused on Ginko. After all, her reputation in the shogi world was widely known. Even Fumino (Furuhashi), sitting in front, kept turning to look at her.

"Daiki-kun!"

A sweet voice instantly drew everyone's attention. Ichika stood at the door, waving enthusiastically at him.

"Isn't that Nakano-san? She seems to be Daiki's girlfriend."

"What? Daiki has such a beautiful girlfriend and we didn't know?"

"Well... he's not bad-looking himself, just not very outgoing."

"..."

Daiki walked to the door and accepted the cleaned lunchbox.

"Miku says your cooking is absolutely amazing, Daiki-kun! Even I couldn't resist after tasting just a few grains of rice." Ichika gushed, having just returned the lunchbox, "It's just that Itsuki was a bit greedy, and Miku hadn't eaten much before it was all gone. I'm so sorry, Daiki-kun. It was meant for Miku, but..."

She clasped her hands together, adopting a contrite expression.

"If you enjoyed it, I can make another portion." Daiki offered casually.

But unexpectedly...

"I'd love that!"

The atmosphere suddenly froze.

Ichika quickly backpedaled, "Uh... I mean Miku would love it!"

"Then I'll prepare two portions tomorrow. Please help me bring them to Miku." Daiki had his suspicions but didn't refuse.

After all, it was just two lunchboxes.

"No problem! I'll make sure to complete the mission!" After making the promise, Ichika suddenly felt this phrase was becoming a bit too familiar, "Thank you in advance, Daiki-kun."

She waved goodbye, the phone in her pocket vibrating incessantly. She knew without checking that it was Itsuki discovering her unauthorized actions.

Indeed, that was exactly the case.

Itsuki, supporting Yotsuba, walked into the cafeteria and encountered Nino and Miku. If Miku was with Nino, then where were Ichika and the lunchbox?

Her eyes suddenly widened as she realized she had been deceived once again.

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T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! Take a look at my other translations too, you might like them!

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