After the Yukinoshita sisters came over to greet Shirase and Ichika, the air finally loosened.
That was mostly thanks to Yukinoshita Haruno.
She was the kind of woman who could command a room without even trying—graceful, sharp, effortlessly charming. Even though she’d never spoken to Nakano Ichika before, it took her only a few lines to draw the girl into an easy, cheerful conversation.
At the same time, she still managed to involve both her sister and Shirase, her social rhythm flawless.
Of course, whenever Haruno turned her attention to Shirase, it was to tease him.
He handled it calmly, unruffled by every playful jab.
After all, he’d spent the last few days training with Haruno’s avatar inside [Immersive Hosting]. He was practically immune by now.
Haruno chuckled softly, clearly amused. “So that hot-blooded performance back at the restaurant was all an act after all.”
Beside her, Yukino stilled, remembering how Shirase had stood up for her that day. The ice in her gaze thawed, just a little.
Ichika blinked in confusion. Restaurant? Hot-blooded act? Did I miss something?
“No, that wasn’t acting,” Shirase said casually, lifting his glass of juice. “And I doubt my acting’s good enough to fool both you and Hiratsuka-sensei at once.”
Haruno immediately latched onto his words. “Oh? You left Yukino out on purpose. Are you saying she’s easier to fool?”
“That kind of petty provocation is beneath you,” Yukino said coolly, a faint frown creasing her brow.
Haruno sighed theatrically. “Really, Yukino—you’re not even married yet, and you’re already siding with outsiders?”
“Nee-san!” Yukino’s voice rose in protest.
“Alright, alright, I’ll stop teasing,” Haruno said lightly, though her gaze shifted toward Ichika—whose expression had subtly changed.
Noticing that tiny reaction, amusement flickered in Haruno’s eyes. A new idea bloomed instantly.
“Say, Ichika—may I call you that? Would you mind if we talked privately for a bit?” she asked sweetly. “You’ve been sneaking glances at me since we walked over.”
Ichika gave an embarrassed laugh. “That’s because Shirase once told me Haruno-san is really intelligent and extraordinary—someone ordinary people can’t compare to.”
Haruno raised an eyebrow, glancing at Shirase in playful surprise. “Oh my, so your opinion of me’s that high? Seems my reputation’s finally paying off.”
“I was just telling the truth,” Shirase replied mildly.
He knew full well Ichika was overselling what he’d actually said.
“In that case,” Haruno said, looping her arm around Ichika’s, “I’ll show Ichika around a bit. You two can stay here and chat.”
As she turned, she mouthed something silently at her sister—Your sister’s setting the stage for you.
Yukino’s eyelid twitched. Pointless meddling.
“What was Haruno-san trying to say?” Shirase asked, having caught the gesture but not the meaning.
Yukino replied evenly, “Just my bored sister inventing a new way to waste her time.”
“I see.” Shirase nodded and turned back to the buffet.
Watching him eat with single-minded focus, Yukino asked softly, “Did you skip dinner?”
“Obviously. I’d just finished training when Ichika dragged me out here.”
“Then I’m curious,” Yukino said. “Why did you agree to come in the first place?”
“You didn’t hear? I’m a world-famous celebrity now. Naturally, they invited me.”
“Nothing but nonsense.”
“Do I really have to remind you I’ve been dominating the film industry for thirty years?”
“Your stupidity exceeds all expectations,” Yukino muttered. “At this rate, if people see us talking, they’ll assume I’m your accomplice.”
Shirase grinned. “Do you come to these parties often?”
“Occasionally,” she admitted. “I dislike them, but there are invitations one can’t refuse.”
“So what do you usually do at them?”
“Eat. Space out.”
“What a coincidence. I was planning to do the same. Once I’m full, we can find a corner and space out together.”
“…”
Yukino gave him a look that was half exasperation, half disbelief. “Monkey-san, are you determined to keep humiliating yourself in front of me? I’ve already lost interest in your idiocy.”
“Can’t you at least come up with a new nickname? I’ve built up immunity to ‘Monkey-san.’”
Yukino’s lips curved in a faint, beautiful smile. “Forget it. I’ve already gotten used to your shamelessness.”
“I’m warning you,” Shirase said in mock seriousness. “You’ve insulted me several times now. If you weren’t dressed so beautifully tonight, I’d have already retaliated.”
“Thank you. I’ll accept that compliment,” Yukino said smoothly.
Then she paused, remembering something. “By the way… did you secretly hire a private tutor?”
Ah, she finally asked.
Suppressing a smirk, Shirase said, “So you figured it out? As expected from Yukino—clever, charming, and adorable as always.”
“I’ll accept clever and adorable,” she replied calmly, “but lively doesn’t fit me.” Her eyes narrowed slightly, studying him. “No wonder your grades improved so quickly. Seems I was right.”
“Seems?” Shirase echoed.
Yukino tilted her head. “Your face just now was suspicious enough to tell me I’m not entirely correct.”
“Then want to guess a few more times?”
“I will—but not right now.”
Yukino deflected neatly, sipping her juice.
Shirase went back to eating, but his gaze lingered on her.
From this close, Yukinoshita Yukino in her sapphire gown was breathtaking.
The cut wasn’t showy, but by revealing just enough—her delicate collarbones, the faint curve of her back—it created a quiet, irresistible elegance. Her slender waist was drawn in by the fabric; the hem brushed past smooth, porcelain-white calves; white heels added height and a touch of poise. Her features were as fine as sculpted glass, her skin glowing under the light—she looked like something you could fall into and never surface again.
Just as Shirase was appreciating the view, a tall champagne glass suddenly blocked his line of sight.
“Hey, I’m just looking—is that not allowed?” he complained.
Yukino smiled faintly, eyes soft. “Not allowed.”
“Fine, fine. I won’t look.”
He obediently turned away—only to swivel back a second later.
Yukino was ready. She pressed the rim of the glass against his cheek, her smile widening. “I knew you’d do that.”
“Damn you, Yukinoshita!”
“No matter what you say, I won’t get mad. But you’re still not allowed to look.”
Nearby, Hayama Hayato, standing quietly among the guests, watched the scene unfold.
“…Would it be rude,” he muttered to himself, “if I went over and said hi to Shirase right now?”
—
T/N: …i must stay strong with nino x shirase…
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!
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