Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

"Daiki-kun?" Nino's voice suddenly came from behind.

Daiki turned to see a beautiful, lively figure.

Her smooth cherry-red hair fell gracefully, tied with a black butterfly ribbon. A faint fragrance emanated from her. She wore black round-toe leather shoes and pure white stockings that accentuated her shapely legs and perfect figure.

Compared to when he last saw her, Nino seemed shyer now. Even from a distance, he could clearly see the blush on her cheeks.

"Daiki-kun, what a coincidence! Are you heading home?" Nino asked, twirling her hair with her index finger, seeming conflicted and hesitant.

"Ah, no, I was planning to find a restaurant for dinner."

His words made her pause slightly. She asked in surprise, "With your excellent cooking skills, do you still need to eat at restaurants?"

The culinary standards of ordinary restaurants couldn't compare to his at all. Logically, he should have very high standards for food.

"There's not much in the fridge, and I'm too lazy to go shopping."

"Oh, I see!" Hearing his explanation, Nino immediately showed understanding. She approached him with light steps, "Well then... why don't I go with you to the supermarket to stock up on ingredients? As thanks for your care yesterday, if you don't mind, I could cook today. It should be better than an ordinary restaurant."

After saying this, she felt her face burning.

What was she thinking? Inviting him to go shopping without telling Miku — if Itsuki and the others found out, it could lead to trouble.

Daiki considered the offer. Nino was primarily responsible for the quintuplets' daily meals. While her cooking skills might not match his own, they were likely quite good.

"Alright then."

His response made Nino's heart soar with joy. They set off side by side towards the supermarket.

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Daiki experienced the joyful life of being treated by a young, wealthy woman. Before he could even make a move, Nino had already paid.

According to her, since it was to repay his kindness, she absolutely couldn't let him pay.

The two leisurely walked through the supermarket, buying quite a few ingredients. Looking at the figure beside her, Nino's heart swelled with excitement and warmth. Wasn't this the married life she had dreamed of?

She secretly observed his profile. Despite being particular about appearances, she couldn't find any flaws. The only thing that worried her was that he wasn't her boyfriend.

Daiki walked to the refrigerated section, selecting suitable pork cutlets. Nino took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. Then, pretending to choose pork cutlets, she moved closer to him.

"Daiki-kun, how's this cut? I... I'm not very knowledgeable about this." Her uncontrollable nervousness made her voice tremble along with her heart.

Daiki looked at the small head in front of him, the delicate figure half-leaning into his arms. Even as a transmigrator with self-awareness far beyond ordinary people, he couldn't help but think:

'Does she like me? Or this is some kind of fidelity test?…'

His fingers twitched slightly, but he still didn't raise his hand.

This was a supermarket, after all! If classmates saw this, things with Miku would be over. At the very least, they should go somewhere more private.

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Meanwhile, Iroha Isshiki, also selecting ingredients in the supermarket, passed by the shelf.

She glanced towards the refrigerated section at the back. Daiki and Nino's figures immediately caught her eye.

'Daiki-senpai and Miku-san? Their relationship is so good! Don't they get tired of being together every day? Ugh, those lovebirds!' Iroha didn't linger. After all, why would she third-wheel a couple's date?

But after a few steps, she suddenly stopped. The image of the figure next to Daiki kept replaying in her mind.

'Miku-san? Wait, where are her headphones?'

Realizing something was amiss, she decisively backtracked. She peered carefully at the refrigerated section behind the shelf.

Indeed, not only were there no headphones, but also no black tights! Instead, the girl wore white stockings and a black butterfly hair ribbon. The eye-catching manicure on both hands particularly appealed to her aesthetic sense.

'Huh? That's not Miku-san? How did Ayase say to tell the quintuplets apart again?' Iroha raised her finger, her mind racing, "The one who often gets manicures is... oh! Nino-san!"

Suddenly, her eyes widened with realization. She clenched her fist excitedly, unable to hide the surprise and shock in her gaze.

"Daiki-senpai... Nino-san?" She muttered, "Why are they together?"

Iroha rubbed her eyes, confirming she wasn't seeing things. Nino's body was practically pressed against Daiki!

Could it be...?

She covered her mouth, stunned. It seemed she had stumbled upon an incredible secret!

With this information, wouldn't Daiki be at her mercy? She could have all the delicious food she wanted! Various scenarios began playing out in her rapidly spinning mind.

'Daiki-senpai! You wouldn't want Miku-san to know about you shopping with Nino-san, right?' Iroha's face flushed slightly, feeling a twinge of guilt at the thought.

But... she was just too excited!

Unable to resist, she ducked behind a shelf, secretly trailing the pair.

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"Daiki-kun?"

"Hmm?"

"Were you spacing out just now?"

"Ah, I spotted a little hamster."

Nino looked at him quizzically, but before their eyes could meet, she nervously averted her gaze. Her shy demeanor was endearing.

"Let's go with this one then. Shall we head to your place, Daiki-kun? I've already told Itsuki and the others they're on their own for dinner."

She tugged gently on his sleeve, guiding him towards the supermarket exit.

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A short while later, the two entered Daiki's home.

Standing not far away, Iroha's eyes widened, her small face a picture of shock.

"They... they actually went straight to his home?"

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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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