"Eh? Shiro-kun can recognize all of us so easily every time. That's really amazing."
Shiro scratched his cheek, smiling modestly.
"Nah, just a little trick. But Ichika, why were you so anxious to find me?"
Ichika clapped her hands lightly. "Oh right! The tutor Dad arranged will be coming over tonight. I was hoping Shiro-kun could join us."
Shiro's brows furrowed slightly. "Tonight?"
He had just promised Kanna a delicious dinner outing. Breaking that promise wasn't an option.
"Is it not convenient for Shiro-kun?"
"It's not that… but I already made plans for tonight. Could we push it back a little?"
Ichika tilted her head, considering. "Hmm, how about I call Dad and ask if the tutor can come at 8:30 instead?"
Shiro glanced at his phone. It was nearly 5 PM. Considering Kanna's eating pace, 8:30 would be just enough time.
"Alright, 8:30 works. I promised a certain little someone we'd have a big dinner tonight, so I just need a bit of time."
"A girl?"
Shiro chuckled. "She's a distant cousin of mine. Her family's going through some stuff, so she's staying with me for a while."
"She just arrived today, actually. I bought her some essentials this afternoon and promised her something tasty tonight. Want to come too? Could be a good chance to meet her."
He figured it was better to get introductions out of the way now rather than explain Kanna's presence one by one later.
"Wouldn't that be a bother?"
"Not at all. But fair warning—she's a bit shy. Don't scare her off."
Ichika smiled brightly. "Sounds fun! I'll tell the others. Nino hasn't started cooking anyway."
With a light step, she turned and dashed back into the apartment, the door closing behind her with a soft click.
---
"Kanna, time to get ready—we're heading out for dinner," Shiro called after finishing organizing her room.
Kanna had been rolling blissfully on the bed's fluffy mattress but shot up the moment she heard him. Her little legs carried her quickly to the living room.
Before they left, Shiro knelt slightly to meet her gaze.
"Kanna, there'll be a lot of people where we're going. Remember: don't hurt anyone unless it's absolutely necessary, and don't use any power beyond what a normal person would have."
Kanna tilted her head, listening closely.
"Also, keep your horns and tail hidden. No exceptions."
"…And if someone bullies you, you're allowed to hit back—within reason."
She blinked at him for a moment, her blue eyes thoughtful, before giving a small nod.
"Got it."
"Good girl. For now, we'll tell people you're my distant cousin staying here temporarily. It'll help you blend in."
"Okay. Let's go, Shiro!"
---
Click.
Shiro opened the door and found himself face-to-face with the Nakano sisters, who had just stepped out of their apartment across the hall.
Their eyes immediately locked on the tiny girl beside him.
"Kawaii!!"
"She's so small—Shiro-kun, is she your little sister?"
"What's your name, sweetie?"
The barrage of attention overwhelmed Kanna instantly. She shrank behind Shiro, gripping the hem of his coat tightly and glaring at the unfamiliar girls with wary eyes.
Despite their kind smiles, this was only her second day in human society. Other than Shiro and Tohru, she didn't trust anyone. Not even Kobayashi, and certainly not these strangers.
If not for Shiro's earlier words, her natural response would've been to charge up a nice warning zap.
"She's still shy around strangers, so try not to crowd her," Shiro said gently.
He scooped her into his arms under the envious stares of the girls.
"Shiro-kun, what are we eating tonight?" Ichika asked.
"I was thinking Italian. I'm a bit tired of Japanese food."
"Italian?" Itsuki blinked.
"Yeah, there's a place called Taki Amarillo. Saw it trending yesterday. The chef was ranked second among Totsuki Academy's top ten graduates. Should be good."
"Oooh, fancy."
Kanna, resting against his chest, asked curiously, "Shiro, what are Totsuki's top ten?"
"Basically, people who make super tasty food. You'll see soon enough."
"Oh~."
---
The group took a taxi and arrived at Taki Amarillo. Once inside a cozy private room, Shiro asked if anyone wanted coffee, but no one else did, so he ordered a cup just for himself.
"Feel free to order anything," he said. "Don't hold back."
The sisters, already used to Shiro's casual generosity, dove into the menu with sparkles in their eyes. No guilt, no hesitation.
Kanna, meanwhile, flipped through the menu seriously… by looking at the pictures.
She didn't understand the words yet, so she circled the prettiest-looking dishes with a pen.
Soon, the waiter brought Shiro's coffee. He took a whiff.
Hmm… smells just like regular coffee, he thought.
But this place had a reputation to uphold. He took a sip, curious if it lived up to the hype…
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