Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

Thud!

The heavy box slammed onto the ground, sending clouds of choking dust into the air and obscuring her vision.

"cough cough cough... How long has it been since anyone cleaned this place?" Iroha waved her hand helplessly through the swirling dust, "It's all Daiki-senpai's fault! Even after what I said to him..."

Thinking of Daiki's response, she ground her teeth in frustration. She had even swallowed her pride and offered herself as an apology. Yet that jerk senpai had actually said "In your dreams, little girl"!

While the damage wasn't severe, the insult stung deeply!

She, Iroha Isshiki, had been cute since childhood!

Though she'd never dated anyone, she knew she was attractive. Yet that womanizing radish of a senpai couldn't see it at all.

"This makes me so angry!" Iroha stomped her foot in frustration.

Still, she had no choice but to move. Her old room had left her with psychological scars — even looking at the windows during daylight made her shiver, let alone at night.

Fortunately, the house next to Daiki's had been available for rent. She'd paid overnight and moved in today.

She wiped the sweat from her forehead as a smug smile spread across her face.

"Heh heh, prepare to repent, you jerk senpai! Since you rejected my suggestion, you'll have to work hard to chase after me now! Even if you cook for me daily, I'll stand my ground." She delighted in imagining scenes of that jerk senpai pining for her unrequitedly.

At this moment, Iroha's face bore the devilish grin of a little demon.

She would use her charm to hook senpai, then reject him harshly. Let him experience the pain of unrequited love!

Even if that jerk senpai were to forcefully take her body in the future, he'd never capture her heart!

"First, I'll prepare a gift, then pay him a surprise visit." Iroha cleaned the dusty room while preparing the gift.

Soon after, she saw Daiki return home.

Just as she was about to visit with her gift, another figure approached.

"Huh, is that Nino... no, that can't be Nino-senpai. No nail art or black butterfly hairband — definitely not her. No headphones or black stockings — not Miku-senpai. Too composed to be Yotsuba-senpai. Itsuki-senpai has long hair, so could that be Ichika-senpai?" She studied the figure's back carefully, "But why would Ichika-senpai come to Daiki's house alone? No way, could it be..."

Iroha covered her mouth, her eyes widening in disbelief.

How many times had Miku been betrayed by her sisters? First Nino staying out all night, now Ichika visiting alone. Yet Miku, the official girlfriend, had never even visited.

"He really is a womanizing radish! I probably wouldn't even rank as his third woman!"

As soon as she said that, Iroha slapped her forehead.

To think that she, a beautiful first-year at Sōbu High, was contemplating becoming the other woman.

How... shameless!

"No, I must stop senpai's shenanigans!" She clenched her fists, determination gleaming in her eyes.

Though her reasoning was flimsy, Iroha pressed on regardless.

She felt terribly frustrated watching different senpais taking turns with Daiki — like mice nibbling away at a delicious cheese.

Yet she failed to realize that this cheese had nothing to do with her.

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Ichika knocked on Daiki's door, holding a bento box.

He opened the door, finding Ichika standing there hesitantly.

"Did you forget something?"

"I came to return the bento box. I'm sorry... the lunch never actually made it to Miku. I was greedy and ate all of it myself." She took a deep breath and confessed everything.

The moment she said it, a heavy burden lifted from her shoulders.

Initially, she had only felt guilty about eating Miku's food. She'd tried to make up for it by playing matchmaker, but discovering Nino's situation had left her worried.

Now she understood why her sister kept this secret from Miku. While she and Itsuki had been stealing food, Nino had been stealing a person.

In a way, she and Itsuki might share responsibility for the current situation. If Miku had tasted the cooking, perhaps Nino could have been stopped.

Instead, they had unwittingly become part of her plan to steal him.

"I see, don't worry, I'll make another portion for her later." Daiki took the bento box without reproach.

Faced with his gentle attitude, Ichika found herself speechless.

She wanted to question his feelings toward Miku and Nino, but seeing him now, understanding began to dawn.

Before, she'd focused solely on her sisters, never daring to observe him closely. Now, standing near him, she could finally examine him properly.

In terms of looks, Daiki was unmatched. Flawless skin, an otherworldly aura, mysterious culinary skills, and overwhelming power in Jujutsu. Even in shōgi, which he claimed to be "not good at", he could easily defeat Ginko.

How could anyone resist someone so perfect? Not just the inexperienced Nino — even she, Ichika, found it difficult.

Daiki was too deep a pool for the conservative Miku to handle!

After all, he was in his passionate youth. Miku's conservative nature — her avoidance of certain premarital activities — created opportunities for Nino and other interested parties.

Maybe it was natural for Daiki to stray... perhaps... possibly...

"Well... Daiki-kun... I'll be going now..." After hesitating, Ichika couldn't voice her thoughts.

Just as she turned to leave, a sweet voice rang out from behind.

"Daiki-senpai! Why are you back so late? I've been waiting for ages! I couldn't sleep last night because I didn't see you!"

The flirtatious words immediately put Ichika on alert.

Could it be... not just Miku, but even Nino was being cheated on?

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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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