Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

"Daiki-senpai! Why aren't you saying anything?" Iroha moved closer with an impish smile, her beautiful eyes sparkling with excitement and triumph as she blinked repeatedly.

She boldly grabbed his arm and pulled it close, as if declaring her girlfriend status to Ichika who stood at the door.

Her cunning eyes darted toward Daiki's face, hoping to see him flustered and uncomfortable.

Instead, his unnervingly calm gaze made her smile stiffen slightly, giving her an ominous feeling.

"Daiki-kun, who is this?" Ichika asked uneasily as she watched the girl nestle closer to him.

"Ichika-senpai, I'm Iroha Isshiki, a first-year student. Pleased to meet you." Iroha bowed deeply.

"Oh, I see. You and Daiki-kun seem very close!" This wasn't what Ichika really wanted to know. She wanted to understand the true nature of the relationship between this cute kōhai and Daiki.

"That's because Daiki-senpai saved me two nights ago!" Iroha exclaimed, describing the scene vividly.

She told how he had sliced through an abandoned building with one hand, overwhelmingly defeated a grotesque Evil Spirit, and even cleared out a room for her to stay overnight.

The admiration and awe in her words were plain to see.

Hearing this, Ichika could understand her feelings completely. Anyone would tremble in fear when haunted by an Evil Spirit.

Being rescued in such dire circumstances by someone like Daiki — who seemed perfect in every way, like a prince charming come to life — would leave quite an impression.

However... he was her brother-in-law, damn it! And he was already involved with two of her sisters!

Ichika, who had been about to leave, froze in place.

"So, kōhai, did you come to express your gratitude?"

"Ah, no, I moved next door and came to pay a visit. That room gave me trauma, so I feel safer being closer to Daiki-senpai."

This proper response somewhat relieved Ichika.

Still, Iroha's words had been rather suggestive. Someone might think something had happened between her and Daiki.

Wait — were they certain nothing had happened? Given her sister's precedent, Ichika couldn't help but worry.

"Did you only stay here one night? I thought you might have stayed until moving in next door." She probed carefully.

Hearing these words, Iroha nearly lost her composure.

"I wanted to stay another night." She said resentfully, "But Daiki-senpai said he was going to the shrine with Miku-senpai for blessings, so he kicked me out."

Ichika was taken aback by this revelation.

Daiki was even more dependable than she'd imagined. This kōhai was strikingly beautiful with an enviable figure, yet he hadn't wavered at all.

Then how had things progressed that way with Nino?

'Could it be... because Nino and Miku look identical... he couldn't resist...' A sudden realization dawned on Ichika.

Daiki was, after all, at that passionate age. Miku was too reserved to indulge him, and when he heroically saved Nino — who looked exactly like Miku — his long-suppressed feelings finally broke free.

This explained everything about what happened between Nino and Daiki!

How else could someone of his character act that way? He'd even turned away this adorable kōhai who had practically delivered herself to his doorstep!

Having "solved the mystery", Ichika fell silent as a dangerous thought crossed her mind.

'Don't stop, Daiki-kun, I'm Miku!' Blushing at the thought, she quickly shook her head, "Daiki-kun, I just remembered how much trouble I've caused you lately. I'd like to cook you a meal to make up for it."

Though Iroha posed no immediate threat to Miku's position, who could guarantee Daiki would resist this temptation forever?

As the eldest of the quintuplets, she had to protect her sisters!

"If you don't mind the trouble, I have no objection." Daiki, oblivious to her thoughts, stepped aside.

"Kōhai, why don't you come in and sit for a while?" Having received his permission, Ichika seamlessly switched roles.

She invited the girl in as if she were the lady of the house.

Iroha was dumbfounded — how could her attitude change so suddenly? Hadn't she noticed what a player this guy was?

I'm still clinging to his arm right now!

"I... um... never mind... my room's not clean yet..." Iroha answered stiffly before leaving in confusion.

If she stayed any longer, she might end up joining forces with Ichika!

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After Iroha left, Ichika entered Daiki's home.

Her eyes swept across the modest room before landing on him, making her heart race inexplicably.

'Don't be nervous, I'm doing this all for Miku and Nino's sake.'

After reassuring herself, she began chatting with him.

To her surprise, they hit it off wonderfully. He was incredibly knowledgeable about variety shows and the entertainment industry. Though she had prepared herself for awkward conversation, Ichika found herself swept up in engaging discussion.

It wasn't until nightfall that she finally wrapped up their conversation, albeit reluctantly.

"I originally planned to become an actress, but after talking with a girl from the entertainment industry online, I gave up."

"Why?" Daiki asked curiously.

"She said her life was controlled by her manager, who even tried forcing her to do swimsuit shoots when she was young. Though she refused, it still left her traumatized." Ichika's face showed dread.

If the price was having her life controlled by a manager, she'd rather remain a spectator.

Hearing her description, Daiki had a vague sense of familiarity.

Before he could think further, his phone suddenly rang.

It was Haruno calling, likely seeking help.

[Daiki-kun, we're surrounded by zombies!]

Her panicked voice and the zombies' growls made Ichika's heart clench.

"Got it, I'll be right there." Daiki hung up and rose from the sofa.

Ichika could guess this involved the Yukinoshita family. But the phone call had contained not just zombie growls — there was gunfire too.

This seemed far too dangerous.

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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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