Tsumugi Kotobuki blinked in confusion. As the eldest daughter of a wealthy family, she had lived in comfort her entire life and had never experienced the need to haggle. The concept was completely foreign to her.
"It's like using the power of passion and will to overwhelm the other side and make them lower the price!" Ritsu said confidently, striking a dramatic pose that made Tsumugi's eyes sparkle in curiosity.
"I see... well then, I'd like to give it a try."
"Huh?" Yui Hirasawa tilted her head, still lost. "Wait—Tsumugi, are you going to help me negotiate?"
"Yep." Shiro Sakamaki shrugged, a faint smile on his face. "If she can shave the price down a little, you'll owe less. Win-win."
Encouraged by everyone's hopeful gazes—especially Yui's—Tsumugi walked up to the counter, her expression filled with anticipation and resolve.
Not even two minutes passed before she returned... victorious.
"The clerk said he's willing to sell the guitar for 50,000 yen."
Ritsu's eyes widened in disbelief, even taking a step back. "No way! For real?"
"What did you do?" Shiro asked, half-sighing. "Tsumugi, don't tell me... this shop belongs to your family?"
In the end, Yui bought the guitar for 50,000 yen. The remaining difference would be quietly covered by Tsumugi.
Seeing how things played out, Ritsu's eyes gleamed with mischief. She turned to Shiro with a flattering grin. "Hey, Shiro-kun, um..."
Before she could finish, bonk!—a karate chop from Mio landed on her head.
"Oww! What was that for, Mio?!"
"Stop trying to take advantage of Shiro-kun, you freeloader!"
"But I wasn't gonna—"
"If you want something, earn it yourself!"
As the group prepared to leave, something caught Shiro's eye—a set of flutes resting quietly in a glass display.
It was unusual to see flutes in a store mainly stocked with guitars, basses, and drums. He walked over, curious.
They were neatly arranged on soft cushions. Simple bamboo flutes—beautifully crafted, though clearly affordable. He stared for a moment, then lost interest.
When he rejoined the group, the girls had already paid and were heading home.
Back at his apartment complex, just as Shiro reached his door, the one across from him opened.
Ichika Nakano peeked out. "Shiro-kun, do you have a moment?"
"Hmm? Sure. Something up, Ichika?"
She stepped aside to let him in.
"So basically, your dad thinks your grades are too low and wants to hire a tutor?" Shiro summarized.
"Yeah, that's right," Ichika nodded.
Just then, the rest of the Nakano sisters wandered in. Hearing the word "tutor," they instantly perked up and joined the conversation.
"So what do you need from me?" Shiro asked, puzzled. "I'm not exactly a pro at teaching."
Itsuki, snacking on fruit, answered, "We just want you to pretend to be our tutor. That way, we can tell Dad we already have one."
"According to him, he's looking for someone from our school anyway—just with better grades," Miku added.
"In that case," Shiro said, raising a brow, "there's probably no one better than me, right?"
Nino shot him a sharp glance, cheeks faintly pink. She hadn't forgotten their bet. Just thinking about the kind of "winnings" Shiro might ask for made her nervous.
Shiro, of course, pretended not to notice.
"So?" he asked. "Even if I act as your tutor, what happens if your grades don't actually improve? Won't your dad just replace me anyway?"
The room fell silent. None of them had thought that far ahead.
Shiro sighed. "Alright, I'll help."
"Really?!" the girls exclaimed in unison.
They clearly preferred having someone they trusted over a complete stranger.
Even Nino had quietly been helping out around the apartment, preparing meals here and there—something she'd never admit to doing for just anyone.
"I'll take the role seriously. But you all have to study, too. If you're stuck, just ask me. I'll explain everything. If we do this right, your dad won't have a reason to bring in someone else."
"I'll do my best, Shiro-kun!" Itsuki declared, full of determination.
The others followed suit, nodding in agreement. They knew if they slacked off, Shiro would get fired anyway—and they'd be back to square one.
"Alright then," Shiro said. "We've got a deal. Just one thing—you'll have to handle your dad yourselves."
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