Chapter 151
Hearing Takamine Mineo's words, Nozomi didn't offer much of a rebuttal. The two of them stepped inside the restaurant and promptly took their seats at one of the available tables.
Nozomi scanned their surroundings, taking in the ambiance before leaning in toward Mineo.
"This place is a very famous high-end restaurant around here," she said softly. "I've always wanted to come and taste the food, but unfortunately, my financial situation never really allowed it. Is it really okay for us to eat here, Mineo-kun? Honestly, I wouldn't have minded finding somewhere a bit more economical and budget-friendly."
"Is Nozomi-chan already starting to think of ways to save my money?"
Mineo chuckled, a playful smile playing on his lips. "To someone like me, money is basically just a string of numbers. Dining with a girl I like should naturally match the occasion. Since I have more than enough to cover it, choosing a better place is only right. Besides, didn't Nozomi-chan promise to help me resolve the situation with Eli? At the very least, I should treat you to a proper meal today."
Hearing his response, Nozomi couldn't help but roll her eyes. She gave him a charming, lingering look before letting out a small, graceful smile.
"Didn't I tell you before? When you're on a date with a girl, you really shouldn't mention another girl's name. Mineo-kun keeps bringing up Eli-chi... what if I actually get jealous? Besides, Mineo-kun already showed me so many breathtaking sights today, and you even traveled from so far away. So, please let me handle the bill for today's meal. Even though my funds are a bit limited, I can still afford to treat us once here. If you don't want to make me unhappy, Mineo-kun is strictly forbidden from refusing my good intentions."
From the look in Nozomi's eyes, Mineo could tell she was being completely serious. Seeing her resolve, he decided not to be overly formal about it anymore.
"Alright, since Nozomi-chan put it that way, I'll let you treat me today. When I have some free time later, I'll make sure to return the favor."
"Waiter, could we have the menu, please!"
Nozomi waved her small hand toward a waiter in an adorable gesture. In no time, a waiter brought over the menus for both of them.
The two picked out the dishes they wanted to eat and began to wait for their order while chatting casually.
The pleasant dinner soon came to an end. Once they finished eating, Mineo accompanied Nozomi and walked her all the way to her front door.
After unlocking the door, Nozomi turned back to face Mineo. She leaned her body forward slightly and spoke with a bright, cheerful tone.
"Ever since I was born, today has been one of the happiest days I've ever had. Because of that, in my heart, I'm truly grateful to Mineo-kun! I hope that if there's time in the future, Mineo-kun can keep taking me to explore the skies..."
"No problem! If I have free time, I'll keep taking you out to play! Alright, Nozomi-chan, go on inside. I should head back too. See you tomorrow!"
"See you tomorrow!"
Mineo quickly turned around and left the area. Only after his silhouette disappeared down the stairs did Nozomi quietly turn back and enter her room.
She leaned her back against the door and pulled her phone from her pocket. Staring at Mineo's name in her contact list, a faint, indescribable light flickered in her eyes.
After standing in a daze for a few seconds, Nozomi's slender fingers began to tap the buttons on her phone.
"Mineo-kun! Thank you!"
At the same moment, Mineo—who had just stepped out of the apartment building—instantly received the message sent by Nozomi-chan.
Looking at that short sentence, Mineo replied to her message with a smile.
"Nozomi-chan, get some rest early. I'll say goodnight to you ahead of time!"
After leaving Nozomi's house, Mineo didn't go straight back to his lodging. He turned toward a different direction and, in a short time, arrived back at the street where he had taken Nozomi-chan to eat earlier.
Spotting a convenience store up ahead, Mineo stepped inside.
There stood a teenage girl who looked incredibly adorable even in her store uniform. She was standing in front of the discounted food section, shouting with full enthusiasm.
"Fresh salmon is on a huge sale! Everyone, come and take a look! We also have fresh fruits and vegetables! If you need anything, please come over here! Ma'am, would you like to buy some tomatoes? These were just delivered this afternoon! The store is closing soon, so all these ingredients are 50% off!"
The girl in front of him wasn't particularly tall, but her skin was ivory-white and pristine. Her eyes were clear and moist, and her beautiful black hair was tied into two adorable pigtails.
It was Yazawa Nico!
When he had come to the restaurant with Nozomi-chan earlier, Mineo happened to spot her by chance.
In the world of Love Live, every main character was an existence with a very strong personality, and Nico clearly had one of the most prominent and powerful personalities of them all.
Seeing Nico working so hard to sell the discounted items, Mineo walked over. Nico, naturally seeing him approach, drew closer with a burst of enthusiasm.
"Would you like to buy some fruits or vegetables, sir? The quality of our produce is excellent. If you take them home and cook them, they'll definitely taste delicious!"
Mineo stared at Nico and then, with a convincing air, picked up two tomatoes.
"Yes, these vegetables do look very fresh. However, little miss, may I ask one thing out of curiosity? Won't hiring child labor like yourself get this shop reported to the authorities?"
Hearing Mineo's words, Nico instantly froze in place.
"Child... child labor?"
In a split second, Nico's forehead was lined with veins of anger. She grit her teeth, trying her hardest to suppress the urge to let out a string of curses.
A heartbeat later, she forced herself to put on a smile that looked like she was ready to commit a murder.
"Actually, sir, I am already a third-year high school student. According to the law, I am allowed to work a part-time job while studying."
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