Misaki, currently a second-year student at Tokiwadai Middle School.
Even so, her height, figure, and demeanor didn't match a middle school student at all. You could easily mistake her for a high schooler, even a third-year.
Also, Misaki was the queen of Tokiwadai's largest faction, possessing extensive connections and various information.
So, when Mikoto started investigating research institutes recently, she caught Misaki's attention.
After looking into everything related to Mikoto, she imagined a scenario where Mikoto was planning something big.
How could she miss out on such interesting events?
Although she hadn't known Mikoto long, Misaki believed they would have many interactions in the future.
Besides, they were both Level 5 Espers. They would either become allies or enemies someday.
Alright, she admitted it.
Misaki had learned about the "Absolute Power Evolution Project" through her information sources and was very interested in the Misaka Sisters.
Especially the Misaka Network; it seemed like a perfect fit for her.
"Alright, I'm done talking to you. Goodbye!"
Seeing who she wanted outside the school gate, Mikoto stopped caring about Misaki. She immediately ran towards that person.
"Kaito-nii, you finally came!"
"Haha, good afternoon, Mikoto. Did you pay attention in class today?"
"Ugh... Kaito-nii, what kind of question is that? Could you be less cliché?"
"Haha! Let's go home first. Your mom has another surprise for you."
"There's more?"
Mikoto was surprised. She thought the surprise was just Kaito's arrival. There was another?
Instinctively, Mikoto looked at Misuzu, who was still in the car.
"Hehe, you'll know when we get home. Get in the car!"
Misuzu called out from the window.
Curious, Mikoto nodded and prepared to walk with Kaito to the car.
But...
"Oh my, this brother. What's your name?"
"Huh? You are..."
"Hehe, hello. My name is Shokuhou Misaki. I'm a second-year at Tokiwadai Middle School and Mikoto's senior."
Misaki hadn't given up. Seeing Kaito, her eyes lit up.
'Could someone this handsome exist in the world?'
'Was he an idol or a star?'
If so, she would know. Even if she wasn't interested, some of her friends who were idol fans would have told her.
"I see. Hello, my name is Kaito. Is there something you need?"
"Kaito-nii, don't talk to her. She's annoying."
Mikoto warily moved closer to Kaito, even grabbing his hand to pull him back.
Her wariness wasn't just because of Misaki's personality and ability, but also because of her beauty, which made Mikoto feel insecure.
Damn...
At 168 cm, standing next to her, the height difference was huge, and that figure...
Ugh...
Often, Mikoto wondered if she had any potential at all.
Her mother, Misuzu, had such a good figure, why hadn't she started developing yet?
"Hmm... it's nothing important. I just thought you were handsome and wanted to get to know you!"
"Heh, thank you for the compliment. But I have things to do. Maybe another time."
"Hmm... alright. Since you're busy, I won't disturb you."
Misaki knew when to step back. She took a half-step back and gave a slight bow, seeing them off.
Kaito gave Misaki a deep look, his lips curling up slightly before he took Mikoto's hand and led her to the car.
After all...
Who had reached out to take his hand first?
Realizing the situation, Mikoto's face turned bright red. She couldn't speak, couldn't do anything; she was like a puppet being led by Kaito.
"Kaito, what was that about? Who was that girl?"
"She's Mikoto's senior. She thought I was handsome and came to chat me up."
"Hehe, well, don't get any ideas. That's a 'three years minimum' warning, you know."
"Come on, even a life sentence would be worth it, okay? Besides, do you think I'm afraid of that?"
"Haha, let's go, let's go!"
Misuzu didn't bother continuing the conversation. Even if she tried to stop him, it wouldn't work.
She had also seen that blonde girl. All she could say was...
She was certainly surprising.
"Mom, what's the surprise you mentioned?"
"I'm not telling, I'm not telling. You'll see when we get home."
"Alright!"
Mikoto quietly withdrew her hand, too shy. She tried to change the subject, but failed.
For the rest of the ride, Mikoto kept her head down, too embarrassed to speak, her eyes fixed on the hand Kaito had held earlier...
It was warm...
It felt so safe...
Finally home, Mikoto saw what the surprise was.
"Mom, explain to me. What does 'surprise' mean?"
"Huh? Explain what?"
"Explain to me what 'surprise' means!!"
Mikoto pointed at the girl eating her treasured Gekota-themed snacks in her own home, on the verge of tears.
So, this was the surprise?
The surprise was that the Gekota-themed snacks she couldn't even bring herself to eat were being devoured by this silver-haired girl???
"Ahaha... well, you had a lot in your drawer, and there weren't any other snacks at home, so I took them out."
"Mom... I bought those with my allowance!"
"Allowance? That's easy. I'll give you one million yen later so you can buy as many as you want. Speaking of which, I've only been giving you that small allowance. That's my fault. I'm sorry, Mikoto."
Misuzu said, looking guilty as she stroked Mikoto's hair.
Mikoto was dumbfounded.
'One million yen?'
'Uh...'
'Was that really something I could have??'
Accustomed to budgeting carefully, Mikoto suddenly felt this was unreal.