This chapter will be saved for now and will be released later as part of the character analysis for Volume 1.
Chapter 23 Chapter 21 A Kind of Unhealthy Thinness..
Nana sometimes felt that she had been raised a bit "crooked" by certain people.
It started with Sister [male], later it was Zhenjun [female].
—Well, even though the latter didn't really look after her much either.
She had always felt that she wasn't exactly a nonconformist; after all, she never had that desire to "make a big splash." She was simply normal, never excessively "conformist."
That was enough.
However, she discovered that in her middle school and high school, there was rarely a sense of "conformity."
For example, a girl's bento box is only as small as a palm—or perhaps a little larger than a palm, usually containing things like small rice balls, corn, fish chunks, various other items.
But—the portions were all so small!
Can this little bit of food really be enough to get full?
Anyway, after trying several times only to have her stomach growl loudly, Nana returned home feeling completely listless.
When asked by Family, Nana poured out all her grievances in a breakdown, then added a confused remark: "Is my appetite just incredibly large? Are they all not hungry?"
Once Mother understood, he spoke with a chuckle, "What are you talking about? Everyone is hungry; they just eat a little more when they come home. How about giving Nana a few more Gyoza for dinner tonight?"
Sister thought about it for a moment and said, "In that case, how about bringing two Bentos tomorrow?"
Nana looked blankly for a moment, then asked somewhat reluctantly, "Is that okay? But everyone is like this!"
Mother also said it was unnecessary, because everyone was like that.
However, Sister insisted, "There's nothing wrong with bringing extra Bento. How can you let yourself go hungry all the time? Just give it a try tomorrow."
So Nana brought two Small Bentos, deciding to just go for it.
Later, she found that it wasn't actually a big deal.
Although she felt a bit embarrassed by her friends' surprised expressions when she was found out, after a few times, she was able to say calmly, "Well.. it can't be helped, I just have a big appetite."
By the way, at that time, there were two exchange student girls from China; the Bentos they brought were both large portions, Nana always suspected the two girls were looking at them with looks of astonishment.
Later, after they had become well-acquainted, she always felt that the meaning in those two girls' eyes was "La Qun SB".
Sister is a very formidable person—Little Nani has always felt that way.
Later, Shiratori Nana became Hashimoto Nana; even "extraordinary people" had sisters who became Azhen.
Zhenjun had nothing to do with the concept of "following the crowd"; this man was dangerous, cold, unruly, the kind of person who could make you feel pressured even when he was merely looking at you with indifference.
In his presence, you would only focus your attention on him, never once considering whether the man's actions conformed to public custom.
She greatly admired those people who refused to do things they didn't like, could say "no" so naturally.
Later one day, a friend said to her, "Nani-chan, I think you are a very unconventional person.."
Well.. I'm not saying you're bad, it's just.. I feel like you live very freely.
Nana??
She never thought she would have anything to do with the term 'unconventional'.
In her eyes, or rather, in the eyes of many, it was not a positive term.
Nana's popularity at school wasn't particularly good; she was the type who had a few friends but lacked a wide social circle, some people even subtly excluded her.
She roughly knew it was because some of her habits were different from others, but only now did she suddenly realize—in the eyes of others, was she considered "eccentric" after all?
She was a bit embarrassed.
However, her friend's next words helped her regain her composure.
Her friend said, "Even though I feel it's not quite right to say this, sometimes I really envy Nani-chan for having this kind of courage! I always think it's so cool."
Cool?
A little sister just barely over one meter sixty, she was being praised for being handsome.
Then.. why don't you try a different way?" Feeling a bit strange yet excited, Nana thought of a question: "Clearly, there are some things you don't even like doing.
Her friend said helplessly, "I know, but.. everyone else does it."
Nana??
Because that's what everyone does.
It was a sentence she had not heard in a long time.
Nana thought for a long time before reaching a conclusion.
Although the gap between herself and Sister is still vast, Zhenjun.. to say nothing of her, in the eyes of others, she has already become different.
Sister might not have done it on purpose, Zhenjun cares even less about me, but their existence seems to have shown me a different way of life.
And another world (3).
..
On the streets on a weekend afternoon, pedestrians walked in small groups of two or three, some traveled alone, there was no shortage of men and women walking together in pairs.
From this perspective, the pairing of the Black-haired girl and the Silver-haired youth didn't stand out that much.
The two of them chatted as they walked, though it seemed the Girl was the one speaking more.
After all, it is Q&A time.
The weather was beautiful. The Black-haired girl wore only a thin jacket, a scarf, a pair of small leather shoes over her stockings.
Just like any ordinary girl, Nana was not stingy when it came to dressing well.
He turned to face the Silver-haired youth, bringing his hands together in a summary gesture: "So, that's how it is.."
Nana tilted her head slightly. "Personally, I wouldn't recommend your aunt dating that man; it's obvious he just wants to scam his for his money."
The Silver-haired youth nodded, his expression somewhat serious. "Thank you, Senior. I will pass that on to my aunt."
It's fine.." Nana smiled, "This is the second time you've come to me, since the reward from the last time was so generous, I'll certainly do my utmost.
I see.." The Silver-haired youth paused, lowering his eyes, asked, "Then, the reward for this time..
Nana shook her head, interrupting her. "There's no need for that this time."
I should get some kind of discount. How about treating me to a meal?" Nana put her right hand in her pocket and let her left arm hang naturally at her side, looking quite leisurely. "If you feel bad about it, how about helping me with some promotion?
"Fine," the Silver-haired youth said decisively. He raised a hand, intending to twirl his small braid, but he restrained himself.
Nana looked at him in confusion, but the Silver-haired youth spoke decisively, "Then, how about I ask for leave from my senior tomorrow?"
Ah.." Nana turned to the side and said to the youth as she walked, "Not tomorrow, I have something to do tomorrow.
It seems like Senpai is.." the youth drew out his voice, sounding somewhat coquettish—Nana wasn't sure if it was just her imagination—"always so busy.
Nana froze for a moment, meeting the youth's green eyes, which held their usual mix of playfulness and seriousness. She pursed her lips, suddenly feeling a sudden urge to laugh.
This is truly..
It's really something.. I'm going shopping later to buy some cosmetics and things.
"Cosmetics?" The Silver-haired youth did not expect to receive such an answer and asked back reflexively.
Exactly.." Nana said, tapping her cheek with her left hand. "A classmate gave me a Mission to investigate someone, but I didn't have a reasonable excuse to get close.. The client sent me an invitation to a Masquerade, hoping I could make contact then to see if there were any issues. Besides cosmetics, I need to buy some other things too..
I see..
Are you willing to go with me, Niwang?" Nana suddenly spoke up. "How about helping me pick some out?
Pausing for a moment, the Black-haired girl propped her cheek with her left index finger. "I feel like.. Niwang's makeup skills might even be better than mine, even though I'm a girl."
Ah.. this..
The Black-haired girl blinked her eyes and stopped teasing her. She turned around to say something, but as her gaze unintentionally swept to the left, it suddenly froze upon a familiar figure.
Nana was startled, her pupils dilating. She took two steps forward instinctively, letting out a soft "Eh—" from her lips.
Seeing this, Niwang Yaji followed her gaze and frowned.
..
Gin curled his lips into a faint smile, his eyes shimmering with a hint of nonchalance. "Have you already decided?"
"Of course." The person opposite him looked very young, perhaps only around twenty-two or twenty-three. His hair was brown with a hint of dark green; he was handsome, wore glasses, looked quite refined.
The Youth was not short; although he seemed half a head shorter than Gin, he still possessed a tall and slender build.
However, he was very thin.
This was Nana's first impression of him when she noticed her—an almost unhealthy thinness.
Then be careful." The low, hoarse voice carried a hint of a warning. "I don't want to have wasted my efforts for nothing.
Don't worry." The seemingly refined youth's eyes revealed a hint of crazed confidence and arrogance. "After all, I am—a Magician.
Gin's lip twitched slightly, he had no intention of making any comment on such chuunibyou behavior.
However, he didn't feel that anything was wrong.
There was nothing extraordinary about him; the guy wasn't worth his help at all.
Then, I wish you success." The Silver-haired youth glanced at him. "But remember, don't forget what you said.
He continued, his voice dropping slightly, carrying an inexplicable pressure: "Otherwise, I will use some special means to make you remember."
"Of course." The Youth suddenly approached him, ignoring Gin's slightly furrowed brow. His voice dropped low, his tone continuous and smooth, as if every syllable flowed together to be somewhat indistinguishable, yet unexpectedly allowed the entire sentence to be heard with absolute clarity.
“You had me in the palm of YOUR hand.”（5）
Gin??
Is this man's head not quite right?
He took a step back nonchalantly.
The youth did not continue—if any outrageous behavior were to occur, he would be the one getting beaten for it. He gave a small smile and cast a casual glance toward a certain direction.