Two Talented Juniors, Yet Somehow Unreliable

Izumi Kotomi was momentarily stunned before responding:

"I've been racking my brain, but I still haven't decided yet."

To be honest, it wasn't that she hadn't made up her mind; it was more like she hadn't even thought about it since Friday. If it weren't for Hibiki Naegi calling her, she might not have remembered about the art contest until Monday.

"Sigh… I had a feeling. That's why I called to check in on you. Mashiro's already started drawing, and I've decided on my theme too. You're the only one left."

"Thanks for your concern, Naegi-senpai. I'll decide soon," Kotomi reassured her.

"Make sure you decide by next Friday. The hardest part is turning your idea into a finished piece. By the way, what kind of painting are you thinking of doing?"

"An oil painting," Kotomi replied.

"Oil painting!? Then you really need to hurry up and choose a theme. Finishing an oil painting takes a lot of time. Even with your talent, you can't magically speed up your painting process, right?"

Sorry, I actually can speed up my drawing, Kotomi thought to herself.

Though she mentally laughed at the irony, she still expressed her gratitude out loud: "Understood. Thanks for the reminder, Naegi-senpai."

"Mashiro has a lot of talent, but you're the most skilled artist I know. If you're feeling discouraged by her abilities, you need to snap out of it. Competitions like this are like a sprint—you may not be the fastest runner, and the one with the most talent might not win, but no matter what, don't give up right before the finish line!"

Hibiki Naegi, channeling her role as the art club president, cheered Kotomi on.

She seemed to think Kotomi's hesitation wasn't because she couldn't decide on a theme but because she felt intimidated by Mashiro Shiina's talent.

After all, it's common for talented individuals to lose their drive when they encounter someone even more gifted.

Some people are inspired when they meet a more skilled rival, while others feel disheartened and avoid the challenge altogether.

This was a frequent occurrence, so it wasn't surprising Naegi misunderstood Kotomi's situation.

Kotomi chuckled to herself, amused by how much Naegi was overthinking things.

"Your encouragement is definitely motivating, but I'm not the type to feel defeated by someone more talented than me," Kotomi said, standing up and getting dressed.

"If that's the case, then great. Let's all give our best for the contest! Don't make it too easy for me to treat you and Mashiro to dinner."

"Yeah, yeah, Naegi-senpai, goodbye." Kotomi hung up the phone with a smile.

Hearing Naegi's motivating words had re-energized her…

So Kotomi decided to play some Azur Lane first.

Meanwhile, at the Naegi residence.

After hanging up the phone, Hibiki Naegi placed it back on her bedside table.

Even though she'd teased Kotomi for still being in bed at 9 a.m., the truth was, she hadn't gotten up either.

Normally, Hibiki wasn't one to sleep in, but this morning was a bit… special.

Lying next to her, Seiko Kirigiri propped her head up with one hand, a playful smile on her face:

"Nee-chan, you're such a diligent club president. Even on the weekend, you're still checking in on your juniors."

After waking up, Hibiki had called both Kotomi and Mashiro to check on their progress.

Although the three of them would be competitors in the upcoming Tokyo Metropolitan University National Youth Art Contest, Hibiki felt it was her responsibility as club president to check in on her juniors' work.

She wanted to win the contest herself, but she also wanted to win fairly. She didn't believe in using underhanded tactics—Hibiki was confident that true strength couldn't be defeated by tricks.

"Of course, I have to check in. Kotomi may be talented, but she hasn't decided on a theme yet. And Mashiro, while gifted, gives off this air of being aloof. It makes me worry that she might have forgotten about the contest entirely," Hibiki said with a sigh.

Both of her juniors were incredibly skilled, far beyond her own abilities.

But why did they both seem so unreliable?

She could only hope they would manage to finish their entries in time for the contest. Hibiki sighed internally, worried about them.

"You're too hard on yourself, Nee-chan. You're always serious and never know how to relax," Seiko said softly, resting her head on Hibiki's shoulder. The scent of flowers lingered in her soft hair.

Last night, neither of them had gotten any sleep—not due to insomnia.

They'd also have to change the bedsheets soon.

Even though she was thinking about this, neither of them had the energy to get up just yet. They just wanted to lie in bed a little longer.

"Mom and Dad will be back on Wednesday," Seiko whispered.

"You should try to be more discreet. We agreed on once or twice a month, but now you're at it ten times a week!"

Hibiki grumbled, especially since ever since Seiko had taken the lead, she had been the one on the receiving end.

Having gone from the dominant partner to the submissive one, Hibiki was growing more frustrated by the day. After her complaint, she flicked Seiko's forehead in a mock rebuke.

"You're just as eager as I am every time. Besides, you always respond so passionately~" Seiko said happily, hugging Hibiki's arm tightly.

"Idiot… I'm not…" Hibiki muttered, embarrassed.

"Come on, we've been together for so long. No need to be shy~"

"We're not even married! If we ever talk about marriage, that won't be until after you graduate from college!" Hibiki mumbled, her face flushed red.

Seiko's tiny hand was something Hibiki cherished. She was always mindful of the time, counting down the days until she could buy a ring and propose.

"So, should we get up, or go for another round? It's like playing a game, where you have to choose between returning to the main menu or going for another run," Seiko teased with a grin.

Hibiki glanced down, her cheeks still burning as she whispered:

"I… I don't have the strength right now. My legs are sore… Feels like I've been hit by a truck."

Pulling back the covers, she confirmed what she'd suspected: her knees were bruised.

She'd have to wear over-the-knee socks on Monday to hide them at school.

"No worries, we can stay on top."

Seiko's teasing gaze was full of affection and mischief.

Blushing deeply, Hibiki slowly reached out and wrapped her arms around Seiko, giving in to her touch once again.

Some time later…

"I'm exhausted… You're in charge of lunch today, my dear sister."

"I'm tired too."

"So, what about lunch then?"

Any athlete would understand—after an intense workout, hunger strikes with a vengeance.

"Let's order takeout. I definitely don't have the energy to cook for you today."

"Fine by me~"

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