Nova_Verse

Ryo Takahashi, a broke high schooler with a silver tongue, thought he had pulled off the perfect scam—conning a Yakuza boss out of a small fortune. Unfortunately, his gambling addiction and a rigged crane game drained his winnings in less than a week. Instead of getting “dealt with,” the boss gave him a new job: hide a runaway ninja princess in his house… or else.

Help! My Fake Cousin is a Ninja Princess

The morning started like any other—Ryo half-asleep at his desk, Ayane sharpening a kunai under the table, and Haruka glaring at Ayane for no reason.

Then, the classroom door slid open.

Teacher (smiling): "Alright, class, we have a new transfer student today. Be nice."

A girl stepped inside.

Long silver hair that shimmered under the lights. Piercing crimson eyes that scanned the room. A calm, elegant smile that made half the guys instantly fall in love.

New Girl (soft voice): "Hello. My name is Reika Tsukihime."

She bowed gracefully, looking like a perfect, noble lady.

Ryo (blinking): "Whoa. Fancy."Misaki (crossing arms): "Tch. Another rich girl?"Haruka (whispering to Ryo): "Don't fall for it! She's suspicious!"

Then, Reika's gaze locked onto Ryo.

Reika (smiling sweetly): "You must be Ryo Takahashi. I've heard so much about you."

Ryo's brain short-circuited.

Ryo: "…Huh?"

As soon as Reika sat down, she immediately started talking to Ryo.

Reika (smiling): "It's such a pleasure to meet you. You seem… fascinating."Ryo (confused): "I do?"Haruka & Misaki (yelling): "NO, HE DOESN'T!!!"

Across the room, Ayane hadn't said a word.

But her eyes were sharp.

Ayane (thinking): Something's off about her…

Reika suddenly turned toward Ayane and smiled.

Reika: "Oh my, are you Ayane? You're even more beautiful than the rumors say."

For the first time ever, Ayane was caught off guard.

Ayane (narrowing eyes): "You know me?"Reika (tilting head): "Hmm? Oh, just whispers here and there~"

During lunch, Haruka and Misaki dragged Ryo to the rooftop for an "emergency meeting."

Haruka (whispering): "That girl is dangerous."Misaki (nodding): "She's either an elite heiress or an assassin. Maybe both."Ryo: "…Or maybe she's just a normal student?"Haruka & Misaki (glaring): "NO."

Then, Ayane appeared behind Ryo out of nowhere.

Ayane (serious tone): "Ryo. Stay away from her."Ryo (jumping): "CAN YOU STOP APPEARING LIKE THAT?!"

Ayane's expression was dead serious.

Ayane: "She's hiding something. And if she's connected to me… that's bad news."Ryo: "Orrrrr she just thinks I'm cool."Haruka & Misaki (deadpan): "Unlikely."

That afternoon, Reika cornered Ryo by the shoe lockers.

Reika (smiling softly): "Takahashi-kun… would you walk home with me today?"

Ryo's brain shut down again.

Ryo: "…WHY?"Reika (laughing lightly): "Because I find you… intriguing."

At that moment, Ayane, Haruka, and Misaki all appeared at once.

Haruka (yelling): "OH NO YOU DON'T!"Misaki (crossing arms): "Back off, silver-haired seductress!"Ayane (grinning but dangerous): "Sorry, but Ryo already has a guardian."

Reika just smiled and stepped back.

Reika: "Ara~? My, my… Takahashi-kun, you're surrounded by such passionate women."

Ryo felt a shiver down his spine.

Ryo: "…Please don't phrase it like that."

Reika gave one last mysterious smile before walking away.

Reika: "We'll talk soon, Ryo-kun~"

Ayane watched her go, eyes cold.

Ayane (muttering): "I don't like her."

Ryo: "Why does every girl I meet want to either date me or kill me?"

And from the way Reika smirked to herself, the answer was probably… both

The Mysterious Transfer Student