Promise

Playing on his cellphone in the living room, Akira had changed his t-shirt into casual clothes.

"Akira-kun wants to go?"

Akira turned his head and saw Itsuki who asked.

"Um. It's Christmas Eve, an event that only happens once a year. It would be a waste to just stay at home."

"That's true... But Christmas Eve is usually the time for couples to date. Akira-kun has a girlfriend?"

Itsuki sat opposite Akira with sparkling eyes. She likes to discuss other people's love topics.

"There isn't any. At least now."

"Then who do you want to go with?"

"With me."

The person who answered was not Akira, but Nino.

"Nino?!"

Itsuki's eyes widened to see Nino wearing a pink dress which made her look even more charming.

"Christmas Eve is not an event exclusively for couples, but also for family recreation." Akira said that made sense.

"Then why not invite me?" Itsuki asked skeptically.

Judging from the way the two of them dress, they don't look like siblings, but rather a couple going on a date.

"I don't want to disturb Itsuki-Nee's studies, and Miku-Nee is busy playing games, only Nino-Nee has free time."

Hearing Akira's reasons, Itsuki couldn't argue.

"Let's go, Akira. Itsuki, you look after the house with Miku."

Not letting Itsuki continue asking, Nino pulled Akira from the sofa, then headed for the door.

After putting on their shoes, the two of them said goodbye to Itsuki.

"Be careful on the way." Itsuki waved her hand.

Outside, Akira and Nino are in the elevator.

"Nino-Nee doesn't feel cold wearing clothes like that?"

"That's what you say when you meet a girl?"

"Cough... Nino-Nee looks so beautiful."

"Too slow."

Nino complained about how unresponsive her little brother was. But, the day said differently, she was very happy.

The elevator reached the ground floor, as soon as they left the apartment building, the cold temperature hit them both.

Akira was fine even if he was stuck in the absolute zero area, but it was different for Nino.

"Do not push yourself."

Seeing her shivering from the cold, Akira pulled her to his side.

"Your body is so warm…"

Nino felt comfortable around him.

The two of them walked side by side without maintaining the proper distance.

"Where are we going?" Nino asked, hugging her little brother's arm tightly. In her mind, the two of them were siblings, so there was no need to be embarrassed about having intimate contact like this.

"Previously, I had made a reservation at a Michelin restaurant."

"You just ate, do you want to eat again? You will be fat like Itsuki."

....

At the Pentagon Apartments.

Itsuki was studying in her room, suddenly she sneezed.

"Achooo... This year's winter is colder than usual."

Taking the AC remote, she raised the room temperature.

"Health is the most important thing, don't get sick on an important day."

Remembering to be more careful, Itsuki continued her studies.

....

"Itsuki-Nee will sulk if she hears that."

"Huh, as long as you don't tell her, everything will be fine."

Lifting her chin, Nino showed a proud smile.

"Nino-Nee doesn't have to worry that I'll get fat from eating too much. My evening activities burn a lot of calories." Akira said casually.

Hearing this, Nino's expression was worried, then she spoke in a low voice so that other people would not hear her.

"Is Akira still dealing with the military?"

"Yes. In fact, they have become more active recently. If I act far from the settlement, they will not hesitate to send dozens of fighter jets to cripple me."

Because Nino already knew, Akira didn't mind telling the truth.

"!!!"

Hearing that, Nino was shocked.

Sending dozens to capture one person?

What kind of concept is that?

Nino couldn't imagine how her little brother was still healthy and seemed unaffected by the massive state hunt.

She squeezed his hand tighter.

"Trust me, Nino-Nee. They will never be able to catch me. Will never."

Akira promised solemnly to calm her worries.

"If it's too dangerous, don't force yourself." Nino said while looking at him seriously.

"Understood." Akira nodded his head.

The two of them arrived at the Michelin restaurant without realizing it.

"Welcome, guest. Sorry, all the tables are full."

The waiter approached the two of them and apologized.

"I have made a reservation in the name of Nakano Akira."

Akira said patiently, unlike a China protagonist who would cause trouble just because the waiter was carrying out his duties.

After hearing that, the waiter checked the reservation list and found his name.

"Please follow me, Nakano-sama."

Then Akira and Nino were escorted by the waiter to the table, which was on the top floor.

"You know how to pick a place, Akira." Nino praised.

The indoor environment is not noisy, the young pianist plays the piano with a gentle melody, and there are candles in the middle of the dining table adding to the romantic atmosphere.

"Well, internet recommendations are not fake," Akira said with a light smile.

"There are only two of us young people here."

After observing the other guests, Nino felt a little awkward.

"It's a high-class restaurant, it's normal that the other guests are established adults."

"Eating here definitely isn't cheap, right? Did dad give you a lot of money?"

"Nino-Nee doesn't have to worry about money. Recently I invested in shares, and made a 'little' profit."

"I see. No wonder you often borrow Miku's computer."

Nino saw Akira go in and out of Miku's room several times.

"The food has arrived." Akira said.

The waiter came with the food, then put it on the table. After that, he left.

"Italian food? I think French food."

"I don't really like French food, apart from the portions being too small, the food is also too strange for me."

Nino secretly remembered the food that Akira didn't like.

"Ittadakimasu." 2x

With spoons and forks, the two began to taste the dishes on the table.

"This is delicious. The chef must have a lot of experience cooking Italian dishes." Nino praised.

She is also a chef, especially cakes and desserts. So, she appreciates the performance of other chefs.

"Not bad." Akira said casually.

"I think it tastes quite delicious."

"Wait until Nino-Nee tastes the food cooked by Totsuki Culinary Academy's Elite Ten Elite alumni, then you will know the true taste of delicious food."

"You are too much, Akira." Nino couldn't believe him.

"Totsuki Culinary Academy is a renowned cooking academy that is well-known in the culinary industry. Due to the caliber and fame of the school, almost all aspiring junior chefs want to attend the school to become world-class chefs. Getting into Totsuki is considered a great honor and an even greater opportunity for aspiring chefs. Parents were even known to beg officials to accept their children, even offering their life savings to let their children attend school, although all offers were rejected."

"Each year, about 1,000 students begin their first year of high school at Totsuki, and of those 1,000 students, only about 100 will move on to second year, and fewer than 10 will graduate by the end of third year. Since less than 1% of students typically successfully complete three years of culinary education at Totsuki and graduate, Totsuki Academy Alumni are some of the most skilled and sought-after chefs in the world."

The more Nino listened, the more she felt Akira was telling a manga story. However, considering that the parallel world her little brother came from had supernaturals, it wasn't impossible.

"If it's really as good as you claim, I want to confirm their cooking." Nino said with anticipation.

"Um, I promised I would take Nino-Nee to a restaurant opened by one of Totsuki's alumni."

"That's a promise."

"Yeah, I promise."