Hearing that, Hakuto almost rolled his eyes again.
Because he wasn't even capable of misusing his ability—or rather, the term didn't apply to him at all.
Before Nao showed up, he didn't even know he had supernatural powers, so there was no such thing as misuse in the first place.
"So how exactly are we scaring him? Throwing a toad under his blanket?"
Nao turned to look at Hakuto.
Even though it was dark and visibility was low, making it hard for Hakuto to see her expression, he knew for sure it wasn't a pleasant one.
"Why are you looking at me like that again? Just so we're clear, I can't use my ability anymore. I'm seriously drained."
"I wasn't asking you to." Nao waved dismissively.
"How's it going with Otosaka Ayumi?"
"What do you mean?"
"What do you mean, 'what do you mean'? I'm asking about your progress."
"..."
Hakuto looked at Nao speechlessly, feeling like they were destined to be at odds with each other.
He didn't want to admit that he had made some progress, so he just blatantly lied.
"Zero meat~"
"..."
Nao gave Hakuto a strange look, then waved her hand.
"Go home!"
"So you came all this way just to stand guard like a doorman?"
Hakuto was really at a loss for words when it came to his unpredictable president.
She had stormed in earlier, full of determination to scare Otosaka Yuu for abusing his powers.
Yet in the end, all bark and no bite. But since they were already here, they couldn't just leave empty-handed.
Hakuto grabbed Nao before she could leave, finally giving in and telling the truth.
"I've made some progress. Now tell me, what exactly do you want to do?"
"Huh? Didn't you just say it was zero?"
"Zero is 'Zero.' I was just hungry and wanted some meat."
Speaking of meat, Hakuto hadn't even had dinner yet. Working overtime on an empty stomach was basically torture.
"I should've accepted Yumi's pancake invitation."
Hakuto was on the verge of tears.
Ignoring his frustration, Nao was only focused on her intimidation plan.
"So, how much progress?"
"I think I've gained her initial trust."
"Then we're good to go. Come here, I'll explain the plan."
Without overthinking it, Hakuto moved closer, ready to hear what Nao had in mind.
Since he had come all this way, he didn't want to leave without accomplishing anything.
Besides, intimidating Otosaka Yuu a little was necessary to prevent another situation like today.
"Come closer..."
"Unless I've gone blind, we're the only ones here. Why are you acting so mysterious?"
"Just do it. Bring your ear closer!"
Though still speechless, Hakuto complied.
He gently brushed his hair away from his ear and leaned in toward Nao, looking like he was all ears.
Seeing this, Nao glanced inside the house through the window. Instead of explaining her plan, she turned and kicked the front door.
Hakuto still didn't know how much force Nao had used at that moment—all he knew was that his ears suddenly started ringing, and the door flew open.
"Who is it... Ah! Hakuto-nii!"
The one who answered the door was Ayumi.
At first, she was confused by the loud knocking, but the moment she saw Hakuto, all her confusion disappeared, replaced by excitement.
Feeling the intense gaze from Ayumi, Hakuto braced himself and responded awkwardly.
"G-Good evening..."
"Good evening! Hakuto-nii, what are you doing here?"
By then, Nao had already activated her ability, making herself invisible to Ayumi.
But in reality, she was standing right next to Hakuto, bickering with him the entire time.
"This is your so-called plan? Seriously?"
"Relax, everything is under control."
"Would it kill you to discuss this with me in advance?"
"Where's the fun in that? Improvising is way more natural."
"I'm running out of polite words to describe how much I want to curse at you."
As Hakuto and Nao continued arguing, Ayumi, who was watching Hakuto act strangely, called out to him softly.
"Hakuto-nii? Hakuto-nii?"
"Hmm? I'm here, what's up?"
Hakuto nudged Nao aside with his hip and focused his attention on Ayumi.
"Hakuto-nii, were you just talking to someone?"
"No, I was just talking to myself. By the way, aren't you going to invite me in?"
"Oh! Sorry! Hakuto-nii, please come in."
Seeing Ayumi's adorable reaction, the irritation from bickering with Nao faded significantly.
But just as he was about to step inside, he suddenly tilted his head in an odd manner. His right hand kept shifting positions, as if he was trying to fend something off.
"Hakuto-nii... are you okay?"
Ayumi asked, puzzled.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. There are just a lot of mosquitoes here."
After saying that, Hakuto's previously flailing right hand suddenly seemed to grab onto something. Maintaining that weird posture, he walked into the house.
"That's strange..."
Although Ayumi felt something was off, her trust in Hakuto overrode her suspicion.
Inside the living room, Hakuto sat down and glanced around, but there was no sign of Otosaka Yuu.
"Where's Otosaka Yuu?"
"Oh! Yuu-nii is taking a bath. But Hakuto-nii, you still haven't told me why you're here."
"I was just passing by and thought I'd check in on you."
As he spoke, Hakuto reached out and gently brushed Ayumi's bangs aside, his expression impossibly gentle.
"By the way, did you get your repaired telescope?"
"Yes, I did! Hakuto-nii, do you want to see it?"
"Sure."
With that, Ayumi eagerly pulled Hakuto toward the bedroom balcony.
But as he walked, Hakuto suddenly glanced back and made a subtle gesture.
After the two left, Nao's previously invisible figure slowly reappeared in the now-empty living room.
She scanned the surroundings, then looked toward the balcony where Hakuto and Ayumi were.
"As expected of a professional..."
Muttering to herself, Nao swiftly leaped onto the ceiling beam, blending into the shadows.
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Check out the other translations too: [Mash-Up: I'm Not A Substitute]
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