"I have to find Onii-sama!"

Rice Shower dried her tears and decided to go find Mizuno Sora.

Yesterday, during afternoon training, she overheard Mizuno mentioning that he'd be taking Haru Urara to a friendly match today at the training grounds.

She quickly changed clothes and rushed toward the training grounds.

But halfway there, Rice Shower suddenly stopped, reconsidering her actions.

She realized she'd misunderstood. What she was about to do wasn't what Onii-sama truly wanted.

What Onii-sama truly wishes for is a healthy, happy Rice Shower—not some silly girl who only knows how to repay favors!

After clarifying what would actually make Mizuno happy, Rice Shower promptly changed her destination from the training grounds to the academy cafeteria.

Once there, she energetically devoured five bread rolls, carrot salad, carrot hamburger steak, bacon, fried eggs, and minestrone soup, finishing off with jelly for dessert. She ate until she was comfortably full.

"Healthy Rice Shower, check!"

"Now, next is Happy Rice Shower!"

Rice Shower thought long and hard but still couldn't figure out how to make herself happy.

Because all she could think about was Mizuno Sora. She would only feel truly happy if Onii-sama was happy too.

But what would make Onii-sama happy?

"Maybe I should give Onii-sama a gift!"

Rice Shower herself was always delighted when receiving gifts, so surely Onii-sama would feel the same way.

Besides, he regularly made her his special honey drinks, yet she had never given him anything in return. Now was the perfect opportunity.

Deciding this, Rice Shower headed out to the shopping street near the academy to find a suitable gift for Mizuno Sora.

When she reached the street, Rice Shower struggled over what to buy until she noticed a gift shop holding a free lottery event nearby.

"Should I try my luck?" With a hopeful heart, Rice Shower joined the lottery.

If it were before, she would surely end up with a pack of tissues. But now…

"Congratulations, young lady! You've won the grand prize—a box of liquor-filled chocolates!" the shop owner announced cheerfully.

Rice Shower stared blankly at the prize handed to her, unable to react for a long moment.

I actually won?

The most expensive gift in the store—now in her hands for free!

So lucky... wait, no... Rice Shower shook her head.

This luck is a gift from Onii-sama. It doesn't truly belong to me...

But she had to admit, having this luck was quite addictive. Getting exactly what she wanted so effortlessly was something the previously unlucky Rice Shower found almost intoxicating.

Now that the gift was ready, it was time to find Onii-sama and give it to him.

"I wish I could meet Onii-sama soon!" Rice Shower clutched her lucky charm and silently prayed.

Almost immediately, Mizuno Sora emerged from a nearby restaurant with Kiryuin Aoi and the others, laughing happily.

"Mizuno-san, thank you for your guidance today. Could we exchange contact info on TracenNet? We might have a lot to share in the future," Kiryuin said politely.

"Sure, no problem," Mizuno replied, taking out his phone to add her as a friend.

Hayakawa Tazuna smoothly stepped between them, smiling warmly. "What plans do you trainers have next?"

"I plan to play basketball with Happy Meek. It's a fun way to train her agility," Kiryuin answered cheerfully.

Kaneshiro Takeru gently patted Hinagiku's head and said, "I'm taking this little one shopping today to pick up some training equipment."

Hinagiku blushed brightly.

"Ah…" Mizuno stared blankly at Takeru, speechless.

This guy... Does he realize he's practically begging for trouble?

Well, Mizuno wasn't cold-hearted. If he could help, he would.

So Mizuno kindly reminded, "Kaneshiro-san, going shopping too often with your Uma Musume isn't exactly a good idea."

"Hmm..." Kaneshiro thought seriously for a moment.

Then suddenly, his eyes sparkled as he excitedly looked at Hinagiku.

"Then how about we go watch a movie instead? There's a romantic film premiering today—couples get half-price tickets! Hinagiku-chan, we can pretend to be a couple and enjoy the discount!"

"Ah...o-okay…" Hinagiku shyly agreed.

Mizuno: "…"

"How about you, Mizuno-san?" asked Tazuna.

"I don't have anything particular planned. Probably just going back to the dorm to read," Mizuno replied.

"Hmm." Tazuna nodded thoughtfully.

"In that case, Mizuno-san, since you're free, perhaps—"

But before Tazuna could finish, a soft, gentle voice interrupted:

"Onii-sama!"

Rice Shower instantly spotted Mizuno Sora and hurriedly ran over.

Ever since last night's dream, Mizuno's importance in Rice Shower's heart had skyrocketed. The [Doctor's Outfit's] concealment no longer had any effect on her; she could recognize him immediately.

"Hm? Rice Shower?"

"What happened to your eyes? Did someone bully you?" Mizuno immediately frowned upon noticing Rice Shower's reddened eyes.

As an Onii-sama, he couldn't tolerate seeing Rice Shower upset.

Anyone who dared hurt Rice Shower would face swift justice from Onii-sama Mizuno!

"N-No, no one bullied me…" Rice Shower shyly placed her hands behind her back, shifting nervously in an adorably bashful manner.

"Onii-sama… there's something… Rice Shower wants to talk about… Can you... come with me for a bit?"

Rice Shower gently tugged at Mizuno's sleeve, clearly wanting to lead him somewhere private.

Seeing Rice Shower act so endearingly, Mizuno's brotherly heart couldn't refuse, and he allowed himself to be led away.

Watching them leave, Hayakawa Tazuna maintained a polite smile, though the corner of her mouth twitched slightly.

...

Rice Shower brought Mizuno behind the academy's main building. Gathering her courage, she held out the chocolates.

"Onii-sama… this… is a gift… from Rice Shower..."

Mizuno instantly became alert.

Why would Rice Shower suddenly give him a gift? And behind the school building, at that?

Something felt off!

"It's a thank-you gift for all the kindness Onii-sama has shown me," Rice Shower quickly explained.

Oh, that made sense.

If it was just a thank-you gift, then there was no problem. Plus, Rice Shower was naturally timid, so choosing a secluded place made sense too.

No one understood Rice Shower better than Onii-sama Mizuno! (Accordion music intensifies.)

"In that case, I gladly accept it. Thank you." Mizuno took the chocolates with a smile.

"Onii-sama…" Rice Shower stared expectantly, clearly hoping he would taste one immediately.

"All right!" Mizuno readily agreed.

How could he refuse chocolates given by Rice Shower herself?

Mizuno immediately popped a chocolate into his mouth.

"Mm, it's delicious," Mizuno praised.

Seeing Mizuno enjoy her gift, Rice Shower beamed joyfully.

Mizuno felt happy seeing her happy.

Rice Shower felt even happier seeing Mizuno's happiness.

The two of them instantly became a perpetual happiness machine, endlessly boosting each other's joy.

However, as Mizuno savored the chocolate, he noticed an unusual taste.

"Rice Shower, is there something special in these chocolates besides the usual ingredients?" Mizuno asked curiously.

"Onii-sama, those are liquor-filled chocolates~" Rice Shower explained innocently.

"Oh, alcohol, I see…" Mizuno nodded in realization.

The next moment, darkness engulfed his vision. Mizuno collapsed to the ground, completely knocked out by intoxication.