I had no idea if I was dreaming or not but I woke up earlier than normal. Outside our window, I could faintly observe the minute vestiges of the orange hue out on the horizon gradually creeping to swallow the night sky.

Its 5 oclock in the morning.

Naturally, theres a reason for this. On the bedside table where we put our phones down, my phone was ringing.

Thinking that it might be an emergency, I reached for it and checked.

However, upon seeing the registered name for it, the sleepiness that was still slightly affecting me instantly vanished. My groggy eyes fully opened.

To not wake up the two girls at my side, I quickly silenced the ringtone and stared at the screen for a moment, deliberating whether to pick it up or not.

Its Hana.

And shes using the same number as yesterday. I registered it just in case and sure enough, its not even a day before this girl once again tries to make her presence known to me.

I mean, can she not wait for a few hours?

Ugh Who am I asking? She most likely specifically chose this time. And thats for an added impact to me.

Does she not know the concept of sleep? I complained silently yet I found my finger slowly going to tap the screen to answer it.

Now that the drowsiness completely left my mind, I remembered that she was the last girl I thought of before falling to sleep

Does that matter? I dont know I might still be dreaming, right?

I shook my head, and glanced at the two beautiful girls peacefully sleeping beside me before deciding what to do

Thirty seconds quickly passed and my phone cascaded back to my home screen while showing that notification that I missed a call from Hana.

Right after that, an email arrived. Since its possible to preview the sender and part of its content, it only took a moment for my lips to curve slightly.

Good morning, Ruki. You mustve been still asleep, no? I thought of becoming the first one to greet you on this day. Too bad

Yep. That was Hanas email Theres probably more to it but I chose not to open it. Not just yet.

Placing the phone back on the bedside table, I once again slid down to my previous position and pulled the two girls close to me. And even without waking up. Akane and Miho snuggled to me while endearingly murmuring my name.

And that instantly put me into a brighter mood.

Since it was still early, I once again closed my eyes, forcing myself to sleep. The fact that Hana called and emailed again was pushed to the back of my mind.

When I opened my eyes again, it was already bright outside.

Our usual morning routine started. Before we prepared for school, I helped Miho set up the keyboard on one side of the room. She played a song for me to test it.

Although its still the same song that she composed, as it was an electric one, the sound wasnt that authentic when she was playing it with the piano.

Right. We can now continue your lessons for the three days that Im here, Ruki. Miho smilingly declared as she pulled me down next to her and guided my hands to the keys.

Im also trying to read up on how to recognize those notes but as you know, Im still fumbling with it, I answered while I let her press on my fingers to play an easy melody.

I did say before that I would try learning how to play it. Just so we could play a song together in the future. Its not her wish but my own decision.

However, with how little I know about music or just the piano in general, it would take a long time for me to properly match her.

I wont give up on it though If it can make my girl happy then I will do it.

Thats fine. With how busy you are, just knowing that you havent given up after declaring to do so is enough for me. Compared to you, music is the only thing Im good at. Miho said in a rather self-deprecating tone. But before I could even comment on that, her face lit up again as she faced me with her bright smile, With you back on my side, Im sure I will always be motivated to improve. Were going to blow you away with the song were going to make.

Mhm. Im already excited about it. I returned a smile to her before pulling her in another embrace.

Although the girl accepted it happily, she eventually scolded me for interrupting her lesson. In any case, with her mood improving through it, we had a great morning together.

A while later, we went down to eat with Akane, Miwa-nee and Minoru.

Its been a while since I rode the train with you, Ruki. The maroon-haired girl thoughtfully exclaimed as she took the seat next to me.

Were now on the train to school. Although a little risky, I still decided to walk the two girls to their school. I couldnt leave the girl behind even if shes not really a sheltered girl who had no experience with public transportation.

Well, you passed up the chance last night. Wed probably get the whole train car for us given the time. I teasingly responded.

Upon hearing that, Miho blankly looked at me before shock crept on her face. Youre right, I didnt think of that. I shouldve come with you and let Vivian bring my luggage today.

On the side, Akane laughed at her reaction before cheering her up. Theres always a next time, Miho.

Just like this, while being sandwiched between the two girls, the first part of our train ride still felt like we were at home. In our own private space.

Due to that, envious gazes still fell on us. Furthermore, Miho wasnt really hiding the fact that she was in love with me.

The only thing we were limiting was how intimate we were with each other.

Halfway through the ride, the trio of Fuyu and the other two with their boyfriends showed up, making our group large enough to help draw those unnecessary gazes away from us.

However, in place of that, Miho, whose relationship with me wasnt clearly stated since I wouldnt ever deny being with her became Fuyus sole focus.

The ponytailed girls suspicious meter was possibly raised to the max. Moreover, Miho being seated next to me cranked that further.

While Fuyu occasionally stared at me with her usual icy glare, she took the space next to Miho and chatted with the girl.

Being at the same year level as well as having the popularity to be talked about by other students, Fuyu and Miho werent strangers to each other. They know each other by name. From what I could remember, they were classmates once during middle school.

Anyway, we surely anticipated that this would happen. Thats why were not really worried. In fact, Miho skillfully held the conversation with Fuyu and steered it away from me.

That seriously frustrated Fuyu. But when she looked at Akane and how the silly girl openly flaunted our relationship as we conversed with Futaba and Eri, the girl became partly relieved.

When we left the train station, Fuyu drew next to me and whispered, Onoda-kun Im sorry but I have to say this. Im still suspicious of you. Nishioka-san is someone difficult to befriend. But she doesn't seem like herself this time