Im glad you picked up this time. You just made my day. As soon as I picked up the call, Hanas clear, cheerful and seemingly reinvigorated voice graced my ear.

Even though its impossible to see her face yet, my mind still perfectly pictured the girls usual, angelic smile. The one she only used while we were together. The smile she shows in public could be called perfect but thats devoid of any of her

Now that I think about it, apart from her smiles, I seldom see her with different expressions She could blush and be flustered whenever were kissing each other and also I could only recall a few times when she became upset, annoyed, or sad. And those were all because of me.

I made your day, huh? Girl, havent you learned your lesson yet?

What lesson are you talking about?

I cut you off without regard. If its you, theres no reason to be this fixated on me.

Are you sure about that?

Mhm Ive never been good to you. If youre doing this to get back at me Hana, I can apologize. Before associating with me again think about what kind of situation youre getting into.

It sounded like the same script that I told my girls before taking them in. Regardless, I feel like its something I ought to say as a reminder of sorts even if no one really heeded it.

Upon hearing that, Hana hummed quietly before saying in an unconvinced tone. Uh-huh. Ruki. Didnt I mention that Im going to steal you? Youre going to be mine alone. Regardless of your situation, youll be mine in the end.

Another miss. She easily brushed away that reminder. The girl surely made up her mind even before contacting me

Not waiting for me to respond, Hana continued, And youre definitely forgetting something. Though you beat me through your letter, Im the one who noticed you first. Not the other way around. You, mister, caught my eye and I havent forgotten about you since Besides, do I need a reason to love somebody? Dont underestimate a maidens heart.

She noticed me first, huh? Regrettably, Im not sure if thats true or not In my mind, the connection started when I slipped the paper into her bag.

Anyway, even though Hana sounded a little humorous at the end, theres no doubt that shes resolute about this.

No matter what I say next, shes not going to change her mind. Shes going to make an attempt to steal me

Alright. Youre correct. If you already decided on doing this, dissuading you is out of the question

Finally, you get it. You have doubts about my reason, Ill give you that but like you, I can only convey that when we meet again. Presently, I can only be this vague to stimulate your mind, to make you remember everything about me.

I see. So, this is why shes being this persistent, huh? Its totally effective.

A while later, Akane and Miho, who were listening in on our conversation, stepped forward.

Akane was intrigued by our conversation. Or specifically to what Hana has to say. Nonetheless, its easily noticeable that the silly girl was gnashing her teeth, seemingly provoked.

If I had to guess, the girl couldnt stand Hanas confident disposition. Its understandable, really. Shes probably comparing herself to the girl Perhaps, in her mind, she found herself weaker than Hana because, in the end, she never cured me of my desire. She only became one of the many girls important to me.

On the other hand, Miho crossed her arms and stared down in contemplation.

Right as soon as she noticed that our conversation reached a standstill, she asked me for the phone.

To talk to the girl and give Hana her piece of mind.

We conversed wordlessly through our eyes and looking at her determined expression, I handed it to her.

Shes my girlfriend while Hana isnt. No matter how one looks at it, it's normal behavior on her part. And likewise, Akane who put away the fire in her eyes stood next to Miho.

The two decided to converse about the looming threat in our relationship.

Hi, Shinohara. Ill be taking over my boyfriends phone. Miho's lips curved up, declaring that boldly. From now on, if you want to talk to him, say it in one sentence. Shes not the same Ruki that you remembered. Also, do refrain from sending packages. Youre not going to succeed in what youre trying to accomplish. And mark my words Ruki isnt someone you can steal. Either join us or scram, do you understand?

After declaring all that, Miho puffed her chest out, hooked her arms on mine, and smiled proudly.

Great! Akane exclaimed at the side, also showing pride at how her sister acted in front of their adversary. And copying the girl, she pressed herself on me.

Even if Hana couldnt see them, they established their positions and flaunted them to her.

For sure, even if Miho isnt here with us, shes probably the one whos going to talk to Hana. To establish their presence.

Its not good that Im only the one talking to Hana after that declaration, after all. They wouldnt be sitting ducks when some other girl was trying to steal their man.

Anyway, I didnt find any problem with what Miho did In fact, Im kind of proud that they did this instead of waiting for me to solve it. Im looking forward to what theyre going to do next.

And seeing that they pressed themselves to me like some kind of statement, I naturally answered in kind. Feeling their soft, squishy body firmly pressed to me, I hooked my arms to their waist and lowered my head to kiss both of them.

A gesture to show that Im proud of them.

Mhm Indeed, Hana has occupied my mind ever since yesterday. However, weighing her over my girlfriends, theres no contest to it. Shed lose spectacularly.

Besides, I still stood by my words that if ever Hana harmed any of them, Im not going to make it easy for her.

A while later, Hana finally responded to Miho. However, its not what we expected.

The girls voice was dismissive, uninterested even.

Is that all? If so, can you give the phone back to Ruki?

Havent you heard

With a vein popping on her forehead, Miho snapped. But before she could finish it, Hanas dismissive tone continued.

Unlike when shes talking with Chii yesterday, the girl seemed really uninterested in the other girls.

I heard you. Even so, I dont really care about what you think. All of you accepted the situation. I get it. All of you are scared to lose him so you settled into that pitiable situation of sharing him. But thats not the case for me. Ill show you. Im going to win him over.

Pumped by that extremely confident remark by Hana, both Miho and Akane rolled their eyes before smirking.

Being this close to them, I picked up on their fighting spirit soaring through the skies.

Looks like Im worried for nothing. If youre like this. Youre just an ignorant girl. Husband will never be stolen by you. Thats Akane. She even clicked her tongue in disappointment. I admire your confidence. Thats extraordinary. Someone also declared that she wants Ruki for herself. Guess what happened? Shes now one of us Shes just stubbornly holding onto her belief that one day All of us will leave Ruki. Unfortunately, thats never gonna happen.

Yes. If you think we settled into a pitiable situation, youre clearly ignorant about whats going on. Youll fail. Supplementing Akanes words, Miho ended that with the same remark.

To give their statement more impact, the two girls led me upstairs where we ended up in our bedroom.

Yep Their plan is clear as day. Letting Hana hear us while were in our most intimate moment.

The gift or package could wait for later, I guess? Not that Im curious about its content. Only a little.