Having decided to keep her close to me, the same as last week, I walked with Nakanishi-senpai to the train station. And because its already partly dark that wed be hard to recognize even if someone spotted us from afar, I kept my hold on her hand throughout our walk.

Due to that, Nakanishi-senpai remained silent as her palms gradually grew sweaty from the continued contact. I also kept my eyes in front, not bothering to check her expression.

I mean, if I find her blushing or even flustered in this situation, I would surely be tempted to tease her further. And given that her natural seductive charm was out of the realm of beautiful women, that desire to tease would surely be amplified.

Im holding her hand not because I came to like her but because it became my gauge on whether all of this was acting on her part or not.

That sounds like an excuse, I know. But it is what it is If it was Satsuki or any of my girls in her place, Id probably not just hold her hand. Id take advantage of the shroud of the upcoming nightfall to be more intimate with them.

Well then, senpai. See you tomorrow. Upon reaching the entrance of the station, I let go of her hand and bid her farewell.

I still have another task to complete so coming here with her is just an extension of how I pinned her to the wall earlier.

Lets just say, its the aftereffect of how I started suspecting her rather than believing that she only means well.

Nakanishi-senpai hurriedly put her hand out of my sight before staring at me while biting her lips indignantly.

Onoda-kun, Ive changed my views of you.

Oh. To a positive one, right? I intentionally put on a smirk as I watched her face twitch unhappily in response to it.

Obviously, its a no. Who in their right mind would look at someone positively after being treated like that? Masochist, perhaps but certainly not this girl.

With a complicated expression, she answered, If you want me to lie, I can say yes.

Well, I dont mind it. But dont you think weve gotten a little closer? I think Ill dream about senpais sweaty hands.

Tuning up the shamelessness at that line, Nakanishi-senpai almost cringed at it. Nonetheless, she remained within my arms reach even though she was already freed from me.

How shameless Never mention that to anyone else!

Sure. Its our secret, senpai. But just to be sure, I want senpai to clarify this. Is Enomoto unaware that you went there to check on me?

He should be unaware. Im not sure though. Im not always with him. He only sent a directive to everyone that I am not to be touched. Yet you Nakanishi-senpai left her last sentence hanging. But thats pretty understandable already. Im the only one who dared to touch her. I wonder if shes going to tell him about it or keep it a secret between us.

Anyway, if he could send a directive like that, why was he unknown to Uchiyama and his gang? Is he using another name?

I see. It wont matter anyway if he knows. I already crossed him. What would the difference be if I also touched someone hes protecting? Will he come down on my neck personally?

Onoda-kun, arent you afraid that your confidence can be the reason for your downfall? Nakanishi-senpai didnt answer me, instead, she asked another question. Looking at her eyes that once again sparked with concern I might be really wrong for suspecting her. But whats done is done. Theres no undo button in this life.

Hmm? In what way am I confident? Arent I being very cautious right now? I wont suspect you if Im not.

No. Youre being very reckless. Im in close contact with him unlike those who tried to gang up on you. I can report to him all of what you did to me.

I see. Does senpai think I didnt account for that? If he can move pawns like them without being known, what more than knowing the result of it? Thats why it doesnt matter anymore if I obediently let you tend to me or pin you on that wall.

Well, the repercussion of that was this girls favorable impression of me going downhill. Perhaps if this was truly her real countenance, then she might not want to be sent as a messenger to me next time.

Nakanishi-senpai sighed once more, the concern in her eyes shining even brighter, Onoda-kun. Youre living dangerously.

Thank you for the concern, senpai. But you should go now before I change my mind and drag you with me to my house.

I intentionally put on a mischievous smirk which instantly erased that concerned look from her face.

Jeez What a rude junior. Okay, see you tomorrow. As soon as she finished saying that, Nakanishi-senpai turned around and walked inside the train station.

I stood there watching her sexy hips naturally sway seductively at every step, drawing gazes from men and women alike. Fortunately, none dared to hit on her.

Well, for sure, shes having it tough to have that kind of natural charm every passing day. But considering shes still taking public transportation, theres probably little to no incident that would make her think twice about riding it again. Or she just didnt have any other choice. Who knows?

In any case, I watched her not because I wanted to watch her alluring walk, but because Im ready to come and draw people away from her if it comes to that.

Do I feel guilty? I dont know. There are still a lot of unclear points. But if her protection disappeared, Ill probably step up to make sure that shell be safe.

After Nakanishi-senpai disappeared from my sight, I started walking to my next destination.

Miura-senpais house.

Last week, I was with Kana and the girl helped me talk to Miura-senpai concerning her little sister.

Today, I will be alone

Haa I wanted to finish this work right away and return to Akanes side. For sure, with that silly girls quirk active, Fuyu was already having a hard time calming her down.

Handsome-kun, youre here. And Nogizaka-san isnt with you.

After pushing the doorbell, I only needed to wait for less than a minute before a lightly dressed Miura-senpai emerged from their front door. Compared to last week, I could spy a car parked inside.

I apologize, senpai. I had something else to do before coming here so I didnt ask her to accompany me.

Oh. Dont mind it. I can see and talk to her in school. Miura-senpai waved her hand as she walked over and started opening their gate, Come in then. My mother was thrilled when I told her that someone came to convince that brat to come back to school. Shes waiting for you as well.

I see. Thank you, please excuse me.

I entered and walked along with Miura-senpai inside their house. On the way though, I couldnt help but notice her staring at me. When I asked her why, she just said to not mind her.

Obviously, its still the effect of my new appearance. As someone who encountered me before my transformation, shes probably finding it hard to imagine that I would look this good post-haircut.

Definitely not because shes smitten by me I hope so.

Upon entering their house Miura-senpai lent me a house slipper before we continued to their living room.

And as soon as we entered it, I noticed their mother, looking young and healthy and another girl curled up on a sofa in her flower-patterned pajamas.

Whats her name again? I forgot.