Its been more than a month since the day I first quelled Otsuka-senpais curiosity. Just from that, its pretty obvious how I stalled it for too long. Kana had long given her consent to it but its actually me who couldnt find the time

Or if theres another reason, I might have been subconsciously trying to stall it as much as possible.

Thinking back to that time Kana and I showed her our relationship and allowed her to watch, it was only a few hours before the transformation in my mind.

After that day, my mindset experienced an upheaval. While my desire stayed, it already changed a lot. I started to be more conscious about what the girls would think or feel. And sometimes, I was even more sensitive than them.

And that must be why I was already averse to the idea of letting her watch Kana and me have sex.

Thats the contradiction. I promised to take responsibility, yet I couldnt deliver.

Anyway, I understood that I couldnt keep on stalling it. After a minute or two of deliberation, I gave her a clear answer.

What about before or after the Cultural Festival?

Thats still a month away but upon hearing it, Otsuka-senpai reacted rather energetically as she bopped her head cutely, Un. Thats a lot better than hearing a vague answer. Before or after it is. Ill be patiently waiting, Onoda-kun.

Otsuka-senpai then tiptoed a bit to kiss me on the cheek. I saw that coming but I let her do it anyway. Its a way to satisfy her or maybe an apology. I dont know.

Following that kiss, Otsuka-senpai let go of me and we left the clubroom together.

Because I promised Yukari that I would be coming right away after school, the girls who were aware of it made it easy for me to walk them to their stations. They grouped up together, saving me a few round trips back and forth to our school grounds.

But before going with them, I made my way to the Gymnasium to check on Satsuki.

I got welcomed by their whole club. And as though they understood why I was there, the seniors of their club led by Kawakami-senpai and the other members of the club crowded around the girl, assuring me that Im leaving Satsuki in good hands.

Well, I didnt doubt that at all. I mean, after all the days of practicing together, it would be weirder if they didnt form some sort of bond.

At least, I got to take the girl for a few minutes where I acted more like a parent, checking his child if she was in top condition. Satsuki loved and hated it, earning me a bite on my neck as well as her usual love-filled kisses.

Once thats done, Satsuki bashfully whispered something to me. However, she did that in a roundabout way that if Im not used to her usual antics, I would probably not get it.

Were going to a training camp soon. Before that day, Im not hoping for you to take me home with you. Nope. Not at all Its another thing if youre persistent though. Theres a chance that I wont if you insist on having me stay with you for a night Maybe Setsuna-nee will be there to cover for me.

Yep. Thats how she said it. Now I couldnt help but wonder if shes reverting to being the girl whos having a hard time being honest with her wants and needs.

In any case, I understood her message. And so, my reply was filled with teasing remarks, earning me another bite from the girl.

When I brought her back to her clubmates, those seniors and Eguchi-sensei wryly smiled. They noticed one visible bite mark on my neck.

I thought I would be seen by Sachi, given that their club was also using the Gymnasium. But apart from Orimura-sensei who somehow made her way there to chat with Eguchi-sensei, their whole club was busy practicing on the other side and the girl who asked to be my friend failed to notice my arrival.

Thats fortunate since I dont really have the time to deal with her if she runs up and tries something with me.

Besides, I also had to deal with Orimura-sensei who was looking at me in a rather complicated way as though Im an enemy she must defeat.

Shes probably aware of Eguchi-senseis growing fondness for me.

I acted oblivious to Orimura-sensei's malicious gaze and completed my exit soon after that.

Less than an hour later, I stood before a flower shop that was about to close up for the day.

After picking the freshest-looking flowers from the leftovers, I met up with Ririka at the same park I met Yukari earlier this morning. I asked for her help to bring me a funny disguise consisting of a pierrot nose and rainbow-colored afro wig.

Are you sure you want to look like a clown, Ruki? Although there was uncertainty in her voice, the girl was already chuckling at imagining it. She even brought a set of make-up to complete that transformation.

Will I look funny that way? I asked. I know. I shouldve tried to search for a better alternative. But with my knowledge limited to only those that were useful to me before, I couldnt think of a funny disguise apart from becoming a clown.

Youre already funny, idiot Ruki. Who in their right mind will surprise their girlfriend while looking like a clown?

I pointed to myself without thinking twice, Well, theres me. This will also be the case for you, Ill do everything to make it the best day.

Upon hearing that, Ririka burst into laughter, No! Dont come looking like a clown on my birthday.

Sure. Ill prepare a comedy skit instead.

This guy Now youre just teasing me. Lets talk about my birthday next time. Come and sit here. Ill perfect your funny-looking disguise. Ririka puffed her cheeks and quickly changed the topic. She tapped the seat next to her and I naturally followed.

For the next ten minutes, I successfully transformed into a clown.

A clown holding a bouquet of not-so-fresh flowers.

In front of me, Ririka who was just nodding at her masterpiece was once again laughing her stomach out.

Stand there. Let me take a photo. At the same time as she said that, I already heard the click coming from her phone.

Well, in a way, this was another special moment for us. The girl would surely share that photo with the other girls later. And I would be expecting their messages regarding it.

Alright, Ill be going then. Thank you, Ririka.

I demand more pampering next time, Ruki. Oh, right. The cosplay event is just around the corner. Ill introduce you to my previous co-workers as my boyfriend Theyll be surprised. Ririka cheerfully said before pushing me on my back.

Right. Theres also the cosplay event. The girl worked hard on preparing a costume for me. She definitely deserves more praise and pampering from me.

Sure. Lets surprise them.

Soon enough, I walked out of the park with Ririkas laugh still lingering in my ears.

Now then Time to pick up the birthday girl. Surely, no ones going to recognize me, right?

Wait. Scratch that. I should stop jinxing myself.