Even after half a minute has passed, Fuyu remained her hold on me. Although, her expression somehow returned to normal as she silently waited for me, it just added to the vagueness of her question.

Not having any idea how to answer her doesnt mean I dont have to. Well be stuck in this situation otherwise.

Thats why I have to come up with an answer, even if its not what shes expecting.

I stared straight into her eyes, took a deep breath, and curled my fingers to also lock her hand in my grasp.

Fuyu had a minimal reaction to that as though she expected me to do the same. From our conversation last night, she claimed that shes already aware of my personality or anything related to it. That must be why she appeared brave this time.

Still, it didnt truly explain what she was pointing at with her question. My guess was unproven and no one else could explain that except for her.

Actually, Im lost, Yuuki-san. Stop being what exactly? Am I being a bother to you?

Youre smarter than this Onoda-kun. This is what I meant. Fuyu lowered her gaze to our joined hands and squeezed them tighter before lifting them to her chest level.

I believe youre the one who grabbed my hand.

Exactly. Its intentional. Now, do I still need to spell out what I meant with stop being like this to you? Or are you going to continue acting oblivious to enjoy this connection? Youre not being very loyal, Onoda-kun.

Ah Yeah. I finally understand what she meant. My reaction to what she did wasnt what a normal guy with a girlfriend would do. Or maybe some would do the same. However, most girls expect guys to be loyal to them, especially if the ones making a move on them was their girlfriends friend.

On the other hand, I had no aversion to it. I got used to being too physically intimate with any girls.

I mean, there were a lot of examples from the past two months. Itou asked for my hand and readily gave it to her during that date with Himeko. Otsuka-senpai often tried to feel me up and hold my hand when I was next to her. Then I also let Ishida-senpai hug me. And lastly, theres Misaki who starts sticking close to me whenever we see each other.

And this time I simply accepted that Fuyu grabbed my hand and doubled down on it by also closing my hands.

I admit Ive only realized it just now. Yuuki-san doesnt like this, huh?

Its not normal to like this, Onoda-kun. Say, is it fine for me to assume that youre like this to any girl? You will not dodge their advances and even return it two-fold.

It depends. Its not like any other girl will grab my hand without reason.

Thats a weak argument but thats how it is for me

And as a reaction to that, Fuyu sighed once more and stared at me with pity in her eyes. She bit her lips and muttered weakly, Youre hopeless.

I didnt reply and kept my silence.

What can I say here? Theres no denying it and she will just look at me with more pity if I agree.

Our hands remained connected and even with all that was said, neither of us had any intention to let go of each other.

I have no idea what shes thinking about doing this but for me, Im waiting for her to let go first.

Seconds passed like that with the two of us silently staring at one another. Like I always did before, I tried sensing her emotion through this connection and by looking into her eyes.

Her hand had started to gather heat, making it a little sweaty. Her eyes also started to waver as though she couldnt continue making eye contact anymore. She bit her lips to stop them from trembling.

Fuyu is Akanes best friend. Theres no doubt about that. But now, Im starting to think if theres more to it than that. Why is she willing to go this far? To correct me for her friend?

Being selfish is a human trait. But theres a rare occurrence where one will be born truly selfless. Is she like that? I dont know.

A while later, Fuyu opened her mouth again. You ask me why I dont trust you. Do you see it now? Youre making me not to

Fuyu failed to finish what she was going to say there. She hurriedly pulled her hand off my grasp and retreated a few steps back.

As for the reason? The sound of footsteps coming from the direction of the stairs reached our ears.

And sure enough, I saw Akane, who had just woken up, slowly descending from it.

Husband! As soon as the girl saw me, her sleepiness instantly disappeared as she ran up to my side. She then looked at Fuyu and smiled brightly, That smells good, Fuyu. You cooked for us again?

Looks like the effect of her quirk had already diminished. Last night, the girl failed to even give a compliment to Fuyus cooked dish and she remained stuck close to me.

Y-yes. Fuyu answered. However, with the way she almost stuttered as she glanced at me instead of Akane, it became very obvious that something happened between us.

And Akane being Akane, she instantly picked up on that, Eh? Whats that? Did something happen while I was asleep? Husband?

Instead of asking Fuyu, Akane turned to me for an answer. I wouldnt lie to her, after all.

Fuyu looked at me, silently signaling not to tell Akane.

Unfortunately for her, I think its best for her to see my most defining trait. Honesty.

Something did happen. Yuuki-san helped me realize something.

Oh? What is it? Tell me! Like an excited child who wanted to hear a new bedtime story, Akane held onto the hem of my shirt as she hopped a few times.

Upon seeing that, Fuyu facepalmed and started looking for a place to hide. However, she failed to do so. In the end, she pulled a chair and powerlessly sat down on it before slumping her head on the table. Its either shes embarrassed or shes afraid to see what Akane's reaction would be.

Lets see. I got my eyes opened that Im probably an easy-picking for aggressive girls. I worded it differently. Nonetheless, it still carried the same meaning. Besides, its a way to not put Fuyu on the spot. The girl grabbing my hand was probably what she didnt want Akane to hear.

After hearing that, Akane covered her mouth, not because she felt disgusted but because she couldnt hold back her laughter.

Pfft You only realize that now? Silly husband. Its always been that way. Am I not the living example of it?

Wait thats not how

I tried denying it by saying that it wasnt how our relationship was fostered, but Akane elbowed me, cutting off my words as she whispered, Just play along, husband. Its for Fuyu. You dont want her to be embarrassed, right?

This girl. She already considered her friend. Theyre really that close.

But I guess shes right. Theres no point in me trying to expound on it. Its enough that Akane understood what happened. And obviously, the girl had long observed that trait of me.

As for Fuyu Yeah, its better to let the matter rest here and not put her in an awkward situation.

A while later, Fuyu raised her head. She wore a puzzled expression as she stared at the laughing Akane.

Whats going on? She asked while alternately switching her gaze between Akane and me.

To answer that, I simply shrugged and put on a smile.

However, Akane did something unthinkable. She let go of me and walked to the girl, dragging her out of her chair, Fuyu, come here and sit with us. Ill lend husband to you tonight

Huh? What the hell are you talking about, Akane?

An expected reaction from Fuyu. But Akane simply put a finger on her lips and walked back to me to grab my hand as well. Following that, Akane dragged us down to sit down. Ssh. I meant this. You said you dont want a boyfriend. You can practice with husband, I dont mind.

How does not wanting a boyfriend equate to needing practice? Only Akane knows.

Fuyu naturally rejected Akanes absurd suggestion. Nonetheless, she remained in her seat and we ate dinner in this sitting arrangement where I got them to my left and right.

Akane woke up and she chose to do this what a mad girl.