The next day, after walking Akane to their school, meeting Fuyu and the other two along the way, I veered off my usual path of either going back to the station or meeting one of my girls at the nearby park.

I got picked up by Suzuki-san and brought to the condo unit where Mizuki was waiting for me. There we talked about the arrangement for when I was going to use the unit, bringing the girls in it if possible.

Well, its not me who brought up the topic. Mizuki messaged me directly about it. She most likely heard my thoughts about it from the other girls.

However, we didnt really start on that topic. As soon as we were left alone by Suzuki-san, we instantly forgot about it, shelving it down our priority list.

Its been a few days since we got the chance to be alone together and the last time was when she was down with the flu from overworking herself. Mizuki and I just couldnt help ourselves from becoming all over each other, easing up our longing first.

We made use of the room and the bed that we always lie down on ever since I conquered her during middle school.

Thinking about it, that detail also became one of the limiting factors why I hadnt brought any other girl here yet even after a month.

Its a special place for us, after all.

Nonetheless, soon after we finished satisfying ourselves and we finally returned to the main topic as we rested on the bed, Mizuki started by making me realize that keeping one place exclusive to one girl wouldnt be good for our complex relationship.

No. I think I already understood that reasoning. Our house and our room had already lost their exclusivity for Akane, after all. And this unit would soon be the same.

Anyway, its not like were erasing every special memory Mizuki and I shared here. Were just opening it up for the other girls in our complex relationship.

This way, we wouldnt be too hard-pressed to look for a private place if we need one. We couldnt always go to a love hotel, after all. Although employees from that kind of establishment wouldnt really pry on their customers identities, it would be bad for the girls if I brought them in groups. I dont want their image and reputation to be tainted.

From now on, dont worry about the security at the lobby. You can use the backdoor and the exclusive elevator near it. Ill hand you the key weve been using before. And one more thing the paperwork is done for the transfer of this unit to your name. All thats left is your seal to finalize it.

Ah. Right. This building has those installed. Thats where we always gain access before. Only recently did we start entering through the main entrance.

Uh I forgot my seal at home I have no use for it nowadays.

Upon hearing that, Mizuki smirked and pinched my nose. Not just a reaction to my negligence but to also get back at how I always pinch hers whenever I get the chance.

Yeah, right. Just what I expect from my Ruki Dont mind it. Im gonna bring it to your home later at night. And while Im at it Ill be sleeping over. What do you think?

As she brought up that suggestion, Mizuki climbed up on top of me again, dropping kisses on my neck and chest.

Shes clearly excited. And instead of showing it on her face, shes diverting it by being this affectionate.

I placed my hand on her head and gently brushed her hair as I replied, That sounds better. No. Its the best scenario. Im glad I forgot my seal today. I can have my Mizuki at my side at night.

Mizuki chuckled lovingly and her kisses came raining down on my neck. After ending that by leaving with a bite mark, she cheerfully stated, With or without your seal, its within my plan to stay the night today. However, theres just one thing you also need to know.

What is it?

My mom will call us. She has been meaning to speak to you. The guy who changed my mind from pursuing my previous goal. She drew circles on my chest as she stared intently at my face, watching my reaction to it.

Her mother, huh? Looks like she already revealed our relationship to her.

What about your father?

Eh Forget about him, hes too busy to care. Mizuki averted her gaze as though she didnt want to talk about him. But at the same time, it sounded like a child throwing a tantrum because her father was busy with his work more than tending to his child.

Am I correct to assume that youre not getting along with him? I asked. That instantly made Mizuki stop what she was doing.

Uhm. If I will answer that in the best way possible Its yes and no. She contemplated for a moment before answering. Theres no problem at all. However, you know it, Ruki; as the head of the Hasegawas branch family, hes always been at the beck and call of the main family. He didnt become their lackey. My father is just trying too hard to make contributions and get more opportunities for us.

Mizuki paused for a moment before continuing, Or you can say that he somehow wanted to surpass what I did. Hes a prideful person. I probably took the trait from him.

I see Must be hard for both of you. Lets see. Hes proud of your achievements but at the same time, he cant accept that his daughter surpassed him. As for you

Stop, idiot Ruki. I know what youre going to say. I want him to praise me and look at my growth. But because of our prideful nature, we couldnt see eye to eye these days.

This building is in his management, right?

In name only. But the decision for everything thats going on around here is handled by me. The main branch made it this way.

Cant really blame your father on that one.

Thats how it was for prideful people, after all. What they needed was a reality check or a slap to their faces in order for them to wake up.

I know, right? What? Wanna help me reconnect with him?

If it will bring joy for my Mizuki, why not?

I readily answered which produced joyful laughter from the girl.

Heh You better survive against my mother first. Shell be nitpicky. I think she did her homework about you, Ruki. Shell be a tough opponent.

That sounds bad. Is she aware of everything?

Probably not. Otherwise, shed stop me from staying with you. Or she mightve been preparing this coming night as a trap to corner you. Mizuki mused before smirking again. Yeah, shes still as excited as earlier.

I guess this was the part where she wanted us to be official in her mothers eyes.

Yeah. Thats definitely a possibility. If it comes to it, Ill still fight for you and make her accept us.

Un. Me too. Theres no way I will let you out of my grasp again.

Mizuki and I looked at each other before laughing together. For the following minutes, we talked about countermeasures against her mother. She filled me in on her possible questions and also her defining traits. According to her, she might not be originally from a noble family, but shes as ambitious as Mizuki.

While she inherited her fathers pride, the ambition to soar higher came from her mother.