The following periods passed just as smoothly as the first four. And at the moment, the bell had just rung, indicating the end of the 7th period.

As promised, I prepared to pick up both Kana and Ishida-senpai in their classroom.

But before doing so, my head sought my girls figures, checking on them as they also prepared to go to their respective clubs.

On my side, Aya handed me a notebook. Its a notebook with her written book reviews and summaries. Last week I requested her help with it. She finally finished it.

Thank you, Aya. I smiled as I dotingly patted the girls head.

Aya wholeheartedly accepted it, lowering her head slightly to make it easy for me to pat her. Furthermore, the girl also stood up from her seat to squeeze in my embrace, totally ignoring the attention that wed be getting.

Since its like an extension of what happened during the 1st period, most of our classmates stopped paying attention to our display of intimacy soon enough.

I mean, theres nothing they could do about it, right? However, Im surprised Kikuchi isnt saying anything about this. Shes aware that Im Namis boyfriend and at the same time, Im also Hinas boyfriend in her eyes. And perhaps, she also knows about Saki. The three stopped holding back on showing it whenever we were in their clubroom, after all.

Anyway, on my other side, Satsuki, who had just finished stuffing her things inside her bag, reached for my arm and pinched it to get my attention.

When I glanced at her, a smile couldnt help but show on my lips. Even without much change in her usual expression, the little pout that shes doing wouldnt be able to escape my notice.

And if I had to guess, she wanted the same treatment as Aya.

As the girl quickly realized that I saw through her, she huffed and bloated her cheeks before averting her gaze. However, not even ten seconds later, she sneakily reached for the hem of my sleeves, tugging it as her way to tell me that she was waiting for her turn.

Classic Satsuki.

And thats why, after Aya left for the Book Club, I grabbed Satsukis hand and guided her out of the classroom. Since its the time when most of the students were leaving for their clubs. The hallway was packed. Showing up with our clasped hands, we instantly grabbed the attention of those who saw us.

Well, even if they recognized us, I paid no attention to it. I even tightened my grip to ensure that her hand wouldnt accidentally slip out of my grasp.

When we successfully left the School Building and got to a place with fewer eyes to even bother to look at us, I glanced back to check on the girl.

She stuck close to my back while her bag covered her face.

Embarrassed? I asked as I turned around to face her. I reached to her bag, lowering it down to peek at what she was hiding.

No, you idiot! I dont want anyone else to see me like this And its to prevent another rumor about you. Without putting any resistance, Satsuki gradually lowered her arms, showing the top half of her face to me.

Shes as flustered as she could get. And although shes still glaring at me, it only added to her charm.

Rumor? Thats irrelevant at this point. Will you believe if I tell you that soon enough, we can kiss out in the open without bothering about who can see us?

Satsuki paused and contemplated for a moment. But after realizing that I got her with that question, she quickly erupted with hits on my shoulder, her ears turning even redder.

No, you idiot! No ones going to kiss you in public! Whats with you? If youre so brave to expose our relationship in public then do so Ill wait for it.

Are you sure? I kept a straight face and smirked. I gradually pushed my face closer, my eyes locked on hers.

One second. Two. Three.

Five seconds later, the girl gulped down, closed her eyes and eventually closed her mouth shut. Her lips sucked in her mouth.

Shes refusing to answer. She had no idea if Im serious or not, after all.

Alright. My Satsuki wins. I cant do it yet if theres no guarantee that youre all going to be fine.

Upon hearing that, the girl immediately opened her eyes and handed me her bag, freeing her hands. Following that, she went for my cheeks, pinching them as hard as she could.

And while giggling oh-so-sweetly, she whispered, Remain an idiot forever, Ruki. Lets go.

Satsuki grabbed her bag back from me. And this time, shes the one who led me by hand as we continued on our way to the Gymnasium, ignoring every student we passed by on our way there.

As always, this trip to the Gymnasium didnt end with just watching her enter from the side door, I went in with her and found a rather obscure corner where we let go of any inhibitions.

Before leaving and returning to the School Building, I told her about Koizumi-sans message. Apparently, she also received a message from the girl, asking her for a talk later.

Well, the way she worded that sounds rather unusual. Koizumi-san was asking for a talk rather than straight saying that she was going to inform Satsuki about that scouting trip with her.

I could be overthinking it but I guess thats for Satsuki to find out.

Around ten minutes later, I finally returned to the School Building to pick up the two girls on the third floor.

Since a lot of time had already passed, the only ones left there were those on Cleaning Duty or those waiting for someone.

However, I was once again stalled at the stairs leading up to the second floor.

Up top, I ran into someone. The girl also stopped in her tracks as she focused her eyes on me.

You Are you going to? While her words seemed incomplete, I could infer what she was trying to say considering our only interaction was about that.

Its Kujou Marikas follower who asked me to investigate Ichihara Jun and help the girl get out of his grasp. Obviously, I already saw through her act back then And according to Shizu, shes been seen to be close to that guy before she became Kujous follower.

This time, however, it looked like she also got taken aback at our unexpected meeting. The girl hurriedly tried to come up with something in line with what we talked about before. However, thats all she could manage.

Well, lets play along for a moment. Its also been a while since I saw Kujou-senpai. I thought she was going to go out of her way to look for me after what happened last Sunday but she has been quiet all this time.

I wonder. Maybe Im wrong about my assumptions about that ringlet girl? No I should still be vigilant about her.

Not today. I still havent finished investigating. But if theres a chance to talk to her, why not? Senpai, you told me youre going to tell me where I can find her, right? You still havent delivered.

Her eyes widened slightly as she paused for a moment before answering

I Im sorry. Shes not moving places so much these days. At the moment, Marika-sama is still in their classroom. Shes waiting for Ichihara-senpai to pick her up.

And her other followers?

Theyre around her but if its you

You think I have a chance to get past her followers?

Yes. She talks about you sometimes. Junior-kun is interesting she says.

And how did she know that I am that Junior-kun? Did Marika mention it or did she find out from someone else?

I see. Alright, if theres a chance, Ill try but dont get your hopes up.

Y-yes! Should I follow you?

No, senpai. Youre going to expose yourself if you do.

R-right. G-good luck then Onoda-kun

Mhm I nodded and watched her pass by me, descending down to the 1st floor.

That girl, shes hurrying up to get away, huh?

I waited for a moment, sensing the surroundings if someone was eavesdropping. When I found no one, I continued on my steps, ascending to the third floor

Well, even with that talk, I decided not to approach Kujou Marika today At least let me pick up Kana and Ishida-senpai first.

Ill put it up to the chance whether I will encounter her or not. Shes not a doll that will only move if someone pulls on her strings anyway.