Early Friday morning, right after I sent Akane to school and met up with Hiyori outside, I received an email. Without needing to check its sender, I already expected who it came from.

Shinohara Hana.

Its Friday and based on the photo of the ticket she sent me a few days ago, shes going back to this country today. Or maybe later this day because of the different time zones.

In any case, I settled myself on the train first before checking it. As soon as I opened it and checked its contents, I couldnt help but chuckle a bit.

That girl shes probably always thinking of different methods on how to steal me. Thats not just admirable but also adorable of her. Too bad though, shed fail. Thats a certainty.

The subject of the email reads like this, Finally coming home to steal you. Get ready, Ruki.

Hana also attached a photo of herself with the airport as her background. Shes traveling alone. Will she be fine?

Oh, wait. Shes probably experienced enough to do so.

The girl in the photo was wearing a black frilly dress, contrasting her vibrant expression and joyful smile. Perhaps, if its a video instead, Id probably see her giggling excitedly while spinning. Thats something the girl did before, after all. During that field trip, when we walked along the beach close to sunset.

Continuing on the other content of her email, the girl also wrote another absurd thing.

The plane will leave in an hour. And the trip will be at most half a day. Can I come straight to your adress?

Half a day, huh? Thats too long of a trip. Anyway, what does she mean by that? Come straight to my address? Didnt they have a house of their own?

Not knowing what to reply at first, the train reached the first station before I started typing. Thats close to ten minutes.

I appreciate you updating me on this, Hana. But why? Why our house and not yours?

Not even a minute after sending my reply, Hana responded immediately.

Well, she said that it will leave in an hour. She has less than an hour to exchange emails with me because she still has to check in and board the plane. And once shes inside, it will be difficult or almost impossible to reply anymore.

Looking back to the past few days, the girl didnt bother me at all. With that, Im feeling generous to give her my time of the day until this train arrives at my destination.

At least, until our conversation still makes sense.

Oh. Did I forget to tell you? Rather than live on my own at our old house, Im thinking if its possible to start living with you right away. Can I?

What the

Is she being serious right now?

No. Knowing the girl whos like me who seldom jokes, most of what came out of her mouth was serious. And based on what she wanted to do, its not really that unbelievable for her to do it.

However, I havent given her permission to do so. Besides, its not my house. I cant just let her stay without informing my parents. And if shes going to remain in this country long enough to finish high school, it will be problematic if I just let her stay.

Thats why, after thinking for a while, I replied accordingly, You cant. Hana, there are limits to what you can do. Im still being lenient and don't even want to shut you down completely. Lets say Im still interested in you but that doesnt mean I can give in to everything.

Heh, such an expected answer coming from you, Ruki. Theyre that important to you.

Thats obvious. Are you going to stay here?

Yes. I cant steal you if I have to go back so soon. A relative already processed my papers. Who knows? Ill show up at your school on Monday.

Girl, dont you think its pretty obvious that what you mentioned will definitely happen?

My I cant keep a secret from you, it seems.

This girl Shes deliberately acting like this.

Yeah, right. Whatever your plan is, make sure not to cause too much trouble. You know me, Hana. I wont stop at nothing.

I disagree. You can stop at something, Ruki. Youll never force yourself on someone. That much I know. You still have your principles even if youre that broken.

She sent another email even before I could reply. Its now no different than a chat box with the frequency of our messages.

No matter, Im as flawed as you anyway. I may try to be hostile to get you back but I also know my limits. What I chose to do wont be easy, I know that. I lost a lot of time. I shouldve returned months ago and taken the headstart. Now, Im the one lagging behind. Or more like, late to the party.

Even through texts, her words sounded full of her lamentations. Its kinda but thats how it is. Shes late. Terribly so.

Nonetheless, I doubt even if she returned earlier, with my mindset remaining as someone who only moves for my desire, theres no way she could get me back.

After I responded to it normally, our conversation continued. Naturally, we veered away from that topic.

Somehow, I found myself acting like a worried parent to his daughter who was going back from a long trip. I told her to check everything before boarding and even asked her to tell me when she arrived.

When the girl pointed that out, I couldnt help but feel embarrassed. It once again reminded me how I am still drawn to her. If only she can change her mind about going against the current flow, it will not be this troublesome.

Soon enough, we exchanged our last emails. I arrived at my destination and the girl was going to board the plane. In the end, I just told her not to come unannounced and she definitely could not live with me. Perhaps I should inform my mom about her. Whether or not shes aware of the girls past with me, I might be able to hear her insight, expanding my choices on how I would deal with the girl.

With that, I cleared my mind of any lingering thoughts about Hana once I left the station and started making my way to our school.

Minutes after I arrived at our classroom, Mina peeked her head from outside our classroom, clearly looking for me. Since I already greeted my girls and there were still a few minutes before the 1st period, I went to check on the girl.

As soon as she saw me approaching, my tea girls expression lit up and she smiled beautifully. But then, as if remembering something, she bashfully lowered her head and pulled me out of the room.

I wonder what this is about? She has my number. She can easily send me a message. Is it because she wants to see me? Possible.

The girl dragged me outside the School Building, passing by numerous students that were still flooding in from outside. Once we arrived inside the Club Building and away from most eyes, the girl finally faced me and told me the purpose of her visit.

Mina moved her hand from my wrist to my hand, filling the gaps of my fingers with hers. And while exuding her happiness, she looked up again with a wide grin on her lips, Shameless guy.

Alright. Thats adorable.

Whats up? Did you miss me?

Of course not! So, she said but her body language and facial expressions were saying otherwise. Shes rubbing her legs and trying her hardest not to jump in my embrace.

Thats why to help her ease her mind, I took the initiative, pulling her in my embrace before dragging her to the nearest empty room.

Once inside, I quickly made my move, pressing her back against the wall and taking her lips after lifting her chin.

Without any more words exchanged between us, the girls tensed shoulder relaxed and every apprehension in her mind was released.

For the next few minutes, I spoiled the girl, satisfying her longing for me. And thats the same for me. Mina was just too lovely today.

Anyway, while still clinging to me, Mina finally remembered the other purpose for her visit to my classroom.

Right, pervert Ruki, Haru asked me to bring you to the clubroom. Mutsumi-senpai is here. She wants to see you.