The same as earlier, this place was kind of deserted even during the night. We could see lights from over the street from the streetlamps and the nearby establishments. However, there was little to no foot traffic.

In a way, this gave us peace of mind, allowing us to move to our destination without facing any problems.

Perhaps due to the lack of urban development in the area, the night breeze, brought about by the lush trees still standing on the sidewalks, felt cooler than normal despite the approaching summer season.

It somehow reminded me of the early spring, before the start of the school year, and when I had just cut off everyone connected to me. That experience was still vivid in my mind. Oftentimes, I would walk outside without any aim, just feeling that cold spring breeze seeping into my skin.

And on my return, Akane would be waiting at my doorstep, sometimes with a warm beverage in her hand to be given to me.

Thats a sweet memory, now that I think about it.

Ruki?

Perhaps noticing that I started staring off into the distance as I recalled that memory, the girl beside me called out to me.

Nothing. I just remembered something. Anyway, do you feel cold? We can still go back in and get you a scarf.

The girl stared at me for a few seconds first before answering. Perhaps, shes wondering what I remembered. Yes. Your hand and arm are warm enough, Ruki.

And following that, her grip tightened and she pressed herself closer to me. She moved her body slightly, rubbing the warmth of my arm to her. Along with that, a satisfied smile peeked out on her lips.

Feeling the softness of her chest and how my arm sunk into her valley, I couldnt help but react a little to it. Shes acting realistically like I told her but somehow, I was the one slipping off of it.

I inwardly shook my head, warding off the unnecessary thoughts about our current situation.

I then met her gaze and returned the same smile, Alright. If you say so Feel free to huddle closer if you feel cold. Ill keep you warm.

Hearing that, Juris affable expression heightened and her unmistakable joy radiated from her smile, Then Im in your care, Ruki. Its been a while since I felt the warmth of someone else other than Setsu.

So, did she have no other friend aside from Setsuna-nee-san? Or shes just not close enough to the others?

Anyway, I grabbed that as a topic of our conversation while we waited.

Now thats an interesting bit. Are you and Setsuna-nee-san always together?

Most of the time, yeah. Oh, right. Were not cuddling each other all the time if youre wondering. And shes the one who always squeezed to my side!

Answering right away, Juri made a face as though telling me not to get the wrong idea.

She probably thought I might get the impression that shes someone leaning on that side.

Given her attitude, she might be a cool beauty but she never strikes me as a lesbian. Shes even more feminine than that shorter and longer-haired Satsuki lookalike. That girl sure was rough. Sakuma could attest to that.

I readily nodded, easing her mind. A second later, the girl continued, sharing her thoughts that she probably wouldnt talk about with anyone else.

You know, whenever I sleep over in Setsus room or their house, she would surrender the bed to me. Then she would either place a futon on the floor or slip inside her sisters room.

Juri emphasized that last bit and turned her head to me, checking my expression even in this darkness. The moon was partly covered by clouds, after all. And even if it wasnt, theres no way it could give sufficient light for the two of us to clearly see each others expression.

Anyway, I could certainly imagine Setsuna doing that just to annoy Satsuki. In fact, Satsuki already told me something like that.

She suddenly woke up in the middle of the night only to see her older sister snuggled inside her blanket and using her body as a hug pillow. Satsuki kicked her out of the room and locked it. But then she still let her in after a while.

Thats some sibling bonding, right?

Setsuna-nee-san is doing that? Now, thats what I call enviable. Continuing our conversation, I used that as a topic and acted a little out of character.

Juri leered at me, a humorous smile hanging on her lips.

Ruki, do you imagine yourself taking Setsus place to slip into Satsuki-chans room?

Well, shes not wrong. That would be exciting. But instead of admitting it, I put on a playful expression.

No. Rather than that, I imagined myself to be in the same room as you, sleeping on the floor. You know, it will be easy for me to crawl up and join you on the bed in the middle of the night.

Not expecting that, Juri was taken aback. She stared at me with a serious expression. Yet, little by little, I noticed her eyes and lips starting to tremble even in this darkness.

As she tried to regain composure, the girl squeezed my hand tightly before averting her gaze to the side.

You. Isnt that a little inappropriate? And here I am, expecting a gentleman.

Heh, why so? If our relationship flourishes, arent we going to sleep on the same bed, in the same room and under the same roof? Without taking a step back on teasing her, I pushed on. Furthermore, since she averted her gaze, her ear became wide open. I leaned closer, whispering all that.

In a matter of seconds, Juri flinched as if tickled by my warm breath. I thought shed rise up with a retort ready. However, thats not what happened.

Lowering her head further, the girl muttered in an almost inaudible voice. Our relationship

Uh. Should I continue teasing her? Is she not an impregnable fortress that was too susceptible to a siege? Have I broken into her defenses already?

Perhaps?

I turned my gaze back to the front, giving her the time to process all that while pretending not to hear what she just said.

I kept holding her hand and the girl never moved from my side. Shes still hugging my arm tightly as we waited here in the dark.

A while later, Juri turned her head back to me. Peering into my playful expression, realization dawned on her. Her shaky eyes suddenly became still and an amused expression settled on her face.

What can I say? Youre too settled into the act, Ruki I almost fell for that.

While sighing in obvious relief, the girl then let go of my arm as she looked around us, perhaps searching for somewhere to escape from.

No doubt, she was a little embarrassed yet she didnt want to admit it.

When she started walking towards a bench close to a flower bed, I followed after her and using the same tone as earlier, I joked, Hey, what if it wasnt an act?

Not buying it, the girl hastened her steps and quickly reached it.

Upon sitting down, Juri cutely stuck her tongue out and laughingly declared, Come on. If youre out here to get me flustered, you have to do better than that, Ruki.

Still acting tough, huh?

I approached her. But instead of taking the empty space next to her, I crouched down and placed my hands on her legs. Their softness was heavenly even though her short pants still covered it.

When I looked up, I captured her beautiful face staring down at me. She then amusedly reached for my shoulder and patted it.

Actually, I didnt do this to feel her up. This was hardly the time for that.

As for the reason its because the time has finally arrived.

BEEP! BEEP

As the two of us exchanged glances, communicating wordlessly, a car pulled up nearby and honked loudly, clearly trying to get our attention.

Although my back was turned to it, I could hear the sound of the engine dying out followed by a car door opening.

And not long after, one set of footsteps made its way to our location.

Miss Koizumi? Who is that guy? The newcomer asked. From how dismissive his tone was, hes clearly not waiting for an answer.

Clearly disregarding my existence, he then flamboyantly said, Eh, no matter. Must be someone you asked to escort you here Anyhow, I never thought you'd be this eager to wait for me here, Im flattered. Come, I reserved us a table at a nearby gourmet restaurant. Im sure youll love it.

Judging from Juris expression, the man most likely stretched his hand out.

Too bad for him, the girl had no intention to take it.

And through our wordless communication, I deemed it time for me to act.

Using her legs as my support, I pulled myself up and vigorously turned around, covering the girl sitting behind me.

As I took in the appearance of the man that looked a little younger than I thought, I matched his gaze and proudly took a stance, Hmm? And who might you be? To dare ask someones girlfriend to dinner Are you looking for a beating?

This time, instead of trying to be civilized, I put on the straightforward character who had no qualms about whoever he was facing. And to complete the package, I cracked my neck and knuckle, intimidating him.

Behind me, I heard Juris snort as she laughingly whispered, What an amazing actor Very impressive, dear Ruki.