To make sure that I would be able to leave the bathroom without being caught, Hina opted to leave first. Although her face was still red despite finishing quickly, she was quite confident about her excuse in case someone pointed it out. She even playfully teased me that rather than her, it would be me whod need some explaining to do.

I mean, a certain part of my pants was a little wet due to cleaning up the stain that got stuck on it. Furthermore, its still bulged up from being half-erect My improved stamina had once again shown its prowess. We couldve gone for another round if we stopped caring about the next class.

Alas, knowing how I was serious at acquiring whatever knowledge I could get in school, Hina wouldnt ask me of that Also, even though its already weeks ago, shes still reflecting on that time she got heartbroken by Ogawas rejection to answer her confession. I stayed with her after lunchbreak and brought her to the infirmary, faking a sickness.

Uh. Thats also the day my relationship with her and Saki progressed a lot.

Anyway, thats that. Unless I ask her to skip class with me, shed probably not propose it herself. And thats the same for everybody.

Two minutes later, when I received her signal through a message, my feet hurriedly carried me out of the womens bathroom.

Thinking she was waiting for me outside so that we could go back together, I even prepared something to further lighten up our mood.

However, instead of finding Hina there, I found someone else.

Leaning against the wall with her hands clasped in front of her, Hana quietly waited.

Upon seeing me stepping out, excited and all, Hana easily got infected as her warm smile stretched wider.

Ruki The girl called out my name as she traversed the few steps between us.

She was about to hug me but upon noticing my puzzlement, she retracted her arms and carefully explained what happened, Hina-san asked me to wait for you here, Ruki.

Obviously, thats the only explanation. But what was she thinking? Did she not want me to interact with Hana?

No. Wait I might be wrong with my reading. Unlike Nami, Hina and the others only expressed their vexation for not being able to do something about it earlier. Moreover, its Hana who wedged herself between us resulting in Hina bringing me here. Its just her retaliation against Hanas move.

She also entrusted me with a message Hana continued as she locked eyes with me, She said you know what to do.

That girl. At least elaborate on it!

Hana also appeared a little puzzled at that message. She tilted her head, watching how I would react to it.

Lets see I know what to do, huh? Is she referring to what I said about my feelings for this girl? Is she giving me the chance to try and steal the girl instead of getting stolen by her?

I gotta ask her later.

For now, I guess Ill do just that. We only have the time needed to walk back to the classroom anyway. I should see how this girl would respond if I stopped acting distant from her.

Having decided that, I first cleared up my mind before closing in on Hana.

As expected, the girl's reaction became a little sluggish. She hadnt anticipated me to be proactive in approaching her.

Before she could blink her eyes, my arm had already found its way behind her. The same way as I held her earlier inside that stall, I locked her in my embrace.

R-ruki? Thats all Hana could say seconds later. Her body tensed up a little bit as she tried to lift her head and read my expression.

Unfortunately for her, I rested my chin on her shoulder as I slowly circled my other arm to her back.

Let me say this before we return to our classroom I started. I missed you. And Im more than flattered to know that the only reason for your return here is me.

This Am I hearing things? Have you eaten some dubious pill that flipped whats on your mind? Are you the real Ruki? Hanas voice was filled with disbelief. Yet, her tense body gradually relaxed, replaced by elation. Shes happy from hearing those despite her skepticism.

Nah. Im the same person. Do you know someone as shameless as me? No, right?

That But you youre favoring them all this time.

Of course, thats normal. Theyre my girlfriends, not you. I wont be able to forgive myself if I prioritize you over them. As much as you want to steal me, I also have this desire to have you back. Obviously, without leaving any of them. Now that youre here, I think its about time I tell you about this.

I couldnt say that through our messages, after all. In any case, theres no way shes unaware of this. The way she appeared earlier and kissed me as a greeting. Shes confident that I wouldnt be repulsed by her.

I guess she got the impression that I wouldnt be this forward to her because of how I tried to disregard her in favor of my girls.

Anyway, I was seeing success with this.

A few seconds later, Hanas heartbeat quickened as she once again attempted to stare at my face.

This time, I let her do it. I pulled my head back and faced her.

Somehow, I couldnt help but smile from seeing her extremely flustered expression. This was rare, after all. Even back then, only when I caught her off guard would she show this kind of face. Moreover, her left golden eye was fully exposed to me. Its still as beautiful as before. However, the same as her right eye, it properly conveyed her feelings at the moment, sadness and ambiguity.

Youre being unfair, Ruki.

Im aware. But arent you the same? You want me to abandon everyone for you. I guess were cut from the same cloth. Theres no reason for you to be envious of me anymore. Im not the same as before. Im not as free as you think. Today and in the future, Ill continue being tied up with my responsibility to all of them.

Hana looked like she didnt want to accept everything that I said. Shes still holding onto that image of me. The one who was unfettered by anything and anyone.

Why are you telling me this?

Simple. Because you needed to hear this from me. Now, its up to you if youre still going to be stubborn. Just know that if Im with any of them, I will never act like this. Youll always be on the sidelines.

Is Is that so? Then watch me do the impossible. Hana forced a laugh but her grip tightened on my back. Shes just trying to look strong when shes already shaken by what I revealed to her.

Well, suit yourself. Lets go back then. I bet theyre already speculating about what's taking us so long to return.

As I said this, I released her from my embrace and extracted myself from her grip. I then stepped to the side and walked past her.

Yet, I found myself turning around and having her face me again.

Earlier, I got kissed by her. This time, I returned the favor. While she was still lost in her thoughts, my lips overlapped with hers as I kissed her deeply, without holding back my feelings for her.

A while later, Hana matched my steps as the two of us started making our way back to our classroom. We didnt start another conversation but halfway through it, I heard the girl whispering to herself. I could barely make out the words she was using except for one.

love