When Akane returned with the tea, the three of us shared it while I told them what I heard from Ishida-senpai. Its origin and the effect.

Upon hearing that its safe to be consumed, the two girls eyes lit up as they both did a naughty gesture. Akane seductively bit her lips while Satsukis hand instantly traveled down, resting it atop my bulge.

Satsuki, youre bolder than I thought.

Un. Thanks to this guy holding back a lot, I have to be bold at times or he wont try and push me down.

Ah. I get it.

Do you? Akane, among all of us, only to you he will not hold back. Maybe it's because youre always doing it here in this house or its just his possessiveness toward you. Either way, its the other way around with you. Earlier is an example

With Satsuki coming off strong with that breakdown of whats really happening, Akane couldnt help but be embarrassed at her attempt to empathize.

She awkwardly laughed while scratching her head. Uhm I cant deny that.

Perhaps realizing that she probably said too much, Satsuki followed up with, Dont worry about it. Im not. None of us are Given your situation, its only natural. Even if I were in your shoes, I doubt this idiot will act differently.

Yup. Thats how it is. After downing the cup of tea, I stretched my arm around their shoulders and interjected with this rather awkward conversation.

I thought of trying to direct the awkwardness to myself but the two girls, as if they accurately read my mind, gripped my arms tightly before putting me under their intense gazes. Its like theyre telling me that Im up for a scolding if ever I tried to do whats on my mind.

Due to that, I gulped down my words and just settled on giving both of them a kiss.

They accepted it cheerfully but seconds later, the two girls looked at each other and heartily laughed.

Husband dodged that, huh?

Yeah. This idiot also read us. Hes getting better. But dont you think we must tell him to stop blaming himself every time?

But were not as great as him at reading someones mind.

Thats true Tell us, idiot Ruki. We can notice it. Its good that youre always trying to maintain order or stability. However, with your history of overthinking, arent you still thinking too far ahead and in turn, settling it by directing everything to yourself? You can scold us, you know?

I understood what they were trying to say, of course. And upon giving it some thought, theyre right.

Sometimes, I would just act according to whatever conclusion popped up in my head. And obviously, I always picked what I thought would be good for all of us. Maybe this was also in line with Izumis grievance to me back then. Instead of partaking in the act of picking up the sushi plates, I was handing them directly to them.

Or in short, the way I try to mediate mostly ends with me absorbing whatever negativity is presented. Although there were some instances where I would scold my girls, its more often that I would put myself in the middle and direct the blame on myself.

Yep. Even I could see that it was not that healthy.

Anyway, for these girls to bring this up while Im between them, its like theyre trying to stew me in my own juice.

I tried to put on an embarrassed expression but I guess, it was not effective or my acting was just ineffective at this particular moment. The two never let me escape their eyes.

You two. Were just talking about the tea How did I put myself in a hot seat?

I know. Asking that was just my last line of defense. And sure enough, its a futile attempt to weasel out of this conversation.

Its thanks to Satsuki here for being this straightforward, husband. Honestly, Haruko, Yae, and I just couldnt find the right moment to bring this up to you. Should I call them as reinforcements? Akane smirked and picked up her phone on the bedside table, acting like she was about to dial Haruko and Yae.

As expected, its all futile. And so, the only thing left was for me to raise the white flag.

Alright, I admit. I understand what youre saying. I promise to correct that behavior from me.

Promise, huh? Thats good enough but we have to make sure that it will be imprinted in your psyche. Satsuki meaningfully smiled before shaking her head.

Akane then followed up, Thats right! Going back to what we talked about earlier Its actually my fault for trying to empathize when Im the one getting the best treatment.

And like I said, Im not trying to criticize you for it. So, idiot Ruki, what will be your take on this?

Uh. I guess Ill start by asking you and the other girls to start living here.

Although thats one of our plans in the future, thats the better or perhaps the best solution to it rather than taking the blame for favoring Akane too much.

Satsuki nodded in satisfaction, An expected answer and thats for the best. Dont worry, we will! And by that time, Akane wont need to be considerate to us anymore if that happens.

Seeing that our conversation circled back to her as well, Akanes embarrassed smile returned, Youre right. Its only right for me to stop being too considerate. Dont blame me for hogging husband, Satsuki.

Un. In terms of his favor, I doubt Ill be losing to you.

With a confident smirk, Satsuki grabbed my raised arm and put it back on her shoulder. A second later, Akane did the same.

Just like this, the two somehow had a spark of competitive spirit as they bickered back and forth while occasionally trying to one-up each other by stealing kisses from my lips.

And with what they just let me realize, I naturally didnt let myself be a statue or a prize for the two. I joined them. However, instead of picking one over the other, I put my mind into romancing the two alternately to the point that they eventually lay down on the bed, receiving me with open arms.

Not long after that, the mood gradually heated up. The giggles turned into moans and the bed creaked louder than before.

Well, since we already did it in the bathroom earlier, we stopped after giving them one round each.

Still, despite the accumulated exhaustion, our day wouldnt end without talking about the happenings around us during the day.

Apart from everything that happened to me, Akane and Satsuki provided me with some interesting bits. Also, we also heard some from the other girls who I contacted to say good night with.

On Akanes end, the rumors about us were still circulating. In fact, it always has a column in the weekly newspaper printed by that club. Obviously, every week, new information would be provided.

Theyre really doing their homework.

In its first issue, its only about Akane getting a boyfriend. But as the school year progressed, it now evolved to the theory that were cohabitating.

Although thats true, Akane mentioned that they really had no idea what was happening. Apparently, whats written was just their speculation like were still living with our parents. Most of all, I was getting disparaged by whoever wrote it. Saying how unattractive I am or how I am a toad lusting over the swans meat. Really, they probably read that kind of novel with exaggerated idioms.

Furthermore, Akane also heard that theres a certain column in this weeks publication that talked about the clown who infiltrated their school grounds.

Yep. Someone from those students who saw me coming to pick up Yukari last week provided the info.

And lastly, theres also a rumor about Fuyu having a boyfriend. Apparently, someone saw her on a train with a guy late in the night.

Once again, that pointed to the times I sent her home I thought we were being careful. However, in the end, it brought about a rumor about that girl.

Maybe thats the reason she didnt visit tonight. Should I apologize? I guess I should if I see her again.

Akane thought that it should be fine as that kind of rumor wouldnt really affect Fuyu but if its troubling the girl, its only right to help her with it, correct?

Uh. Anyway, enough about that newspaper. I also heard something on Miyakos end.

The girls who accompanied her Sunday brought me good news. Miyako opened up to them and they all went to see the girl during lunch break and after school, resulting in those three bitches turning tails and not messing with her again.

Although they didnt confront them since Miyako said she wanted to be the one to do it, the girls reputation started being cleansed because of their influences that spread the word about how pure and lovely Miyako is.

Somehow, that got me in a splurge of showering praises to everyone involved in it. And as icing on the cake, I also called Miyako whose gloom was already negligible. I saw her with her brightest smile to date as she somewhat embarrassedly and excitedly told me what I heard from the other girls from her own perspective.

Mhm. Monday turned out to be a great day for all of us.