Upon changing into my PE uniform, I went to the Gymnasium alongside my girls and Hana.

Yeah. None of them passed up the chance to watch me change. Perhaps finding the situation a rare chance to see me change in front of their eyes, my girls surrounded me just to watch intently and get a feel of my body. Fortunately, none of them went further than that, or we would surely be late for our PE Class.

Not that I wouldnt welcome it if they tried.

Anyway, because Eguchi-sensei let me pass on the information about the upcoming activity today, the Gymnasium was already filled with the students from our class and Class 4 when we arrived.

Theyre all excited about it. I mean, the news I disseminated contained some remarks like a bonus point for the winning team and another chance to sit out the next PE class for the whole class.

I didnt decide. Its truly included in Eguchi-senseis instructions to me. She probably wanted to be this excited so that they would properly enjoy her activity.

As always, being her Student Assistant, I soon separated from my girls. But this time, someone followed me.

The only one whos still in her uniform; Hana.

Apparently, her uniform has yet to arrive. Due to that, she can only sit this activity out. And without anything else to do the girl chose to follow me.

Chii and the others tried to prevent her, however, the girl was quick enough to dodge them resulting in everyones attention once again landing on us.

Heh. Ruki, I can sense a hostile gaze from the other class. Are they Fujii-sans friends?

The girl flippantly asked as she closed the distance between us.

Well, I didnt need to glance back to check, Nazuki and the other two with her were truly staring daggers at her back.

I did talk to Raes friend earlier, owning up to the rumor that she heard. However, seeing Hana still doggedly following me, its only natural for them to misunderstand again.

Who else will it be? But Hana, do you really want to be hated by them?

Of course not. But I also dont care about them. I have a reason to follow you, arent I?

Hana coolly replied. I could imagine the girl simply showing her angelic smile to them. Or maybe to everyone watching us walk away from the crowd.

Since Eguchi-sensei was preparing a distance away from where the two classes gathered, conversing like this became possible.

Yes, you have Then can you walk in front of me?

Dont wanna Why will I pass the chance to admire you from behind? Thats unthinkable.

Girl Is what happened earlier not enough for you to change your ways?

I left her there earlier to try and see if they could change her mind Looks like its not that effective. Or shes just too adamant to accept the reality?

That is that, this is this. Ruki, if you were in my shoes, will you stop just because other people were obstructing you?

Theyre not obstructing you. Theyre defending their place beside me.

I know. Our perspectives are just different from each other. Theyre an obstruction in her eyes while the girls are only doing what they can do.

In the first place, Im practically making it hard for my girls when I openly stated that I want Hana back. Thats why whatever they may choose to do, I wont object to it.

Doesnt matter. I can accept their words, motivations, and reasons but that doesnt mean I will change my approach, Ruki. I love you just as much as them.

Love, huh? You didnt feel that way about me back then.

Right While I was already clear about my feelings for this girl, I couldnt be sure about what was truly the driving force for her. Obsession? Because Im irreplaceable? From what I could recall, this was the first time she uttered that word.

Is that so? Werent you the same? Love was a foreign concept for you. All you had was your desire. Rindou-sans words earlier resonated with me what Im feeling for you is also the same love youre feeling for me. Or so, I want to confirm that.

Okay, thats fair

Thats all I could reply to. Furthermore, I couldnt help but pause in my steps to check her expression. And like I expected, while shes staring at me filled with her affection, shes still kinda lost about what she truly felt for me.

Most likely, part of the reason why shes being stubborn in that decision was to confirm if she was really in love with me or not.

Well, shes one of those girls thats hard to read because of her ability to put on that mask and hide behind it.

Heh, dont worry. Ill do something about those rumors and issues cropping up because of my actions. You wanted to protect your girls. Ill help you do it.

Now, thats new. I never thought you'd be able to say that.

I can do anything to get you to pick me.

I guess its the same thing as yesterday. Despite her actions that put my reputation in jeopardy, she cleaned up the mess by owning up to it.

I had no idea what she planned to do for it. However, I had this nagging feeling that I should watch over her in case something unexpected occurred.

Yep. Thats impossible.

Ah How cruel. Regrettably, that heartless response wont faze me. Hana declared as she increased her pace to catch up to my side.

At this point, we finally arrived at Eguchi-senseis location. A perfect timing to end that conversation on that note. Actually, in just two days, Im now getting used to the girls antics While I wanted to see more of it, my heartless remarks would continue to stab into her.

Great, youre here Onoda-kun, Ill have you supervise the team formations Oh! You youre the transfer student, correct?

Because her back was turned to us, Eguchi-sensei failed to notice Hana right away.

Yes, sensei. Im Shinohara Hana Im afraid I dont have my gym clothes yet.

I see. So thats why you followed Onoda-kun here. Lets see

With Hana introducing herself as well as her current circumstances, Eguchi-sensei took a moment to think of what to do to her.

A while later, although her enthusiasm appeared to have waned a little, she generously suggested a task for the girl.

Okay, Shinohara. I can have you sit this one activity out or you can help Onoda-kun with his task. Ill leave it to you to decide.

Uhm Thank you for your consideration, sensei. I choose to help Onoda-kun! With her eyes glittering brightly, Hana answered right away. She even looked at me and made a cutesy expression as though she was trying to tease me.

Eguchi-sensei failed to see that. She already turned her focus back to me, after all. But after hearing Hanas answer, a bitter smile flashed on her lips

Theres no need to guess. She thought that Hana would pick the first option since most students liked that. She only put that second option to give the illusion of a choice.

Unfortunately, since Hana picked the second choice, she had to follow through with it and act like the good teacher that she is.

Un. Great choice. Its only your second day, Im sure you still need time to familiarize yourself. Onoda-kun, Ill leave her to you.

Eguchi-sensei languidly tapped my shoulder as she began explaining what we needed to do. On the other hand, Hana acted like she was listening attentively as stepped a little closer but in a way that it wouldnt be conspicuous that she was trying to make a move on me.

Somehow, this PE Class might be chaotic again. Hopefully not.