A while later, the first session of the 10-day course came to an end. While everything went almost similar to the previous one, some interesting bits still made it unique.

First, compared to last time, there were more middle schoolers now. They consisted of more than half of the 60 enrollees. And from what I gathered, only three came from my alma mater. A boy and two girls, all of them, 2nd years. The two girls seemed to have an idea who I am or at least, heard about or seen me last year.

I just dont know how... I mean, I wasnt part of the Student Council anymore since Haruko already graduated and I never looked for a target among their year level. I limited it to just a year below me.

In any case, I guessed that because when I went to assist them, they both asked me if I went to their middle school.

On the other hand, the boy was a little skinny and probably someone who was a target of a bully. By enrolling in my program, hes definitely looking for a way to have the strength to stand up for himself. He even specifically asked me to be stricter with him. I like that enthusiasm.

Second, the adults who enrolled were already full of praise for me. I even got to know some of them, probably among those who gave me a bonus two weeks ago. Theyre the ones who failed to get in since the slots were already filled. Their children already finished the course though and from their words, theyre still diligently doing the set exercises as well as the lessons I imparted to them.

Thats reassuring, to say the least. They already completed my program so its already up to them whether to continue following the routine I nailed into their heads.

And lastly, while Marika behaved herself throughout the lesson, shes being very obvious about how she wanted to get my attention. Either by raising her hand to ask a question regarding what I said or intentionally making a mistake so that I would be watching her closely.

Even if shes still enthusiastic to learn from my progress, its quite obvious that her reason for enrolling has already changed. If before she was just intrigued upon hearing my name from Koharu, Ichihara-sans daughter, its different now. Marika was creating this chance for herself to see and interact with me outside of our school.

That was further proven when I found her waiting for me even after I spent another half an hour with Ayu. I thought her escorts would already drive her home but no, she patiently waited outside.

Upon seeing me exiting from the inner area, her tired expression instantly brightened up as she stood up to receive me. Her hair was still a little wet and the golden ringlets hadnt taken form yet. Nonetheless, her graceful aura remained and her rather innocent yet sexy vibe almost gave that corner she was sitting on another color due to how eye-catching she is.

Hisa-jii was still at the front desk but he seemed to have no interest in the business of young people. Hes busy reading a newspaper even if its already dark outside and the source of light wasnt directly above him.

Anyway, I also looked outside the Boxing Gym. And sure enough, the car driven by her escorts was already parked nearby. Theyre waiting for Marika. Those two men in suits that served as her escort were probably monitoring us.

Senpai, I called out to her which she answered with a rather excited smile.

Even though she remained standing where she was, I could feel myself getting drawn into her location. Before long, my feet already brought me in front of her, eliciting sweet-sounding giggles from her.

Nonetheless, unlike most of my girls who would probably try and jump at me at this distance, Marika looked like she was holding herself back. Whether it was because of her status or just the way she was educated, I had no idea.

In any case, its worth noting how fidgety she is. Due to that, I couldnt help but form the notion of teasing her.

Whats this? Did I make you wait? I apologize, senpai. I bowed my head slightly toward her while keeping an eye out for her reaction.

A second later, Marika flinched a little before hurriedly grabbing my shoulder.

Eh? N-no... What are you apologizing for, Junior-kun? I have decided to wait for you here. Not you... Uhm... Im thinking of inviting you out.

Invite me out? For dinner?

After I said goodbye to Ayu whos probably going to stay here for another hour, I already sent a message to Akane and the others that I am on my way home. And since its already past 7 oclock, itll be bad for the girls that gathered there if they come home late into the night. Theyre waiting for me so that we can have dinner together, after all. And perhaps, spend some time too while were at it.

Thats why... if Marika said yes here, I would probably decline her again. No matter how much I like her or love this situation, I already committed myself to going home after I finish my part-time job. I mean, I didnt expect her to appear here, after all. Perhaps if I had known this beforehand, I would probably make adjustments to my schedule for today. Maybe shorten the length of that scouting trip.

But well, theres no fixing it now.

After what seemed to be a long silence, Marika timidly nodded, Un. Is it bad?

Looking into her eyes and expression, shes also aware of the complications of what shes trying to do here. With the problem of being betrothed to the Ichihara still hanging above her head, its quite bold of her to come up with this decision. Uh... This is born from my advice of getting her freedom so, I guess this counts as my fault as well.

In any case... she really said yes, huh? And surprisingly, my will to decline right away was absent... And somehow, I couldnt help but see that as a sign. A sign that in my eyes, Marika is already equal to all of my girls.

As I took the same length of time to come up with an answer, I never let my eyes off of her.

Not really. No. However, senpai, Im afraid that this can be bad for you. Your situation there hasnt improved yet. Even if Ichihara Jun hasnt brought up the growing problem regarding your relationship, it is only a matter of time. And knowing you... Youre going to own the responsibility for that, right?

Perhaps I hit the jackpot, Marika guiltily lowered her head before saying, It is only right for me to own up to it, Junior-kun. This is my decision, after all. Must I wait for Monday to see you again?

This girl... I have no idea if shes being stupid here or if her mind was already this muddled because of me.

She has this notion of protecting me from Ichihara Jun or her problem, right? Yet, here she is... expressing how shes missing me. If the person shes supposed to protect gets constantly exposed because of her own actions then thats nothing short of contradictory.

But then again, I was also the same. I wanted to protect her yet my actions so far pushed her into the deep end of being in conflict with the Ichiharas and her family. In a way, thats like Im pushing her to be isolated in the end then I will swoop in to take her home as a trophy...

Haa... Alright. Lets stop overthinking.

Senpai, look at me. Look at what youve done. I said as I pointed at my lips.

As soon as she did what I asked, Marika who was starting to emit some gloominess, immediately put a hand on her mouth as she gasped in delight.

Junior-kun. Why are you smiling like a clown?

... Alright. Ill let that slide. Looks like I still have it in me to act like one. Thanks, Yukari.

Well, because Im happy that senpai is asking me out. Although I have to decline the dinner, I have another suggestion. What about this? Accompany me to the station... Lets have a short date while walking.

This way, I wont be delayed going home and also have the time to spend with this girl.

That... Marika hesitated at first as she looked outside the Boxing Gym or specifically at her escort. Shes worried that they might not agree to that or stop her even after she agreed.

Thats why I reached for her hand and assured her, Let me talk to them. Hmm? They can follow us. The station isnt really that far so... there wont be any problem.

Junior-kun, thats not my only problem. I have no experience walking outside during the night...

Ah. Right. Shes a sheltered princess. But thats not really a problem, right? Theres always a first time for everything.