Since I prioritized spending time with Saki without any distractions, I could only inform the girls about the result when we were on our way to the classroom through messages.

They have mixed responses, of course. But ultimately, they all deemed it the best rather than send that guy to oblivion. Arisa, in particular, was feeling really conflicted.

On one hand, shes dejected that things had to go this way. And on the other, shes concerned that I once again brandished my overly considerate trait for them, allowing the silent guy to get a lighter sentence.

While its partly true, I didnt tell her that. Instead, I reassured her that my decision was for our own convenience. She wasnt completely convinced but since I will be seeing her later, Ill just convince her again. And the same goes for the others.

As for Izumi, the fake delinquent only asked me to confirm if the silent guy truly did all that. If Im not wrong, she also didnt want to be biased in her judgement being their Club President and all. She may be unreasonable at times but the girl's sense of responsibility was that high.

In a way, shes really fit to be their leader.

Anyway, the day continued and the first period quickly ended.

When I went out to bring Shios teaching materials to her next class, I got a little delayed in going back.

Watanabe and Komoe, who I hadnt seen for a few days, both stood up and chased after me.

The former reported to me some new gossip and information she collected all around the campus. Shes that diligent at her job of being our eyes and ears.

As for the latter... Apart from expressing her longing for me in the form of grabbing my hand and lifting it to her head for a pat, she updated me about her current state in their classroom.

Those who were previously close to her had started talking to her again. And even the guy she asked to be friends with approached her, apologizing. Hes not that dense, apparently. He managed to draw the conclusion that he was the reason Komoe stopped coming to school.

But even if thats the case, the girl smugly told me that she denied it to his face and made up another reason like... she didnt feel like going to school again.

Well, theres nothing wrong with doing that. And I find it a lot better for the girl.

The guy didnt need to hear her reason. Who knows? He might even feel proud of himself if Komoe admitted to it.

Anyway, that update was actually something Eguchi-sensei and the other Guidance Counselors tasked her with. Theyre still wary that the girl might stop coming to school again, after all.

And since Im the one who brought her back, they also tasked me with continuing to monitor her starting today.

Really, even without their prompt, its not like Im going to abandon her.

In the duration of our conversation, even with Watanabe watching closely beside us, Komoe didnt even try to hide how much she wanted me to dote on her. Moreover, in her own words, she loved that she finally got a proper reason to approach me through that task given to her.

After giving the girl another pat on the head, I walked them back to their classroom.

Before separating from them, Watanabe whispered something to me, Onoda-kun, I know I said that everything will be fine on my side but Ma-kun... Hes starting to act strange whenever I mention your name. Hes not jealous, is he?

Yep. That girl is also showing signs of being dense. Of course, hes jealous. Unfortunately, I didnt get to answer her as the bell echoed across the hall, indicating the start of the 2nd period.

I heard the baseball club has drawn the worst opponent for them. It sucks but theyll probably be eliminated right away. Miyoshi-kun is even inviting us to watch.

Eh? Our school isnt really that decent when it comes to sports anyway. A lot of them are slacking off on practice.

Not all. Wasnt Maemuras club almost beat a strong contender for our prefecture when they had a practice game?

Oh. Youre right. I remember how hyped we were back then. Moreover, arent Onoda-kun and those around him going there? Itll be interesting.

Huh? Why do you find it interesting?

Dont act like youre blind. That guy. Isnt he surrounded by girls? And that includes us, Shimura. Compared to the others, were lagging behind but... dont you want to enter the competition?

At the end of the 2nd period, I lagged behind everyone in coming to the science lab for our next class. And when I was going to catch up on them, I chanced upon that interesting conversation.

There are two girls in front not too far away from me; Shimura and Mutsumi. Judging by the time frame, they also took their sweet time in moving to the lab.

As they failed to notice me behind them, I got to hear everything they were talking about. And weirdly enough, their topic moved from talking about the sports clubs who were competing today to me.

I thought of walking past them to quickly join my girls but upon hearing that, it would be awkward for them if I suddenly announced my presence, right?

Competition... Thats one weird way to put it. Dont you think theyre all his girlfriends by now? Dont you see how they all look intimate when theyre next to him? Onoda-kun too... The way he stared at them is more of a doting lover than a close friend. Compare that to the way he talked to us... No, its incomparable.

Ah. I get you. Didnt he also get kissed by that transfer student on her first day? Look where she is now... Its like shes always been a part of their cuddly group... Also, Andou kissed him too and he didnt say anything... Oh, wait... were on to something here.

While Shimura was shaking her head and looking like hope started leaking out from her body, Mutsumi acted like she was getting enlightened about our situation.

But well, shes really getting onto something there. If they continue their conversation, theyll surely be able to convince each other that everything they speculated is true.

Kiss... Theyre bold enough to kiss him. How are we going to compete with that?

Jeez. Youre giving up just like tha

Mutsumis voice was cut short right there. Because when she turned her head to the side, she caught a glimpse of me not far from them.

The girl froze in her steps, resulting in Shimura also finding it strange. That led the latter to also follow the direction of her eyes.

Not a second later, she reacted the same as her.

Ignoring all that, I tilted my head and stopped before them, Hmm? You two are still here? And here I thought Im running late for our next class.

Yep. I acted oblivious for their sake.

The first one who got out of her frozen state was Shimura. While shaking a little, she said, Onoda-kun, did you hear...?

Hear what? Are you gossiping about someone? Thats not good.

Uh. Its not like that! Were talking about a secret.

And thats Mutsumi who got unfrozen upon hearing my answer.

I see. I havent heard anything. But I dont mind if you share it with me, Im tight-lipped. It wont ever leak out. I put on an amused smile as I whispered those close to their ears before stepping into the space between them.

Mutsumi shivered and took a step back while Shimura instantly became flustered.

These two, theyre giving nice reactions, arent they? If my girls saw this, I could imagine them showing their amused or mischievous grins while hinting at me to grab these two for myself.