The Fourth High School and every school affiliated with it arent known for their prowess in any sports or athletic abilities. Instead, the schools were more well known as something close to a preparatory high school for college.

One look at their library which had its own separate building was enough of a statement that most of their budget was allocated to procure the necessary books that could help every student on whatever course they were going to prepare for.

In fact, each of the libraries from its four schools could rival any citys public library that students of various schools often go to.

And thats why even if the Interhigh had a nice ring to it as well as a prominent reputation that would send any student excited for the prospect of their school, no one outside the Fourth High School expects them to excel or even qualify for the next stage. Even if passionate students were signing up for those clubs, the majority of students were just doing it as a hobby or a physical activity to develop their stamina and bodies. They would surely drop it once they stepped into college.

Not only the baseball club, but the soccer, tennis, karate, and mens basketball clubs all also lost their first matches and were eliminated from the Interhigh. And its only three hours after the opening. There will be more matches throughout the day. However, because of those losses, our students are now not that keen to come and watch. Shio told me in a rather disheartened voice.

The fourth period has already ended and Im currently in her private room. Well, its not planned but upon running into her after we finished eating our lunch, I followed her here after informing my girls.

Since were on the topic of Interhigh, Shio touched upon the news shes receiving from the teachers who accompanied the clubs theyre advising.

Thats depressing, to say the least. Even though no one is expecting them to win, did they even try to do so?

Of course, they did. Ruru, all of us have this trait of not wanting to lose. They practiced every day. Wont they be clowning themselves if they didnt take it seriously?

Fair point. Well, I dont care about them. Im only concerned about those I have a connection to. On that note, what about Eguchi-sensei? I have yet to hear from Satsuki but I believe their first match should be ending soon.

Right. Because they had to continuously finish match after match, we would inevitably be missing some matches to watch. I already cheered for them through a video call earlier but I know thats not enough. Im only here hoping that they will survive the consecutive losses of our school.

As I was thinking that, Shio, who was snuggled up to me, puffed up her cheeks cutely. With her narrowed eyes as though I said something she didnt like, she said,

Ruru, can I be jealous if you mention another woman when youre with me? Because Im jealous of Eguchi-sensei right now.

This... Which part is she jealous of? I didnt say anything that would warrant that kind of reaction from her, right?

Look at your eyebrows. Youre thinking that you did not do anything for me to be jealous, right? Hmph. Get used to it. Women are this unreasonable even if its just a mention of another woman, we can be jealous for no reason.

Ah. So, thats why... I didnt need to think of a reason because there was none... This woman, shes approaching her period, isnt she?

Ill properly remember that. In the meantime... I cant believe I can still discover this adorable side of you, Shio.

With my lips stretching into a grin, I tightened my arms around her, cuddling her further.

Shio squirmed a bit but with my chin latching down on her shoulder, she eventually relaxed with only a pout remaining on her gorgeous face.

A moment later, she opened her mouth again, You told me about how youre already close to her, of course, Ill be jealous if you suddenly mention her. Besides, shouldnt your question be What about the girls basketball club?. Or if you mentioned Satsuki-chan instead, I wont mind it that much.

Maybe its because Eguchi-sensei isnt officially mine yet so Shio acting like this was more than understandable. Besides, its rare to see my Shio acting this cute, right? Its a waste not to play along and tease the hell out of her.

With that thought in mind, I stopped asking about the Inter-High and switched to teasing mode where I get to see my Shio getting flustered little by little. No matter how she tried to regain control by bringing up her three sides that I am already familiar with, she remained on the losing end of the stick.

And in the process of doing so, the room temperature gradually rose as Shios sweet-sounding moans echoed. Once again, the room became a witness to how passionate we could be.

Several minutes later, after wiping the sweat and the traces of what we just did, her sofa once again became our place to rest. We lay down on it while squeezed into each others embrace. Even though she's older, Shio was no different than my other girls whenever were alone. She always loves to be pampered by me.

Obviously, the times that shes acting like a proper adult, trying to guide me and impart some valuable lessons were also significant. But nothing beats just being honest about our feelings, right?

Anyway, after catching her breath, Shio looked up at me, an indignant pout on her lips. Even without asking her, I could already understand what was going on in her mind.

Im sure shell say something along the lines of...

We went off track, Ruru!

Ah. I didnt even need to form those words in my head.

We sure did. But its fine. Its not like we lost a valuable time.

Ugh... Im ashamed that even if I keep acting like an adult, you always get the better of me... Anyway, lets get back on topic! Shio mumbled that first part before raising the volume of her voice a bit for more impact.

Theres really no need to be ashamed. If anything, its because I know everything about her that no matter what were doing, I could always take the lead from her.

But she didnt need to be reminded of that. Shes adorable like this, after all.

Back on topic, huh? I only care about Satsuki and Eguchi-senseis club. So I guess were done with it... Oh. Wait. Im also a little intrigued by how well the volleyball club will do. Their match has yet to start, right?

Uh. I havent memorized every schedule. Ill ask the others for you later.

Ah. Right. Shes not all-knowing. What she told me were also things she just heard from the other teachers. Well, its Sachi and Orimura-sensei. Theyll probably do well or not... I havent really followed the state of that club, after all.

Its fine. You dont have to. Were going there, anyway. But Shio, will you stay here?

With the school day ending, its only for us students. Im sure as working adults, theyre still required to stay here. Their job doesn't just consist of teaching students inside the classroom. Theres a lot more to do than that.

What? You want a free ride?

Will we even fit in your car? Im just concerned about you.

Heh... My Ruru acting like a proper boyfriend. No. Youre going to be my husband so... this is normal. Dont worry. Its the same work that I do every day. If I want to see you, Im sure I can reach you anytime. While showing a beautiful and pleasant smile, Shio lightly tapped my chest as she muttered her words of assurance.

A few seconds later, Shio looked like she remembered something, Oh let me remind you this, Ruru. See the Director before meeting up with the others. Things mightve been taken care of regarding Sugiyama but you still have the responsibility to see it through to the end.

Mhm. Thanks for the reminder, Shio.

Dont be. Im proud of my Ruru. Ive experienced it. I know that youll do everything to protect us.

Shio spoke from her heart. Like she said, because I even took up the responsibility of driving away that bastard ex-husband of hers, she already experienced how it is to be protected by me. Thats why shes not saying anything about the method I used.

Yes. But Shio, if theres ever a time that you think what I did is excessive, dont hesitate to scold or correct my way of thinking. Ill protect all of you in any way I can but if the result becomes way more detrimental for us... were just going to lose out.

I still think that beating him up is the right thing to do but I cant deny that my emotion also got the better out of me right there. I acknowledged that there was a better solution to that problem yet I still did it.

Things turned out well this time but what about next time? I cant always be quick to use violence even if its the right answer. Im not the old Ruki now who wont think about the repercussions of my decisions. And thats why if theres someone who I can rely on, its none other than the women in my life who also care a lot about my well-being. Ill continue protecting them and theyll do the same for me.

Un. You can count on me, Ruru. For now, stay still, Ill get my fix of your scent before I let you go. Shio replied before burying her face in my chest again. Moments later, the sound of her sniffing me filled the room.