Arisa, who heard what I said, reached for my shoulder and hit it with a light punch. Shes holding her laughter back, perhaps for the sake of the girl.

Is it that hilarious for her? I dont know. Maybe its because I don't often act like this to someone Im not interested in.

In any case, given Umis reaction to it, I expected her to be unable to say anything more. She became too flustered that I found her shrinking even more. I could even feel the urge to hold her and calm her down but for sure, the result would be the opposite of my intention.

And so, I simply waited while listening to the song that Nami was currently singing.

To my surprise, it didnt take long for Umi to tug at my sleeve and call my attention back to her.

With pursed lips and a rather shaky disposition as though shes a fragile porcelain that could break even with the tiniest vibration, she thoughtfully muttered, Uhm. Did I see something I shouldnt have? Is that why you...?

Ah. Yeah. Even though her earlier reaction was quite adorable, it was probably just because she was not used to being called like that by someone.

This one, on the other hand, was an appropriate response. No matter who, it would certainly make them question me if I was doing this just because I wanted to silence them.

Will you believe me if I say thats not it? I mean what I said. I owe you an explanation. Im not here to ask you to keep what you witnessed to yourself. I mean, its our fault, to begin with.

Hearing that, Umi still appeared uncertain but with her eyes seemingly trying to poke through and read what was in my head, the girl eventually released a small sigh of relief. Its like a thorn had been plucked out of her throat.

Moments later, a smile bloomed on her face. And its something I couldnt help but find beautiful. But then, it didnt last long enough because embarrassment soon returned as though she remembered something.

With her hands clasped together indicating how shes finding it difficult to speak her mind out, the girl softly whispered.

I understand... Im ignorant about that kind of thing. Its... it was my first time seeing it...

This... Shes curious about it, huh? I had no idea how much shed seen but even if she only caught sight of those last bits, its enough for someone innocent like her to have her mind muddled with the thoughts of it.

Unknowingly, my hand dropped on top of her head, caressing her smooth, unbound hair. Although she was not expecting it, the girl reflexively hummed from the sensation brought by it.

I see. It mustve made you uncomfortable. But it is what it is. Ive been taken care of by them.

She wouldnt be so innocent forever and shes a different kind of innocent from Misaki. That girl would take anything I say on a positive note but this girl... I could expect her to inquire more just to clear her head of it.

H-how does it feel?

Id say its great. It brought me immense pleasure. If I have to make a comparison, its somewhat close to the sensation youll get when you hold back peeing and then relieve yourself an hour later. But in this case, its more pleasurable especially if someone you love did it for you.

I know. It sucks for an explanation but I cant think of a much better comparison at the moment, my head is also muddled by how I can satisfy Umis curiosity.

Umis eyes which were fixed on my face gradually lowered. Without a doubt, her gaze landed on my groin. Even if it was an unconscious action or not, I couldnt help but berate myself for corrupting the girls head.

Fortunately, shes the timid type. She wouldnt reach for it no matter how curious she was. Its something that would need more than curiosity for her.

And so, silence once again reigned between us. I continued caressing her head, partly doting on her and partly waiting if she was going to ask more questions.

It took at least a few minutes before she opened her mouth again and this time, her question wasnt about what she witnessed anymore. Instead, it concerned her known fact about my relationship.

Uhm. Onoda-senpai, I know this isnt my place but does Chii-chan-senpai know?

About what happened here? Not yet. About my relationship with them, yes.

Thats too simplified but the girl seems smart enough to understand it. Besides, Im glad that she asked me about this. I thought she was going to let it pass because she was scared of how I will react. Behind her supposed timidity, shes braver than I thought. That sets her apart from her stalker cousin who will only open his mouth when threatened.

... I see.

You wont ask me to explain it?

I... I want to but its not my place, senpai.

Mhm. This girl is really something else. Shes not afraid to speak her mind but at the same time, she knows where to stand.

I appreciate that thought. Im growing fond of you, Umi-chan.

Eh? What does that mean?

It means Im finding you more precious than you already are, I said before moving my hand down to her face. I cupped her crimson cheek which completely covered up her porcelain white complexion. My thumb moved to caress it before tracing her slightly pale lips.

Umi was clearly surprised at how touchy I became. However, the girl didnt even flinch or find it uncomfortable. Without pursing it, she allowed me to feel up her soft lips.

Furthermore, the black of her eyes shrunk as she focused all her attention on me.

Perhaps, if I tried feeling her pulse at the moment, I could imagine it racing as though she was running a marathon.

In one way or another, this was fully welcomed by her.

To stop myself from being tempted to kiss her, I quickly stopped and instead pulled her into my embrace. Then to continue what we were discussing, I whispered my honest thoughts to her, Dont worry. If its Umi, I will honestly answer your questions. And if it results in the changing of your impression of me, I wont take it the wrong way.

Before the girl answered, her hands gripped onto my clothes as she slowly reciprocated my embrace, ... Yes.

Whatever she meant by that one-word answer, I had no idea. But for the rest of my time next to her, our distance remained that close.

Obviously, everyone in the room had some kind of reaction to that sight. My girls were obviously smirking at the sight of me hugging another girl. At this point, rather than be jealous, theyre more interested in whether Umi would be the same as them or not.

As for the others, only Ninas reaction somehow piqued my interest. The girl curled her eyebrows as her inquiring eyes fixated on me. Shes probably still holding the suspicion that Im a vampire and I am controlling everyones mind. And now, Umi became another victim.

Well, Ill let her hold onto that thought. Its hilarious, after all.

Time then quickly passed without any other significant happening in the room. Ten minutes before our time was up, the counter downstairs called us inquiring whether wed extend our time or not.

Of course, theres no need to do that anymore. And so, after two more songs, one of which I sang with Umi, we started tidying up in preparation to leave.