Just a little more, Ruki. I believe I can make a dent in your stalwart resolve. If that happens, Ill consider it my victory and surrender to you at the next moment. Hana wholeheartedly declared in between our exchange kisses.

Like always, theres a clear determination in her eyes. But with the words she had just spoken victory and surrender she already accepted that she couldnt fully make me hers. It's enough for her to have a short-lived victory after proving that it wasn't impossible to shake me.

And by declaring it, it also shows her trust in me. She believes that I wont ever cheat by pretending she weakened my resolve to give her an easy win and eventually surrender...

What can I say? Im not that amazing of a person. Yet, my girls always put me up on a pedestal.

While its not practically a bad thing, theres a particular thought in my head that couldn't help but linger in one corner of my mind...

'Im only pushing myself to continue meeting their expectations.'

That's too negative. I know. But then again,

I dont think I can judge myself by my own biased view. If someone can tell me if it's true or not, that will be someone whos watching me every second of the day.

And theres no such person... Not even Akane.

"Hana. You do love making things difficult for you, huh? Your situation back then couldve been resolved easily if not for this particular trait of yours. Whats wrong with being too mature for your age? You could be like that and no one should judge it wrong of you. And yet, you put on your angelic mask and pretended to be someone youre not.

Setting aside the conflict in my head, I expressed what I thought about her declaration.

Hana attentively listened to it without any change in her expression. She's thoughtfully analyzing it.

Then after receiving another kiss that resonated with our feelings for each other, Hana nodded in understanding.

Indeed, thats one way to look at it. However, Ruki. Ive arrived at a better outcome because of it. Remember, I got to meet you. My kindred spirit.

Kindred spirit. You know that were not that similar anymore. Ive changed.

I know. Ive heard and seen enough of the new you. Ive been severely mistaken for believing that I can steal you away. That much I acknowledge.

I see. Then, Hana. I accept your declaration. Try to make a dent in my resolve. On the other hand, I will continue acting this way toward you.

Upon saying that, I pressed myself further to her and conveyed my innermost thoughts through the intimate connection of our bodies.

Likewise, Hana also conveyed her reply through the same method.

When we started getting attention from those who spotted us having our intimate moment, the two of us brushed it off and promptly walked away to continue to our destination. This time, however, the girl excitedly hugged my arm, relishing the result of our heart-to-heart conversation.

Upon returning and distributing the drinks to my girls, my feet turned in the direction where the third-years were seated.

I excused myself on the narrow aisle and squeezed into the tight space between their legs as I boldly stood before Marika.

And while they were still trying to comprehend what was happening, I stretched my arm out to the golden ringlet girl.

Senpai, if it won't be any trouble, can I ask you to come with me?

Without hesitation, Marika grinned widely as she placed her hand on top of my palm.

Gladly, Junior-kun.

Given how quick that exchange between us was, only after the fact passed that their followers, Ichihara Jun, and the other third-year seniors managed to react.

From the look of their faces, one phrase was definitely running in their heads. 'The audacity of this guy!'

Whether they instantly recognized me or not, that was clearly the immediate response in their heads. And when my identity sank in, one by one, they pointed at me as if they were seeing a ghost.

"That guy... He's not trying to hide it anymore. What the hell?"

"Wait. Is he the one Kujou-sama often talks about recently? Her very helpful junior But I never imagined he would"

"Ssh. He's the Disciplinary Officer who's not even afraid to go against Ichihara-sama. I dont know what kind of courageous potion he chugged down but does even know what hes doing?"

Those were only some of the audible reactions that I picked up or cared to understand.

Because my whole focus was concentrated on guiding the girl up from her seat, I filtered out the unnecessary meddling that wouldnt really amount to anything.

Or at least, I tried to. But the one seated next to her addressed me directly. And guess who it was.

Tanaka-senpai.

Wait. Onoda-san, where are you taking her?

Obviously, shes also confused. She hadnt contacted me after that one time she led me to Marikas club. Shes out of the loop that it gave way for our connection to be more solidified especially when Ichihara Jun showed up not long after.

Even when she deliberately pointed Marika to take refuge at my office to run away from that guy, she probably never expected that this would play out in her least expected moment.

Where? To my seat? She looked uncomfortable here so

Upon answering like that, I tried looking around the other third-years, searching for the figure of that Takashima that was supposed to be the one holding her string.

However, with what minuscule time I allocated to it, theres no way to find out who he is. Furthermore, Ichihara Jun who was feeling humiliated had already stood up from his seat.

Oi. Stop right there! Marika, dont go with him.

While the first part was delivered as a shout, the second one thats directed to Marika was as gentle as possible. Its as if he finally realized that being angry at the girl wouldnt bring her back to him.

Unfortunately for him, hes too late.

Hmm? Why, Jun-kun? Marika replied to him. And she sounded really innocent with that

Nonetheless, knowing how well she could act, the clue had been a little obvious that this was one such performance. Shes already standing next to me, her hand clasped tightly with mine.

I could sense her pulse screaming her current elation. And from the furtive glances that she kept on throwing at me, I could put out a guess that shes been eagerly waiting for me.

You Youre asking me why? Who is he to you? You said you wanted to sit among your friends yet youre coming with him?

Ah. This dude. Is he setting himself up for another humiliation? How desperate has he become?

In any case, even if I want to be the one to bury him under, the golden ringlet girl wouldnt let me take that chance.

My Jun-kun, I dont see whats wrong. Junior-kun here asked me politely. Should I reject him?

Yes, you should!

Thats troublesome, Jun-kun. Look, I have accepted his invitation. Wont it reflect badly on me if I renege on this? Will it, Junior-kun?

Perhaps to amplify the effect of making a fool out of Ichihara Jun, the girl raised our joined hands and sweetly smiled before turning to me, asking for my opinion.

Matching her act, I returned the same smile and then looked straight at Ichihara Jun before replying, I believe we should respect Ichihara-senpais wishes. I dont want to create conflict between you.

Upon hearing that, hope seemingly got reignited from Ichihara Juns eyes. His clenched fists loosened and his ugly grimace also turned to a pleased grin. G-good! I know youll be this understanding, junior.

Well, its good that he bit onto it right away. Because at the next moment, Marika shattered his hope right away.

Tightening her hold on my hand and stepping closer to me, the girl then gleefully said with the same innocent smile thats enough to make anyones heart skip a beat.

Fret not, Junior-kun. Jun-kun is an understanding guy. He wont think badly of this. Right, Jun-kun?

Hammering the final nail in his coffin, Marika turned to face Ichihara Jun whose whole body instantly froze at the realization that he had been played.

With all the eyes concentrated on us, he instantly understood his situation. If he didnt agree with her claim, hed be the bad guy.

And amidst the turmoil in his head, Marika slipped in another whisper to me, Junior-kun, lets go. Take me away from here.