Dread and indignance. Those two emotions became plastered on Ichihara Juns face as he could no longer say anything. He stood there, rooted on his spot, watching me take Marika away.

Likewise, everyone who was watching the scene had no say in the matter. Some of them gasped at the turn of events while some just straight up found it too interesting not to record. They whipped out their phones to either snap a photo or record us.

However, I didn't need to do anything to stop that. Their followers actively interfered, giving us an easier time to get away.

As for why they did that, it's easily understandable. To protect them.

Besides, unlike me who could so shamelessly brush off anything that might latch onto my name by doing this, he's someone who cares too much about his reputation no matter how many negatives are mixed in it.

Obviously, letting us get away wasnt a positive thing either. The humiliation he had to swallow would definitely become a stain on his image.

But with only two choices in front of him; lashing out or playing along with Marika's act, he picked the one that would be the least devastating to him.

His authority and influence lie with the family behind him, anyway. Even if his followers or those who admire him lower their view of him, that one thing would always be enticing enough for them to fawn over him.

Imagine how much money hes forking out to keep them loyal. Furthermore, there are probably some promises involved there. For example, a family members job or just their future employment in the Ichiharas business.

No matter how influential I become in our school, I wont be able to beat that.

And that's why even if this would be written as a win in my book, it wouldn't be enough to bury him under. As long as she's connected to their family through that agreement, I would remain the third party in their story.

"Senpai, be careful. You can lean on me more. It'll be fine."

As the two of us left that area and approached the seats where my girls are, I noticed Marika's uneasiness.

Despite how flawless her act was and how brave she'd been right there, she was aware of the weight behind what she did.

In fact, her hand had been quivering ever since she stood up and faced off against Ichihara Jun. And with how she seemingly wobbled even through my guidance, I would be blind not to notice her current state.

Thinking about it, that should be her first time to truly break the public perception of her. She was known to be the clingy fiancee of Ichihara Jun, after all. For her to accept my brash invitation that ignored the social construct around them spelled the beginning of her transformation in their eyes.

Im not regretting it, Ruki-kun," Marika replied. She seemed to have picked up on the subtle meaning of my words. And since were out of their vicinity, she switched back to how she started calling me last night.

Following that, she squeezed my hand, forcefully halting her quivering, This is just the beginning, no?

Indeed. It is. Marika-senpai did great. Im actually in awe of that act.

Heh. You say that but look at your worried eyes, Ruki-kun. You wont be able to hide that from me anymore.

And here I thought I was being subtle about it. Anyway, youre right. Im worried. I created that situation and yet, you stepped up to the court and threw that shot for me.

Thats right. I wasnt really counting on her participation in that. I had prepared myself to go against Ichihara Jun if he decided to stop me from taking her away.

Marika didnt really need to take center stage like that.

And if that scenario happened, the result would be different. Rather than witnessing Marika openly accept my invitation, theyd believe that I tricked her into accepting. Ichihara Jun would then gain their support.

I wouldnt care too much if that happened since my goal was simply to take her away from there.

Alas, the situation changed because of her active involvement.

Ruki-kun, you underestimated me. Marika giggled in a clear voice. A moment later, she looked up at me. Her eyes shone with valiant determination.

I have realized something from last nightI also have the ability to create a situation for us. Protecting me is one thing but were in this together, no?

Now that she mentioned it I did ask her to come up with a method to prolong our moment last night. And shes more than successful for it.

To think that I regressed back to thinking that I should come up with a plan this time, I really made a blunder.

I see. Marika-senpai can bite me once. Its my bad to not be able to consider your participation.

Bite? I prefer a kiss, Ruki-kun. You still have your promise.

Didnt you collect that last night?

That doesnt count. Marikas lips pouted as she tried to whistle her way out of it.

But even with her best act, it was too obvious that she was playing the shameless card pulled from my deck.

Alright. Ill do that later. For now, lets go and watch the match. Also, if its fine with you, Ill introduce you to the girls I came here with.

Marikas ears perked up with the mention of the girls but after thinking about it for a moment, she nodded as beads of sweat started forming on her forehead.

Rather than rejecting the thought, shes nervous about meeting them. Of course, shes aware that the girls I mentioned are the same as her. In love with me.

They wont bite, dont worry.

My, how reassuring.

With that intentionally silly attempt to calm her down, Marika failed to hold back her laughter. And thanks to that, the heavy weight resulting from what she did earlier had been completely cast off.

There was no trace of it anymore.

Upon returning, my girls who probably watched the proceedings had already prepared a seat for us to take. To make it a little inconspicuous, Marika sat next to Shizu.

Surprisingly, while Shizu never mentioned it explicitly before, the two of them arent totally strangers to each other. Being the Student Council President, she already had dealt with the golden ringlet girl and their absurd clique.

Marika was also pleased to see her. However, despite having been prepared to be introduced to the girls close to me, she had mistakenly thought that Shizu wasn't among them.

Marika got surprised to hear the girl addressing me intimately. However, thanks to that, the subsequent introductions went smoothly considering the biggest surprise for her was Shizu. Furthermore, Sumire and Umi came in as another clutch as Marika became extremely fond of the two. She considered them little sisters. Perhaps, in the same essence as her fondness for Ichihara-sans daughter, Koharu.

Anyway, the situation calmed down right away as the second half of the match finally started.

Like I was expecting, Satsuki was subbed in alongside another second-year senior to give Kanno-senpai and another skilled third-year senior a rest.

Oh. Marika-san, you should keep an eye out for that substitute center. Shes also one of us. Before the ball came into play, Shizu raised that information while sending me a gleeful smirk.

Upon hearing that, Marika turned her head to me for confirmation.

As there was no need to lie, I unhesitatingly nodded which resulted in Marika leaning closer to express her thoughts, Ruki-kun, you playboy. Jun-kun is an amateur compared to you.