A minute later, I lay down next to Ayu on top of that table and pulled her in my embrace.

When I pulled out of her, she already had her eyes closed. She looked peaceful and satisfied. To say that shes unconscious might be off the mark. Its more like she shut off some of her senses to focus on swiftly recovering.

Then, using my body as her hug pillow, Ayu gladly nestled in my arms as her breathing gradually stabilized. As for me, I made it a task to gently caress her while also remaining silent.

What we wanted to say to each other had already been said. Our feelings had been communicated and our relationship took another step.

But I guess, even with a lack of a real pillow, a pillow talk was in order.

Right?

As I gently stroked her hair, I waited for a few seconds before opening my mouth.

Ayu... Have I knocked you down? I started with a whisper close to her ear and in a rather playful tone.

Sure enough, it worked as intended. My breath tickled her awake and my words somehow made her look up at me.

Shes still in the middle of stabilizing her breath. Nonetheless, Ayu amusedly looked at me as though saying, Are you for real?

After contemplating how she would reply to that, I felt a pinch on my side and a clear giggle, What do you think? Do you want to start the count? Whats next? Should I raise your arm and declare you a winner?

Oh. Thats not too bad. Maybe a certificate too? I doubled down which earned me another pinch on the side.

Furthermore, when I glanced down, I saw her clenched fist drilling into my stomach. Of course, theres no force behind it.

This idiot... Good job trying to ease up my mind about this. But Ru-kun, I wasnt even conflicted. Let me be honest with you, I love it. More than you can imagine... Im glad I finally did this with you.

Hearing those words, a smile couldnt help but form on my lips. Even though its unlikely to happen, theres always a small fear that doing this with them could change their mind.

But then again, its probably just part of my overthinking habit. I tend to think too much that I was already so far out from the issue at hand.

Youre glad? Does that mean youre worried that we might not do it?

Well, I know thats not what shes thinking. Thats why the question was just meant to be a bridge for her to cross.

And sure enough, Ayu replied in an instant, correcting me.

Thats not it, idiot... Its just... Ever since you helped me make up my mind on what to do about my feelings for you, I always seem unable to control myself. Each day, I long for your figure, your voice, your touch. Youve been on my mind more than boxing nowadays...

Upon saying that, she pulled herself up to level her face with mine. As always, our lips became like magnets, attracted to each other.

I could see my reflection in her eyes and most likely, its the same for her.

I see. Im really flattered to hear that, Ayu. But you know what? I believe thats just normal for someone in love. Soon enough, youll get used to me running in your head and you can once again keep your focus on anything you want to do. And when the time comes for us to meet again, it will be all so natural. Thats why, you dont have to worry that youre losing control when were together. I mean, I feel the same way.

Says someone who loves a lot of women. Tell me, does that mean were all running in your head?

Of course. If you crack my head open, youll find the mini-versions of you running around freely.

Ayu rolled her eyes and laughed, Yeah, right... Youre an anomaly. It makes us wonder how you can keep all this up.

Well, Im also wondering about that. Maybe Im not a human anymore? Anyway, I just know that I love all of you, and my life is dedicated to making you all happy no matter how hypocritical it is coming from me.

Common sense says I shouldnt be saying those words when I could also be the source of their unhappiness. In any case, Id stick to that for the sake of everyone.

Theres no point criticizing myself when I know for sure that I wont ever change and continue loving them all just the same.

Idiot Ru-kun... I love you too. Take care of me, alright?

Always.

Concluding our talk with that, Ayu pulled me in her embrace this time. And for the next few minutes, we just take comfort in each others warmth.

Upon deciding what to do next, we helped each other fix our clothes.

Somehow, despite still feeling the pain in her lower body, Ayu could easily act normally. Her pain tolerance was that high. But like Sena and Aika, her face remained flushed and the smile on her face could always tell how happy and content she is at the moment.

With Ayus lead, we went to the room next door. Of course, the members of the boxing club wondered about why I was there. Some of them recognized me to be Akanes boyfriend which led to a wild speculation starting. Whatever answer they came up with regarding my presence, I never gave a proper confirmation or answer.

And like I previously thought, some of them wondered about the noises they heard next door. Thankfully, they failed to connect it with us.

Maybe if they paid more attention to Ayu and not me, they wouldve realized it.

Of course, to make sure that it wouldnt come to that, I soon left the room with Aika.

Also, even if it wasnt really my intention for showing up there, the way they started wildly speculating allowed those nervous club members to forget about the pressure of their upcoming match.

Yeah. Its similar to the effect of my presence yesterday at the Basketball Club.

Weird, no? Nonetheless, if it works, it works, right?

Sena also found that helpful. She was laughing contentedly when she sent us out of the room as it lifted some burden on her shoulder.

And with Ayu there, theres nothing else left for her but to wait for the match.

On our way out, we ran into a staff member who swiftly kicked us out upon asking for our identity.

Aika and I laughed about it on our way back to Akane and the others.

Thinking about it, I shouldve said Thanks for the good work, right? Thanks to them not catching us in that room, we got some hot, quality time with each other that left all of us satisfied...

Upon entering the venue through the front door again, the first thing I noticed was the number of audience. Most of the seats were already occupied as if the deserted image from earlier was already a lie.

Thankfully, the spot that we got for ourselves was still secured. Aika and I easily found our way back to them.

As we neared their location, I noticed something...

I was expecting Aoi and the other girls arrival, however, our group got a few more members than I expected.

Lets see... Two boys were now sitting next to Eri and Futaba. No doubt, theyre their boyfriends.

Looks like they got called in by them. Did they find it uncomfortable to be around me and the girls who claimed to be my close friends? Possibly.

Well, it doesnt matter if theyre there. They can keep their girls occupied. Its actually beneficial for me as I wont be pestered by Eris questions anymore.

Apart from those two, it took me a few more steps before I got a proper view from behind.

Upon recognizing their figures from behind, I found myself snickering.

That girl. Is it that hard to inform me? Or is this part of the surprise?

Up ahead, taking up my previous seat next to Akane was Nao. Not only that, shes not alone.

On her left, a high-ponytailed girl could be seen sitting there. Even if I could only see her backside, I instantly picked up her current mood. Shes irritated and perhaps impatient. Shes exuding the aura of someone really hard to get along with because of her sky-high pride. And yet, she couldnt really screen out Nao and Akane when they would turn their attention to her.

I see...

This is truly a surprise from Nao.

She dragged her here, or rather, brought the egocentric girl with him to surprise me. No wonder she didnt inform me about this or maybe I missed her message?

Uh. Anyways...

Is that girl really egocentric? How come shes turning out to be more of a pushover?