Not long after that, Hitomi and I continued to our destination. Were in a public space so even if we both wanted to prolong that moment, it would be bad if we gathered more attention to us. Affirming our feelings for each other was more than enough at the moment. We could still have more chances in the future anyway. Moreover, with Hitomi opening up more to me, Im certain that I will be hearing more from her. Not just her usual updates about Otoha but about herself.

Anyway, unlike yesterday wherein Eguchi waited for me outside, Hitomi and I walked through the door unhindered. No one was around and we werent the only ones coming in and out of the place. If we acted cautious, that would just become more suspicious.

Theyre staying in the same waiting room as yesterday so we already have a clear destination in mind.

Lest I forget, I have a message to relay to you, Ruki.

Message? From who?

Upon reaching the corner turn, Hitomi spoke up, bringing up something that she probably had just remembered. I glanced at her and found a hint of embarrassment on her face. If I put my palm on it, Id surely feel the heat rising up.

If I had to guess, because of our shared moment there, that message got pushed to the back of her head, almost forgetting it. As the diligent and responsible chauffeur, she seldom missed anything. If not the first, this could be one of the few times that she fumbled. How adorable

In any case, theres no need to tease her about it at the moment. Ill be saving it for later use. When we get more time to spend with each other. That way, I can see more of this womans unearthed cuteness.

... The young ladys brother, Hidekazu-sama. He has just returned from his trip this morning.

AhHas he? Wait. Did he ask you to pass his message to me? Not Otoha?

Looks like whatever business he dealt with was already settled. And with his interest in me resurfacing upon knowing my reconnection to his sister, I already expected this. However, I wasnt really looking forward to meeting him. I mean, Otoha might not be naive but shes certainly not mature enough to deal with certain issues. But this brother of hers, hes definitely at the level of Mizuki, if not higher.

Hes been working his ass off to prove himself to their family before coming out with his orientation so hes surely going to be someone I have to be careful of.

In any case, why did he ask Hitomi and not his sister? Is it important? No. If its Hitomi, she would surely tell Otoha about this first

Yes. He believed that its better if I relay his message to you than his sister.

I see. Alright then, let me hear it. Its nothing serious, I hope."

It is not. He said he paid a visit to the Onoda Family and wanted to talk to you about that said visit.

Huh? Wait. The Onoda Family? Hes not talking about my parents, is he?

That. I have no idea. Hitomi shook her head.

Well, shes only asked to relay his words to me Thinking about it, his business trip was to the south Did he specifically come to that prefecture? To my parents hometown?

Ugh. I guess theres no refusing this. Besides, I could also inquire with my parents whether they had any contact with that place.

I see. Its fine. Is he expecting a reply?

Yes.

Now. How should I reply? The best course of action was to put it off as much as possible. Without knowing what to expect from that talk, I shouldnt rush into it headfirst. I have to be prepared for it at least.

After thinking for a while, I picked my course of action and asked Hitomi to relay my answer to Otohas older brother. The woman nodded and took it as part of her job.

Seeing that shes slipping back to her usual work mode, I decided to spend a few minutes more to dote on her before showing up with Satsuki, Eguchi-sensei and the whole Basketball Club.

Fortunately, having learned from the instance yesterday, we stopped before the door and knocked at the waiting room.

Almost instantly, I heard a lot of activity inside as if theyre rushing to put on their clothes. And when the door opened a small gap to check on who knocked on it, we were met with a Basketball Club member instead of Satsuki or Eguchi-sensei.

Nonetheless, as soon as the girl recognized me, her round eyes widened as pure excitement filled her expression.

She then left the gap open as she turned around to announce to the others in the room, Guys, hes here!

Haa Who wouldve thought that out of everyone in our school, Id become this clubs pressure and tension-reliever. Will someone be able to take up this role if theyre the one who walked in on them half-naked? I doubt it will.

Its probably because theyre already too familiar with me and my relationship with Satsuki that they could treat me as someone harmless.

Is it a good thing? Of course. It sounds like a privilege, no?

A while later, more footsteps could be heard shuffling inside and the girl faced me again. With a smile of satisfaction on her face, she said, Uhm. Wait a minute, Onoda-kun. They are you know?

Oh Its fine. Ill feel bad if I walk in on them changing again.

What a gentleman. Thank you for coming.

You dont need to. Im actually feeling honored that I can help be of help to you.

Thats too much humbleness, Onoda-kun. Satsuki-chan is so lucky. The girl awkwardly giggled.

Whatever she meant by that was too obvious. But theres no point dwelling on that.

In any case, it looked like the girl was only focused on me. She didnt pay much attention to Hitomi beside me. But thats fine, I also sensed that Hitomi was finding this exchange interesting. Its definitely something she seldom witnesses due to her work of being there for Otoha most of the time.

A few moments passed and soon, the girl widened the opening of the door to let us in.

Without delay, we stepped inside. Somehow, the room was more fragrant than before. Yesterday, I didnt pay much attention to it but this time, the womanly scent in the air was too strong to be ignored.

If I have to describe it, it felt like I was entering a flower garden in their blooming season. Everyone looked pleasing to the eye no matter where I turned my head to.

Kawakami-senpai, Kanno-senpai and the other seniors wore a welcoming smile directed at me. Its as though theyre welcoming me into their embrace.

Of course, theyre not going to do that. They just stood there, watching my figure with pleasant expressions on their faces. Like I guessed, seeing me was probably relieving the tension they were feeling deep inside their chests little by little.

Theyre all dressed for the match already. A jersey that exposed their slender arms and hugged their figures nicely and shorts that stopped before their knees, exposing a glimpse of their thighs.

Mhm. You all look great. If the basketball match has physical appearance as another criteria to score points, I believe youll be speeding ahead of your opponents.

I couldnt help but blurt out a compliment right there which instantly made a few of them bashful.

In any case, the ones who managed to withstand it laughed heartily. Then on the side, I saw Satsuki and Eguchi-sensei either facepalming or laughing awkwardly at what I said.

Of course, Hitomi also had a reaction to it. The woman nudged my shoulder as she tried her best not to laugh.

Thankfully, even if its not within my intention, what I blurted out further eases the tension and pressure weighing down on their shoulders.

Before long, Kawakami-senpai as the Club President and Captain stepped forward. She patted my shoulder before saying, Onoda-kun, on behalf of everyone, thank you for coming. With you here, I feel like were going to win this match again.

Supporting her words, the other members nodded before they started clapping.

At this point, no matter how thick my face is its impossible not to be embarrassed.

I scratched my head then put on my usual smile before raising a fist in front of me, Uhm. Im glad I can be of help, senpai. Everyone will be cheering for you out there. Go and get them.