"Mhm. I'm impressed at this great coordination by both of you. Thank you. " I said as I pulled both of Mizuki and Otoha in my embrace. And not long after that, I didnt forget about Hitomi who was just standing nearby.

Of course, Suzuki-san was spared. I might be slapped by her if I did the same to her.

When I released them, a hint of surprise could be seen on Otoha and Mizukis faces. Even the usually inexpressive Mizuki was astonished.

If I had to guess, theyre expecting me to scold them or, at least, tell them that preparing this was a bit excessive.

I mean, I wouldnt blame them for thinking like that. That was how I acted recently.

Remember the gifts that they wanted to give me? Miho, Otoha, and Mizuki would probably not bat an eye in buying me luxury items or branded fashion apparel with an excess of zeroes in their price tag costing a lot more than the yearly allowance of an average high school student if I allowed them to.

Maybe I'm just being frugal or I have that mindset because I lived all my life without treating myself to luxuries. They always expressed how they wanted to help me or at least contribute more to what we're building. However, I will always be against the thought of having them fork out a fortune even if they're readily prepared to do that. In conclusion, I probably just find superfluous spending as a waste.

Spending smartly and saving would always be the wiser choice. We could splurge more on more important things. But who am I to talk like this when I know for myself that I wont think twice about spending on our dates?

Anyway, though I didnt plan anything at all but still had the intention to extend our time together today by any means possible, the thought of making it this grand of a scale wherein even our classmates and the whole basketball club would be included never passed my mind.

And that's why I'm honestly impressed. They left me no room to even think about refusing it.

Instead of finding fault with it and seeing it negatively, showing appreciation is the way to go.

"Okay, I think I can read whats in your mind, Ruki. You dont have to overthink and worry. We're not spending a fortune here. We have connections, remember? I can summon cars from my family and Otoha has their restaurant chains teeming in our city alone. It's a waste not to use them, no?" Mizuki amusedly pinched my cheek as she brought me back to the present.

Thats right! Ruki. The restaurant is handed over to me. Reserving the place for a day wont put it in the red. Dont worry. Otoha added. However, the latter half of her words were uttered in a whisper. Her constrained smile told me how she was not that confident yet in revealing that to the other girls.

She said handed over... which means, like Maaya, shes now given the rights to dabble in their business empire. Uh. Im not sure whether its only one restaurant or the whole chain though. Whichever the case, Otoha mustve been feeling a bit of pressure. I should hear her thoughts about this when we get the chance.

I grabbed Mizukis hand and pinched her sensitive nose. which instantly made her retreat. On the other hand, I gave Otoha head pats before stroking her hair, comforting her.

After straightening up the details with them, I escorted them until outside the venue first before hurriedly going back to inform our classmates.

Thankfully, I instantly spotted Kanzaki in the middle of them. As the Class President, shes probably doing her duties again to watch over everyone. I told her the plan and asked her to gather everyone who came with us. Itll be free so I doubt only a few would refuse to come.

Anyway, given what happened between us earlier, I also checked on her state. The girl couldnt look at me straight for more than five seconds. When I asked her about it, she admitted that shes in a state where seeing me reminds her of that time. She could vividly remember the sensation of my lips on hers.

Not gonna lie, I like how shes that straightforward at her admission. She really changed back to the Kanzaki that Ive been introduced to.

Uh. Then, Onoda-kun, Ill gather them and follow the others out.

Sure. Ill be looking for you later.

For what?

To thank you. Is that enough of an answer?

Kanzakis eyebrows twitched from that. And slowly, she squinted her eyes as she stared at me intently from behind the lens of her glasses.

No. I told you to be as straightforward as me, Onoda-kun. And I can sense youre holding back there.

I see. Youre also this sharp, huh?

Of course. Im voted to be the Class President not just because of my glasses, just so you know.

Right. Then let me correct myself there. I will be looking for you to show you my appreciation.

I changed my tone there and delivered it in a more intimate manner. I also reached for her hand, giving it a tight squeeze.

However, Kanzaki shook her head as a bemused smile showed up on her lips.

That didnt change the meaning at all.

It did. Thanking you will be over after I said those two words. But showing my appreciation is a lot more than that.

Oh. I can imagine Ill look forward to it.

With that, she popped up a giggle, truly amused at our exchange.

Haruko and the others are there too. If you want

Yes. Ill join them. Im now part of their club.

I added before she turned around and the girl answered without even waiting for me to finish it.

As Kanzaki walked away, I turned my body to search for my next targets.

Luckily, they have yet to move from their seats. Nonetheless, they quickly noticed my approach.

There, I saw Sakuma who paused at trying his best to impress Setsuna-nee. Then next to them, theres Juri and Hana.

Given that the two girls were probably following me with their eyes, explaining to them about our plan to celebrate was easily done.

The fool, Sakuma, couldnt help but rejoice in excitement. Hes definitely enlivened to extend his time with Setsuna-nee.

Hana didnt say anything. Looking at her still with a confident gait as if she was totally unbothered by how I pretty much ignored her throughout the game, shes probably expecting me to also give her my attention after all this.

No doubt. She did great in distracting Setsuna-nee. So why not? On top of that, its already in my head anyway. I love her like the others even if shes still stubbornly refusing to be like them.

On the other hand, Juri simply gave me a meaningful smile as she immediately dragged Setsuna-nee out before her best friend could barrage me with questions.

I followed them outside and only separated from them when we approached the path leading to the backdoor.

With that, my next destination was the Basketball Clubs waiting room. And as I expected, someone else was waiting for me on that pathway.

Who?

Its none other than the egotistic girl whos probably here to cash in the reward I promised her.

Having noticed me approaching her location, the girl stopped leaning on the wall and stood straight with her chin held high once more.

Seeing her usual smile that oozed out of her egotistical nature, my lips curved up into a sly grin.