On my train ride home, I once again fell back to my usual routine. Picking a corner seat away from the other passengers, I checked my phone for messages from my girls and updated them on my status.

At the same time, I also took my time to update and hear from the girls who werent with us earlier.

First on the list are Arisa and Izumi.

Earlier, they told me that they wouldnt be able to come since they had a prior plan of going to the shopping district.

Arisa informed me of the specifics through a sneaky message. Apparently, Izumi wanted to pick up a new pair of underwear The girl couldnt go to that shop by herself so Arisa was there as a moral support and maybe someone who could help her pick.

Well, as always, its just Izumi proving how adorable she is.

After deliberating on who to message between the two, I picked the playful girl who probably got her fill on teasing her best friend.

So, how is it? Is it a success? Did she manage to pick one?

Opening up with that message, it only took a few seconds before Arisa read it.

Almost instantly, her reply started by sending a sticker showing a cartooney penguin character covering its mouth.

-Ruki. I love you but Im more in awe of this shamelessness coming from you. Can I hit your head once?

Sure. I love you too. A hit or two is a fair price for it. Also Arisa, might I add? Did you also pick one for yourself?

-Shameless guy

Even though its only on text, I could already imagine the girl reeling back while trying to hold her laughter.

Our exchange of messages continued from that and I soon got my answer after a few bouts of piling up my shamelessness. Arisa had to raise a white flag, asking me to stop being so shameless.

I guess her playfulness was still inadequate to top my shameless teasing. No?

Nonetheless, I still conceded a few times just to make her laugh and make our conversation smoother.

And while we were at it, we updated each other on how our day went.

At the moment, Arisa was actually inside Izumis room. Apparently, they decided to have a sleepover after Izumi almost collapsed from being teased by her throughout their trip.

How did she tease her? Well, she admittedly used my good name, bringing me up whenever Izumi would come to her for her opinion. Something like Yeah, Ruki will love to see you in that or If youre going to make him look at you more, try this

Just imagining that situation, I couldnt help but form a grin. Izumi mustve been really adorable back there.

I couldnt blame Arisa for teasing her best friend like that because I know I will do the same if Im in the same shoes.

Anyway, as playful as ever, Arisa soon toured me inside Izumis place through a short video that she prepared beforehand. She showed me every nook and cranny of her room.

Yep. She anticipated my message or how interested I would be to hear that they were together. Furthermore, she took that without Izumis knowledge. If she knew, I doubt she would let it be sent to me. Or rather, Izumi would send it to me herself

After I finished watching it, I scolded the girl but she got back at me by telling me if I wanted to see another one featuring Arisa herself while she was inside the bath.

Yeah. Right. I easily saw through her deception. Its all a ruse and her another attempt to tease me. Because the video she sent was nothing more than a short clip saying, I got you~ while wrapped in a bath towel that she used.

Well, its still a pretty alluring sight so I still ended up thanking her for it.

I tried messaging Izumi too but since the girl was still in the bath, I probably should expect her to reply later.

After that, I got to hear from Hifumi and how shes once again burning the midnight oil. As always, shes studying ahead to prepare for their upcoming lessons. Shes always that diligent, after all.

If its only up to me, Id ask her to stop and not try that hard but whats the point, right? It will just hinder the girl. Rather than suppress her established routine, I should think of a way to support her and help her relax.

In the end, after a few short messages, I let her be and simply reminded the girl not to overdo it.

Maybe sensing my helplessness, Hifumi assured me that shed stop after finishing a few more lessons.

Thats certainly reassuring. I planned to call her later and hear her voice.

Last but not the least, Miho.

The girl caught a cold today. Although her temperature had already gone down when I picked her up this morning, I advised her to continue resting after school. But remembering how much that girl hated to be bedridden, she probably jumped out of it already after getting a few hours of sleep.

And I wasnt wrong. When I tried calling her upon arriving at my station and exiting the train, she immediately picked it up as though she was waiting for my call all this time.

In the background, I heard the reverb coming from her instrument.

She was either practicing or composing at that time.

As much as there was an urge to scold her, I also found it relieving that her situation didnt worsen. Besides, she didnt even try to hide or lie about it.

According to her, she fell asleep after taking another medication upon arriving home. When she woke up a few hours later, she immediately started her daily grind of practicing. Then a few hours flew by again and she spent the rest of the day just anticipating my call.

Really, that girl is so adorable that I was easily compelled to switch to video call as soon as I stepped out of the train station.

While only keeping half of my attention on the road, I spent the last stretch of my walk home with her company.

When Akane received me by the door, the two girls teamed up to tease me as they both channeled the rapport they established when Miho stayed with us for a few days.

Our night then continued that way.

As we prepared for the end of the day, the other girls who were also preparing for their bed joined in our call.

It instantly became more chaotic yet harmonious at the same time. And as though they planned for it, the girls took their turns taking a dig at me, eliciting more waves of laughter from everyone.

Perhaps if they all came around again, Id probably be buried under them.

Well, when that time comes, Ill have an equal opportunity to come out on top. Right?

After ending that call, Akane went back down to get our tea.

And using that brief moment, I went on to continue with my plan to call Izumi and Hifumi.

Today was a long day and a little tiring but in the end, its still as fulfilling as ever.

What about tomorrow? Well see.