Upon seeing Ohori-senpai disappear into the bathroom, I made my way back to the crowd and went against the wave to traverse to the other side.

Since I already decided to at least check where he could be hiding, I should do that before going.

And while doing so, I updated Aoi about what happened.

Before long, since there was an interval of at least fifteen minutes before the next train would arrive, the wave of people eventually subsided.

I kept an eye out on whoever would act suspiciously like covering their face from my gaze or packing up and hurrying to the exit.

In less than ten seconds, I noticed someone looking like he had been alerted. He hurriedly turned around and rushed to the exit.

From behind, I couldnt match him to the figure of that glorified cuck. So, either hes a lackey ordered by him to keep an eye out here or I was just overthinking it.

Hes really not around, huh? Or he really escaped before I could spot him.

Resigned, I shook my head and looked towards the ticket gates before glancing back to the waiting area where I had come from.

Just to make sure that I didnt miss a spot, I returned there and checked the male bathroom. He could also be hiding there, after all.

Fortunately, or maybe not? No one was inside. All the stalls were open and no one was hiding behind the door.

I washed my hands and cleared up my head before leaving.

I messaged Ohori-senpai one last time and she also confirmed that shes alone there.

When I went out, I knocked on the door and there she was, still looking like she was in the midst of a crisis. I patted her head to calm her down before saying goodbye.

Ill be going, senpai. Just act naturally when you leave later. Also, if this escalated further, can I suggest that you stop being too soft on him? You see, hes not going to stop. Now that Im in the picture, hell do everything to satisfy his fetish. You have to deal with him with the same decisiveness as he does. Honestly, Id like to see the same unruly Ohori-senpai from before. Not this... overly caring girlfriend. You can hold onto your precious memories with him but please draw the line and dont let yourself suffer like this. Aoi and I are worried about you.

Truthfully, shes really making this hard for herself. But I couldnt blame her for that. In the end, her issue with that cuck still rests on her hand. She can actually stop it without our help but shes been so lost after finding out of his true nature.

So much for enduring the fact that he was constantly cheating on her. She needed to move past it and stand for herself.

Y-youre right. Ive softened up a lot more than before, havent I? I envy Aoi... She could still be the same even if shes so drunk in love... Thank you for this reminder, Onoda-kun.

Ohori-senpais eyes became a little watery as tears started to form from the side of her eyes. One sniff and she stopped herself from bursting into tears. Moreover, she tried her best, even if it was forceful, to put on a smile... perhaps in hopes of abating my worry.

Unknowingly, my hand slid down to her cheeks, caressing it and wiping the teardrop that was about to slide down from the corner of her eyes.

Thats all the help I could give her at the moment. Comfort.

When she returned inside the bathroom to wait, I continued on my way and didnt look back again.

Halfway through my train ride, I received an update from Aoi. Because of my message, she waited near the gates for Ohori-senpai. She said no one was following or watching her older friend.

Well, thats good but I also reminded her just to keep a watchful eye for her friend as shes probably devastated upon knowing the reason for those photos.

In response, Aoi told me that shell bring Ohori-senpai with her when she meets up with the other girls during lunch. I dont know what shes planning, but shes probably going to ask the others for advice as well. And with Mizuki and Otoha there, Im a little optimistic about whatever plan they might cook up.

Well, knowing the extent of their families authority, that guy might just poof out of existence if ever they use it. Unfortunately, thats not the ideal situation.

Its a lot better for Ohori-senpai to resolve things by herself and just get some help from the others or us.

For now, I could only wait for their update.

Upon arriving at our school gate, Eguchi-sensei was once again standing there. She should've had a day off today but shes so diligent not to miss cracking on the tardy students.

I was greeted by her pleasant smile which seemed to thaw away the frozen landscape before her thanks to her icy glare directed at every student who was coming in late.

Of course, I was among those students who were late. Im probably two minutes late. And its because I missed the train and had to wait for another fifteen minutes before I could settle my ass inside.

Anyway, that smile only lasted for a few seconds before she also handed me the stick. Then as I passed by her, she whispered, Come to my office later, Onoda-kun. You earned a trip there for being late, no?

Yeah. Right. Out of all the students, only I got that ticket to her office.

Obviously, its nothing but an excuse for us to get some alone time together. I would surely not reject that.

After that, I once again got stopped at the shoe locker. Who stopped me?

Its the same girl as before.

Sachi.

Onoda-kun. You didnt watch our game... Im sad. The girls voice sounded a little sorrowful but upon closer look, it was nothing but an act.

I played along with her as I changed into my indoor shoes.

Sorry. Im busy cheering for the basketball club.

Their club already lost during the first day so... theres really no way to watch her game.

Sachi pursed her lips as she drew closer. She then reached for my collar, fixing it without saying anything before looking up to comb my fringes to the side using her fingers.

Alright... This girl is also turning a little bolder, isnt she?

Yeah, I heard youre the loudest yesterday. Everyone who saw you was amused and mesmerized at the same time. I wish I couldve seen it.

Wait... It has already spread to the whole campus?

Of course. Who do you think you are, you popular guy? Mind you, a lot of students are now anticipating any new rumors about you. I must say... even if I overestimated your popularity, it still exceeded my expectations. You know... theres also another new rumor that popped up. They said you and Ichihara-senpais fiance were seen walking intimately. Your claws have already reached that far.

Uh. Not that I didnt see this coming but still... how popular have I become? Looking at it another way, this is another step for me to become more enigmatic, right? I mean, now that it has reached this point, even if Im seen walking with any of my girls, the other students will just treat it as a normal occurrence.

And the same could be said in this current situation.

Even with Sachi drawing this close to me, its now being treated as a normal sight.

... Alright. I appreciate your updating me about my current popularity but... really, tell me the reason why you waited for me here. I grabbed her hand, stopping her from playing with my hair.

Sachi giggled before a mischievous grin replaced her smile, Nothings gonna escape your notice, huh? But honestly, I dont have any reason. I just found this window of time the only opportunity to get close to you... Im still your friend, arent I?

You are... But drop acting mysterious. I like you more when youre not beating around the bush.

Oh. Is that so? Then... can I accompany you to your classroom like this?

Upon saying that, Sachi went to my side and hooked her arm on mine. She then lifted her chin a little as though proud of her accomplishment.

I still dont know what shes really aiming for but I guess she didnt want to fade in my head, huh?

If you dont mind being glared at by girls then feel free, I answered. For sure, Id be faced with my girls questioning gazes because of this but hey, thats also an opportunity for me to dote on them. Its a win for me.

And by giving in to this girls whim, I can keep her in check. Maybe I should really hang out with her sometime in the future. Just to properly understand her head. But as busy as I am at the moment, this is all she can get from me.