That doesnt sound natural. Theyll figure out youre just acting right away. I shook my head as I criticized the way she said my name.

Still, thats not the most important part. Rather than being embarrassed to call me by my given name, Otsuka-senpai probably found it unnatural most likely, its a testament that shes not used to being this close to a guy.

Eh? I need practice to say it without stuttering, Onodaerm, Ruki...

Otsuka-senpai frowned as she once again blundered there. But when she noticed my smile directed at her, the girl hit my arm in protest.

Is it this fun to you?

Not really, Im smiling because its not every day that I can see you struggling like this. I swiftly replied, making her more exasperated.

Most of the time, shed just pop up in front of me all bubbly and playful. Whenever I get the chance to tease her, its more often that it results in her laughing in contentment than getting annoyed or embarrassed. Thats why seeing her act like this was truly a rare occasion.

What a bad junior... Otsuka-senpai unhappily pouted. Her feeble hits stopped and were replaced by her unnatural grip on my sleeve as though she was trying to pull on it. Her voice contained a hint of helplessness, most likely because she knew that her protest wouldnt amount to anything.

Contrary to her expectations, my response was different. I fit myself into the shoes of her boyfriend and began acting in line with it.

I inched closer to her, letting our shoulders touch. Following that, my thumb which was still caressing her bouncy cheek moved towards her pouty lips, tracing it gently and carefully.

Otsuka-senpai almost became frozen stiff from that but it didnt take long for that ice to thaw. Her gaze followed the movement of my thumb and her lips soon relaxed.

I could sense how she was slowly becoming drawn to me. Not just because of her curiosity but also because of how Im being gentle with her. No matter how excited she appeared to me, this girl probably steeled herself to anything that could happen between us.

Thats right. Im a bad junior. However, Karen. Im not your junior at this moment, right? Were a couple.

Her purple eyes trembled as they slowly focused on my face. When she finally stabilized herself, her head moved slightly, affirming what I said.

Maybe if someone was watching us from a distance, they might think I was harassing her and she couldnt move because of fright. However, if they look at us closely, theyd find out that shes the one clinging to me.

Alright. You can slowly get used to addressing me that way. Youre not as shameless as me so... its only natural that you cannot do it perfectly right away.

While it could be fun to watch her continue struggling, I decided to give her some brief respite.

Okay, R-ruki. Ill get used to this...

The girl nodded continuously before a smile peeked from her face. Her hand holding onto my sleeve loosened up before placing it on my face.

I didnt stop her from doing that, letting her do what she wanted to.

With that, it didnt take long for her to copy what I was doing. She cupped my cheek and let her thumb trace my lips.

Slowly, she became engrossed by it and she unconsciously pulled my head closer to her.

At this point, I wrapped an arm around her back, removing what little distance was left between our bodies.

If earlier we were sitting on two boulders, now, were sharing one.

Shes not bothered by it though. In fact, Otsuka-senpais heart started beating loudly. As for whether shes aware of that or not, I had no idea.

Nevertheless, were just starting here.

Karen, lets move on to the next part, shall we? I said after her fascination with caressing my lips reached its maximum.

Almost immediately, her shoulders jumped in surprise as her eyes refocused on mine.

N-next part?

Mhm. Youre not thinking well be able to fool your friends with only that, right? We have to make it believable.

Oh. Youre right... We have to play the part perfectly. Otsuka-senpais purple eyes seemingly lost some of their light as her hand cupping my cheek slid down and dropped on my shoulder. From the looks of it, shes not confident in doing it right.

Dont worry. Just like with my name, I wont force you to get used to this right away. You can tell me if its making you uncomfortable. Ill make adjustments for you. I assured the girl which removed the dimness of her usually brilliant eyes.

Her bubbly expression returned and a beautiful smile popped up from her lips.

Ruki, thank you.

Save that for later, Karen. Im fulfilling my promise and responsibility to you, no?

Is that all there is to it? Are you not interested in me?

Well, I was also questioning myself if thats the only reason. Maybe I was just turning a blind eye to my interest in her since she was also not looking at me in the same way. Because in my head, Im nothing more than a huge bundle of curiosity that she wanted to unfold.

Are you curious?

Yes...

Of course she is.

Mhm... I cannot give a straight answer but lets just say... I dont mind splitting my time with my girls to meet you like this.

I see. Youre sacrificing the time you should be spending with them for me.

This girl... while thats not wrong, its also not completely right. Because I wouldnt be here without telling them beforehand. Thats why its not a sacrifice.

I flicked her forehead before shaking my head.

Dont overthink it, Karen. For now, lets focus on the next part, alright?

With puffed-up cheeks, she cutely pouted at me, Okay... Tell me whats next.

That put a small smile on my face but as always, its not enough reason for me to stop.

And so, a moment later, I began moving again.

This... As I trailed my voice there, I guided her head down to my shoulder. My hand on her waist tightened its grip, letting my fingers feel up more of her soft skin underneath her shirt.

Theres not much resistance from her but when she realized what happened, Otsuka-senpais body began heating up.

But I wasnt done yet. I turned my head in her direction and pressed my lips on her forehead.

Its hard for me to check on her face properly but I could already imagine her becoming frozen stiff again as she slowly gradually came to terms with this.

But before she could move or say anything, I continued, From this point onwards, Ill act more intimate towards you, Karen. You can try and match me or slowly familiarize yourself with this. Of course, if its too much for you, tell me right away.

It took her a minute but she managed to get a hold of herself soon enough. She lifted her head to search for my eyes and gave me a nod.

I understand... Ill get used to this too.

Upon saying that, her stiffness relaxed and she seemingly became more comfortable. She placed the hand holding mine earlier on top of the same hand that was now on her waist.

Theres still uncertainty in her movements but because of this, her curiosity had yet to flare up again. Before long, she lifted her free hand close to my face.

Understanding what she wanted me to do, I grabbed it and let our fingers intertwine.

Ruki, this must be like any other day to you. Youre always this intimate with the girls around you. Otsuka-senpai said as she carefully watched our hands covering each other. Her palm was becoming sweaty again but I guess thats not so much of a problem anymore.

She tried moving her fingers to feel this connection clearly. In the end, her thumb got subdued by mine.

Yes, it is. I replied, Just like this time, Im elated just being able to hold them in my arms.

What do you mean just like this time?

I mean it as is, Karen. Im also elated at this moment. Arent we a couple?

Oh... So, thats what you meant...

She sounded a little disappointed there. But thats to be expected, she forgot that were in the middle of an act. Nonetheless, its not like I was lying to her.

Dont look so glum there. You should also immerse yourself in this, Karen. Although I wont say you have to act like youre in love with me, at least treat me like your boyfriend.

Eh? Thats confusing, R-ruki. Shouldnt you love the one youre dating?

Thats true but thats not always necessarily the case. Sometimes, there are couples who will start to go out with each other without being in love. Sometimes its one-sided but oftentimes, theyre doing it to figure out if they can fall in love with their partner.

I see... Ive learned something new.

Did I satisfy a bit of your curiosity there?

Un. You did... Otsuka-senpai's purple eyes dazzled me as her lips stretched into a satisfied smile.

It took a while but at this moment, she started to act more natural.

Thats great. Lets continue like this then... Please take care of me, Karen.

Yes... I may be lacking but please take care of me too, Ruki.

Then, lets move to the next part.

After doing a small bow, Otsuka-senpai lifted her head again and started giggling. Likewise, I chuckled at how silly we both sounded.

A second later, as if she was following a natural sequence, Otsuka-senpai closed her eyes. Following the same sequence, I pushed my head down, capturing her lips with mine.