Yes. Thats what happened. I understand. Ill wait for your news And Mom, Im sorry for troubling you and Dad like this.

Having decided my next step of action, I didnt wait until I arrived home before contacting my parents.

My mother answered at the first ring. They were probably at their house since I could hear Minoru and my father nearby.

I gave my mother the rundown of what transpired today as well as my decision.

She listened for the most part, probably visualizing the scene in her head. I made sure to tell her that I wasnt hurt or anything. Knowing how much she dotes on me, shell immediately jump in the car and get to my location to give them some payback for using actual adults to bully me.

That could be an interesting sight but I should shelve that thought at the back of my head. I shouldnt trouble her that much. Its also fortunate that my father was there. Hes more reasonable and they both act as a leash to each other. I probably wont see them act separately, no matter the occasion.

Somehow, looking from an outside perspective, I'm not any different from Ichihara Jun. My parents clean any mess that I make. They also spoil me a lot, letting me continue on this path with my girls

Baby boy, save your apology, okay? We are your parents. We ought to protect you before you leave our nest. Understand that no matter what happens, as long as what youre doing isnt an outright criminal act, well always have your back.

And there she goes again Tell me, how can I repay them? Ensure that Ill give them more grandchildren? Uh Lets think about that in the future. For now, Minoru is enough to occupy them.

Since Ive already decided to be as shameless as Ichihara Jun, I was really just trying to make things difficult for me. But then again, this was something I should communicate to them. It wouldnt be right if I just accept everything without introspection.

Mom, can I cry?

Pfft. Save your tears too, baby boy. And dont let your girls worry for you. Even if you beat up people as long as you have a justification to do so, we wont condemn you for it. All were asking is for you to continue caring for everyone and never stray from what youve decided. Understand?

Yeah Ill keep that in mind.

As I had no more avenue to refute, I could only nod and end the call there.

Since theyre going to make a move too, something might happen tomorrow or within this week

Good thing were going to Tokyo, I guess I can relax there with Yue and the other girls before facing what the Ichihara will do.

As for Marika Ill call her tonight. I cant have her worry for me too much.

Upon arriving home, I ate another dinner with Yae and Akane who considerately asked me why I looked glum. They even acted goofy to make me smile. And that was super effective. I joined them in their antics and doted on them while we scolded each other for playing in front of the food.

With my mothers reminder etched in my mind, I shook off whatever troubling thoughts still running in my head.

While we were relaxing in the living room, I told them what happened and that included everyone who connected to a group call.

Some voiced their concern like Shio and Shizu who looked at the situation objectively. Mizuki also supported that. According to them, I shouldnt just dismiss Ichihara Juns threats. Because Im not invincible, I could still be taken by surprise.

Well, theyre right to bring up that concern. Thats why I assured them that I had already accounted for that.

Of course, that was not enough to settle their concern so we spent a few hours discussing the situation and thinking of solutions or countermeasures.

Shizu brought up suggestions like minimizing their contact with me because they could be targeted just by being close to me.

While a lot of them agreed to that, its evident that theyre reluctant. Especially the girls from the other school. Its for their protection so I cannot really disagree with their suggestion. All I can do is to make up for that. If I have to be sneaky again just like in the past then Ill do it. I mean, were still being sneaky in private so there wont be that much of a change.

I tried to be optimistic but with the weight of the Ichihara Family looming above us, its really hard to cheer them all up.

In the end, its clear that I brought up a big enough problem that we have no choice but to take a step back before the issue is resolved.

Still, with most of my girls having a strong character, they brainstormed about how to deal with every possibility.

Mizuki said shell help look into the Ichihara Construction through the Hasegawa Family. I guess shes going to mobilize her familys resources too. And perhaps knowing I would be dissuading her, she immediately told me not to refuse.

Of course, it didnt stop with Mizuki.

Otoha, Himeko, Maaya, Rae and even Edel pitched in. They used the argument of were in this together to stop me from refusing them.

Rae promised to ask her parents for a favor to gather the dirt of the Ichihara Family. And Edel shes going to contact her mother. Although its probably going to be a shot to the moon, I appreciate the sentiment.

Like Mizuki. Theyll do everything to help stave off the pressure that I will be receiving. Of course, the others who didnt have a large background also expressed their support. No matter how meager it is.

Really, why are my girls so stubborn?

Short answer. Because of my influence

Long answer. Theyre totally committed to our complex relationship and just like my parents, theyll appreciate more if I rely on them than set them aside

With Marika also included in the group call, the ringlet girl was not just speechless, she became emotional, thanking everyone and promising them that shell also be strong for everyone.

She made her choice of being with me so shes not going to back down on it no matter what.

How much luckier can I be to have these wonderful girls? Its unreal how theyre this unified.

If I falter at this point, then Ill be failing them.

Before ending that call, I told everyone that I would be calling them one by one before the day ended.

With that, I spent another two hours on the phone before joining Akane and Yae in our bedroom. It heated up like fiery coal from how long I used it.

With tomorrow going to be a long day, I made sure not to miss anyone, especially the ones who werent in the group call.

Yayoi-san and Ryouko-san.

My two adorable juniors Sumire and Umi.

Azusa and Hanabi.

And lastly Komoe and Mutsumi-senpai.

Its exhausting, however, theres no reason for me to complain besides, their smiles are also rejuvenating me. That alone was enough to lighten the pressure on my shoulder

Then with Akane and Yae spoiling me with their endless affection, the day ended on a perfect note.

Its going to be a new week and new challenges but with my girls supporting me, were not going to slow down.