Sure. But is it fine leaving Himeko there? You know your sister.

That girl still couldnt be left behind for too long. This was the first time she went outside apart from school and her home.

This wont take long... Just go back quickly to her. I also excused myself by saying I will also go to the bathroom.

Alright. Say your piece, Im listening.

Nee-sama, shes changing herself for the better and I cant deny that youre a great part of it. Thats why I want to thank you. For letting us reconnect again and for inspiring her to come out of her safe zone.

Itou bowed towards me and along with the heartfelt gratitude included in her voice. Even though she still couldnt accept that I made Himeko as one of my women, shes truly grateful for what I did for her, for them.

Itou. Im not some saint who will do something that will not benefit me. I love Himeko. I fell in love with her the same as the other girls you are now aware of. And thats why I did what I did. Himeko was already a strong girl. She just needed a bit of a push to continue walking down the new path to change. And I will not dare claim that its all because of me. Theres Haruko, her clubmates, you and most certainly, Himeko herself.

I already repeated this kind of answer to everyone who would try to give me credit for something. It wasnt me who was doing their utmost effort to change, I was only tapping their back to encourage them.

And thats the same for every girl who claimed I did a lot for them.

Theres Aya. Her change was actually because she courageously tried talking to me. Even without me, shes already bound to change with the help of Harukos bait book.

Theres Rae. Her change was also bound to change once she encountered something that would change that mindset of hers to only rely on her knowledge. I only gave that push and led her to that path of also using her mind to think for herself.

Then theres also Shizu. In her case, I somewhat forced myself to see whats hidden beneath her bossy personality. And upon seeing her true face hiding beneath a mask she created for herself as well as her surroundings that was like a cold and desolate land, I got the urge to also try and give her a push.

The progress she accumulated this time was all because of her own efforts.

However, in the end, what I did had the ulterior motive of getting close to them, to make them mine.

I am a bastard and will always be a bastard. But I will do everything I can do for the girls who willingly be deceived by a bastard like me. This is all there is to it.

Even so Nee-sama believed that its because of you that shes now outside. Its also because of you that we got reconnected. If not for you bringing me there, we both wouldnt have any courage to look for each other. Thats all that matters And I cant thank you enough for that. However, this and my hate for your multiple relationships are separate from each other. I dont think any sane person will accept that.

Forgive me but I dont think Himeko needs your permission to be in this kind of relationship with me.

I know that! Thats why I will be watching you two. Dont ever hurt her. Although she almost burst out in anger again, the girl managed to reel it in as she gave me her warning.

I assure you, I wont By the way, thank you for being friends with Akane.

And before ending our conversation, I brought up Akane.

Even if that silly girl was telling me that shes talking to Itou for me, its undeniable that she had gotten close to her. Two girls with the same dilemma before becoming friends. There were some similarities between them so its not strange for them to get along.

Perhaps if theyre not from different schools, the two would already be hanging out together.

When I mentioned Akane, Itou paused for a while before she answered nonchalantly. That doesnt have to do with you.

Actually, it does. Akane is living with me and I appreciate you approaching her. You see, she only has those three best friends of hers. That is why knowing that youre also there for her, I am relieved. This is also the reason why I cant really get mad at you for being mad at me. Your anger is justified and I am thankful for you. For supporting Himeko and for being friends with Akane.

Itous already aware of the fact that were living together hence theres not much of a reaction when she heard me say it.

Itou stared at me for a while before shrugging and muttering silently. At least you know.

After saying that, she straightened her body and walked past me and into the womens bathroom.

Having this conversation with her, I guess theres no need to create a chance to talk to her later. I can now focus on my date with Himeko.

When I returned to our seat, Himeko changed seats and sat next to me. Crossing her arms on mine, she then rested her head on my shoulder. Thank you, Ruki.

What are you thanking me for? Our day is just starting. After Itou returns, lets go and watch a movie, what do you think? I stretched my arm and put my hand across her shoulders. Theres no Itou around so its a chance to flirt with Himeko without being glared at.

Himekos eyes actually flashed a hint of excitement. Id love to!

Great. But before that are you fine with taking the bus?

As I expected, Himeko stopped for a while when she heard the word bus. Even if shes an introvert, shes from a rich family. Shes being sent to and from the school by their chauffeur. And that was probably since theyre young.

And if they had family outings before, they had their own private cars to use.

After deliberating for a while as she thought of the possibility of riding the public transport for the first time, Himeko then gently nodded her head before looking straight into my eyes while clasping her hand on mine As long as youre with me.

Naturally, theres no way I will leave you alone. I lowered my head and kissed her before continuing. Were going to sit at the back so that Itou can also sit with us.

Himeko savored that kiss we first shared today before responding. It will be my first time taking public transport.

Really?

Although I already guessed, I still acted surprised.

Ya-chan too. We always have our chauffeur. And there will always be someone who will follow her wherever she goes out. Only today, she sent them all away.

So thats why the feeling of being watched when were walking towards this restaurant disappeared.

I thought those who cleared that spot at the park would follow us. I guess Itou also prepared for this date.

What a considerate little sister she is