For the next twenty minutes since I gave Otoha the phone at my mothers behest, I became a bystander. Just eavesdropping and watching how Otoha went from being totally respectful to my mother to someone who could talk freely with her.

From being too stiff with her words to being too comfortable that they began joking with each other, taking the girls mind off the current issue with her grandfather.

Moreover, the way she called my mother as mother was probably even more endearing than how she called her own mother.

At first, their topic went from how Otoha and I met until they began talking about our experiences together. Because it wasnt in loudspeaker, I could only infer from Otohas words what topic they were in already.

Nonetheless, seeing the girl relaxed while talking to my mother somehow relieved me that they would be too scared of her when the time I introduce them to each other comes.

After 20 minutes, Otoha tried to apologize for calling me here but before she could finish that, I already moved behind her and stopped her from doing that exactly.

Theres no need to apologize when I chose to go and stay here with her myself. Even my appointment with Ishida-senpai was dropped. I messaged her and apologized saying I would move that appointment to before I go to the Student Council later.

Ruki

Do I look like I forced myself to come here?

No.

Then thats it, whatever was on your mind. Let me clear that up. Although my words might sound dry and cold, I gently caressed her face while planting my lips on hers.

And after finishing that one long kiss between us to clear Otohas mind, my hand moved to the phone in her hand to put it on loudspeaker.

Its time for me to join the conversation, no?

Besides, I already heard activities outside the room. Although it might not mean bad news, I could expect Mihara-san to return at any moment.

Otoha-chan? You became quiet. Is it because of my idiot son?

Yes, mom. Its your idiot son preventing her from apologizing when theres no need to. Anyway, you seem awfully free today, wheres dad?

Hes still sleeping. You know where we are, its still dark here.

Ah. Thats right. Theyre in a different time zone No wonder theres not much noise in the background.

Then go back to sleep, we have to go.

At this point, like I expected, the door opened and Mihara-san entered. After bowing slightly, her eyes focused on Otoha.

Seeing that were still on the phone, she held back with her words. And that meant the news she brought wasnt something bad or urgent.

Noticing that, Otoha slightly nodded her head. She had the same conclusion.

Ruki, your mother is hurt. You dont need to push me away, do you? Anyway, Otoha-chan, Im looking forward to seeing you in person. Well be there by Wednesday.

Likewise, mother Also, thank you for giving that suggestion to Ruki.

Oh! That dont you worry about it. Im actually glad that you didnt resent him for what he did.

Rather than resenting him, Im thankful for him back then. However, its truly sad that he cut me off. In any case, hes back now and I love him, mother. More than before.

Otoha lifted her head and endearingly stared at me while caressing my cheek as she said that.

Is that so? Well then, before that son of mine nagged again, lets end this here. See you soon, daughter-in-law.

Yes! Relishing on how she was called as daughter-in-law by my mother, Otoha happily answered.

When the call ended, she pulled my head down once more, letting me feel her ever-blooming affection for me.

Once our lips separated, we both looked towards Mihara-san whos waiting for Otohas go signal to say what she brought from outside.

Ojou-sama, the operation is successful. Hirokage-sama has been moved to a VIP patient room. Hiroyuki-sama and the madam are in his room to check on his condition.

Thats great! Its a success, Ruki!

Upon hearing that, Otohas joy overflowed as she almost jumped from the bed. Thank you, Hitomi-san. I will go and see grandpa.

I understand. However, Onoda-sama cannot come, Ojou-sama. I apologize. Even if hes in his disguise, he wont get past the guards.

Thats also what I expected. Disguising as a nurse was already pushing it. Thankfully, it went smoothly because of the situation.

Eh? Cant he go as my nurse?

He will be checked and get found out that hes not a real nurse It will be more dangerous for him

Dangerous isnt an overstatement. Given how important her grandfather is theres no way they will just let someone suspicious be in the same room as him. I even doubt that idiot would also be there. Hes probably thrown out of the hospital by now.

But Ruki

Seeing how Otoha wouldnt drop it, I decided to interject and put it to rest. Its fine, Otoha. We both know its impossible for me to go with you there. With all the guards and your parents there Theyll be extremely suspicious.

Is it really impossible?

With her being downcast, I embraced her again to lift that gloom. Come on, its not like well be separated again. I also wish to accompany you throughout but with the current circumstances, its impossible.

She totally understood the situation, the girl was just being stubborn.

Letting her be comfortable in my embrace again, Otoha eventually sighed and gave up.

Uh Youre right. What are you going to do?

Hmm. It depends. I can wait until lunch here or go to school.

Because of me, you skipped.

Before she could be gloomy again, I beat her to it by kissing her and patting her head. Whats important for her at this moment is to go to her grandfathers side.

I told you, dont blame yourself. I already made an excuse. As long as I arrive before lunch, itll be fine.

The girl was already aware that we had to separate again, for now. Its just her way to express how much she wanted to be with me. Even if she didnt say it, shes trying to prolong our time together because of how she spent the two hours just sleeping next to me.

After deliberating for a few minutes while asking me to hold her tight and kiss her more as if shes trying to fill her mind of our moment together, Otoha eventually sighed and put on a resolute expression.

Then Hitomi-san, please drive Ruki to his school. She turned to MIhara-san first, instructing her chauffeur before returning her gaze to me. Ruki I If grandfather wakes up, I want to introduce you to him. When that happens, can Hitomi-san pick you up?

As I expected, were thinking the same thing. Her parents wouldnt be here all day, they had more pressing matters to attend to while the Family Head was hospitalized.

If he wakes up later Otoha can tell him about us and that will give me access to meet him, without needing to disguise myself again.

Un, no problem. Although its not what we planned before, I guess its better this way before your mother pushes for the engagement again.

Grounding her at their home and calling that idiot here to comfort her, her mother was surely the one against the freedom her grandfather gave.

Yes, thats also what I think Then Ruki, see you. Wait for Hitomi-san here.

After saying that, Otoha stood up from the bed. And since she had just woken up, I helped fix her dress that got crumpled when we laid down on the bed.

Following that, the two women left the room, leaving me alone to wait.

With my attire that of a nurse, wandering around this hospital seemed to be impossible. The chance of me being pulled by a doctor or another nurse somewhere was high