After entering the room, we hadnt started our studies right away as we decided to wait for Sakuma to arrive. Compared to what I remembered, theres already a kotatsu prepared in the middle of her room. Most likely, she prepared it for this occasion. Although we could make do with just a simple short square or round table since the climate had started warming up, I could somehow guess why Satsuki picked that

Below it, hidden from anyones view, we could stealthily be intimate with each other.

And while were waiting for Sakuma, Kanzaki and Aya got mesmerized by the things they saw in Satsukis room. Most especially, the keychains she collected and created as her hobby.

Aya had already seen the matching keychains Satsuki and I have but seeing more of it in her room opened her eyes that Satsuki wasnt just the grumpy but lovable girl of mine. Her eyes sparkled looking at it and perhaps it was destined, her eyes landed on a keychain with a book as its design.

Upon seeing that, Satsuki picked it up and smilingly gave it to her. For you.

Whether there was another meaning for giving her that apart from how Aya became fascinated by it, only the two of them know.

As for Kanzaki, she also began checking everything from Satsukis collection. Furthermore, without even being ashamed, she asked for one such keychain that she found a liking to if she could have it.

Satsuki being Satsuki, with cold narrowed eyes and furrowed brows, she crossed her arms and asked why she had to give it to her.

As it turned out, shes still a bit peeved from what Kanzaki blurted out that day. Although the one that got inconvenienced was me, Satsuki just had it in her to want to defend me.

Kanzaki instantly shut her mouth and lowered her head, embarrassed and devoid of any answer to that question. When I checked on her, the girl also had a confused expression, wondering what she did wrong this time or if she had unknowingly stepped on some kind of landmine.

In the end, I mediated between the two just to clear the air. Kanzaki tried apologizing for being presumptuous thats what she thought her fault while Satsuki grumbled and reinforced her yearning to punish me.

In the end, Satsuki still gave the keychain to Kanzaki which made the Class President to thank her numerous times. Furthermore, she even tried to hug Satsuki but the latter just pushed her away annoyedly.

Meanwhile, Aya, who eventually found her place next to me ignored the racket as she asked me for help on tying the keychain on her phone before admiring it as if its some kind of treasure.

Well, thats how the first few minutes went by.

By the time Sakuma arrived, Satsukis grumpy attitude was then focused on him, reprimanding the guy for being too slow.

He tried asking for my help to stop Satsuki but I just shook my head and let him get beaten by her. At least, thats a way for the girl to vent out her frustrations.

Once she finished, since theres only four sides in a square, Aya moved to one side, giving way for Satsuki to squeeze next to me.

Kanzaki tried giving her side of the table to Satsuki but the latter declined it.

Well, shes unaware of our relationship and she did it mostly because she still felt bad from earlier. In the end, Class President only interpreted that as Satsuki trying to become a great host or she didnt want to feel indebted to her.

Whatevers in her mind, thats not important at all as we swiftly moved to what we planned to do.

To study.

Kanzaki and Aya took up the job of explaining things to us, especially to the two who got a low from the recent quiz; Sakuma and Satsuki.

Naturally, I listened to everything they explained. I also made mistakes so polishing my knowledge was in order.

Although Satsuki tried to cozy up stealthily next to me, she couldnt do so completely because she had to use her right hand to write. Instead of that, although somewhat awkward, I stretched my left arm to hold onto her left hand beneath the kotatsu.

That successfully improved her concentration.

In that kind of atmosphere, time quickly passed as we finished subjects after subjects to review and study on.

Perhaps around an hour later, while were taking a short break before finishing up with our studies, someone knocked on the door.

Satsuki! I know youre inside, open this at once!

Upon hearing that, Satsuki instantly facepalmed. Why? Of course, because thats her sisters voice. Whatever she was up to, its certainly no good.

As per her request to her mother when she brought the snacks she prepared earlier, Satsuki locked the door with the reasoning that we could focus more if theres no sudden distractions.

And since shes not alone with a boy in her room, her mother acceded to that request, albeit giving me a long look. She saw us sitting next to each other after all.

Perhaps. No, not just perhaps, her mother had begun suspecting my relationship with Satsuki right at that moment.

Now, however, a certain energetic and playful older sister suddenly shouted from outside the door, demanding to open her door at once.

Silent, huh? Ryou! Open this door, will you?! Ill give you a reward later if you do it!

That kind of command and reward is Sakuma her dog?

Do it. And youll get it from me. Satsuki glared at Sakuma who was already about to stand up from his seat. To add to that intimidation, I also glared at him.

Well, my glare had a different meaning. Since when have you become a dog? Youre not following my advice, are you?

Upon hearing that, Kanzaki, who had no idea whats happening, looked confused while Aya was simply smiling at her side, enjoying the sensation of our clasped hands below the kotatsu.

Its hard, Onoda. Look at what shes doing.

Shes just being a nuisance. Seriously, this guy needs serious surgery on his spine.

What? Youll fold that easily. What do you think? I shook my head at him before turning to Satsuki whos also looking at him in slight disdain.

Just a simple command from her sister and the guy was already about to stand up.

Stay put there. Satsuki eventually sighed as she pointed at Sakuma before turning to me. You too. Ill handle this headache of a sister.