What are you thinking? Asking my mom that question Minas slightly irritated voice reached my ears minutes after her mother left us alone once more.

The previously opened door had been shut close unlike earlier where its completely open.

With the tea thats about to turn cold in our hands, I answered, Rather than let her speculate, I decided to let her know my intentions towards you. Besides, she didnt answer anyway.

Thats right. Leaving the words Arent you asking the wrong person?, Auntie Yayoi pulled the door close and left us alone in her daughters room.

In a way, leaving after saying that was also equal to answering yes from my question.

I dont want to disappoint her, same with the parents of my other girls if ever I meet them again. Nonetheless, its a fact that with one slip of the tongue about the abnormality of our relationship, the acceptance will transform to utter disappointment. Worse, theyll take them away from me.

I wont answer you either, Mina replied. She lowered her head and stared into the content of her cup. Shes doing her best not to meet my gaze.

Shes embarrassed. But beneath that embarrassment, theres her stubborn personality who refused to admit that Ive already crawled my way up to her heart. Her feelings for me might not exceed her love for Haruko but its already there.

Its fine with me. I can wait until I pass your standards or wait until you reject being with me. Until then, Ill court you whenever I have the chance.

I watched her drink the tea in one gulp and placed the cup in my hand before returning to her original state before I entered the room.

Lying sideways, her blanket covering most of her head.

Its understandable. Because she didnt want to admit to it, the best she could do was to hide from me.

Theres a possibility that shes just waiting for me to make a move again or shes also hoping for me to do nothing and just watch over her.

In the end, I helped myself with the remaining pie and tea. Once I was done with it, I looked at the girl and inched closer. I lifted my butt and gently climbed her soft bed.

Its not in my style to not do anything when a chance presents itself, after all. Especially if its someone I am targeting or someone I already confessed my love to.

Along with the slightly noisy creaking of the bed, I crawled to the space next to Mina. I lied down, turned my body sideways, slipped my head inside the blanket covering her and pressed my nose on her nape. At the same time as that, I also draped my arm from her exposed side and tightened it around her navel.

Naturally, I paid attention to her reaction all the time. If ever she decides to push me away, Ill gladly acquiesce to it. Fortunately or should I say As expected, the girl only trembled and fidgeted slightly. Whether it was from excitement, nervousness or joy, I had no idea.

Either way, I was successful with my move. I held her close to me and whispered while breathing in slight difficulty, Are we going to sleep? If so, can I at least see your face? You see its a habit to stare and admire someone I love before I can drift off to sleep.

Thats a lie, of course. But I guess its partly true as well. Knowing that Akane or any of my girls was at my side and snuggled close to me, its enough to relieve any worries I mightve been carrying at that time.

No. Mina promptly answered. Learn to be content with what I allowed you to

Understood

After saying that, I planted my lips on her nape and began showering her with kisses. Ticklish, I heard Mina click her tongue but theres no command from her to stop.

From her nape, my lips traveled to the side of her neck then upwards to her ear. As I nibbled on her exposed ear, Mina softly exhaled. Its barely audible but thats enough for me to catch on to how shes slowly being affected by what Im doing.

Her temperature was gradually rising. A sign that shes getting excited about this situation.

To add to the stimulation. My hand resting on her navel slipped underneath her blouse and touched her skin directly, caressing her navel and gradually moving upwards.

I just told you to

Perhaps thats nearing her bottom line, the girl pulled the blanket off her head and tried to scold me, turning her head to look at me. However, as soon as she did that, I cut her off by taking her lips. My hand slid above her head and rested on her cheek, not allowing her to pull away.

In this way, the kiss deepened where my tongue once again invaded her mouth, entangling it with hers. In between those, Id whisper my affection to her as I gradually pin her down on the bed.

A few minutes later, with her hands clasped with mine and raised above her head, I placed myself on top of her, my knees supporting my body.

With my lips still dropping to continue our kisses, the expression on Minas face was now that of someone drunk from affection.

This shameless guy stop pulling me into your pace. She protested. However, her words and actions were in total contrast. Even if she didnt want to admit it, Mina was loving and enjoying every moment.

Im not doing that. Youre following me willingly, Mina. Just tell me to stop and I will do it quickly.

Hearing that, the girl just averted her eyes and bit her lips.

I know you dont want to admit it. Thats why Im conveying my love for you in this way I can also do more. I mean, Im dying to do more than this with you. But rest assured, I wont force myself on you. I know my boundaries. I said before releasing her hand, unpinning her on the bed. Following that, I retreated on top of her and returned to sitting at the side of her bed. Thats enough, I got my fill of my adorable Mina. Ill behave myself now.

I threw her a smile before retreating on top of her and returned to lying down on her side, caressing her cheek and brushing her untied hair.

Youre always like this. Without responding to my earlier words, Mina heaved a sigh as she turned her body towards me, used my arm as her pillow and snuggled closer. Her arm slid over my chest, hugging me tightly. Youre always toying with me like this.

Im sorry.

Stop that, idiot! Im not telling you to apologize. Hear me out Mina lifted her head and stared into my eyes. I I love Haru. It wont change.

Mhm. That much, I know.

Haruko will always be a special existence for them. I wont take that away. Besides, I feel the same way. Haruko is also special to me. However, that also applied to everyone.

Im worried, Ruki.

About what?

As she said that, I saw gloom clouding her eyes.

Mina then closed her eyes and snuggled closer before whispering her answer. If I finally admitted it, the attention youre giving me will lessen. The competition will end today. There will be no reason for you to diligently come and visit me.

Youre forgetting something. Its my promise to you. No matter how busy I am, I will come and see you at your club.

No. She probably didnt forget about that. Her worry doesnt lie with what she just said.

And sure enough, her next words confirmed it.

Isnt that unfair? Youll always come and see me. What about your other girls? They wont have the same treatment.

I see. Thats what youre worried about, huh? Does that mean that you dont like to have that special treatment? I asked. I have to get to the bottom of this to resolve this.

I do! Mina quickly answered, Im contradicting myself, am I not?

At least shes aware that contradiction. Thats whats making it hard for her to admit it. But at the same time, she probably has a solution to it.

You sure do. But its fine. Let me carry that trouble for you.

No! Thats not what I want to happen. How much of an idiot can you be? The girl gritted her teeth and took a deep breath. Ruki, I want you to rescind your promise. You dont have to force yourself to come see me everyday.

This girl I never forced myself to see you. But I get what youre trying to say. You dont want me to be bound by it.

Mina nodded, confirming my words.

However, before we reached the point of resolution, a loud bang resounded.

And its not from Minas door.

Its from the outside. Specifically, their front door.