With the sound coming from the TV becoming the backdrop of our current situation, I found myself right where I suspected I would be after deciding not to leave right away. Ishida-senpai snuggled inside my embrace.

Her head was currently pressed to my broad chest, her hands tightly clenched onto the side of my shirt. Given that shes now dressed comfortably, Ishida-senpais somewhat irresistible womanly scent filled my nose, slightly clouding my judgement. She also seemed to not be wearing anything under the shirt she put on, I could feel that soft sensation pressing against me. It wasnt that noticeable earlier because of her apron. But now that she was literally buried in my chest and her body as close to me as possible, I couldnt feel any other fabric apart from the blouse she put on in place of her earlier dress.

Looking down, I could see a gentle yet charming smile on her lips as she let go of her inhibitions. This was what she wanted to do ever since meeting me earlier. No, not just that. This was what shes hinting at whenever I was interacting with her in the club. The way she glared and acted annoyed always led to me trying to appease her anger. She wanted the same attention I give to Kana, Rae or even Otsuka-senpai.

How did we end up like this? Its simple. I made a blunder once more. After what happened yesterday with Coach Ayu, I seemed to have not learned my lesson yet.

Having been told how lonely she was, Ishida-senpai had me elaborate my reasoning why I called her lonely after we finished eating and moved back to that gloomy living room, sitting next to each other.

As I told her the key points why I reached that kind of evaluation, Ishida-senpai inched closer and closer to me. She didnt say anything and just listened to me while doing that. Upon reaching the point of zeroing our distance, Ishida-senpai raised my arm and slipped from the side to hold onto me.

I had noticed what she was doing but I didnt have the heart to push her away. Moreover, I didnt really put up my guard against her. I mean, I just admitted that she successfully took my interest. I was moved by the gratitude I felt for her as well as the lonely state of this house shes living in. I thought I had to do something for her. At least, to ease that loneliness.

And now, heres the result

Senpai, since were already in this situation, Ill be blunt Dont you think youre easily throwing yourself to me? Youre aware of how I am. I could understand why you became interested in Goto-senpai back then, given that you two have been friends for almost the entirety of your high school. But me? Im that junior who destroyed the harmony of the club youre trying to protect. Furthermore, Im a notorious timer, in a normal sense of everyones perception. Shouldnt it be the opposite?

Anyone with the right mind would definitely do just that. Why would she be interested in me? I didnt do anything for her and I Id shown her most of my bad sides.

Otsuka-senpais interest could be attributed to her boundless curiosity but for Ishida-senpai, theres nothing I could think of that would make her interested in me.

Is that what this looks like? Me throwing myself to you? Cant it be that Im just being grateful toward my junior who tried to stave away my loneliness?

Ah. I cant deny that thats a plausible reason.

Thats plausible, yes. But that could only be applied to what happened today. Unless I was truly only overthinking about her actions in the past then that could be acceptable.

Im lonely. Youre not wrong about that, Onoda-kun. Living in this big of a house alone, anyone will feel that loneliness. While attending school, I can leave that loneliness behind here and go about my day as normally as possible. That can be called my only way to escape from this unsettling feeling. Its also the reason why I love the club. I want it to continue existing even after I graduate. Ishida-senpai started. Her voice cracked at some point but regained her composure soon after.

I lowered my head to look at her expression but at this point, she made sure that I wouldnt be able to see it by burying her face deeper in my embrace. All I could see now was the top of her head.

I placed my hand on it and began stroking it while I listened to her. My other hand that was resting on her back also did the same.

Although she didnt have any strong reaction to that, I felt her warm breath on my chest when she exhaled a long sigh as if a heavy burden had just been expelled from her.

You see, I plan to leave this house after graduating next year. I cant stand it anymore, Onoda-kun. Like you said, its suffocating. I havent been to the other parts of this house aside from my room and the kitchen. My dad hired a housekeeper whos cleaning the whole house every week so I dont really need to do something. I cant invite my friends not only because they will be shocked but also because I dont want them to see how miserable I am.

Miserable, huh? Considering she limited herself by not inviting them, thats clearly what will happen.

But you did invite me, senpai.

Youre not my friend.

Ah. Right. Thats not what I am. I couldnt help but scratch my head at that. I just assumed that I am her friend when in fact, I was just that junior of her club who she had shown interest in.

Youre a guy I should hate seeing and interacting with. Thats true. I was even scared of you at one point. But Kana, Rae and even Karen, their day always brightens up whenever youre there for them.

I dont know about Otsuka-senpai but for Kana and Rae, I can honestly say that they also brighten my day. I love them both and Im lucky enough to be loved by them.

For you to say that in a straight face while hugging me youre really shameless. But thats what sets you different from Kenji or that guy who confessed to me. You never minced words. Its always straight to the point.

I can also lie, senpai. I just dont find any reason to do so. So, why cant you hate me? Thats what Im trying to understand.

I dont know it myself, Onoda-kun. Maybe because I can see youre a genuine person. Besides, now that Im hugging you like this, I can understand why Kana or Rae loved it. Its comfortable. I intentionally dressed lightly to see your reaction. But apart from stroking my head and back, youre not jumping at the opportunity.

Are you testing me, senpai? Im honestly holding myself back from having a reaction down there.

Truthfully, it already reacted to her but since shes not sitting on me or looking down at it, shes yet to find that out.

No. Not a test for you. Its for me. To see if I can seduce someone like you.

Thats a dangerous thought, senpai. If I am any other guy, I dont think I will be able to hold back. I can only do so because Im not unfamiliar with this situation. It might sound like Im bragging but Im hugging girls and being intimate with them on a daily basis. You should treasure yourself more.

It doesn't sound like bragging, its definitely a brag. I wont do this to anyone but you though so you can rest assured. If I end up liking someone again, I will probably hold him to your standard. Of course, I wont include your womanizing trait, only your ingenuity.

Senpai, youre praising my character so much that I might blush from it.

Blush for me then. I want to see someone like you when flustered. Ishida-senpai finally raised her head to stare at my face, an excited smile playing on her lips.

The trace of loneliness in her face had receded. The gloomy aura she seemed to exude earlier was also gone. Looking at her bright eyes this time, its like Im seeing a new side of her. A side she hadnt shown from the others before.

Nope. Even I can be embarrassed so, no. Ill keep being that hateful junior of yours. I pursed my lips and acted coy by averting my head to the side.

And that produced a clear laughter from Ishida-senpai. Following that, I felt her hands grip on my side loosen as she pulled her body away from my embrace, returning to just sitting beside me.

After a while, Ishida-senpai inhaled and exhaled a long breath before facing me, As I thought, inviting you here isnt a bad choice. I enjoyed your company, Onoda-kun. You proved yourself to be different from the rest

There you go again, praising me. Im not that good of a guy, senpai.

Yes, youre not. But youre also not that hateful... Had I met you before Kana did, could I have been the target of your affection?

That second part of her sentence was barely audible and she said that after averting her gaze away from me. Still, l managed to catch it.

I refrained from commenting on that though. Because if I did, shed just be hurt with the truth. Even if I met her before Kana, from the way I was before, I wouldnt even give her a second glance I was always that kind of bastard.

With both of us turning silent, the sound coming from the TV became the only noise in the room once more.