Welcome home, Ruki! Nao greeted me right at our front door. Like yesterday, she was wearing an apron again. Theres a little difference though. Her cheeks and nose were slightly smeared by whipped cream, evident by the dispenser shes clutching on her hand.

Obviously, shes making a dessert for us. With her stay here, its also a chance for her to have more freedom on practicing her skills for it.

Just that because Akane isnt home yet, this girl dropped what shes doing and quickly ran out from the kitchen to greet me upon hearing the front door opening that was followed by my voice, announcing my return from school.

Now that I think about it, ever since the day I asked Akane to live with me, this was the first time in a while that I arrived first from school. Although shes not always at the front door, the girl was always the first one to arrive.

From the update I received from her earlier, theyre on their way to the Kaneko Household. Just like what they planned, all four of the girls earlier would visit at the same time.

Looks like youre busy making something. Putting Nao inside my embrace, I intentionally licked the whipped cream staining her beautiful face.

Shes most likely unaware that she got it there as she appeared surprised at what I did. Her ears turned red as steam seemed to rise from above her head. Ruki, couldnt you have told me that I have cream on my face instead? I love what you did but this is embarrassing on another level.

Yes, I couldve done that. But isnt this nice once in a while? Next week Ill have to send you home Let me pamper you while youre here.

Well, I just found an opening and open justification to be a little intimate with her, at the same time, teasing her in my own way.

After saying that, I licked her face clean before ending it with a kiss on her lips. Nao eventually accepted the situation as she grabbed hold of my back enjoying it to the fullest.

By the time we finished, the girl was thoroughly satisfied and a little weak on her knees that it ended up with me guiding her back to the interior of our house instead of the other way around.

Nao returned to what she was making while I went to greet Miwa-nee, who was currently chopping ingredients for our dinner.

Of course, I got scolded by her that I shouldve waited until shes finished. What can I do? I miss her just as much as I miss all of my girls.

After I changed, I returned to the living room to wait for Akanes call. But Minoru who was unusually sitting away from the TV asked me to sit and watch whatever program was currently showing.

Looking at the screen, its currently the commercial break but minutes later, when the TV program returned, I understood why he went and asked me.

Even though its not deep in the night yet, whats currently airing was some type of horror program.

I mean, the sun had just set. Its that type of program where theyre featuring images and video clips while playing some creepy background music and chill-inducing narration.

The boy was clearly scared but at the same time extremely curious so he couldnt change the channel.

With Miwa-nee and Nao busily doing something in the kitchen, he couldnt go to them and ask to watch with him.

Upon understanding that, I ruffled the boys hair and sat next to him.

Ru-nii, why are you not scared? Ghosts not scary? With only one of his eyes open, Minoru, who had taken refuge in front of me, asked that question a few minutes later.

Ghosts, huh? I had that nickname among those idiots I taught a lesson back in middle school but an actual ghost was not scientifically proven. So whatever theyre playing there was mostly edited or just a case of pareidolia for whoever submitted those images.

Anyway, the boy wouldnt understand if thats how I answered him and its not like theres a correct answer.

Mhm Ghosts are scary. But boys like us have to be brave even against ghosts.

I dont understand.

Its fine if you dont. Youre still young after all. But once you grow up like me, you shouldnt be a coward. That way, you can protect those important to you. Look, if a ghost shows up and Miwa-nee, your mother, gets scared of it, who will protect her if you also get scared?

Ru-nii will come and protect us?

Ugh That answer is not wrong. I shouldve been cleared enough. I guess I have to start guiding him so that he wouldnt turn out to be like that coward Ogawa.

Well, guiding him was the best I could do for him at the moment. But still, I better tone it down. Its a lot better for him to enjoy her childhood rather than guide him to mature quickly.

Of course, I will. But what if Im not with you? Will you just cry and let your mother be taken by the ghost?

Ghost can do that?

Uh. Not all. But what if thats the kind of ghost you encounter?

Somehow, Im feeling dumb about talking about this. Looking at the kitchen, both Miwa-nee and Nao, who could probably hear me, were restraining their laughs.

Ill protect mama! But how can I beat a ghost, Ru-nii? Minoru declared, his eyes shining with courage.

Alright, his answer was enough but why did he have to add that question?

Even I hadnt even beaten a ghost yet. Not that I want to find one and beat it to the ground.

After thinking for a while, I shook my head and smiled at the boy. You dont have to. Most ghosts will go away if you show that youre not scared of it.

I understand. I will be brave for mama.

Mhm good boy.

Patting his head once more, we then continued watching the program.

A while later, the program ended and Nao brought us some of what she baked. Minoru quickly munched over it, leaving my side.

Nao, on the other hand, sat beside me and teased me about that conversation I had with Minoru.

Ruki, I sent a video of that to the group. Wanna know what they think of it?

Huh? When did she record it?

Wait. Thats not the main issue, why did she send that to their group?

Its embarrassing, right?

Nope. They all think its a lovely scene. If we have our child, youll be a great father to guide them. Nao blushed as she looked at me filled with her affection. Her head surely flew off to that distant future where she gave birth to our child.

Anyway, Great father Me? I dont think so If ever, I better not let them become like me, right? Sure, I will be guiding them to be a better human being, not a scum like me.

Soon after that, Nao poked fun at me contemplating how to respond and when Miwa-nee also returned from the kitchen, she joined the girl in teasing me.

My escape from that situation came a few minutes later when Akane finally called me from inside Otohas room.

As soon as I saw Otoha and Hitomi on the screen, a sense of relief flooded my mind.