Relax, Itou. Have you been waiting? You should have messaged us.

Facing Itous anger, I simply played it off by throwing another question at her. Although I wouldnt mind telling her about that clubhouse for Himekos sake, theres really no point in doing so when we havent even finished renovating it for our use.

What?! Why will I message you?! Still playing with her anger, the girls who weren't the target of her gaze giggled at what they were witnessing. On the other hand, Himeko went to my side. Most likely, shes going to calm her sister down.

Well, I couldve let her do that. However, Itou was unusually fixated on me.

I said us. Not me. If you continue shouting, youll gather attention. Lets go to that tree to talk.

Not waiting for her to reply, we went to the shade of a lush tree nearby the school gate.

Well, the girls followed since we planned to all go together. And looking at their amused expressions, they somehow wanted to see the outcome of this talk. They also distanced themselves a little as though they were giving us the space to settle whatever that needs to be settled.

Are they trying to watch me fumble with my words? Maybe. But I guess thats just their consideration again.

Ah. I kept Himeko by my side though.

A while later, Itou reached our vicinity and stopped a few steps away. Her eyes quickly focused on the two of us.

Look, you know my relationship with your sister. Cant you just let us have our alone time? No. Let me rephrase it, can you give us your understanding? Were a couple, no matter how complex it may seem to you. I started, my eyes focusing on the angry girl. Although she resembled my Himeko, the girls attitude was the complete opposite.

As far as I know, shes only like this to me. Her reputation in her class and her club was certainly great and a lot has been infatuated with her. Too bad, shes a big siscon. They would never be put in her eyes at all.

I I get that! But at least inform me where youre taking onee-sama. Im waiting here for an hour. I even checked the clubroom but youre all nowhere to be found. I got worried

Ah So thats why, huh? The thought of informing her flew by in our heads. We got too focused on each other.

Ya-chan Im sorry.

No, onee-sama, its this shameless guys fault.

Himeko muttered an apology but her sister quickly turned it down. Itou didnt want to hear it from her beloved sister.

Clearly, she was putting the blame on me. Which isnt wrong, anyway. Normally, this should be annoying to deal with but if I consider their relationship as well as how they were separated for years, I could somehow understand Itous sentiment.

Indeed, its mine. If I promise to inform you, will you let this go?

As long as you keep it.

Then thats settled. I grabbed Himekos hand and pulled her closer. What do you think, Himeko?

I agree We wont keep you in the dark next time, Ya-chan Uhm Lets go?

Y-you can stay with him a little longer. Ill wait in the car.

After saying that, Itou ran away as though she was escaping from us. Seeing her back growing little by the second, Himeko squeezed my palm.

Y-you dont need to worry about her, Ruki Ya-chan is a strong girl

Mhm I know. The two of you are both wonderful. I wont be able to rest if I become another wedge between you two.

Ya-chan is interested in you, thats why shes acting like that

We already had this conversation just the other day. I clearly acknowledged that its a fact. However, I cant just suddenly turn my attention to her.

She knows how I am and whats going on around me. Wont it be better to be interested in another guy?

Hmm? You say that but you seem awfully protective of her, Ruki. Which is why

Himeko didnt finish her sentence and just flashed me her pretty smile. Well, I could somehow guess what she meant by that.

We continued on our way and little by little, our group continued to dwindle.

By the time we reached the train station, Chii and I were alone. Just like yesterday.

Riding the train together, we found ourselves a spot and settled down like a normal high school couple.

Kii Are you not tired? You can rest on my shoulder. The girl offered as soon as the train started moving.

Then Ill take you up on that I smiled and rested my head on her shoulder. Its not wide since her figure was clearly on the skinny side but its comfortable enough. And her addicting scent was a plus.

Although I couldnt see her reaction, I heard the girls giggles and felt her hand settling on top of my head, stroking my hair gently. This is nice

Yes, it is I replied, which made the girls lovely giggles reach my ears again.

A few minutes later, I broke the peaceful silence around us as I asked her a question, Chii, are you not worried anymore?

What should I be worried about?

She hadnt remembered, huh? Or she probably hadnt thought I would bring it up again.

You know, that stuff with Fukuda. We reconnected because you wanted to help him, right?

Ah. That, huh? Uh Honestly, I have no idea whats happening to him anymore. Hes still messaging me but theres no mention of his worries anymore. Im just replying like how I usually do

Then we can safely assume that its all an act. To get your sympathy.

Maybe He was a pretty cool guy when I first saw him during middle school. Unfortunately, I never even considered seeing him in a different light other than a helpful friend.

If Fukuda heard this, hed surely shed tears of blood. Going by their past, that guy was possibly harboring affection towards Chii ever since they became friends. Or when he decided to take her into his group.

I can give him a trophy for protecting Chii and letting her gain confidence. I somehow left her in tatters after cutting her off Too bad for him, I made a mark on Chii that she couldnt erase. And her feelings for me never truly faded And now that I reciprocated that, the slim chance of Chii developing feelings for him went down to zero.

I see. These upcoming days, I might be involved in our schools delinquents

Because of your position, right?

Mhm As much as possible, as a classmate and someone who helped you, I dont want to clash with him. I mean, like you said, hes a pretty cool guy and he looked like he had some kind of principle going on. But if he starts antagonizing me because of his frustration over you, I will not hold back.

Should I help you, Kii?

I should say no, however, I told you all that I will be relying on you at times. Youll just worry if I shouldered everything.

Its good that you know Chii heartily laughed. Shes elated that I was confiding in her like this. Im aware that you originally hated all the guys surrounding us. Its probably unnerving especially if the guy had feelings for us. But know this no matter what, youre the only one for me

She wanted me to trust her. I guess thats what she wanted to say but she went on it indirectly to elaborate.

In any case, I never really doubted her. Theres just a pinch of worry. But if I started telling them to cut ties to anyone, thats just going to suffocate them and I didnt want that to happen. Our complex relationship is based on trust and honesty, not control or monopoly. Thats why its working this great.

Mhm Then can I rely on you to collect information?

Yes! Leave it to your Chii I expect a reward.

Sure Name it and it shall be done.

This guy are you a genie now?

Mhm Just dont ask me for a car or a million yen. Im saving up for our future.

Youre really an idiot. A lovely idiot. Not minding the gazes that we would acquire, Chii hugged me tightly, her affection overflowing.

Like this, our train ride became fluffier and more comfortable. And surprisingly, we didnt run into Sumire this time.