Before going to the clubhouse, I once again went to the convenience store and bought drinks and snacks for us. I even bought puddings knowing that most of them would like something sweet after a tiring day.

Unlike yesterday, I didnt run into Kujou Marika. Perhaps, he already went ahead and bought her comfort food or she already deemed the encounter yesterday enough to gauge my personality. Either way, thats a plus for me. I returned to the school without any mishaps.

Or so I thought.

When I was on my way to the clubhouse, I saw two girls sitting on a shaded bench just a few steps from the back of the Club Building. No one else was coming this way but the two specifically chose that spot.

As soon as they saw me approaching, I became the focus of their eyes.

Ruki! Youre here. Misaki, the girl with her iconic bare forehead brightened as a beautiful smile stretched on her face. She stood up and ran to me.

However, when she noticed that I was carrying not only my bag but also the paper bags filled with what I bought from the convenience store, she stopped and curiously looked at it.

On the other hand, Itou simply turned her head to me and asked.

Onoda. Can we accompany you?

Although theres a calm in her voice, I could pick out hesitance in it.

Thinking about what happened yesterday, did she want to accompany her beloved older sister?

No. Himeko told me that in their house, Itou wasnt too clingy. Just knowing that they wouldnt be separated anymore was enough for her. And well, they could see each other anytime and they could even sleep together sometimes.

These days, the only times where she would be somewhat agitated was when Itou would mention me or theres a hint of my involvement in it.

In a way, thats the same as telling me that Itou was trying to get my attention and shes reacting to everything about me.

However, no matter what, that clubhouse was something we planned only for ourselves. Bringing unrelated people to it would just tear that plan apart.

Thats why I have to do this

I apologize but I have to decline. I looked into her eyes and answered seriously.

Upon hearing that, Itou closed her eyes and exhaled. Her shoulders relaxed as though she successfully unloaded what was weighing her down.

Clearly, the girl accepted my answer and wouldnt push the same question again.

However, thats Itou

Eh? Why? Is there a reason why you have to decline? With her eyes blinking cutely in confusion, Misaki stepped forward and grabbed my wrist.

This girls innocence was definitely too adorable. And somewhat irresistible. However, in this matter, theres no changing my mind.

Unfortunately, yes. Im sorry, Misaki. I also cant tell you the reason.

Youre bringing a large bag filled with food and drinks. Youre going somewhere and you wont be alone. Are they your more important friends? Her grip tightened and her face came as close as possible. Its like shes trying to see how I would react and at the same time pressure me in the process. Given that she mentioned more important friends.

But its Misaki. I doubt shes aware of what shes doing. Besides, shes still too innocent to even know the distinction between friends and lovers.

Before answering her, my eyes fell on the girl standing at the back. She sighed once more before strutting toward us.

She then looked at me, her expression was conveying a question, Are you sure you want to lie to her?

Or something close to that. Shes surely aware of my honest trait and lying to Misaki would definitely get me a little upset with myself.

But its necessary at the moment. Besides, its their fault for ambushing me here and asking if they could accompany me Its a different story if I invited them myself.

Thats why I slightly nodded my head. Seeing that, Itou's beautiful face drew a frown and sighed for the third time.

Misaki. Hes possibly going to where his clubmates are. Arent we also invited by our clubs even if theres no activity for today? Lets not intrude, okay?

Is Is that so? Y-you couldve told me that reason, Ruki

Thankfully she accepted that, but looking at her expression, it clearly looked like I wronged her.

With a slight twinge of pain in my chest, I reinforced what Itou used as an excuse. Im sorry. I made it sound a little complicated.

Theres Kana and Rae there so, its still partially true. And since Shizu would make it appear on paper that its an unofficial club, Itous made-up excuse somehow fitted. In a way, it felt like I wasnt lying to Misaki anymore.

Still, I knew this would be the only time I could make an excuse like this. If this happened again, I would be rejecting them again without giving a proper reason.

It would hurt the innocent girl but theres no going around that. Unless I keep on lying to her.

Here. As a token of my apology, Ill let you two have this. Uhm Theyre the premium ones at the convenience store and I heard theyre popular to girls. I picked up two puddings and handed them to the two girls.

Misaki received it by opening her palm while Itou reluctantly accepted it.

Moments later, Misakis expression brightened again as her smile grew wider. And before I could react, I felt the girls body pressing on me. She gave me a hug in response to the elation she felt.

And behind her, Itous eyes widened slightly. But the next action she made also surprised me.

She copied Misaki!

Misaki doing that was slightly understandable. However, Itou was a different story

Did she just take advantage of this situation?

I eyed the girl but she simply dodged my gaze as she hid her face from my sight by pressing her face to my neck, her warm breath tickling my senses.

Its already dangerous since were out in the open but if anyone saw me being embraced by two attractive girls, my notoriety would rise again.

Thank you, Ruki. Have fun with your club Unaware that Itou did something she would normally not do, Misaki beamed at me and giggled without masking her happiness.

Shes simply a bundle of innocence. If were in an anime, shed be basting in an immaculate light right about now.

Mhm You too. Take care on your way home, alright?

Yes! After saying that, Misaki resumed hugging me tightly.

At least a minute later, Misaki cheerfully released me. On the other hand, as though shes just waiting for that, Itou did the same.

The ojou-sama was still refusing to meet my gaze. However, her ears and face betrayed what she was feeling inside. Shes flustered.

Anyway, I chose not to say something about that or my stay with them would be extended. I soon bid them goodbye and resumed my steps.

Well, if anything, I thought to bring that up in the future if ever Itou and I got a chance to talk alone. Given the circumstances, however, that probably wouldnt happen easily.

By the time I arrived at the clubhouse, some of the drinks already lost their coldness. I did a little detour just to make sure no one would follow me, after all.