My encounter with Itou and Misaki was apparently anticipated by the girls. When I arrived, Himeko was the first one to run to me, asking me what happened. Naturally, I answered her truthfully and told her not to worry.

Itou surely understood my reasoning. On the other hand, Misaki was just her natural self. One was the little sister of my girl and the other, was someone I considered my first friend.

The future was filled with uncertainties so I also couldnt just dismiss the possibility that I would eventually fall for them as well. But at the moment, thats not the case so I had to draw that kind of line.

Itou would surely be a little hurt if shes actually hoping to jump to this side and be acknowledged by me. But knowing her, shes a mature girl. Shed grow past it.

And I might even receive a confession from her. But the chances for that were close to zero.

At the moment, shes still uncertain so shes not being that straightforward about it. Or perhaps, shes only waiting for me to notice it and make a move myself

If its the former then thats a lot better. Her mind could still change. If its the latter then shed be waiting until I changed my mind about my approach to her.

Anyway, thats that.

After telling them what happened, I went inside with them and finished what we had to finish. Having moved everything out of the clubhouse, the only thing left to do was to bring new pieces of furniture to decorate the place as well as repaint the walls and ceiling to make it a more vibrant glow rather than the weathered vibe that the whole place was giving us.

Arisa didnt come to the clubhouse. However, when I first carried the garbage bags as well as things that we deemed unusable to the incinerator, I saw the girl waiting nearby. Sitting at a rather large stone that was placed conspicuously next to a tree. Yet, from the angle, it wouldnt be visible from the windows of the Administration Building.

And since her eyes instantly focused on me. Someone from the girls probably told her that I would be showing up here.

Anyway, I invited her when I ran into her earlier but she declined, saying shes going with Izumi again.

I had no idea if she was just trying to avoid me or us. In any case, seeing her waiting like that, I arrived at another answer in my mind.

The girl was still worried about meeting my other girls and introducing herself to them. Shes not ready for that yet.

But knowing shes aware and she still accepted me, she just needed the time to adjust.

Either way, once I put down what I was carrying, I approached her. And without saying anything else, she gave me some space to sit next to her.

I took that spot but instead of ending it at that, I grabbed her hand, opened my legs and pulled her to sit in between it. My arms then wrapped around her intimately.

Naturally, thats after I made sure that no one could see us, even those who would pass the created path towards numerous landmarks in our school like the library, the theater, the gymnasium, or the track field.

You smell a little dusty, Ruki. Spray this on you. Without even commenting on what I did, Arisa pulled out a cologne and hand sanitizer from her bag and handed them to me.

I took it and sprayed some cologne on me before using the sanitizer to clean my hands. I also put some on her palm before massaging her hand up to her wristthe part I grabbed earlier.

Thank you. I squeezed on a narrow spot in the clubhouse. I didnt notice.

Well, its characteristic for you boys not to care too much about dirt. Good thing your girl is prepared, huh?

Arisa placed the sanitizer and cologne in her bag as she said that, smirking proudly at her supposed readiness.

Mhm pretty convenient. Playing along with her playful attitude, I smirked as I overlapped my hand with hers.

But that earned me a rather coy response from her. This cheeky junior

Correction. Your cheeky junior As soon as I said that, I lowered my head and kissed her.

Having anticipated that, Arisa welcomed me with her beautiful smile and we exchanged a sweet and intimate kiss above the stone decoration.

And once were done, we spend a few minutes in silence, just enjoying each others company.

Obviously, I couldnt remain too long. There were still a few bags I needed to bring here and Arisa was aware of it.

Thats why she soon opened a conversation, breaking our peaceful and warm silence.

Hey, arent you a busy guy? Do you have time to idle here with me?

If youre going to ask me that, I should ask the same to you You specifically waited for me here. Are you sure you dont want to come? I can guide you there now.

Uh. Im tempted. But as you can see, I am waiting for Izumi. Shes called to the faculty.

What? Is it because she failed? Or did she disrupt a class? Well, since this girls not panicking, its probably not that serious.

I see. Then, youll probably not be here when I return, huh?

Un. Thats the case. What? Are you this eager to introduce me to all of your girls? My hearts not ready for that. I I mean, its not just Nanami and the others, right?

Yes Anyway, its only if you want to meet them. I wont force you and I wont just put you on the spot. Take your time

There you go, Mr. Considerate. Have you been putting my advice to use?

Uh

You cant answer easily means you mustve failed to put it to use. Arisa laughed as though she had long guessed that this would happen.

Truthfully, not entirely. But Im trying my best to do so.

This guy Dont push yourself. I dont know. I feel like that advice isnt really suitable for you.

What do you mean?

You see. Youre you, Ruki. Youre kind of unique or youre already a unique guy. You said you had no idea why they fell for you at first, right? Your endless and somewhat excessive consideration mustve been your true nature. It cant easily be suppressed.

Shes right. But like she said before, if I didnt stop being that considerate, more and more girls would surely flock to me. Well, not all but those whod be in contact with me and became a subject for that consideration multiple times.

If it cant be easily suppressed then what should I do?

Hearing my question, Arisa put a finger on her chin and contemplated. On the other hand, I patiently waited while being cautious of our surroundings.

I thought I heard footsteps but there was no one on our front and side. Behind us was a tree

Did someone approach our location and hide there?

I must be wrong but its best to make sure. While Arisa was still contemplating, I gestured that I would stand up for a while. Arisa obediently moved to the side, albeit a little confused.

However, as soon as I started walking to the back of the tree, a soft thud of someone falling on the ground along with a pained groan reached my ears.

My suspicion was correct I wryly smiled as I extended my arm to the person who fell on her butt.

Izumi-senpai, if youre here, you shouldve told us Why are you hiding, anyway?