With two large bags in hand, I picked up Eimi at the caf. Since theres still a possibility for those five to spot us inside it, we skipped resting there and just went straight home.

On the way, I told her what happened. How Machida and her group approached me as well as the content of our conversation.

Eimi listened to it in concentration but at times, she would fall in contemplation before offering her insight.

Among the five. Her current classmates are Machida and the first guy who talked to me. That guys disposition was cool, stylish and easy to talk to. Hes like the other half of Machida. However, theyd never been a couple. At least, not yet or they hid it really well.

But as extroverted as they are, theyre surely the type who wont hide something great that happened to them. I mean, thats a topic that they would enthusiastically discuss while teasing the couple.

They got divided, huh? But they still stuck together. I guess thats how tight their friendship is. I commented. Not that I had any experience with that kind of relationship to get accurate speculation. I have observed that kind of group but never really found them that interesting.

Namis circle was something like that until I broke it to pieces that the only thing keeping them intact was possibly the club they created.

Un. You never had someone you could genuinely call a friend, right?

Thats the case. Well, theres Misaki now.

Oh. That girl. Didnt the others accurately guess what you feel for her? You treasure her like how you treasure all of us.

It might be so. But shes still different. Its like I dont want to taint her innocence and remain her good friend.

Ah. So, youre saying its fine for you to taint our innocence?

This girl Thats not the correct interpretation. I am romantically involved with you. We mutually love each other. The desire to be this close, affectionate, sweet, and intimate are desires born from it. For Misaki, I only want to protect her. I explained. But when I thought about the girls recent actions, I smiled bitterly, Well, I will probably fail at doing that. She saw me with the other girls and witnessed my relationship with them. With that as the catalyst, the girl has started exhibiting the desire to be the same as them. Someone she labeled as my special friend. Although she still had no idea what that would entail.

Eimi candidly laughed at the silliness of it. For a high school girl to be that innocent, its somewhat unthinkable. I have yet to meet her, so I cant say anything else. Still, its also on you to decide what kind of relationship you want with her.

Mhm. Youre right. Anyway, lets get past that topic. I said I will be focusing on whoever I am with.

The girl looked at me impishly, Heh. You say that but didnt we also decide that if theres something on our mind, were going to talk about it? I think that counts as one.

Perhaps, it can be counted as that. But Eimi

Yes, what is it?

I love to spend time and spoil you.

Is that so? Good luck with that, Ruki. Eimi laughed amusedly as her gaze focused on my occupied hands, I said I can also carry my bag but you insist.

Uh Because of how I was carrying two bulging grocery bags, even holding hands or hugging my arm wasnt possible for her.

In any case, seeing how the girl has started teasing me like this, shes already past the stage of only being too lovestruck with me. Shes now comfortable enough to joke around with me.

It is a mans duty to carry their ladys burden, I said in a serious tone as though I was from some old time period. Although that phrase was still valued in modern times, that earned me another cheerful laugh from Eimi.

How gallant. Then can you lower your head a bit and look here. Stopping in her steps, Eimi scanned our surroundings and nodded after finding out that no one was around us.

Understanding her intention, a smile naturally formed on my face as I followed her words.

With her whole face covered in a reddish hue, the girl pressed her hands on my shoulder and tiptoed to kiss me. It was a swift one, it was so sweet that I followed her lips for another one.

And thats how we dropped the topic of having a friend as well as the former classmates that I encountered.

When we arrived at their house, I spent another hour inside. She invited me into her room where we rolled around her bed and snuggled for a good while.

It got a little heated but not to the point where our clothes flew off the bed.

We have all the time in our hands. Theres no need to rush.

Besides, theres another reason.

Her parents are returning before lunch and theyre expecting Eimi to have finished preparing for it.

Thats why for half the time of my stay, I helped her in the kitchen.

Last week, I asked her to come and eat with us at home but when we were done, Eimi and I ate together, serving each other what we prepared. Like a normal date, but at home.

How many secret recipes does your family have? I asked midway as I savored the delectable Nikaido Familys Special Salisbury Steak.

Enough to fill a menu in a restaurant, Eimi answered nonchalantly. Its a normal detail for her.

That So, your parents job is

Un. Whatever youre thinking, thats correct. They owned a restaurant out in the busiest area of our city. They have hired a chef but sometimes they wanted to be the one inside the kitchen.

Thats amazing.

Not as amazing as your parents, Ruki.

Well, I dont know about that. So that means

Im going to succeed. Look forward to it, Ruki. They say the fastest way to the mans heart is through their stomach. Ill fill up your belly with my cooking. Eimi pointed her fork to me while sporting a victorious smile.

Seeing that, I couldnt help but stand up and pinched her cheeks.

Now that got me excited for the future. I honestly answered before we resumed our early lunch.

When I returned home, I brought back some of those steaks that Eimi packed for the others to eat.

Well, thats thoughtful of her, and looking at the satisfied expressions of the Minoru and the girls upon eating it, theres no doubt that its delicious.

After resting for a while, I prepared once more for my next destination.

This time, I wouldnt be alone.

Yae and Hiyori prepared as well.

I was going to send them home and from there Im going to meet Aoi and her childhood friend, Ohori-senpai.

However, unlike what I asked her, this meeting was only to reintroduce me to the girl To refresh her memory. And its also a way for me to ascertain the real situation.

As much as possible I didnt want to resort back to my old methods but if it was truly as dire as Aoi made it out to be then I have to also prepare myself for it.