With a handy umbrella in hand, I made my way to the bus stop. With my trip consisting of 80% of commuting to the area where the hotel was located, the rain only inconvenienced me a bit. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by novel✦fire.net
While waiting inside the bus, I took my time to contact my girls who probably had nothing to do today.
First on the list, there's Yua who immediately replied by sending a video clip of her exercising using a console game. The one where using a hoop ring to attach the controller was mandatory.
She was so sweaty that her shirt stuck to her body, giving me a delightful sight of her curves as she giggled and played with the ring around her waist.
When I asked when her next modeling gig was, the girl handed the phone to her mother who once again asked me about my answer to her proposition of signing to their agency as a model.
Due to that, I told her about Juri and the contest where she sent my photos that she took herself.
Of course, she realized that I was talking about the model from their rival agency. That got me barraged by a series of questions Auntie Misora until I fully revealed that I'm also close to Juri. Then Yua came as a support, stopping her mother from probing further, or else, she'd dig up the fact that I'm also dating Juri.
That would be bad, no?
In any case, after she calmed down, Auntie Misora started bringing up ideas of poaching Juri to their agency too. She asked me if I could set up a meeting.
I naturally didn't give a positive answer right away but I told her I would ask Juri when I got the chance.
With that, she gave the phone back to Yua who had already finished playing that ring exercise game. Because of the current weather, she felt more refreshed as the cold air from the rain helped her cool down.
"You're going to help with the hotel, Ruki? Send a photo of you in the hotel uniform! I want to see how handsome you'd look!" Yua sent that message after showing another clip of her fanning herself dry.
"I will. But don't think you can misdirect me, Yua. Go change into dry clothes before you catch a cold!"
Her response quickly arrived, a picture of Yua sticking out her tongue playfully. It was then followed by text, "Why do I need to? I still want to show my body off to you!"
I couldn't help but laugh, this girl had no shame. But I know, she picked that up from me.
"You can do that better when I come to get you." I shot back at Yua's message, unable to hide the smirk on my face.
Our banter continued while I started checking the other messages.
The bus continued forward with the rain pattering against the windows. My conversation with girls continued to warm me up but they also made my jaw ache from smiling too much. They're such a handful of sweethearts who'd always put a smile on my face no matter what trouble was happening in our lives.
By the time the bus stopped at the station nearest to the hotel owned by the Itou Family. The same place I stayed in for the night when Akane and I went on our first date.
That's when Maaya began getting more curious about me and she even contacted Akane to ask questions.
Now, after a few months, I'm going to it but not as a guest but as a 'special guest', I guess? After all, the Itou Sisters themselves were going to welcome me but instead of staying in a room, I'll help them out with their work. Or maybe just become the provider of relief from an otherwise tiring day.
With the rain still falling hard, I sent a message to Himeko and Maaya at the bus stop first before hurrying to cover the remaining distance to the hotel.
I was already an hour late. Hopefully, they won't bite my head off.
I jogged through the puddles of water, passing by other pedestrians who were either seeking shelter or just walking with their umbrellas.
Of course, I could just walk normally since I also brought one with me but a second of delay is a second wasted of my time with my girls. Plus, it's also a good way to stretch my muscles again after half an hour sitting on the bus.
I arrived at the hotel's grand entrance with wet shoes and slightly disheveled hair. The rain really knew how to mess with my style but thankfully, the hotel's staff were already waiting for me with an umbrella and a warm smile.
They seemed to have been instructed by the two that if someone with a shabby-looking umbrella arrived, that would be me.
Wait. It's not that shabby, no? It's probably my attire or they showed them my photo considering the staff that welcomed me were all women.
I looked up to see a young woman in a sharp business suit, her hair pulled back in a bun, giving her a no-nonsense look. Her smile was warm but her eyes were clearly scrutinizing me.
"I am Selena, the hotel's assistant manager. Lady Maaya and Lady Himeko informed us of your arrival. Please come with me," She said, gesturing towards the hotel's lobby.
This... It's like they're receiving a VIP.
Because of the rain, there were a lot of people in the lobby. They all noticed the unusual reception to me and a lot of them looked on in curiosity. Of course, most men immediately lose interest but for ladies... I guess my slightly wet clothes and my good looks piqued their interest a bit more.
Uh. I should be careful not to charm anyone so soon. I'm here for the Itou Sisters, after all.
Selena led me to a side corridor where I could change and store my wet clothes. "Thank you, Selena. I appreciate the help."
"Don't be. They instructed me to guide you to their office, so please, change into the suit provided. Your presence is requested immediately," Selena said, her tone a mix of professionalism and a hint of amusement at the whole situation.
For sure, she's wondering about my identity and why the two young ladies of the Itou Family would make such a fuss about me. But that's our secret to keep.
I nodded to Selena and headed to the changing room, putting the bag I brought with me in a locker since the attire Miwa-nee chose for me wouldn't be used anymore and there's my training for my part-time job later.
I quickly switched my drenched clothes for the sharp, hotel-provided attire. It was surprisingly snug as if they checked my size first before providing it, hugging my body in a way that highlighted my physique.
When I stepped out, Assistant Manager Selena nodded approvingly. "Very good, Onoda-sama. You clean up quite nicely."
She couldn't help but appreciate the way the suit fit me. And more than that, the way she looked at me became more positive... I guess my earlier disheveled looks were out of her preference while this brought out more of my charms.
With a nod, I followed her through the hotel's luxurious corridor leading to the employee's elevator.
We're going straight to the top floor where the Itou Sisters are waiting for me.