With three girls waiting for me in the bed, our night was extended until two or three in the morning.
I couldn't recall clearly anymore since I also ended up exhausted, falling asleep at the same time as the last girl to doze off from exhaustion. The rightful source is NovєlFіre.net
When morning came, after dealing with the side effects of the miraculous tea, we went for a morning jog and stopped by the bakery to pick up freshly baked bread for our breakfast.
“Hooo! Good thing the rain didn’t continue throughout the night. But it’s too cold! Husband, carry me on your back!” Akane said as she twirled around while hugging her arms.
Looking at her obviously faking it, I flicked her forehead before checking on the other two only to find them about to ask for the same thing.
“I'd love to carry the three of you but how would we move?” I wryly smile before giving Sena and Ayu a flick on their foreheads as well.
Because of that, the bakery owner looked at us weirdly. And perhaps recognizing from before, she also frowned because I was with a different girl this time.
I acted oblivious and paid for the bread before bringing the three women outside the store and jogging back to our house.
We had a lively breakfast after working out and had a quick shower before preparing for the day ahead.
Since there's another rainfall warning, Miwa-nee reminded us of our umbrella.
Ayu offered to drive us to school but because we're going to commute and meet up with Eimi, Fuyu and the others on the way there, we declined.
In the end, Ayu decided to extend her stay in the house, stating she's gonna spend her day off helping out Miwa-nee.
Well, that's not a bad idea. They can bond while taking care of Minoru. I wonder. Maybe Miwa-nee can teach her a thing or two when it comes to being a housewife. In return, Ayu will make a workout routine for Miwa-nee. With her limited time, her regular workout was mostly done when in bed with her.
Right. She tends to get on top of me to work out her sweat. And somehow, it's extremely effective.
Or maybe not? She's maintaining her body because she keeps on moving, doing house chores and tending to our energetic Minoru.
Sometime later, Eimi joined us on the platform, waiting for the train. Although not their first time meeting each other, Sena enthusiastically hovered around the girl, trying to tease her in my place.
She took refuge on my side which gave me the chance to greet her good morning in a more intimate manner.
Eimi then told me about Anzu-nee who was feeling awkward again because of what happened yesterday.
Thinking back, her last message to me last night was a voice message saying she’s having trouble facing Eimi. Not because she's feeling guilty. But rather, she couldn't erase the grin on her lips upon thinking that they now have the same status.
When I told Eimi that, she sighed in relief.
In any case, to make sure that no misunderstanding would happen between them, I videocalled Anzu-nee while the train had yet to arrive.
And because of this, my lovely petite older sister got to meet Akane and Sena as well.
Luckily it didn't become too awkward as the two girls’ energy blew away any reservations that Anzu-nee had.
“... Shameless brat. Why are they so receptive? Don't they feel jealous?”
Anzu-nee asked when she told them she wanted to talk to me in private which the girls immediately acquiesced
“They do, Nee-san. They tend to express that when we're alone. Although it may feel weird for you, it's their way to make sure harmony exists within our complex relationships. Besides, after knowing each other, they're also forming a sisterly bond with their love for me as the catalyst.”
I answered truthfully. Or at least, in my own interpretation of my girls’ harmonious relationship that was also thinly veiled with a bit of competition and cooperation.
They will compete for my attention and cooperate to take care of me in their own way.
“I see… Does Eimi-chan feel the same way?”
“Mhm. You don't have to accept it right away though. Just act according to your judgement. Don't hesitate to tell me if you're having trouble understanding this out-of-the-norm situation.”
“... I'll start with Eimi-chan then. And slowly get to know everyone.”
“Alright. But like I said, Nee-san, don't stress yourself out with it. Just know this, I love all of you. Equally. If there's someone that needs to be responsible for everything. It'll be me.”
“Ugh. If you put it that way, I'll just feel bad. Forget it. I'll take my time understanding everything. If I feel bad, I'll nag at you, okay?”
“Sure. I'll hear you out.”
Anzu-nee nodded at that before smiling beautifully. If she was in front of me, that would be enough to tempt me into kissing her.
After bidding us take care, we ended the video call and boarded the train.
On the next station, Fuyu joined us.
The girl looked like she rushed to catch the train so as soon as I saw her looking exhausted, I stood up and caught her before giving her my seat.
Sure enough, she admitted running from her house to the station just to catch up to us.
I scolded her with a flick on her forehead before squatting down in front of her, wiping her sweat as she began perspiring after such a rush.
On the next station, Eri and Futaba joined us. My self-proclaimed best friend laughingly latched herself on my back when she saw me still squatting in front of the girls.
Futaba, on the other hand, was still exuding the same awkwardness as last time. At the very least, she's trying her hardest not to show it on her face but it was impossible to miss when her eyes kept wandering towards me.
And as much as I wanted to say something to her, I knew it would just make the situation more awkward so I focused on playing along with Eri and continuing to tend to my girls.
With this, our Monday morning commute smoothly progressed.
And what followed was the same routine of meeting up with my girls before continuing to our school.
The day would definitely be long again. But I couldn't deny the underlying excitement waiting for me to uncover.
A new week that will be full of challenges, days that are going to be so busy I will probably forget some things because of how many are running in my head. Nonetheless, it's more important to understand that it's also a new week with my girls. Nothing is going to top that as my motivation to hustle and continue building our foundation.