After seeing off Marika, Misaki and the Itou Sisters, who all had cars picking them up from school, I escorted my girls to their bus stops and walked Komoe alongside Miura-senpai to their house. Once that was done, I took the train with Chii and Hana.
My stubborn ass still tried climbing up the bus with Satsuki and the other girls but I got scolded by them instead, saying I should prioritize going home early sometimes. And that's with them looking delighted to see me joining them.
Yep. They're being considerate of my health, and perhaps, the girls not from our school who couldn't get as much time with me during school days.
When I returned to Chii and Hana, they also hounded me about it subtly, even though I could tell how much they wanted to keep me all to themselves.
"Kii, you're impossible sometimes." Chii leaned against me and sighed as the train started moving. Her pout was still there, but her eyes softened as she glanced at me. "You don't have to chase after everyone all the time, you know? Look after yourself too. You may be fine now with how great you're taking care of your body, but who knows when you'll fall ill from overexertion?"
Chii's voice was tinged with concern as her hold on my arm tightened.
Hana, sitting on my other side, nodded in agreement and then clicked her tongue. "Chizuru, this guy won't listen. He'll still keep pushing himself just to see us all. No one is more stubborn than him."
After saying that, the girl stared straight into my eyes as though challenging me to disprove her words.
I rubbed the back of my neck, offering them a sheepish grin as I conceded. "Can't help it, you know? I'm also afraid that you'll stop loving me if I don't see you… Although I decided to change my approach of spreading myself thin, it'll take a while before it truly sets in."
Unconvinced, Chii huffed and slid her hand into mine, tugging me closer to her as she snuggled on my neck. The other passengers' chattering became a distant rumble to us.
"You say that, but I'll believe it when I see it, Kii. For now, hold me before we reach the next station. Sumimin and Umi-chan will definitely be joining us to see you."
Hana didn't say a word but copied what Chii did, her fingers slotting in the gaps of my hand, holding it tightly as though she was afraid of letting go.
Well, Chii is right. My adorable juniors would be joining us at the next station. And honestly, I also didn't want to miss out on doting on them.
The train swayed gently as it rolled along the tracks, and the soft hum of the engine blended with the soft murmur of passengers around us. Chii's warmth pressed against my side, her head comfortably nestled into the crook of my neck, her warm breath tickling my skin. Meanwhile, Hana's grip on my hand was firm, her usual confident and cool demeanor softened by the quiet intimacy of the moment.
I tilted my head slightly, resting my cheek against Chii's hair. "You know, you two are making it hard for me to feel scolded. If this is how you're gonna hound me, I might just keep pushing myself." Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs novel※fire.net
My tone was playful, provoking them to respond. And sure enough, Chii didn't disappoint.
She let out a small, exasperated laugh as her fingers dug into the back of my hand. "Don't tempt us, Kii. We'll tie you to a chair if we have to. You need a break sometimes, even if you won't admit it."
Hana's lips curved into a faint smirk, her thumb brushing over my knuckles. "There's no use reasoning with this idiot, Chizuru. His stubbornness is unmatched. If anything, shut him down with a kiss."
I blinked innocently, making Hana click her tongue again. And as soon as she got her opportunity, she lifted her bag in front of us, blocking the potential view of other passengers before leaning in to claim my lips.
Naturally, Chii didn't want to be outdone by her. She pulled my head back, kissing me as well.
Perhaps if not for being stared at with scrutiny, we'd probably continue that for as long as we could. Alas, I had to protect their reputation. It's enough for me to be called shameless, but not them.
Eventually, the train slowed as it approached the next station. Chii straightened up, smoothing out her skirt, while Hana released my hand with a reluctant sigh.
The doors slid open, and almost immediately, I spotted Sumire and Umi weaving through the crowd, their faces lighting up as they caught sight of me.
However, they're not the only ones. Behind them, I saw the figure of the vampire fanatic, looking like she had put on thick eyeliner again, and her friend, Mami, Ogawa's girlfriend.
That's surprising. I can understand Nina, but for Mami to be here as well? Ogawa isn't picking her up? Minus points.
My eyes focused on my two adorable juniors, of course. I even tried to stand up but… Hana and Chii pushed on my shoulder, keeping me there, and simply opened up the space between us by squeezing to their left and right before hollering for the two to sit down next to me.
"Sumimin, here." Chii grinned as she grabbed Sumire's arm. The girl was immediately flustered as she alternately looked at us.
Meanwhile, Hana gently nodded at Umi, who shyly walked over to sit on my left.
"Uhm… Thank you, senpai." Umi first muttered words of gratitude to Hana before turning slightly towards me.
I placed my hand on top of her head, gently stroking her hair. "How are you, Umi?"
The girl was still soft-spoken, but the light in her eyes told me how delighted she was to see me today.
"I'm… good, senpai," Umi replied, the volume of her voice barely enough for me to hear. But she leaned into my touch as her cheeks became tinted in pink, "I missed you today."
See how adorable she is? How honest… I couldn't help but smile wider as I gently ruffled her hair. "Mhm. I missed you too, Umi. Glad I can see you . I'll walk you home again."
Umi nodded enthusiastically before she rested her head on my shoulder.
Perhaps sensing that my attention focused on Umi, Sumire, now settled beside Chii, puffed up her cheeks as she watched me dote on Umi. "Hey, Ruki-senpai! Don't forget me! I'm also here!"
Looking at her hair that's still slightly wet, she must've just been out of her softball practice.
I reached for her face and pinched her cheek, deflating it.
"Who said I forgot about you? Aren't you my favorite junior?" I said in a slightly higher volume, making Umi and even Nina react to it. I mean, I told them they're my favorites at one point in time, after all. Oh. Maybe not Nina, but that girl just thought I favored her a lot because of how I played with her shenanigans of calling me the Noble of the Night.
Chii smirked, nudging Sumire playfully. "See? He's got enough attention for all of us, even when he's being stubborn."
"Hmph. He kept calling us his favorite junior, but he couldn't settle on who his true favorite was. Is it me or Umi?" With an accusatory look, Sumire pressed on my side, the softness of her body fully transferred to my senses as she squeezed in.
In front of us, Nina hovered awkwardly, her dramatic eyeliner making her look like she'd stepped out of a gothic novel. She was grinning wildly as if she was watching her 'master' display his prowess. Mami stood beside her, looking far less theatrical but equally out of place, her hands fidgeting with the strap of her bag as she didn't know how to react.