Ignoring the attention we drew of Nina's antics, we made our way out of the train station. Sumire and Umi remained by my side while the others followed behind us.
The evening air hit us as we stepped out of the station. It was cool and crisp with the faint scent of rain lingering from earlier in the day.
The streetlights cast a warm glow over the pavement as we started the short walk to their neighborhood.
Sumire and Umi remained by my side, their steps syncing with mine. The former had my hand on hers while the latter hugged my arm.
Chii and Hana trailed just behind, chatting quietly about tomorrow's plans and occasionally teasing the two juniors with me.
Nina and Mami brought up the rear. My minion and vampire fanatic was still buzzing with energy but thanks to Mami who was keeping a cautious distance, she couldn't draw near me again. Maybe she's waiting for her turn. Who knows?
I still had no idea why Mami wasn't even talking about Ogawa but I guess it has to do with not wanting to be teased? Either way, she's probably just shy.
Sumire adjusted her bag on her shoulder, her earlier pout replaced by a determined little frown. "Shameless senpai, you don't have to walk us all the way home every time, you know? We like it but… you're going out of your way. It's enough that I can run into you on the train."
I glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "Says the girl who got jealous over Nina sitting on my knees. It may be enough for you but not for me. I miss spending time with you. Besides, I like making sure you're all safe. Call it a senpai's privilege."
She huffed, crossing her arms but didn't argue further. Her cheeks puffed out slightly in that adorable way they always did whenever she was flustered.
Umi giggled beside me, rubbing her cheeks on my arm..
"It's nice, senpai. Even if Sumire complains, she likes it too."
"Umi!" Sumire glared at her but the faint blush creeping up her neck gave her away.
I squeezed her hand and pulled her closer, earning an indignant squeak from her. "Don't worry, Sumire. I've got enough energy to dote on all of you. No one's getting left out."
Behind us, Chii interjected, "Kii, there you go again. If we get used to being spoiled by you, we'll keep expecting you to do it. Aren't you cornering yourself again?"
"Un. Lay it on him thick, Chizuru. He loves to do that, then he'll apologize when he can't come and see us. It's quite annoying." Hana added dryly. Her voice miffed as though she's airing out a grievance.
But she's spot-on. Even if it's not annoying, it might be a little disappointing to some of them if I apologize again for not meeting the expectations I set for myself.
"Ouch, you two are brutal. But I won't plead my case. I'm guilty." I replied, drawing more giggles from the girls.
Chii reached for my shoulder then poked my cheek, "We're not condemning you, idiot Kii. We're just looking out for you. If you keep raising the bar, we'll all start expecting you to climb mountains for us next."
"Climb a mountain? Sure. I can do that." I acted oblivious and grinned.
Because of that, Hana facepalmed and copied what Chii did, "You stubborn guy. There's no talking about this to you."
Their words hit a little closer than I'd like to admit, but I brushed it off with a grin, squeezing Sumire's hand again. "I heard you. Don't worry too much. I'll pace myself perfectly… eventually. For now, let me enjoy walking my favorite juniors home."
Sumire rolled her eyes but didn't pull her hand away, her fingers tightening slightly in mine. "You're impossible, senpai."
"Senpai, don't push yourself too much," Umi added, her voice filled with quiet concern.
Nina, who'd been unusually quiet for the past minute, suddenly piped up from the back, her voice ringing with dramatic flair. "Senpai, is that how your magic works? I'm starting to understand why everyone gravitates towards you. As expected of the Night Prince!"
Mami sighed beside her, her tone exasperated. "Nina, you're gonna wear that act out one day. Give it a rest already."
"Never!" Nina shot back, spinning on her heel to face Mami with a flourish. "My devotion will be eternal. A flame that burns through the darkest nights! The Night Prince deserves no less!"
I glanced over my shoulder, catching Nina's exaggerated pose and Mami's half-hearted attempt to rein her in.
Really, what did that girl eat today? She's so extra compared to the previous occasions.
"You sure you're okay back there, Mami-chan?"
Mami met my gaze briefly, her expression softening just a fraction before she looked away. "I'm fine, senpai. Just… keeping an eye on this one. She's a handful."
"Understood," I said, letting it drop.
Mami's unease was still there, simmering beneath the surface, but she wasn't ready to confront it yet. I'd give her space for now.
The streets grew quieter as we left the main road behind, winding into the residential area where the girls lived.
Sumire tugged on my hand, pulling me slightly to the left. Her house was over in that direction.
I followed her lead, Umi still clinging to my arm as we turned down a narrow street lined with neatly trimmed hedges. Chii and Hana stayed close, their chatter fading into a comfortable silence, while Nina and Mami trailed a few steps behind, Nina humming some dramatic tune under her breath.
When we reached Sumire's street, the girl slowed to a stop right before their gates.
"Here we are," Sumire said as she let go of my hand. She turned to face me, her hands on her hips. "Thanks for walking me, senpai. Even if you didn't have to."
I grinned, ruffling her hair before she could swat me away. Then, my hand naturally slid down her cheek, caressing it gently until her face turned as red as an apple.
"You're still saying that, huh?" I leaned down, pushing my lips close to her ear before whispering, "Get some rest, Sumire. I'll see you tomorrow. Or maybe… do you want a kiss? You know, like last time."
Sumire froze, her face flushing an even deeper red as my breath brushed against her ear. Her hands shot up to cover her cheeks, but the way her eyes darted to mine, wide and flustered, told me she wasn't entirely opposed to the idea. The most update n0vels are published on nοvelfire.net
"S-senpai!" She stammered, taking a half-step back as if to reclaim some semblance of control. "You can't just say that out of nowhere! Shameless! Too shameless! T-that's only for when we're alone!"
I pulled back slightly as I pinched her reddening earlobe before putting on a teasing smile, "Alright. When we're alone tomorrow, then?"
Her mouth opened and then snapped shut almost instantly, her pout returning full force as she glared at me. "You're the worst! Ugh, just… go walk Umi home already! I'm fine here!"
Despite her protests, the faint smile tugging at her lips betrayed her. She waved me off with an exaggerated huff, turning toward her gate but pausing to glance back at me one last time.
"Good night, senpai. Don't overdo it tomorrow, okay?"
"Goodnight, Sumire," I replied, giving her a small wave. "I'll try not to climb any mountains without you. And I'll dream of you tonight."
She rolled her eyes but didn't respond, slipping through the gate and disappearing into her house. The soft click of the latch echoed in the quiet street as I turned back to the others.
Umi tugged lightly on my sleeve, her shy smile peeking up at me. "Senpai… my house is just a few streets over. You don't have to, but…"
"I'm walking you like last time," I said firmly, cutting off any chance for her to protest. "No arguments."
Her smile widened, and she nodded, falling into step beside me as we continued down the road. Chii and Hana followed close behind, their footsteps light on the pavement, while Nina and Mami lingered at the rear.
However, as soon as we left Sumire's street, the self-proclaimed minion dragged Mami to the front as she took the now-vacated spot at my side.
She copied Umi and hugged my arm before Mami could reprimand her.
"Senpai, will you also walk me home?"