After everyone gathered, we walked out of the school gates, seeing off Marika, Misaki, and the Itou sisters first, as the cars waiting for them were already waiting outside.
Then, I went with the girls whose home was in the opposite direction, walking them to their bus stop. Kana and Aya clung to me, and I almost climbed up the bus with them.
As for Satsuki, the Girls Basketball Club would be doing extra practice again in preparation for this Sunday's practice match. That's why, before joining the other girls who all decided to take the same bus, I grabbed a few cans of refreshments at the vending machine and delivered them to the Gymnasium.
I didn't stay for too long, of course. Just enough to say hi to everyone and appease the grumpy girl with a kiss. Ryouko-san escorted me out to the side door.
Orimura-sensei was nowhere to be seen anymore. The Volleyball Club didn't have extra practice, after all. Sachi sent me a message though, saying 'see you tomorrow' along with a photo of her wrapped in a towel. Yep. She took that after showering earlier.
If I didn't know any better, I'd think she's tempting me to flirt with her but that photo had a caption, 'I'm such a klutz. I got hit by a ball on my shoulder. Look, it's sore.'
I replied properly, saying she had to put an ointment and let it rest. However, I couldn't help but add a sprinkle of playfulness, telling her I'm up for it if she wants a massage.
Her response? An immediate yes.
When I returned to where the girls gathered, I took one last walk to escort Komoe home. After that, I timed my return perfectly to when a new bus arrived at their stop, our group occupied almost half of the available seats, after all, even Hana, Chii and the two gyarus were with us. There's also Haruko and Edel, who decided to stay over at our house tonight.
Ah. Right. Ogawa's trio was also taking the same bus because Yumei didn't want to go home separately from Sumire and the others who helped her come to our school. She reasoned that it was rude to leave ahead of them but in truth, she just wanted to sneak a few more moments with me before heading home.
Tadano, of course, wasn't thrilled about it, but with Nami and Hina keeping him in check, he didn't make a scene nor see his little sister approaching me. Ogawa, on the other hand, was quieter than usual. He's sitting with Mami, looking a little protective as if afraid that the girl would run to me like Yumei.
I caught his glance a few times, but he didn't say anything. Good. I wasn't in the mood for drama tonight.
The bus ride was lively, with the girls chatting and giggling. They made sure not to bother the other passengers, of course.
Eventually, Umi and Sumire sat on either side of me. The former was openly holding my hand as it rested on my lap while the latter covered that connection with her bag.
Yep. While Umi's boldness was once again shining, Sumire was trying so hard to be subtle to avoid drawing too much attention. And whenever I would glance at her, she'd tighten her hold, squeezing it as if saying 'eyes out front, senpai!'.
Nina, seated across the aisle, kept sneaking glances at me, her golden eyes glinting with that familiar mischievous spark. Every now and then, she'd lean forward and giggle along with Saki, who was probably telling her some stories about me.
Hana sat a row ahead, her expression betraying irritation as Chii, who was sitting next to her, was triumphantly boasting about last night. She told her how I cuddled her to sleep last night and how I made her breakfast early this morning. I don't know if she told her every intimate detail but considering how Hana eventually looked up at me with her eyes narrowing into a slit and cheeks as red as an apple, Chii must've spilled some details. And I already knew what Hana would be asking me next. 'Her turn'.
The gyarus, Kushii and An-rin, were busy taking selfies along with Arisa and Izumi. Somehow, the four vibed instantly. Arisa and An-rin got this playful streak as they started braiding Izumi and Kushii's hair.
Well, they almost did the same to my hair when I was next to them earlier.
Meanwhile, Shizu, Haruko, and Edel were occupying the remaining space at the back row of the bus. Although Shizu and Haruko looked unfazed, Edel was already looking at me like a lost puppy. She's longing to cling to me again. That lovely silver koala.
"Senpai, you're zoning out," Sumire whispered as she nudged my side with her elbow without letting go of my hand. Her pout remained but her soft eyes radiated her concern for me.
"Am I zoning out? Can't I just be savoring the moment with my favorite juniors?" I teased as I leaned down to her side, giving her cheek a quick peck while gently squeezing her hand under the cover of her bag.
Her pout deepened, but the way her fingers curled tighter around mine told me she wasn't really mad. Just her usual adorable tsundere act.
Umi, on my other side, giggled softly, "Ruki-senpai, if you keep this up, Sumire-chan's gonna melt right here on the bus."
"Umi!" Sumire hissed, her cheeks flushing as she shot her friend a mock glare. "Don't encourage him! He's shameless enough as it is!"
"What's wrong with being shameless? You still love me, right?"
"That's a different matter, shameless senpai. Ugh… Say, summer is looming close. I know you'll keep being busy with all this Cultural Festival stuff and the plans you made for the long vacation, but… can we also hang out?"
This girl… Is she not reading their group chat entries? They're already planning a lot for the summer there. And naturally, even though most of them wanted to be alone with me, those like Nami, Shizu, Akane, Haruko, Yae and Yue were already including everyone.
Right. Everyone who's entangled with our complex relationship. But for now, those plans remain just that. Plans. We'll dive into the details once the festival wraps up and we have a chance to catch our breath.
"Sumire, who am I to you?" I asked, needing clarity in the midst of all the chaos.
She looked at me with a playful smirk. "My shameless senpai." The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the Novᴇl_Fire(.)net
"Not just that. What is our relationship, really?" I pressed, wanting to confirm the depth of what we share.
After a brief pause, her eyes softened. "... a couple?"
"Exactly," I replied, feeling a warmth at her words. "But won't I be an irresponsible boyfriend if I don't make an effort to see you during that long vacation? I really don't want to miss out on spending quality time with you and making more memories together. You're included in that, too, Umi."
"Yes, senpai. I'm looking forward to it." Umi gently smiled before resting her head on my shoulder.
As for Sumire, she huffed once but eventually copied her friend. Just , the bus continued to its destination.
Like the previous times, I made it a task to make them near or at their doorstep.
And that eventually led me to Hina's neighborhood, where I could get a glimpse of Kazuha-nee.
Is it possible without alerting Ogawa? Well, what can he do if he sees me talking to his 'Aneki'?