"It's pretty incredible how you keep this hidden from most students."
That was Minami Shouko's reaction after we entered the clubhouse. After all, the exterior and interior felt like entirely different worlds. Outside, it looked like a dilapidated clubhouse that had already been forgotten, due to the school's closure of this area. But inside, we renovated it, and it turned into a little cozy clubhouse where my girls and I could relax. Everyone reacted the same way when they first stepped inside.
"Well, taking precautions is important," I replied, locking the door behind us. Unlike the previous days, no one was around yet. I mean, everyone knew I had the Disciplinary Officer duty and I also didn't plan to stay for too long here. Only to check and make sure that no one else had been sneaking around here.
"So, you're hanging out with your girls here?" Minami Shouko wandered deeper into the clubhouse and then put on a wry smile. Possibly because she found how cozy the place was despite its exterior. Her fingers trailed over the plush sofa where I often sat and cuddled with my girls.
"Mhm. You can come here anytime too, senpai. It's not like you're unaware of my girls. You've already met most of them."
"To find another genuine connection. It shouldn't just be me or your followers, no? Not counting Shizu and everyone in the Student Council, I think you'll get along well with them."
"Psh. And what? So I can be your girl too?" Minami Shouko clicked her tongue, turning away sharply. But I caught the faint tremor in her shoulders. It's either that she was hiding that she liked that idea or hated it. Either way, her reaction was adorable.
"You're the one who said that, senpai." I shrugged and put on a playful smile before moving to the small counter in front of the fridge. I reached for a glass before continuing, "Drink, senpai? Water, iced tea or soda? Unfortunately, I don't have time to brew tea for you."
Minami Shouko sighed softly as she settled onto the sofa. "Water is fine. And... go finish what you're gonna do here."
"Alright. Wait a second."
I poured her a glass of cold water and handed it over. Minami Shouko accepted it silently and took a small sip. Despite her attempt to look unbothered, a relieved sigh escaped her lips.
After that, I went to the back of the clubhouse, pulling more weeds from the garden plots that started sprouting again.
Five minutes passed in silence before I sensed Minami Shouko's presence standing by the doorframe. Somehow, she's just following me with her gaze while I work on using hand shovels to remove weeds. She scanned the garden beds, the still-untouched abandoned greenhouse beyond, and the dilapidated toolshed with rusty tools inside.
"Are you truly planning to plant here? You're crazy."
"Crazy is subjective." I tossed another clump of weeds into the growing pile. "This plot gets full afternoon sun. Perfect for potatoes."
"Pfft. Is a potato all you want to plant?" Minami Shouko leaned against the doorframe with crossed arms.
"Well, we gotta start somewhere," I said as I pulled the last stubborn weed from the soil bed. "Potatoes are hardy. Low maintenance. They'll thrive here with some care."
"Yeah, right. Good luck then."
"Thanks, senpai. So, will you join us? I mean, I can use another vote to change our clubhouse name to Potato Clubhouse."
Her eyebrows twitched and her lips curved up again, "Even if I join, I won't vote for your Potato Clubhouse name, Onoda-kun. It's terrible."
Ending that with a giggle, she turned around and walked back inside. I thought she had already lost interest but after I finished cleaning my hands and put back the shovel, I found her standing there again with a glass of water in hand. She silently offered it to me.
Look at her, what a sensible girl. I accepted the glass gratefully, draining half of it in one go.
"Drink it all and let's go back. You're gonna get scolded by President for taking your time."
"Are you worried about me, senpai?"
"As if you need another person to worry about you," Minami Shouko muttered, snatching the empty glass from my hand. Her sharp eyes scanned my dirt-streaked forearms before flickering toward the clubhouse entrance. "You've got half the school wrapped around your finger already."
I couldn't help but let out a chuckle before following her inside.
After that, we stayed for a few minutes more in the clubhouse. I asked her about her followers. Or what's her plan about them.
She said gathering them in a single club was already out, considering each of them had their own respective clubs. Instead, she planned on maintaining their group as an unofficial circle. She'll meet them occasionally to check on them and ensure they don't fall back into their old habits. She wouldn't order them to do those pranks anymore but that didn't mean she wouldn't fulfill her promise to them.
I only listened and did not offer any of my opinions. She didn't need it, after all. She just needed someone to look after her. To prevent her from acting out again.
Then, I brought up her health again. Of course, I didn't ask her about her problem with her family. I just couldn't help but be bothered that her falling sick one or two times a week was a regular occurrence.
Alas, the girl didn't say much other than that I didn't need to worry.
Before leaving, I repeated teasing her about my plan to show up at the infirmary to look after her whenever it happens. Minami Shouko could only roll her eyes in exasperation.
And on our way out, I held her in my arms again. Just a few seconds, though because she quickly wriggled out of it and ran out of the clubhouse without looking back.
Mhm. That girl. She's really adorable.
Anyway, I chased after her and returned to the makeshift conference room, helping out Shizu, Haruko and Komoe with the remaining club proposals.
I've also gotten the script that the Drama Club President left behind. It was only a page with ten lines. And somehow, it was a scene that I would perform with both Misaki and Marika.
I should commend Tsuchiya-senpai when I see her again.
Once we were done, I took my time to pamper all three and continued my promise to Komoe earlier.
Around an hour later, after walking most of my girls to their stops and the station, I quickly returned to pick up Maaya and Himeko. Although I got a little delayed because of my overflowing consideration for my girls who were also hoping to spend more time with me, I managed to show up before Maaya's cheeks blew up from excessive puffing.
Himeko was the one who greeted me with a relieved smile while Maaya kept her arms crossed as she looked away. She didn't even glance at me as I approached them.
"Ruki, you're here. Uhm... Where are we going?" She asked as she took a step forward to link her arm with mine. Her eyes darted toward Maaya who remained stubbornly facing away. "Ya-chan. Hurry before someone else takes the other arm."
Maaya snorted softly but she still walked over. But instead of linking arms with me, she simply stood by my side before whispering. "Hmph. You're lucky, Nee-sama is patient."
"How should I make it up to you then?" I replied while enjoying her reaction as well as Himeko's soft giggle beside me. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by novel⁂fire.net
"That's for you to think about, shameless guy. You'd better make this 'short date' worthwhile. Nee-sama and I… are looking forward to it." And with another huff, she started walking off. Himeko and I quickly followed after her until we reached the school gates.
Sure enough, there's one last obstacle waiting for us. Their chauffeur was still patiently waiting with the car doors open outside. After all, I told them I'd be the one to inform him that I'd be taking them on a short date before escorting them home.
I knew he was working for their father but with their mother already aware of me, I guess it's only fair to also announce my presence to him through this gesture.
As for how he will react... I'll think about it when the time to face him arrives.