Sumire and Umi raised more questions to me but each one of them wasn’t that intruding or at least, they were being very careful not to touch something they didn’t want to know yet. Our connection was very much enjoyed by them though.
Umi kept staring at it while also occasionally sneaking a glance at me, perhaps to see how I am reacting to it. I smiled at her each time I caught her doing that. As a result, the blush on her face never disappeared. She’s still a girl with few words but whenever she brought up her questions, they were always as straightforward as before.
She’s really the type to not go around in circles if she wants to know something.
Sumire, on the other hand, kept up her look of disdain to me yet she’s more active than Umi in regards to feeling up my hand. There was even a moment when she let our fingertips touch, measuring how big my hand is compared to hers. Then at the next second, she slid her fingers back into the gaps and locked our hands again. She also restrained herself from looking up at my face as if seeing it would be enough for her resolve to weaken.
That reminded me of Izumi from before she became more honest with me. But in Sumire’s case, she’s probably still very conflicted about how she would digest the things she found out about me.
Well, it’s not like I’m asking her to be my girl as well but with the way things are going, that is our current destination. And the same can be said for Umi.
It’s now up to me how to proceed from this point.
Should I actively court the two or let our small interactions pile up more? Honestly, I still like the time I spend with both of them whenever we’re going to meet on the train; Sumire, on my right, actively chats with me while Umi just listens to us while timidly leaning to me on my left.
Ah. Yep. I probably need time to think about it as well.
Anyway, I soon concluded my time with the two when they were already comfortable enough. Also, since it was already the half-time break, moving to avoid getting attention was in order.
After patting Umi and Sumire’s heads much to the latter’s ire, I let Chii take the seat again before asking what drink I should get for them.
Before I get to do the next thing on my, I should at least bring my girls some refreshments, right? It’s close to an hour since we arrived here and with most of them also cheering along the others, their throats would’ve dried out already.
Also, this would help me tide through the possible inspection by Kawakami-senpai and the others.
In fact, I already saw some of them looking up to our side. Although it looked like they were just trying to greet their classmates or friends who came to watch, I noticed that they were really searching for me. Especially those who were crowded around Satsuki.
“Wait, Ruki. I’ll come with you. It’s fine, isn’t it?”
As I was about to leave after I finished asking Shizu and Arisa who were the furthest from my original seat, Hana who was probably biding her time, immediately stood up and presented herself like that.
Obviously, her voice was loud enough for all of my girls to hear and while she’s cautious about how they would act, she’s probably prepared to get this chance for herself.
Luckily for her, Nami and Shizu just waved their hands. They’re giving her the floor. As for Nami, Saki and the others, they’re tempted to also come with us.
Well, while it’s a chance to be alone with me, we’re not going somewhere private. The stores or vending machines would surely be crowded by now. And given that the break wasn’t that long, it’s impossible for us to take our time in coming back or we’d miss the start of the second half.
And with that, the others also opted not to fight her for this chance.
Pleased at the outcome, Hana couldn’t help but express her joy by catching up to my side instead of simply following behind me when we reached the exit.
“Mhm. I’m glad to see that genuine smile of yours, Hana.” I commented. “Are you having fun?”
The girl took a moment to reply. Perhaps, weighing her answer.
That’s new for her. Most of the time, she’s either the frank type or simply withholds what’s on her mind completely. After a week since her return, she’s already far from the Hana that I stole before. And I see it as a positive thing. Nothing good will come up if one remains stuck in the past.
“Yes. I am. I suppose I should thank you for bringing me with you. I’ve seen enough to know that I’m just the same as them. Hopelessly vying for your continued attention.”
“Is that right? Well, if that’s how you see it then I won’t say anything more. They are sacrificing a lot for me. And I will eternally be grateful for that.” I paused for a while to grab her hand and hasten our pace. It’s also to get some distance away from the other people who were also on their way out. While they wouldn’t care too much about our conversation, I didn’t want to risk having someone eavesdrop on us.
“I never asked them to do that though. It’s just the result of being weaved into this complexity of our relationship. Obviously, I will also not ask the same of you.” I continued once I deemed it enough.
At this point, we probably looked like a couple taking a walk on this ground. It’s enough to ward off strangers who don't know any better from bothering us.
And since I already took note of where the vending machines are, all that was left was for us to get there.
That’s why conversing like this should be fine.
Taking a glance at the girl, I found her fidgeting slightly.
“I understand that much without asking... Still...”
Ah. Of course, she would keep insisting on her stubbornness.
“You can’t just give up, right?” I completed her sentence for her. “Don’t worry. It’s not my intention to make you give up by bringing you with us today. Believe it or not, I just want to spend time with you as well.”
It’s quite ironic to say that, really. For the few hours that we’re together, the time I spent at her side was significantly less than most of my girls.
Sumire really is spot on. I’m quite a scum for that.
“I know. You’re not the type to be that malicious to girls you love or like. I’ve heard a lot from the others. Even if you’re kind of a tyrant who ordered them around to your convenience, you always put much thought into their comfort. Though, you did miss some because of your obliviousness.”
Ah. That last part was definitely about what happened to Miyako. In any case... what she just said... she’s talking to the others, huh? What a progress.
“Alright. I can’t refute that. Anyway, I’m glad that you don’t feel out of place. I guess I’ll have to thank Maaya for that.”
“Shouldn’t you thank me too?”
“True. You kept Maaya company. Thank you. Should I assume that you’ve befriended each other?”
“Huh? Where did you pick that up? It’s the opposite. Also, Chizuru won’t be dropping my supposed friendship with them, am I correct? That headache is enough for me.”
“What a stubborn girl.”
“Say that again. It’s up to me to consider those things. And I... I don’t need anyone else but you.”
Upon saying that last line, Hana lowered her head. She appeared a little gloomy but at the same time, she was probably regaining her composure that almost shattered from the continued insistence of friendship in her head.
Like she said, it’s probably best to just let her consider those things without trying to influence her.
On another note...
“Alright. Know that you just made me smile. Should I...”
As I trailed my voice there, I once again hastened our pace, bringing Hana to a rather obscure spot. But given the crowd in this place, it’s only slightly obscured because no one was paying attention to this side.
After looking to our left and right, making sure that no one was watching us, I gently pushed the girl against the wall.
Understanding what I was about to do, Hana's lips quivered a little before she parted it open, enticing me to dig in.
“I’m glad I decided to come with you, Ruki.” She said as her arms landed on my shoulders.
“If you stop being stubborn, you don’t need to do these extra things.”
“Hmm? No need to repeat it, Ruki. I know what I’m doing. Isn't it still working in my favor? What say you?”
With her lips curving up into her beautiful smile, Hana shook her head a little making her golden eye visible to me. As always, it’s too captivating.
Then, as though she ran out of patience from waiting for me to make a move, the girl pushed her head in, claiming my lips for herself.
Alright. I admit. It’s my loss this time.
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