Upon walking out of that neighborhood where Hina's neighbors still vigilantly watched me leave, I didn't miss the chance to at least check on my girls living nearby. I messaged them, saying I was about to go home from Hina.
Of course, it's impossible for them to stay outside for long given that it's already late at night. Seeing each other right in front of their houses was enough.
Among the three, Saki sneaked out, making an excuse to her parents that she was going to the vending machine to buy something. And since that vending machine was located at the nearby park, we got to spend more quality time than we expected.
Still, I walked her back home before fifteen minutes was up. I couldn't have her be scolded by her parents because of my selfishness in coming and seeing her late at night. Furthermore, I made sure that no one was following us. I mean, that silent guy could still be stalking her, after all. Or even if it's not him, anything was possible. I asked her out so it's on me to guarantee her safety.
As for Shizu and Nami, they met me outside their houses.
Shizu acted a little grumpy at first, asking me why I still stopped by when I could've gone home soon and taken a rest. But as soon as I got her in my arms, my lovely SC President melted instantly and became more affectionate. If not for the footsteps we heard from inside their house, she would've sneaked me inside her room. Maybe next time.
On the other hand, Nami, who anticipated that I would eventually pass by before going home, was already waiting for me with a thermos filled with rejuvenating tea. Yep, she also predicted that I would be a little exhausted after everything that happened today.
Such a thoughtful girlfriend. Even with the cold breeze of the night, my warm heart, after spending time with Hina, Saki, and the others, got even warmer. The temptation to take Nami home with me even surfaced right there. For sure, she wouldn't reject it and even readily pack her things. Unfortunately, since Auntie Kasumi would be alone, we laughed it off and pushed that temptation down temporarily. Next time, for sure. I would ask her mother for permission.
With that, I continued to the bus stop and spent the travel time checking on my other girls.
I got to hear about Hitomi who confronted her grandfather. While the old man was still not convinced, she told me that she at least managed to convey her resolve to him.
And even though we had yet to inform Otoha about what happened this morning, the girl sensed the distraught in Hitomi's countenance when she picked her up after school. That's why when I called Hitomi, she was also there. She respects what Hitomi decided to do so she won't be using her status yet to make the old man bend his knee. Only if Hitomi's attempts continue to fail will she make her move.
That's reassuring, to say the least. Furthermore, because of that, it will also become another way to shorten the distance between their status.
On my end, I'm always ready to jump in at any moment once Hitomi asks me to help her. It's just the old butler. Even if he can be a terrifying person, I won't back down if it's for my woman. If need be, I'll steal her from the ties of her family.
Although that sounded like I'm just being too full of myself, I'll be accomplishing that using whatever method possible.
Anyway, apart from Hitomi, I also got to hear from Marika. While she did not mention the photo we took earlier, the girl told me how it went for her when she went home today. Expectedly, Ichihara Jun tattled about how she started getting close to someone else other than him. She got scolded by her parents who called her all the way from Kyoto. By the end of her message, Marika told me that she was going to be fine and she cannot wait to see me again.
Yeah. That last part screams more of how she's holding onto my existence like a last ray of light in her otherwise dark world. Due to that, despite the possibility that she might not answer it, I tapped the video call icon.
And that's my current situation now. Waiting for the response whether she'd answer it or not.
Looking outside the bus window, I was nearing my destination. Still, I continued holding it, waiting for it to connect to the other side.
Even though I could just be overthinking and assuming things on my end, I had this uncontrollable urge to not end this day without seeing the ringlet girl's current state…
Thankfully, I didn't need to contact her multiple times. She answered before it hung up.
There, I watched as the screen of my phone flickered before the ringlet girl's gorgeous face occupied most of it. But then upon noticing that she was too close to the camera, she moved it, zooming her face out.
"J-junior-kun?"
Her long, pretty eyelashes quivered a little as her eyes slowly widened. She looked surprised as she released a small gasp before her lips curved into a pleasant smile. She probably didn't check on the name of the caller and upon realizing that it was me, it brought not a small amount of joy to her face. She's like a flower that instantly bloomed.
In any case, seeing her not feeling down was enough to lift my worry about her current state.
"Yes, senpai. Have I woken you up?"
"No, you have not. I have yet to make my bed."
"Ah. I see. You've just finished bathing. Hopefully, I didn't interrupt your relaxation."
Right. Now that I look at it, her background appeared a little steamy. She must've just gotten out of her bathtub. Although her hair wasn't wet, she probably only bathed her body and wrapped her hair in a towel.
Since I couldn't see below her neck, it was hard to distinguish whether she was already in her nightwear or she was still wrapped in her bath towel. But there's no doubt that she's already in her room, I could see her rather luxurious bed behind her along with her comfortable-looking blanket.
Marika nodded before gawking as she realized something on my end, "Y-yes… Wait… You, you seem to be in a vehicle. Why are you not home yet?"
"Ah. I'm on a bus. On my way home. I just thought of checking on you after reading your message."
"Eh? This late at night? Junior-kun, don't tell me you're overworking yourself…"
"Not really. Look at me, do I look overworked?" I put my hand on my face, squeezing it a bit which instantly earned me Marika's sweet laughter. "That aside, I'm glad to see you're also doing fine. You got me a little worried by your message."
"Junior-kun, you really are a worrywart. I've chosen this path for myself. I won't ever regret it even if they scold me for it."
"Really? You know you can use my shoulder to lean on again. I don't mind holding you every time you get scolded. I'm the one who pushed you on that path, after all."
"If you say it like Junior-kun, do you think you can come and pick me up?"
"Right now? If that's possible then give me your address, senpai."
"Pfft. I'm kidding. I can't trouble you like that, Junior-kun. Just go home safely, I'll be at ease that way."
Well, of course. Even if the yearning in her voice sounded genuine, she'd take a step back like this. Between us, we both wanted to protect one another, after all. And in her mind, she probably thought it was impossible for me to bypass everything and take her away from where she is.
Nonetheless, the proper time will arrive for it. I'll steal her not only from Ichihara Jun but also from the family that decided to use her as a simple chip for their game of power.
"Understood, senpai. Well then, before I get tempted to ask you to show me what you're wearing at this moment, I'll end the call. Goodnight, Marika-senpai. See you tomorrow."
"Goodnight pervert Junior-kun. Thank you for checking on me. I… love it."
"All for my precious senpai."
Upon hearing that, Marika's most beautiful smile bloomed once more. Her milky white face was dyed completely red. If she was in front of me, I would probably not stop myself from kissing her right away.
Well, there's still tomorrow and more days to come. There's no rush.
Not long after that call, I soon arrived home.
Surprisingly, apart from being welcomed in Akane's embrace, a surprise awaited me in the living room.
There, I found Fuyu on our long sofa, sound asleep.
"She insisted on staying with me until you arrived. What do you think, husband? Did she stay to accompany me and not let me be alone in this house or to get a chance to see you?" Akane teasingly asked.
