“See you tomorrow, Junior-kun.” With a bright, contented smile on her lips, Marika said at the same time as the escort car pulled in front of us. They’re ready to take her back.

We’re already in front of the station and the short date is over. Although it only consisted of us eating at that food cart, Marika enjoyed it so much that she even took a commemorative photo of us along with the food cart and the empty plate on our table.

For her, it’s a new experience that she would treasure for days to come. Well, my presence there also added to it so... it’s just like what I always do with my girls, creating precious memories together.

“Yes, senpai. Don’t stay up too late and rest well for today. Fatigue from the lesson earlier will catch up on you once you reach your bedroom.”

Among the new enrollees from earlier, she’s one of those who really pushed herself to the limit as if she’s trying to impress me. It’s actually a wonder how she can still be as energetic like this. Maybe I could attribute that to the fact that I walked and spent time with her.

“Un. I will.”

Upon saying that, Marika took a step forward and propped her chin slightly. In this way, this ringlet girl looked like she was waiting for my lips to visit hers.

No. That’s really her intention for closing up like this. Since there wasn’t really a chance for us to act more intimately than just feeding each other back there, this was her last chance to do so...

However, did she think this through? While there are not a lot of people around us, we’re still in public. Furthermore, those two inside the car were probably watching us closely. Even if they could only assume what happened the last time the two of us spent time alone inside that car, kissing her here would confirm it.

Not that I was afraid of them but it’s Marika’s situation which I am worried about.

After deliberating for a while, I put a hand on her chin and used my thumb to caress her lips. Then instead of kissing her, I pushed my lips close to her ear and whispered, “Senpai, I’ll kiss you lots the next time we’re together but for now... will this suffice?”

At the same time as I said that, I pulled her into my embrace, holding her as affectionately as I could. Well, I refrained from carrying her up but with this... it’s probably no different than kissing her in public, right?

Oh. No. Maybe it’s just a level lower than it.

In any case, it didn’t take long before Marika issued a nod and did the same. Then in a slightly embarrassed tone, she replied, “That’s a promise, Junior-kun...”

This girl... Is she already addicted to kisses? So much for saving it for her future husband, right? But then again, if I’m that future husband... I’m just collecting it in advance.

-

-

Because of the small interlude we had in that food cart, I arrived at the platform a little late for the latest train. Due to that, I had to wait for a few minutes for the next one.

As always, I efficiently used that window to contact my girls and check on them. While not all of them managed to come to that gathering, they’re still included in whatever discussion they had because of the use of technology. It’s easy to include them through video calls, after all.

Ah. Right. I got a message from Shio; partly complaining and partly asking me to rescue her. Apparently, as the oldest among them and with her unique status, the girls couldn’t peel themselves away from her. Even though some of them already met her before, a lot were still very interested in her story or on how I managed to steal her. Moreover, with Shio declaring that she also wouldn’t hold back when it comes to approaching me, those girls most likely found it amusing.

In any case, I heard from Akane that there’s no reason to worry. Because they were treating each other as sisters, they still respect Shio as an older sister. Of course, deep beneath it, she’s also a rival when it comes to my attention.

That gathering was probably to create more bonds among them. That way, harmony will still exist between them even if I’m not there with them.

Soon enough, my wait for the train was over. After sending one last message saying that I already boarded, I stood up to find myself a comfortable seat without any disturbances. Thankfully, it’s not as crowded anymore. I easily found one.

However...

It appears that my luck is in the air tonight. Or maybe not? Whichever the case... this is something unexpected.

“Eh? Is that you, Ruki-nii-san?”

When I was about to approach the free seat, I saw a little girl jumping out of her seat from the opposite side of where I was going to sit. From the way she sounded thrilled upon seeing me, I couldn’t mistake that for someone else.

Turning my head to the source, I found Fubuki, Fuyu’s little sister, smiling from ear to ear. Behind her, next to the seat she vacated, Fuyu had her mouth partly opened as she stared at me also in surprise.

Today, she had her hair on a sidetail rather than a ponytail which gave her a rather childish look. But well, her clothes fit her so well that I found myself staring at her for a few seconds.

Looking at the paper bags on her side, they probably went out shopping today or Fuyu took Fubuki out, since it's the weekend, to play somewhere. Shopping was just a plus.

“Fubuki-chan and Yuuki-san, what a coincidence.” I smiled at the little girl before focusing my attention on her sister who was just about to recover from her surprise.

“Onoda-kun, why are you— No. I mean, yes. It’s such a coincidence to meet you here.”

She’s about to ask me why I am here but changed it halfway. Possibly understanding that I could be anywhere and it’s not her place to question it. In any case, with my duffel bag still on my shoulder, she could already form an idea of where I went.

That should be the end of the conversation considering the train doors are already closed. However, the mischievous little girl raised a complaint as she grabbed my wrist to pull me to their side.

“Eh? What’s with that stiff greeting, Onee-chan? You too, Ruki-nii-san! Come here... There’s still a space between us.”

“Fubuki, what are you doing? We’ll be getting off at the next stop. Do not trouble Onoda-kun.” Fuyu tried to tell off her sister but it was all too late. Furthermore, her little sister was already set on having me sit with them. Or rather, next to her sister.

The same as last time, she’s doing her best to become a menace to her sister who could only apologize and be flustered at this situation.

“I’m not troubling him, Onee-chan. Am I right, Ruki-nii-san?”

Instead of relenting, the little girl passed the question to me. And because of this, Fuyu couldn’t help but raise her head to hear my answer.

My choices were clear in this situation. Humor Fubuki or be considerate of Fuyu who’s currently flustered.

However, at the same time as the train started moving, the seat that I was about to take before Fubuki called out to me got occupied by someone else.

I guess that left me with no other choice, right? No. There’s another one...

“Yes, you are. However, Fubuki-chan. You’re not telling us to squeeze in that little space, right? It’s fine. Go sit back down. I’ll stand over here.” I patted the little girl’s head before urging her to sit down.

Even though that made Fubuki pout, she knew that she couldn’t push it anymore. And so, she sat down a little unhappily.

I was about to take a step back to, at least, get hold of the dangling handle for standing passengers when Fuyu opened her mouth again.

“Wait, Onoda-kun... There’s still space.” She said as she started opening up a space on the corner next to her by putting down the paper bags and moving to the left, squeezing her little sister.

This girl... So, is this her way of being considerate as well or...?