“Take care, you two. See you next time.” I waved at the two girls while sporting a rather refreshing smile on my lips before they walked towards the train door to get off.

Umi reluctantly did the same while Sumire remained stuck staring at me. Her mind was still wandering somewhere. She’s definitely still processing my answer to her question. Either she found it unbelievable or incomprehensible.

Instead of giving a straight answer to her question, I told her that the story within the song we were just listening to was about Asahi and me.

That’s the reason why she’s having a hard time processing it. If I told the same thing to a normal fan or, if I take her friend, Umi, as an example, the girl would definitely not believe that absurdity right away.

However, because I kept sending her raw clips of Yue’s voice messages, having a hard time coming to terms with it was an expected reaction from Sumire. Distinguishing reality became difficult. In her mind, I could be telling the truth or I was just embellishing a fact just to tease her.

In the end, because Sumire remained unmoving, Umi had to drag her outside before the door closed again.

When the train resumed its course, I saw Umi elbowing Sumire’s side to wake her up from her stupor. She was successful at least. However, instead of continuing their exit from the platform, Sumire turned around and chased my figure beyond the transparent glass windows of the train.

Upon finding me, she hurriedly brought her phone out and tapped crazily. A while later, I received new successive messages from the girl.

“Senpai! You’re a meanie!”

“What do you mean it’s your story? Please tell me it’s not the truth!”

“Our talk isn’t finished yet. I have more questions. Come back!”

And so on and so forth.

Even when there was the ‘Read’ indication since I kept it open as her messages flooded in, the girl continued sending messages like a madman.

After what felt like a torrent of storms followed the tranquility of the ocean that was her mind, I typed in my only response to everything she wrote.

“Sure. If you catch me on the train again, let’s talk more. I’ll treat you to an ice cream.”

“No. Not ice cream! Full meal. You gotta treat me for dinner because a small stop won’t be enough to satiate my growing curiosity!”

Reading that reply, I smilingly shook my head. If she’s that forward earlier, we wouldn’t have had this conversation at all.

Anyway, I didn’t reply anymore and put my phone away.

-

-

The second session of my part-time job ended just as well as yesterday. Although not everyone diligently followed my instruction of doing the set of exercises I taught them, those were negligible since there’s no clause that I should force them to do so. It’s their loss if nothing came out of this program they’re paying for.

Besides, those were only a minority. As long as I followed my lesson plan, there would be no problem.

If they complained, I’d point out what they’re lacking. It’s also up to them whether to continue taking the course or not. The payment was by session anyway.

That aside, those who put on the effort and started showing progress were enlivened. They couldn’t wait for what I would be introducing to them next. Most especially, the kids.

And that’s why I continued with the same pace as before. Teaching them how to properly throw a jab and demonstrate it to them.

Marika was also doing well. And compared to yesterday, her enthusiasm was at its highest. It was even more apparent when I checked on them one by one again.

Furthermore, with Sena coming in to watch and assist alongside Ayu, Marika tried to show off more in order to get my attention.

Once I dismissed the class, Marika went to talk with Sena while I went back with Ayu to her office. To get my salary for the day and hold a short meeting regarding today’s session.

Other than that, it’s also the time we could spend together.

Upon leaving Ayu’s office, I once again found Marika waiting for me but this time, there was Sena with her.

Even though I was still quite a distance from them, they quickly noticed me approaching. With both of them drawing up a beautiful smile, I returned that smile and waved my hand at them.

“Hmm? Looks like you two got closer.”

“You bet, Ruki. I like her. When will you steal her?” Sena replied with a smirk. That question was definitely intentional.

What boldness...

I checked on the other girl to see her reaction. However, Marika didn’t react strongly to that. Instead, she laughed and played along with Sena.

“Precisely, Junior-kun. When will it be? Must I wait until you tell me your feelings for me?” “Oh. He didn’t tell you yet? Boo. Ruki, you’re getting rusty.”

As innocent as she looked, the golden ringlet girl’s words didn’t sound like she was kidding. On the other hand, the mischievous Sena quickly moved behind Marika, acting like she was going to use Marika as a shield against me.

Whatever they came up with, they’re really in sync this time.

Luckily, no one’s around to hear them.

What should I do then? If it’s only playing along with their antics, I could do that without batting an eye. However, with Marika’s words that seemed to come from her innermost thoughts, I couldn’t simply sweep them aside.

And so, after a few seconds of contemplation, I replied at the same time as I stepped in front of Marika and put a hand on her cheek, “Senpai, I’ve already stolen you. There’s no need to do that further... As for my feelings, I believe you already know about it.”

Soon after saying that, I turned my gaze to the girl behind her, “And Sena, are you sure about pushing Senpai to me?”

“I don’t mind. I also told her about us and she didn’t mind it. Right?”

“Y-yes.”

That’s a positive answer but Marika failed to cover up her hesitation from that. While it’s entirely possible that their conversation really touched upon my relationship with Sena and the other girls, there’s no doubt that the ringlet girl was trying to take it lightly. Like some kind of joke coming from Sena. However, given the way I answered, she’s already starting to believe it.

“Alright. Enough with that. You don’t have to push yourself, senpai. You can take your time understanding what it is meant to be with me... I’m still going to be your Junior-kun so... shall we go?”

“Geez, don’t kill the mood, Ruki. I also went through this same phase. Anyhow... Don’t you have somewhere to go? Leave Marika to me. I’ll accompany her.” Sena pouted and pulled the ringlet girl with her.

Saying that she also went through the same phase wasn’t entirely wrong but their situations were too different. I stole her and stayed with her because she was an outlet for my desire back then. Marika, on the other hand, was drawn to me because of the new door I opened for her.

Unfortunately, I had no chance to say that aloud as the two girls already started walking away. They’re both looking back at me though. Sena had this triumphant and reassuring smile, conveying the same words as she had just said; to leave Marika to her care. On the other hand, Marika had this longing in her eyes as though she wanted to stay with me regardless of what was said and done.

Before I could take a step to chase after them, Ichihara-san entered through the front door, her eyes instantly locating me.

“Onoda-sensei, I’m not late, am I?” She carefully muttered after taking in the view in front of her.