“See you next week, sensei. I'll diligently practice what you imparted to me today. You’ll be surprised. Heh.” With a silly yet elated smile on her face, Koharu waved her hand before clenching her fist and throwing a jab in front of her. No doubt, her experience today was fruitful. And it was especially so when Marika trained alongside her.

We’re successful at cheering her up and I guess that’s the best I can do for her as her coach and instructor.

Although the ringlet girl could still be considered a beginner and had stamina that was close to being depleted because she already gave it her all earlier in the gym, I assisted the two to complete the exercises.

Kohaku loved it but Marika even more so. I could even tell when she was just acting exhausted just to get my attention to her. And she’s doing it without every time Koharu’s attention was focused on something else.

She’s really becoming bold or perhaps just drunk at the ecstatic sensation of being cared for or loved. Whichever the case, I’d probably grant it as long as she’s happy.

“Mhm. You did a good job today so... I’ll test you next week. And Ichihara-san, thanks for the offer but I have an appointment for dinner as well. Maybe if there’s another chance in the future.” I responded to Koharu with a smile and patted her head in appreciation. Following that, I turned to her mother who was once again trying to show a normal expression.

Really, I don’t know if she’s even trying to do that. I mean, she appeared to let that expression slip out when in front of me. But when she’s in front of her daughter, she could pull it back quite expertly. Is she intentionally showing me her vulnerable side or is it something she has grown accustomed to recently?

Well, I wouldn’t know the answer to that.

“Un. I understand, I’ll prepare a dinner you won’t be able to reject next time.”

“I’ll help too, sensei!”

If they’re going to do that much, I would probably not be able to reject it next time. It’s not a problem anyway.

I patted Koharu’s head again, making the girl satisfied.

Shortly after that, Ichihara-san handed me an envelope that holds my salary for today. We already agreed for the amount and while it’s quite costly on her part, she insisted on it. Money was never a problem for her, I guess.

I thanked her before completing my exit with Marika.

Since we know each other and her place was just close by, I told them that I would safely escort Marika home. And with the ringlet girl’s acting skills, it somehow made it look like I was really just a junior she favored in Ichihara-san and Koharu’s eyes.

No hint of suspicion on their part. In fact, I even sensed that Koharu was pleased to see me getting close to Marika. Most likely, that’s just her way to gloat at her horrible cousin.

“Come inside with me, Junior-kun. I’ll show you my room.”

As we approached the open path that she used as a backdoor to enter the Ichihara Compound, Marika pulled on my hand.

Even with only the moonlight and the faint light escaping from the windows of her house enhancing our vision, it’s so easy to pick up the girl’s desire to not let this night end at this particular moment.

Through her pulse, there are signs of excitement, anticipation as well as nervousness. She knew she was taking a big risk here yet... she couldn’t stop herself from asking me to come with her.

Understanding that, I put my hand on her cheek and gently caressed it. Her soft, squishy cheek instantly warmed up within my palm and the look of comfort flashed in her eyes.

The urge to kiss her again rose up in my mind but instead of succumbing to it right away, I replied to her invitation, “You know we have to be careful not to get caught, right?”

Marika stared at me for a few seconds before her lips stretched into a wider smile, “Junior-kun, why do I hear that as a yes?”

“Because it is... I also don’t want to be separated from you like this... Even if it’s just a few minutes, it will be worthwhile if I spend it with you.”

Right. Even if it’s not a straight answer, telling her that was partly reminding her of our situation. And I’m sure she understands what I was trying to say.

Anyway, I still have more than an hour before the appointed time for that business dinner with Mizuki. I still have the time.

“Junior-kun, that’s not fair. If I may ask, are you trying to make me blush?”

“No? But I’ll take that reaction from you any day, senpai.”

Marika pouted. Her blush already occupied the entirety of her face. Her cheek turned from warmed up to scalding hot right away.

“L-let’s go in...” Grabbing my wrist once she found it unbearable to continue blushing in front of me, the girl dragged me into the house she was staying at.

Naturally, I followed alongside her while also keeping an eye out. We could be seen at any moment and it would be bad for her.

Entering through the door at the back of the house, Marika turned around to remind me while pointing at the visible stairs straight from where we were.

“My room is upstairs, Junior-kun. They’re usually in the main hall next to the living room to stand guard there. Then there are the stairs, I think we can reach it without being seen but...”

“I understand, senpai. They can also be upstairs, right? You've been out for more than an hour already. They should start looking for you.”

“Un. So, I’ll go check first then I’ll come back for you.”

Upon saying that, she faced the front again and was readying to take the first step. However, before she could do that, I grabbed her hand and pulled her back.

While she was confused about what I did, I held her in my arms and explained.

“No. I think we have to find somewhere to hide first, senpai. I have a good sense of hearing. Someone was about to enter from the front door.”

I don’t know who it is without checking. But if I have to guess, the list of possible people to just barge in here is extremely short.

Soon enough, before the sound of someone’s footsteps reached us, a loud bang rang out, reminiscent of someone forcefully pushing the door open.

Then, a loud, grating voice traveled from there to where we are, yelling at Marika’s guard that was probably standing by there.

“Huh? What do you mean she’s not here? Where will she go?! Step aside. I’ll go and pick her up. We’re having dinner at the mansion again tonight.”

Well, there’s no need to guess anymore. Just his voice was enough to announce his identity. Ichihara Jun

Marika’s eyes widened as she instantly recognized his voice. Her eyes looked at me with a hint of panic. She even pulled on my hand and tried to move us back to the door we entered from.

Is that a good idea? To escape back out. Maybe. However, that means we’ll have to give up on our initial plan.

Although showing myself is also not an option, we can just wait out here and then when he leaves after not finding her upstairs. Sure, he’s probably going to be pissed and will look for her furiously. But by the time he returns here, I will be long gone and... we’ll already be able to come up with a countermeasure.

I mean, even with his commanding tone out there, Ichihara Jun was still prevented from entering brusquely. It’s enough that he forcefully pushed the front door open but to barge in without giving so much as little regard to Marika as the one occupying this house, that guard was definitely doing his job to get offended for her sake.

Ah. I don’t know if that’s really the case but at least, in my experience, that’s how Hitomi or Suzuki-san will react if this girl is Otoha or Mizuki.

“Alright, senpai. I don’t know the ins and outs of your house but we can hide somewhere, right? Just until the other guy upstairs leaves. We can sneak in after that.” I soon said after calming down the girl.

Marika decisively nodded and tightly held onto my hand as she pulled me alone with her, “Yes... Follow me.”