The Fourth High School and every school affiliated with it aren’t known for their prowess in any sports or athletic abilities. Instead, the schools were more well known as something close to a preparatory high school for college.

One look at their library which had its own separate building was enough of a statement that most of their budget was allocated to procure the necessary books that could help every student on whatever course they were going to prepare for.

In fact, each of the libraries from its four schools could rival any city’s public library that students of various schools often go to.

And that’s why even if the Interhigh had a nice ring to it as well as a prominent reputation that would send any student excited for the prospect of their school, no one outside the Fourth High School expects them to excel or even qualify for the next stage. Even if passionate students were signing up for those clubs, the majority of students were just doing it as a hobby or a physical activity to develop their stamina and bodies. They would surely drop it once they stepped into college.

“Not only the baseball club, but the soccer, tennis, karate, and men’s basketball clubs all also lost their first matches and were eliminated from the Interhigh. And it’s only three hours after the opening. There will be more matches throughout the day. However, because of those losses, our students are now not that keen to come and watch.” Shio told me in a rather disheartened voice.

The fourth period has already ended and I’m currently in her private room. Well, it’s not planned but upon running into her after we finished eating our lunch, I followed her here after informing my girls.

Since we’re on the topic of Interhigh, Shio touched upon the news she’s receiving from the teachers who accompanied the clubs they’re advising.

“That’s depressing, to say the least. Even though no one is expecting them to win, did they even try to do so?”

“Of course, they did. Ruru, all of us have this trait of not wanting to lose. They practiced every day. Won’t they be clowning themselves if they didn’t take it seriously?”

“Fair point. Well, I don’t care about them. I’m only concerned about those I have a connection to. On that note, what about Eguchi-sensei? I have yet to hear from Satsuki but I believe their first match should be ending soon.”

Right. Because they had to continuously finish match after match, we would inevitably be missing some matches to watch. I already cheered for them through a video call earlier but I know that’s not enough. I’m only here hoping that they will survive the consecutive losses of our school.

As I was thinking that, Shio, who was snuggled up to me, puffed up her cheeks cutely. With her narrowed eyes as though I said something she didn’t like, she said,

“Ruru, can I be jealous if you mention another woman when you’re with me? Because I’m jealous of Eguchi-sensei right now.”

This... Which part is she jealous of? I didn’t say anything that would warrant that kind of reaction from her, right?

“Look at your eyebrows. You’re thinking that you did not do anything for me to be jealous, right? Hmph. Get used to it. Women are this unreasonable even if it’s just a mention of another woman, we can be jealous for no reason.”

Ah. So, that’s why... I didn’t need to think of a reason because there was none... This woman, she’s approaching her period, isn’t she?

“I’ll properly remember that. In the meantime... I can’t believe I can still discover this adorable side of you, Shio.”

With my lips stretching into a grin, I tightened my arms around her, cuddling her further.

Shio squirmed a bit but with my chin latching down on her shoulder, she eventually relaxed with only a pout remaining on her gorgeous face.

A moment later, she opened her mouth again, “You told me about how you’re already close to her, of course, I’ll be jealous if you suddenly mention her. Besides, shouldn’t your question be ‘What about the girl’s basketball club?’. Or if you mentioned Satsuki-chan instead, I won’t mind it that much.”

Maybe it’s because Eguchi-sensei isn’t officially mine yet so Shio acting like this was more than understandable. Besides, it’s rare to see my Shio acting this cute, right? It’s a waste not to play along and tease the hell out of her.

With that thought in mind, I stopped asking about the Inter-High and switched to teasing mode where I get to see my Shio getting flustered little by little. No matter how she tried to regain control by bringing up her three sides that I am already familiar with, she remained on the losing end of the stick.

And in the process of doing so, the room temperature gradually rose as Shio’s sweet-sounding moans echoed. Once again, the room became a witness to how passionate we could be.

Several minutes later, after wiping the sweat and the traces of what we just did, her sofa once again became our place to rest. We lay down on it while squeezed into each other’s embrace. Even though she's older, Shio was no different than my other girls whenever we’re alone. She always loves to be pampered by me.

Obviously, the times that she’s acting like a proper adult, trying to guide me and impart some valuable lessons were also significant. But nothing beats just being honest about our feelings, right?

Anyway, after catching her breath, Shio looked up at me, an indignant pout on her lips. Even without asking her, I could already understand what was going on in her mind.

I’m sure she’ll say something along the lines of...

“We went off track, Ruru!”

Ah. I didn’t even need to form those words in my head.

“We sure did. But it’s fine. It’s not like we lost a valuable time.”

“Ugh... I’m ashamed that even if I keep acting like an adult, you always get the better of me... Anyway, let’s get back on topic!” Shio mumbled that first part before raising the volume of her voice a bit for more impact.

There’s really no need to be ashamed. If anything, it’s because I know everything about her that no matter what we’re doing, I could always take the lead from her.

But she didn’t need to be reminded of that. She’s adorable like this, after all.

“Back on topic, huh? I only care about Satsuki and Eguchi-sensei’s club. So I guess we’re done with it... Oh. Wait. I’m also a little intrigued by how well the volleyball club will do. Their match has yet to start, right?”

“Uh. I haven’t memorized every schedule. I’ll ask the others for you later.”

Ah. Right. She’s not all-knowing. What she told me were also things she just heard from the other teachers. Well, it’s Sachi and Orimura-sensei. They’ll probably do well or not... I haven’t really followed the state of that club, after all.

“It’s fine. You don’t have to. We’re going there, anyway. But Shio, will you stay here?”

With the school day ending, it’s only for us students. I’m sure as working adults, they’re still required to stay here. Their job doesn't just consist of teaching students inside the classroom. There’s a lot more to do than that.

“What? You want a free ride?”

“Will we even fit in your car? I’m just concerned about you.”

“Heh... My Ruru acting like a proper boyfriend. No. You’re going to be my husband so... this is normal. Don’t worry. It’s the same work that I do every day. If I want to see you, I’m sure I can reach you anytime.” While showing a beautiful and pleasant smile, Shio lightly tapped my chest as she muttered her words of assurance.

A few seconds later, Shio looked like she remembered something, “Oh let me remind you this, Ruru. See the Director before meeting up with the others. Things might’ve been taken care of regarding Sugiyama but you still have the responsibility to see it through to the end.”

“Mhm. Thanks for the reminder, Shio.”

“Don’t be. I’m proud of my Ruru. I’ve experienced it. I know that you’ll do everything to protect us.”

Shio spoke from her heart. Like she said, because I even took up the responsibility of driving away that bastard ex-husband of hers, she already experienced how it is to be protected by me. That’s why she’s not saying anything about the method I used.

“Yes. But Shio, if there’s ever a time that you think what I did is excessive, don’t hesitate to scold or correct my way of thinking. I’ll protect all of you in any way I can but if the result becomes way more detrimental for us... we’re just going to lose out.”

I still think that beating him up is the right thing to do but I can’t deny that my emotion also got the better out of me right there. I acknowledged that there was a better solution to that problem yet I still did it.

Things turned out well this time but what about next time? I can’t always be quick to use violence even if it’s the right answer. I’m not the old Ruki now who won’t think about the repercussions of my decisions. And that’s why if there’s someone who I can rely on, it’s none other than the women in my life who also care a lot about my well-being. I’ll continue protecting them and they’ll do the same for me.

“Un. You can count on me, Ruru. For now, stay still, I’ll get my fix of your scent before I let you go.” Shio replied before burying her face in my chest again. Moments later, the sound of her sniffing me filled the room.