It’s been around ten minutes since we walked out of the school gate and with a set destination, we didn’t need to run or hurry over to it. That’s why we’re having a leisure walk, enjoying this free time bestowed upon us.

Even for us, it’s rare to have this kind of moment where we can just pass the time walking side by side without thinking about anything else.

That aside, given that our next plan after the celebration was to watch Satsuki's next game, I constantly checked my phone for new messages. Furthermore, I also started sending some to those who I failed to meet earlier; like a certain golden ringlet girl.

It's actually within my plan to visit her in between my visits to my girls but that changed when she sent me a message, telling me that she's leaving early.

At first, I thought she was compromised because of what happened between us last night. But that worry was unnecessary. She took the time to call me, informing me of the reason for it.

It's not anything special, really. It's actually the same as us, she got roped in to go and watch and cheer for our schoolmates at Interhigh alongside some of the teachers, classmates and followers.

Right. I'll probably see Marika there during the Basketball Club's next match. Hopefully.

And speaking of Basketball Club, Satsuki informed me earlier that their first match ended in an easy victory for them. She mentioned their team dominated the opponent and there was no need to substitute her in. But to give her some experience and allow the second years who didn’t even manage to play last year in an official match, Eguchi-sensei and their seniors let them in at the start of the second half.

Naturally, their lead didn’t grow wider due to the clear skill difference between the third and second years or those in the starting lineup and those who are not. Nonetheless, with Satsuki at the helm, they still did a good job protecting their lead until they passed the baton back to the starting lineup who finished the first game wonderfully.

Somehow, with the way Satsuki described her first official match, I couldn't help but find it a shame to not witness it. It must've been an exciting match.

Anyway, that message was actually sent a little late because they’re all rejoicing about that first win. Satsuki couldn’t find the right moment to slip away. And likewise, I failed to read it right away because my focus was on other things like ‘cuddling Shizu’.

This time, fortunately, I managed to catch her message right at the same time as she sent it.

“Ruki, our next match will be in two hours. It’s the last for today. If we win this, tomorrow will be the semifinals and also the qualification match for the prefectural level.”

Along with an animated sticker of a girl with bright, cheerful eyes who’s clenching her fist, Satsuki’s most recent message read as that.

Somehow, I could imagine her image doing the same pose as that sticker but with her lips pouting while staring at me, waiting for the moment I pat her head or hug her.

“Alright. We’ll be there to cheer for you. I can’t miss my Satsuki’s highlights.” I quickly typed in my reply and hit send.

But no matter how lightning-fast I was, the girl reading it and replying was proven quicker.

“Shameless idiot, I think I can become an MVP if you’re watching.”

“Oh? Now that’s something I can really see happening. I’ll do my best to cheer for you then. I’ll drown out the voices in that court.”

Because the format was a single elimination bracket, their next opponent will be stronger than the one they had just beaten. It wouldn’t be wrong to assume that the ones they met were at the bottom of the rankings and the next one would be one of the contenders for the city-level title.

It would definitely be challenging for them. That’s where their passion and the result of their training would be tested.

“Yeah. If it’s you, I can imagine you doing that exactly. That’s the kind of idiot you are.”

“Of course, if it’s for my Satsuki, the sky's the limit.”

“Sure. Sure. Even here, your glib tongue is doing its job. What will you say next? You can scoop out the moon for me? Yeah, right.”

“Oh. Let me take note of that and use it next time.”

From there, our conversation flowed naturally. Even if it’s just through messages, it still feels like we’re just next to each other, cuddled up in one corner to pass the time.

When we finished, I pocketed my phone and turned my attention back to my girls, informing them of the details I got from Satsuki.

However, while they were thrilled at hearing the news, Nami had her brows furrowed and immediately poked my cheek. That’s her expressing her dissatisfaction with me. Likewise, the others surrounding me were the same. They looked like they were about to scold me but limited themselves to pinching my cheek and nose or tugging the sleeves of my uniform.

It's really a blessing that I was surrounded by them or this would probably be a baffling sight for the other people.

And after recalling what might be the reason for their behavior, a light bulb lit up in my head.

Yeah. I deserved it, I guess.

It’s certainly not because I busied myself chatting with Satsuki. It’s because of my own carelessness. While I was busy talking to the girl, I almost tripped once for not watching the road.

If not for them surrounding me, I would’ve gotten into an accident already.

They really waited until I finished talking with the girl before expressing their dissatisfaction. Really, how much more consideration will they pick up from me? In any case, I’m really lucky to have them, right?

“Idiot Ruu. You really have a knack to worry us. Even if your concentration isn’t on us, keep an eye out in front of you.” Nami sighed, expressing their collective thoughts. Looking around, the others were either nodding their heads at that statement or sighing just the same.

On my left, Saki also expressed her thoughts but in a more subtle way; holding my hand and entwining her fingers together. Since Nami already said what she wanted to say, she jumped to secure my safety instead. With our hands locked like this, she would either be dragged on my fall if I tripped again or become the post that would prevent it.

It didn’t end with just that. Nami hugged my arm, securing it in the middle of her valley. Arisa moved to my front, blocking the space where I would theoretically fall over. And lastly, Maaya pressed herself behind me, her arms naturally locked me in her embrace.

If Ogawa’s group tried to look behind them, there’s no doubt that I’d be caught surrounded like this. Mami and Nina would not just be surprised, they would be shocked at the sight.

However, with those two girls doing their best to engage them in their own conversations, it’s probably impossible.

There’s an exception though. Umi, who was among our group, was already looking at us. I could see the fascination in her eyes alongside a hint of confusion.

I would probably have to talk to her later. Not to explain this sight but to simply sound out what’s in her mind.

Anyway, just like this, while secured inside the formation of my girls who were worrying about their idiot boyfriend, our leisurely yet awkward walk continued.

Soon enough, our scenery changed as we entered the shopping district. The same place where I brought Nami for a short date before going to her house back then. This was also the place where I went to karaoke with Kana or walked around with Satsuki.

Given that the number of people swelled to the point that it was almost crowded here, the girls already let go of me except for Nami.

I mean, it wouldn’t be worth our trouble if we gathered too much attention here. There’s no value in it on top of not having a reason to flaunt our complex relationship.

That aside. Earlier, having decided on an impromptu celebration, the places we could pick as a venue for it were extremely limited.

Furthermore, being students with most of us still dependent on the allowances given by our parents, reserving a luxurious restaurant for it was unaffordable for us.

That’s why when considering the venue of this celebration, Saki was given the exclusive right to choose. It’s her birthday, after all. She’s the boss today.

Although Hina also celebrated her birthday a few days back, that girl was more than happy for Saki with this.

As for the place that Saki picked, it’s something that everyone was also expecting.

A large enough place where she could easily get away from sticking as close to me as possible. Or in short, a dimly lit karaoke place. One that could accommodate ten or more people without being disturbed by anyone outside our group.

“We’re here,” announced Shizu as we all stopped with our steps.

In front of us, there’s the daunting three-floor establishment that looked more like something you’d see in a bigger city but it’s here. It’s also a different karaoke place than the one I went to with Kana.

At the moment, the place was bustling with customers coming in and going out.

Obviously, it’s not only us who decided to come and gather in this kind of place.

Since we were all given precious free time, students from our school also came here to enjoy it. Some of them already recognized us but upon seeing our seemingly all-star roster, few people dared to stare at us.

Well, no matter. It’s not like it’s going to be a big deal. It will be a rumor, sure but what of it?

“Alright. Let’s go in then…” Stepping forward alongside Saki and Nami, we walked past Ogawa’s group of four and led everyone inside.