Upon renting a huge enough private room that could accommodate us, we didn’t waste a second to come there.

Compared to the usual karaoke places where there’s only a narrow hallway leading to different rooms, this place had a huge square space inside while the rooms were arranged around it. There was also a set of stairs leading to more rooms.

In the middle of that square was some kind of lounge or rest area. Some customers that were mostly wearing the same uniform as us were passing the time there; drinking or eating something. Perhaps they’re those who wanted a getaway from the loud, karaoke noises inside their rented rooms or they just wanted to spend time with someone else alone. I mean, couples were flirting among them.

With this kind of interior design, the rooms’ privacy was a level higher than the usual karaoke places. Few idiots would intentionally peek at the room's window. And those going in wouldn’t necessarily have to pass by a lot of rooms before reaching the ones designated for them.

Furthermore, there are staff stationed on all corners. They kept watchful eyes on everyone. They’re also on standby in case customers would order something.

Since it’s a huge establishment, they’re not limited to drinks or snacks, they also offer a wider variety of food for their customers. We can get a pizza or even a cake.

All in all, in terms of customer service and privacy, this place was top-notch. It justified the higher price.

Anyway, we didn’t continue to that open space and instead took the stairs. Our rented room was located on the third floor.

It’s more expensive than the rooms on the first floor. But it doesn’t matter.

I coughed up some of what I saved from my part-time job to bridge the difference from the normal rate per person if we picked a normal room below.

Naturally, Ogawa and Tadano weren’t included. Who are they? I’m not that generous to idiots who were just antagonizing me recently. Only for my girls and the three juniors.

Ah. Right. Kikuchi was included. I guess it’s just my bias. There’s no reason for me to care for the guys, right?

Upon arriving there, I let the girls along with Umi and Kikuchi go in first. They each took their preferred spot in the set of three long couches arranged in a U-shape with a wide, square table in the middle.

They somewhat raced for a spot that would be close to me. Or at least, some of them did while the others didn’t really care about the sitting arrangement. Those bold enough would surely reach for me if they felt like it, after all.

It’s already kind of a miracle that they’re all behaving well this time. Either they didn’t want to bring us trouble in explaining our situation to the juniors or they were just biding their time in this dimly lit room. There would be a lot once we started our celebration.

“Ruu, here!”

With a wide grin on her lips which indicated how pleased she was for her extended opportunity of being acknowledged as my sole girlfriend in their juniors’ eyes, Nami excitedly tapped the open space between her and Saki.

Saki also smilingly waved at me before tapping the space they reserved for me just the same. Her previous reluctance to celebrate her special day had already been blown away. At the moment, she’s clearly enjoying this.

“This is my first time in a karaoke place.”

“You too, huh?”

At the side, Maaya and Hana’s voices reached my ears. Both of them were mindfully taking in the interior of the room. Like they said, this was their first time going to a karaoke place. Hana couldn’t be bothered back then while Maaya probably didn’t have the chance to do so. Even if someone invited her before or during her middle school days, most of her time was invested in training and learning how to become a proper heiress of the Itou Family.

In short, the two of them didn’t have that many chances to enjoy their youth but there’s a difference in their reasons. Hana refused to do so because of her early maturity while Maaya just had more important things on her plate.

Yep. It’s a good idea to bring them both with me. This way, they’ll also learn how to have fun in this kind of setting. Hopefully.

Too bad that I couldn’t bring Chii here. I got beaten by An-rin and Kushii. Those two dragged the girl with them to go window shopping. They’re probably somewhere within this business district at the moment. I even got a service from one of those two gyaru. An-rin sent me a photo of Chii trying out a swimsuit...

Yeah. That was a delicious treat.

Anyway, when I was about to come and join my girls, I noticed that Ogawa and Tadano stopped right before the door. It’s not that they’re taking their time to enter. On their faces was a hint of hesitation.

With their eyes fixed in front, they scanned the interior of the room before eventually focusing their eyes on me after a quick sweep on my girls who weren’t even paying attention to them.

I thought they were going to act up again. However, in the end, they didn’t say anything. Likewise, I also kept my mouth shut. There’s nothing to talk to them about, after all.

Is that it, perhaps?

After collecting information, an assumption was born in my head. And it’s probably not further from the truth.

The two idiots were hesitating because they knew... Or rather, they understood that the only reason they could be here with us was because of their two juniors; Mami and Nina.

If not for them, my girls wouldn’t even consider inviting them and just ditch them back in their clubroom.

Uh. Wait. My girls are too kind for that.

But that’s the gist of it.

At the moment, Ogawa and Tadano were clearly wondering whether they should proactively join this celebration or not.

Geez. Aren’t they pitiful?

If that’s the case, I couldn’t help but give them both a nod, albeit only in my head. And that nod is because of one thing in particular.

At long last, they’re finally beginning to understand their place.

What a great development, right?

Ah. No, Tadano already understood it way before, it’s just Ogawa who’s having his first character growth.

This had just proven that my anger blowing up on Taku today was really necessary to back him into a corner and push him into a new page of his very dull story.

“Eh? Senpai? What’s wrong?”

“Come on, let’s go in, Kazuo-senpai!”

Being literally next to the two, Nina and Mami immediately noticed the change in them. The former stepped in front of Tadano, closely observing his face while the latter hugged Ogawa’s arm and tried pulling him in with her.

Laughably at best, Tadano got so flustered by it that he instinctively leaned back because of how close Nina pushed forward. On the other hand, Ogawa remained rooted to his spot.

Too bad for her but Mami was only able to pull his arm and not his entire body.

Really, if they kept acting like this, the two would be disappointed.

Should I give them a push?

Ah. No. I could use this situation.

Setting aside joining my girls at the seat for a moment, I walked over to them.

First I addressed the two juniors, “Mami-chan and Nina, you can go inside first. I’ll bring them in after we talk for a bit.”

“Eh? What are you going to talk about? It’s not about girls, is it?” Nina suspiciously rolled her eyes at me but almost instantly, her lips stretched into a pleasant smile.

This girl. Is she already acting like a girlfriend for Tadano?

Anyway, I replied to that with a smirk.

“Of course. What else will we talk about? Look inside, we’re the only guys here. Isn’t it the norm to talk about our type so we won’t clash with each other?”

“Senpai, I had no idea you could joke like this. Are you not afraid of Nanami-senpai?”

“Yeah, you’re the worst, Onoda-senpai. That’s not it, right?”

Nina burst into a peal of laughter from my response while Mami who was silent at first leered at me while pouting.

Ogawa and Tadano were clueless about what was happening though. If I’m not wrong, they’re still trying to understand why I want to talk to them again.

In any case... I needed their cooperation this time.

After a few more laughs from Nina and Mami’s unimpressed musings, they eventually walked in, joining the other girls inside.

Once that happened, I stepped outside and told the two idiots to follow me.

As soon as the door closed behind us, I faced them and said, “Alright. There’s no need to frown. I’m not going to tell you to go home and leave us alone. That’s disrespectful. Instead... Can I ask the two of you to distract Mami and Nina? You know, right? Nami isn’t my only girl. I also want to spoil my other girls, especially Saki.”

Mhm. They’re going to be useful like this. To be a distraction so we won’t get caught.