Like I promised, I helped Otsuka-senpai settle down after introducing her to my girls who formed a group to ward off any guys who’d even try their luck in getting close to them.

In any case, that introduction was possible the first time I’ve seen her that nervous. The combination of Shizu and Haruko was too much for her. Her usually dazzling eyes which seemed to hold all the curiosity in the world became sullen as she tried her best to not meet their eyes.

That amused the two girls but for her sake, they didn’t press on to tease her.

Mina and Izumi had a similar reaction though. They’re both looking at me as though I was bullying the curious girl for bringing her to them.

When I guided her to a seat, if not for Arisa providing backup by pulling her to her side, Otsuka-senpai would probably hold onto my sleeves and not let me leave her alone. That would gather more attention to us if that happened.

Anyway, since they’re from the same class, they already had a few interactions. Although it’s not enough to say that they’re close, Otsuka-senpai's nervousness lessened with the presence of the familiar presence of Izumi and Arisa.

Ah. No. It’s only Arisa. She’s quite afraid of the fake delinquent, because you know, she always kept her act as one. The only girl she was warming up to in their class was Arisa who, more often than not, was the one popping up on her side. The other delinquent wannabe girls from that group chat I once spied on her phone were from different classes. And obviously, she’s not as close to them as Arisa. That’s why her public image is more on the negative side and a lot of girls avoid getting involved with her.

I talked to her about that already but she wanted to keep that up. Arisa also attempted to convince her, however, she’s a stubborn girl. For Izumi, it’s enough that she could be herself in their circle and when she’s with me.

With Arisa taking the lead in their conversation, she expertly transformed the nervousness of Otsuka-senpai into excitement.

What kind of method did she use? Nothing. There’s no sophisticated method. She simply used me as their topic. I guess when it comes to the girls around me, making me their topic will always be extremely effective.

I’m flattered. Maybe, I would blush if they kept on praising me like Juri. Thankfully, their topic was all about my shamelessness or silliness which could draw laughter from everyone.

Apart from Arisa, since Izumi and Mina couldn’t just continue glaring at me, the two of them joined in halfway. They even kindly reminded Otsuka-senpai to be careful around me or else, she’ll be corrupted.

When Otsuka-senpai somewhat innocently answered that she was halfway there, Izumi helplessly patted her shoulder as though she was giving her condolences.

I guess they’re trying to save her from falling into my clutches, huh? Or they just didn’t want another rival for my attention. Whichever the case, the way they looked up at me as though they were waiting for me to be flustered was so adorable that I almost forgot that we were in the middle of all the second-year students. If not for that, I could see myself walking up to them and putting them in my arms again.

Moving on. Like I previously thought, Arisa and Izumi confirmed that Otsuka-senpai is among the most popular girls in their class. She’s known as the girl whose curiosity can never be satiated. Even boys are afraid of those purple eyes that will always be dazzling. Every time someone in their class brings up a topic new to her, Otsuka-senpai will always be there to hear it even if she’s not originally part of their conversation.

Obviously, that behavior was also seen as problematic by some but according to the duo, the general consensus regarding the overly curious was still positive. A lot was fond of her. Not to mention, she’s beautiful enough to have a lot of admirers hoping to date her.

When they said that, I stared at the girl and found her proudly smirking as if she was considering that as an achievement. Or maybe, she also wanted to check on my reaction.

Really, it must be fun to have her in class. I mean, she’s already like an excited bunny who keeps on hopping in our club, after all.

A few minutes later, since Juri and I had to leave soon, I urged the curious girl to share what she wanted to share with me.

At first, she was cautious about the other girls’ attention to her but thanks to Arisa staying by her side, she eventually stopped minding their interest in her – in fact, it flipped and she became curious about everyone, including Haruko’s group and Juri.

She reeled it in though. That’s an improvement, to say the least. If she was the same as before, she’d probably forget what she wanted to share with me and spend her time going around my girls, asking them questions to satiate her overflowing curiosity regardless of how they would react.

Apparently, she’s been having a good time accompanying her friends these past few days. From karaoke, bowling alley, batting center, and movie theater, they brought her there to have fun. She even suggested that we also go do the same thing someday which Arisa supported.

Apart from that, there was one thing that she insisted on sharing only with me…

I stared at her, observing the little changes in her expression and bodily movements. From what I gathered from that, she truly would rather not tell me about it if I also insist on having her say it with the girls listening in.

Then I checked on my girls, or in particular, Arisa and Izumi who were next to her. They both nodded considerately before urging the girl to stand up and approach me.

Looking like she was gathering her courage, Otsuka-senpai took a deep breath before coming up to me, grabbing my wrist, and dragging me to the side where the sound would be drowned out by the noises in the area.

She then stood close to me and whispered without looking at me directly, “Hey, Onoda-kun… Can you promise me not to tell anyone about this? I’d like this to be only between us.”

“Is there a reason why? You see, I can’t simply promise without enough context. Also, why me? Aren’t you closer to Kana and Rumi?”

Since she sounded serious, I thought it must’ve been so important to her that she didn’t want to share it with anyone else but me. It’s making me wonder what kind of secret it will be.

Noticeably, Otsuka-senpai hesitated. Is she not confident? I don’t know. Or maybe it’s too embarrassing for her.

“… Uhm. This concerned my curiosity. The one you promised to fulfill.”

I see. No wonder… So, it’s about that. Did she experience something related to it? Since this concerns her experience for the past few days that she didn’t come to the clubroom, it probably happened in between those other fun activities she did.

“Alright. Then I promise… No one will be able to find out about it.”

“G-great… Uhm. One of my friends asked me if I have someone I’m seeing. I kind of say yes while thinking about you. You see, they’re planning to go together with their boyfriends next. If I don't bring someone, one of the boys will bring another guy to be my partner.”

“I see. You’re being roped in on a group date. And in the heat of the moment, you said you have a boyfriend. You cannot back out now so… you wanted to ask me if I can come with you… Is that correct, senpai?”

“Un. That’s pretty much it… I can still turn them down if you don’t want to though…”

“I can go as long as it won’t clash with my plans for that day. But senpai, let me be clear on one thing…”

“What is it?”

“You said this concerns your curiosity. I don’t know how asking me to be your date relates to it.”

“Ah… It’s because… Uhm. Don’t laugh at me, okay?” If earlier she was only embarrassed because of the thought of being put in the grill by my girls, this time, a streak of crimson instantly occupied her face as though she couldn’t say the words directly. But after a while, maybe after coming to terms with it, she gripped on my shirt, pressed her lips close to my ear, and whispered, “They asked me if we’ve done it already. You know, sex… And I answered ‘yes’. They’re going to ask us about it if you come. They want us to give them advice…”

This… How should I react to that? She’s a curious girl and will do anything to satiate her curiosity. Despite that, she’s careful enough to not push it too far.

So, how did she blunder twice on the same occasion? Telling them that she’s dating someone and admitting that she already climbed the stairs of adulthood with that said boyfriend…

No wonder she didn’t want any of my girls to hear about this. Her head would be put on a spike.