“Alright. I’ll look for you, senpai. Wait for me.”

Otsuka-senpai replied with a simple nod, her eyes avoiding mine as she concealed her face once again, a hint of uncertainty lingering in her posture.

Since I had committed myself to satisfying her curiosity, rejecting her was out of the question. However, if something more important came up that conflicted with it, I might set her aside again. Nevertheless, even if that were the case, I resolved to find a way to fulfill my promise to her one way or another.

It may sound complicated, but there's nothing to be done about it unless, of course, I eventually fall for her and bring her up to the same level of affection I have for my girls and those I deem important.

I tried to extract from her what she wanted to do with me tomorrow, but Otsuka-senpai didn't give me a definite answer. Still, the way her gaze traveled southward already spoke volumes, revealing an unspoken desire that added an intriguing layer to our interaction.

With that, we ended our conversation. I playfully teased her more, leaving her flustered before bringing her back to Arisa and the other girls.

Even though I have seen the full schedule for tomorrow, it's hard to say if I'll have the time to look for her. However, thinking back to everything that happened today wherein unexpected circumstances arose that opened the way for me to spend time with them, perhaps I could find a window to see her. And, as she mentioned, if it's impossible during the camp, she wanted me to look for her after it.

Following that, I made one last round to check on my girls before Juri and I continued on our way, leaving the gathering area for the second years.

With our destination set, it took a little while for us to arrive at the bridge connecting the two hills. Satsuki and Setsuna-nee were not in sight yet. We’re still ahead of them despite the delays that happened.

Juri and I found a spot to sit down. With nothing else to do while waiting, we engaged in some star-gazing, another moment we considered precious. The soft rustling of leaves, the distant chirping of crickets, and the warm glow of the night sky created a serene atmosphere for us, intensifying the significance of this moment.

Minutes later, Setsuna-nee and Satsuki showed up, wearing frowns and looking like they had an unpleasant experience during their patrol. Unlike their usual grumpy faces whenever they saw me, they were both fuming through their noses.

Curiosity piqued, I approached them instead of waiting for them to reach us.

As always, Satsuki immediately jumped into my arms, burying her face on my chest. On the other hand, Setsuna-nee groaned, avoiding direct eye contact with me.

"What happened? Your faces look like you both stepped on something unpleasant," I asked, comforting Satsuki with head pats and gentle caresses.

With Satsuki’s mouth practically blocked, my question was directed to her short-stacked sister.

Setsuna-nee pursed her lips, holding back her rage. "Some idiots thought we were an easy target… Ugh. I don’t want to recall their ugly mugs again."

Upon hearing that, my eyebrow naturally raised as I felt my rage bubbling up.

Someone dared to pick on them? Looks like I have to teach another group a lesson.

"Is that true?" This time, I directed my question to Satsuki. She didn’t answer verbally but her head moved, indicating a nod.

At this point, Juri also approached them, and having heard what Setsuna-nee said, she inquired for more details.

"Those idiots. They’re not students, are they?"

"Yeah. We found three unpleasant frogs hounding a group of first-year girls. We stopped them, and they switched their targets to us."

Ah, that’s right. Most first years feared Satsuki because of her usual resting face. Given that she’s known to be close to me, no one would dare hit on her. Only ignorant idiots would even think of trying.

Every word that left Setsuna-nee’s mouth was filled with rage. If she’s this pissed, they must’ve been difficult to handle. Moreover, Satsuki was also acting like this.

"Setsuna-nee-san. Where are they? Since you’re still angry… it happened on your way here, right?"

"Huh? What are you going to do? Run to them and demand an apology?"

"Apology? No. If they dared to pick on you and Satsuki, an apology wouldn’t be enough. I’ll send them back to where they came from."

"Oi. Those are three adults! Don’t even try. Nothing happened anyway. A professor showed up, and they backed away."

I furrowed my brow at her attempt to dissuade me but my protective instinct already kicked, “I don’t care even if they’re thugs or delinquent. Just seeing you this angry is enough for me to be triggered. Don’t worry, I can handle them with ease.”

I understand her concern but I don’t think it can stop me.

Still, before setting off, I glanced at Juri to see if she was also going to stop me. She’s also concerned but she’s more understanding why I want to run after those three. She put a hand on my shoulder and said, “If that’s what you decided then just be careful, Ruki. Also, don’t overdo it or you’ll be troubling yourself.”

“Thanks for the reminder. I won’t overdo it. A punch or two should be enough to knock them out, no?” I clenched my fist to show it off to them.

Juri didn't do anything else. But Setsuna-nee appeared frustrated. She shook her head, understanding she wouldn’t be able to dissuade me anymore.

I’m aware that I am being unreasonable this time. I even sounded a little conceited… And maybe that’s the reason why Setsuna-nee was this concerned to stop me. Unfortunately, I already set my mind to it.

Satsuki who’s still nestled in my chest also reacted, but unlike her sister, she just said one thing, “I didn’t get to kick their balls. Do that for us, Ruki.”

And there… Their collective sentences have dropped.

“Alright. Wait for me here. I’ll be back soon.”

Upon saying that, I withdrew her from my embrace and stepped to the side to chase after those idiots.

Setsuna-nee blocked my way but when I thought she was going to stop me again, she surprisingly provided more details about them.

“They’re all taller than Satsu-chan. Don’t underestimate them. Also, I never thought you’d be this reckless. Just come back to us safe and sound.”

“You won’t scold me anymore?”

“I will. But that has to wait! Now go. Run if you want. We’ll follow and watch over you.”

“That’s reassuring,” I smirked which made her puff her cheeks again. Before she could form a rebuttal, I already sprinted away, following the direction that they pointed at.

Feeling the cold, biting wind on my face wasn’t enough to cool down my rage. Even if they failed, just the fact that they attempted was more than enough reason for me to act like this. I mean, that’s what happened earlier, right?

Thankfully, it didn’t take long for me to spot the idiots. Even though they said they’d already been chased away, I found them treading the path straight to us.

Yeah… They were probably trying to follow Satsuki and Setsuna-nee.

Upon seeing me sprinting, they paid no attention to me. Most likely thinking that I wasn’t running to get them.

But as soon as I stopped a few steps before them, the one at the front immediately scowled at me. His ugly mug was truly horrendous. No wonder Setsuna-nee didn’t want to recall it again.

Before any of them could even spout some bullshit nonsense like asking who I am or what I am blocking them for, my feet ejected from the ground, hitting that one ugly idiot right on his stomach.

Although there’s not much momentum to that kick, catching him unaware hurled him backward, crashing against the two behind him.