After Hina, Saki came up to me next. When I told her the same answer as I gave Nami and Hina, she told me she brought her swimsuit with her, and she could put it on later for me to see.

Mhm... She’s growing from a simple chance-taker to creating her own opportunity. Hina, on the other hand, was becoming a little dull with her schemes. Although I was probably the reason for that. After all, she probably found it useless to hatch up a scheme when a simple word from her would get me to pay more attention to her. Just that, she’s still hesitant about using that kind of privilege.

Anyway, I agreed with Saki’s proposal, making the girl beam in delight before returning to their discussions.

Freed again, I used that time to send a message to Sumire and Umi, finally making them breathe a sigh of relief that I hadn’t been ignoring them. Also, I came out clean that I was planning to tease them.

Sumire complained to me about how I was unfair for doing that. So I told her I’d make it up to her later when they arrived at our school. They’re still coming to help out, after all.

As for Umi, the shy girl thanked me for the compliment but when I asked her when I could see it in person, it took her a few minutes to reply. Most likely, she didn’t know how to answer. But knowing how bold she could be, the moment she replied, I could already guess how she would answer.

“I’ll bring it with me tomorrow. Senpai only has to bring me somewhere private. It’s only for your eyes.”

Mhm. That girl. I can’t help but feel a little guilty. Her purity is being corrupted by me. Nevertheless, I can also understand that it’s still her decision in the end, and declining it after she has already resolved herself on doing something will only be disrespectful.

And so, I told her I’m looking forward to it.

Aside from those two, Nina was also demanding my opinion on her swimsuit. Well, she truly went all-out in making her look so enticing for me. She even made sure her pristine neck was highlighted.

Since she’s also coming over later, I decided to reply to her in person instead.

After handling the messages, I walked over to Aya, who had already joined Shimura’s group.

Naturally, I let the boys do their own thing. I mean, apart from a few, everyone will just be uncomfortable with my presence.

Like this, the remaining school hours soon passed by and the students started cleaning up in preparation for club activities or heading home.

Satsuki had basketball practice again so she left first, not waiting for me to escort her again. It’s her considerate way again.

Nami and the others also headed out with Aya and Hana. Saki winked at me, hinting at my promise earlier.

Of course, I didn’t forget it.

Lastly, I waited for Mio and Chii with An-rin and Kushii as a tag-along. Well, I shouldn’t call them that anymore, right?

While waiting, I leaned against the doorframe, watching the four girls tidy and pack up. Mio was meticulously arranging her stationery while Chii hummed jovially, tucking stray strands of hair behind her ear. Kushii was putting away the last of their craft materials while An-rin had long finished and was already glancing my way, looking like she wanted to come over and nag at me again but she’s afraid she would once again fall into my rhythm.

Seeing that, I couldn’t help but feel the urge to tease her again. And so, I gestured for her to come over.

An-rin hesitated at first, glancing at Mio, Chii, and Kushii, who were still preoccupied with their things. After a few seconds of internal debate, she finally dragged her feet toward me.

"W-what is it, Onoda-han? Like, what do you want?" An-rin cautiously probed.

She looked a lot less like the usual chaotic gremlin and more like a tamed duckling when she stood before me. Her eyes kept shifting sideways, and her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her uniform.

"Nothing, just wondering why you’re hesitating to come over. What? Do you still feel awkward around me?" I said, flicking her forehead lightly.

"Ow! Like, rude!" She rubbed the spot, puffing her cheeks. "Not feeling awkward, no way! Just...ugh. You’re, like, totally unpredictable. Who knows what you’d do, perv lord?!"

I grinned, recalling how she kept muttering ’perv lord’ under her breath ever since the sleepover. I cannot blame her for that though. I’m truly a pervert.

"Unpredictable, huh? Guess that makes you my little duckling following me around without knowing why."

"Little duckling?! Like, excuse you! I ain’t following you anywhere, perv lord!"

I stretched my arm out and the girl instantly flinched as she closed her eyes. But much to her surprise, I only ruffled her hair roughly, making her well-groomed curls turn into a messy fluff. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

"Wha... hey! Like, stop ruining my hair!" An-rin squirmed, batting at my hand uselessly. Her cheeks puffed up adorably, reminding me of an angry chick.

"Alright. Your duck impression is improving," I noted casually, pinching her cheek now.

"Kii, are you bullying An-rin? That’s my job." Chii’s voice cut through An-rin’s indignant squawking as she materialized behind the girl. Kushii and Mio also drifted over, their expressions varying degrees of amused exasperation.

An-rin instantly latched onto Chii’s sleeve like a lifeline. "Like, finally! Save me from this perv lord!"

Chii smirked and walked over to my side. "Too bad. I’m siding with Kii today."

An-rin’s jaw dropped comically. "T-traitor! Like, totally!"

The girl huffed indignantly as she glared at me. Next to her, Kushii silently giggled but I could tell that there was a hint of envy in her eyes. After all, I kept teasing An-rin while I always acted gentler with her.

Anyway, Mio just shook her head, pretending to look exasperated but she’s also hiding a smile.

The five of us left then left together for the Club Building. An-rin kept grumbling under her breath about ’unfair alliances’ while Chii clung to my arm with a satisfied expression. Mio took my other side and Kushii just followed behind us with her gyaru friend.

Upon reaching our destination, I separated from them on the second floor. An-rin and Kushii would go and join the others at the Literature Club, while Mio and Chii would be lining up for the disbursement of our class’s festival budget.

I would be going there too, of course but I had someplace to be first.

Turning the corner, I made my way to the Student Support Club for Arisa and Izumi. The former immediately brightened when she saw me before smirking playfully, while the latter just rolled her eyes and pretended not to see me.

Well, they’re also waiting for my reply to their swimsuit snaps so I can understand Izumi’s reaction.

Since Ogawa and his ilk weren’t around yet, I seized the opportunity to pull Arisa into a quick embrace from behind which the girl welcomed immediately by leaning back against me. "Geez, you’re being cheeky again, Ruki. Leaving us on read? And to think I was excited to show you my swimsuit."

Izumi snorted without looking up from her paperwork. "Don’t indulge him, Arisa. That shameless guy would not stop teasing us. He’s probably enjoying watching us squirm."

"But you’re not squirming, Izumi. Should I give you a hug too?" I teasingly called out as I released Arisa to approach Izumi’s desk. The girl finally looked up with narrowed eyes before deliberately turning her chair away. "Touch me and lose a finger."

Arisa giggled before jumping on my back, wrapping her arms around my neck. "Izumi’s just sulking because she’s been anticipating your reaction to her erotic bikini. She picked it just for you."

Izumi’s pen stilled against the paper. "Erotic?! As if! It’s a normal one! And you... If you’ve seen it. At least say something."

"Heh. See, Ruki. She didn’t deny that she wanted your reaction. Stop teasing her already." Arisa teased while also playfully showering my neck with kisses.

This girl. Does she want me to focus on her or Izumi? Either way, since I’m already here, I might as well tease them both.