For the next ten minutes, we stayed at the same place, just sharing about things that happened on both our ends. I got to hear her talk about some stories in her work, like those bold online students who were trying to get her number or address, making a pass like she’d take them seriously. Whenever someone would do that, she would give them a -5 in their grades. She’s letting it slide if it’s a girl though.

Well, that’s fair. But I could tell she told me that because she’s annoyed at the constant attempts of those idiots. When I told her I could appear in her lesson, it took her a few minutes before shaking her head, saying she’d rather not let those girls see me, it’s not like those boys could even get a chance with her.

Yep. In the end, she became more concerned about the other girls seeing me. That’s Kazuha-nee for you. Always pretending to be aloof when she’s really possessive. Not that I minded.

After that, I told her the mountainous schedule I have, leading to the Cultural Festival. Although she’s already aware of most of it, when I mentioned having Yue perform, she stared at me as if I were a lost cause.

I asked her why and her answer was quite reasonable. She said I might underestimate Yue’s popularity. Even if it’s a surprise performance, who knows how the crowd would react? Furthermore, given that there was also a plan of leaving clues about it on the internet, those keen fans would surely notice and the venue might become more chaotic.

I guess I have to talk to Kaoru-san about it. Make sure that nothing will go wrong.

Soon enough, as much as we wanted to stay longer, she had a deadline for the lesson.

And so, we reluctantly left the park and, as always, even though she told me not to, I escorted her to their house. Just that, we pretended not to have anything to do with each other, like I was just a junior whom she ran into. After all, their entire neighborhood knew me as Hina’s boyfriend. If I acted frivolously around her and made them suspect that I was cheating, it could affect not only Kazuha-nee’s reputation but also Hina’s. Furthermore, they’d be out for my blood if that happens.

Anyway, Kazuha-nee also understood that, so she perfectly acted as an older sister who kept teasing someone younger than her.

She glanced at me before smirking, "Shameless guy, stop acting like I’ve taken advantage of you. Or I’ll kick your ass."

"Am I acting like that, Kazuha-nee? But well, I won’t mind being kicked by you," I grinned as I watched her enter the gates.

At this point, even if Ogawa saw us, I couldn’t care less anymore. For sure, he’d confront me again but Kazuha-nee would be there to stop him. Even if he thinks I’ve been tricking his ’Aneki’, Kazuha-nee would still defend me.

Actually, it’s better for him to continue being ignorant of our relationship. That way, he won’t have to suffer the complicated feelings of knowing the truth that I’ve also gotten my hands on his supposed to be peerless Aneki.

Ogawa would probably cry if he knew.

I waited for a minute after she disappeared into their house before moving away. Since I was already in the neighborhood, I stopped by next door to check on Hina.

I already had a prepared reason for showing up like this. Hina went with the girls to shop for materials while I stayed behind for my Disciplinary Committee duty so I couldn’t escort her home.

After greeting her parents, who tried to invite me in, I respectfully declined, saying it was already late.

Then, Hina ran out from inside, looking a little flushed, probably from rushing, with her damp hair clinging to her neck. She must’ve just finished bathing.

With a pleasant smile on her lips, she ran into my arms, causing her parents to shake their heads, telling us to tone it down since we’re outside. After that, they went back in, leaving us alone.

"Let me guess, you went to meet Kazuha-nee, right?" With an inquisitive glint in her eyes, Hina cheekily pinned me with the question.

"You know I won’t hide that from you, right? I just escorted her back and since I’m already here... I want to make sure you arrive home safely."

"Geez. I’m getting jealous, Ruki. Earlier, Saki got you all to herself. And now, Kazuha-nee. When will I get my turn?" Hina pouted, her fingers tracing circles on my chest despite the playful accusation in her voice.

I caught her wrist, pulling it up to press a kiss against her fingertips. "You have me right now, don’t you?"

"Hmph. This isn’t enough."

"Mhm. I know. I also feel that this isn’t enough. It’s been a while since I pampered you properly."

"At least you know..." Her pout eased a bit but the girl clearly wasn’t that satisfied yet.

I leaned down to kiss her before whispering, "I have a plan. Do you want to hear it?"

"What is it?"

"Should I use this chance to get your parents’ permission... you know, to allow you to sleep over one of these days?"

They shouldn’t be that against it. After all, on her birthday, they allowed us to be alone in her room. Of course, there was Kazuha-nee back then, whom they entrusted to watch over us. Even though she failed spectacularly and ended up getting tangled with me as well, it was still a form of permission.

So, if I asked them if she could stay over at my place, if I bring up having Kazuha-nee there as well, they might just agree again, right?

However, that will only work if Kazuha-nee can continue to fool them that she’s not as involved with me as she actually is.

Hina blinked, her lips curling into a sly smirk as she leaned closer, pressing her damp hair against my neck. "You’re really planning to trick my parents into thinking Kazuha-nee will chaperone us, keeping them in the dark that you’ve already gotten your hands on her too?"

The girl giggled in amusement, "Un. This is why I fell for your tricks too. You’re better at scheming than I am."

"Come on, you’re still an expert. But you’re holding yourself back these days. So, it fell on my shoulder to create an opportunity for you." I grinned while gently squeezing her waist.

Hina pinched my side sharply but she couldn’t hide how pleased she was already, "Scheming guy. You just want to have us both at your place without interruptions."

"Ah. You caught me." I acted hurt, pressing a hand to my chest while keeping my other arm firmly around Hina’s waist.

The streetlight above us flickered, casting playful shadows across her mischievous expression.

"Really, you’re lucky we love you a lot or you won’t get away with all this."

"Mhm. I always remind myself of how lucky I am to be with all of you." Upon saying that, I kissed her again, this time a little bit longer than the last, savoring this moment.

When our lips separated, I asked her, "So? Should I enact the plan? Tonight?"

Hina tapped her chin thoughtfully, then gave me a slow, deliberate smile. "No. Not tonight, idiot Ruki. They know we’re busy with the Cultural Festival."

"You’re right. I also have to convince Kazuha-nee too. You know her, she’s going to act like she doesn’t want to when in fact, she’s possibly already thinking about moving in with me soon." I chuckled while tucking a damp strand of hair behind Hina’s ear, watching moonlight catch in the droplets clinging to her collarbone.

Well, she did say that earlier, right?

"Un. It’s possible. You’re such a menace. Making her fall in love with you so quickly." 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

"Quickly? I don’t think so. But perhaps that’s how it appears to others. Let’s just say we get along well and it’s not difficult for us to click ever since our first meeting."

Hina rolled her eyes, acting unimpressed, "Yeah, right. My Ruki is so great that even the great Kazuha-nee cannot escape. Truly, I’m amazed."

"Flatterer," I pinched her nose lightly before glancing toward her house, where her parents were pretending not to peek through the curtains. "We should wrap this up unless you want them to hear what we’re discussing."

She sighed dramatically before stepping back. But not before slipping her hand into my pocket to fish out my phone. With quick movements, she tapped in a reminder before handing it back with a sly wink.

"There. I scheduled your scheming time. Next week, come pick me up. Bring flowers if you want it to work."

"Got it. See you tomorrow." I grinned as I read the note she left that says, leave convincing her parents to her.

"Un. Take care, Ruki." Hina tiptoed for one more kiss before finally turning around. When she reached the door, she waved at me, donning her most beautiful smile.

I restrained the urge to run and pick her up and waited until she disappeared inside before looking up, specifically the window to Ogawa’s room.

Sure enough, the guy had been watching. His silhouette was unmistakable. I gave him a slow, deliberate wave before grinning when his curtains snapped shut.