Chapter 611 - Purposely Getting Left Behind

When I arrived at their clubroom and after Saki took her chance at the door, their whole group was already about to leave.

Nami and Shizu were also here. Nami told me that she’d wait here and we’re going to walk with them to their bus stop. However, for our plan today, she’s not going to ride the bus with them. We’re going to wait for the next one after they leave or if not the next, at least a different bus than them.

Shizu, on the other hand, told me not to pick her up at the Student Council since she’s going straight here as soon as she’s done reporting to Hayashi-sensei.

“Alright. He’s here. Let’s go.” Shizu announced as she stood up from her seat as soon as I appeared from the door.

Hina then soon followed, dragging Kikuchi with her. When our gazes met, the girl had a subtle smile on her lips directed to me. If I had to guess, she’s aware that today... I will be going with Nami.

And after that, Nami grabbed my arm, confidently showcasing our relationship to everyone, pulling off the bud that was probably growing in the coward Ogawa’s heart.

With Shizu taking the helm to get them all back together, I clearly noticed how the atmosphere in this room wasn’t as restrained as before, even with my arrival.

Well, it might be because they’re afraid of Shizu but at least, no one’s barking and no one’s glaring at me anymore.

As for Izumi and Arisa-senpai, they’re here and... just looking at how the former couldn’t look at me and the latter had a guilty but determined expression on her face, my guess that they decided to keep their distance from me was somehow proven.

To not make it awkward for them, my eyes didn’t linger on their side. I just focused on Nami at the moment while also checking out Saki, Shizu and Hina.

None of my girls told me that Arisa-senpai approached them. Either she’s not planning to convince them today or she just didn’t want to do it anymore.

In any case, that’s probably good for them... Rather than be entangled with me, they should just stay away...

Although I felt really bad that it’s what they decided, I made sure to control my expression and not let the same thing as earlier happen.

It’s enough that Misaki caught me with that kind of expression and she managed to cheer me up.

It’s Nami’s time so... I adjusted my mindset to focus on her.

-

-

A few minutes later, the group, with Shizu at the lead, arrived at the bus stop.

Nami and I intentionally slowed down our steps which put us at the back.

Once the bus arrived, Shizu led everyone inside again and when our turn came, Nami put on a shocked expression as she acted as if she’s rummaging through the contents of her bag.

And with a surprised expression, she raised her head, “M-my PE uniform. I... I forgot it in the classroom!”

“Huh? Forget it. It will not disappear there. Or let Onoda-kun take it home for you.” Kikuchi suggested, clueless that it’s just an excuse.

She passed that uniform to me earlier.

“Hmm? What do you think, Nami? I can do that for you. Go up now, this bus is about to leave.” I rode with what Kikuchi said and asked Nami.

Truthfully, acting like this was somewhat meaningless. We could straightforwardly say the truth that we wanted to go home together and stomp away any probable issues.

However, her concern over that coward was still existing. She believed that Ogawa would run out of the bus to prevent us from being alone together. And that would result in his mind breaking once more.

By making an excuse like this, his time would run out before he caught on our act.

In the end, Nami turned soft compared to the early days where she managed to hatch that plan of cornering that coward to force a confession out of him.

‘This is the last time, Ruu. I won’t be this concerned over his feelings next time.’

Instead of answering my question, Nami’s whispering voice reached my ears. She had a meaningful smile on her lips as her eyes scanned me

“Hmm? I didn’t say anything.”

‘I’m standing next to you. Who do you think I am? I’m your Observer comrade. I can easily read my boyfriend’s expression even if you restrain it to the limit. You can’t hide the thoughts running in your mind with me.’ Nami grabbed my hand and squeezed my palm as she flashed a rather smug expression followed by an alluring wink.

This girl... Her observer skill improved, huh? On the other hand, I seem to have been suffering difficulty containing my emotions in my mind. These past few days, getting caught by them was becoming a regular occurrence. Hell, even Misaki could catch it and we only coincidently ran into each other earlier.

“Alright, you win. I’m slightly jealous that he’s still being favored by you. But then again, it’s my fault why he became like that.”

Jealous or not, I surely find it somewhat irritating that she’s still paying attention to him. I’m aware that this is my possessiveness acting up so as much as possible, I don’t want to voice it out.

I better just chant in my head to calm my thoughts down.

“Not only your fault, idiot Ruu. Anyway, time’s up...”

After reprimanding me, she then pointed at the bus or specifically at the doors that just closed.

Time’s up. She never answered my question and those waiting for her to climb the bus were left hanging.

“I messed up... I’m going to pick it up with this guy. Take care guys. He’ll walk me home so don’t worry!” Nami waved at them while sporting a very satisfied grin as we watched the bus speed up, disappearing from our sight.

And like we both expected, I saw Ogawa attempting to stand up from where he was sitting to jump out of the bus. Tadano and the silent guy restrained him as they both shook their heads at him, most likely telling him that it’s hopeless for him.

Apart from Ogawa, my three girls, even if they’re aware of our plans, pouted their lips, probably hoping that they’re the ones next to me instead of Nami.

Well, I could plan for that in the future. As long as it’s feasible, I wouldn’t hesitate to walk them home. On the way, we could treat that as a short date...

And that’s what I planned to do with Nami today.

“Let’s not take the bus here. Why don’t we walk until that bus stop near the shopping district?” I clasped her hand and pulled her close as I began walking in that direction.

“Ruu... I’m about to suggest that. How dare you beat me to it?” With her puffed cheeks, Nami acted upset.

Watching that adorable act of hers, I naturally played along, I grinned and clicked my tongue playfully. “Too bad, my Nami is slow on the uptake. Let’s eat something energizing... I’m somewhat drained.”

Uh... I suggested that on the spot but... I truly need something to energize me if we're going to do it tonight...

Nami covered her mouth and widened her radiant eyes. “... This pervert. You probably did it with another girl after me.”

She’s correct again.

“You’re silent.... It’s true. You Ultimate Great Pervert!”