Chapter 716 - Troubled Expression

When we arrived at our house, Akane welcomed Mina in open arms, smilingly accepting a new sister in their fold. Perhaps she’s thinking that I would worry about that gesture of hers again. My silly wife lifted her gaze and showed me a reassuring smile as if saying that there’s no more issue for her to meet the other girls.

And that’s actually the truth. After that gathering last week, Akane wouldn’t react strongly anymore besides, there’s only a few of them she hadn’t met yet or only one more, Himeko.

Since she already met Himeko’s sister, Itou Maaya and even developed some kind of friendship with her, it’s only a matter of chance before they could see each other. Perhaps, they already did. That siscon of a girl would surely brag about her sister to Akane. However, knowing that her sister and Akane were in a relationship with me, there’s also a possibility that she hadn’t done that yet.

Different from how Nami and Satsuki acted when they met Akane, Mina’s strong personality seemingly got blown in the wind. She’s dumbfounded at Akane’s kind words that all she could do was nod at her while wearing a bewildered expression.

After that, Akane guided Mina inside and rejoined Haruko and Edel who were in the living room.

“Ruki!”

As if it’s already a daily routine, my adorable koala jumped in my embrace again as soon as I entered her vision. Haruko looked on helplessly as a gentle smile landed on her lips. “I don’t think who I will be jealous of. Hubby or Edel?”

“E-eh? Join us then, Haru…”

“I will, later. Look at that guy, he’s already about to dote on you.”

Well, she’s not wrong. Edel was too light despite her figure, I could carry her all day. Her body was also soft and felt nice to the touch. I could cuddle her and be comfortable with it. And lastly, her inexplicable fragrance soothes my mind.

However…

“You know me, Haruko. Come here, I also want to dote on you… Yesterday wasn’t enough.” I walked towards her and pulled her up. Edel, upon hearing my words, voluntarily moved slightly to the side to free up a space for Haruko.

I patted her head for that and Edel snuggled closer. She’ll always be a koala. But that’s fine. I quite like her this way.

On the other hand, Haruko was a bit taken aback. Well, I was a bit forward this time. Instead of waiting for them to crowd on me, I went for them instead.

A while later, even Akane and Mina weren’t spared, I pulled them down with me as I rested inside their embrace.

I also tried looking for Miwa-nee but when she showed up, she’s with Minoru who had just finished his bath. Too bad.

Either way, with the girls here, I spent the bit of time left before going to my part-time job.

-

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Because of what happened yesterday and last week where my girls kept being hit on, the girls, except for Sena who’s a member of the boxing gym, decided to only come during Saturdays.

As for the three girls who also went to the gym last Sunday couldn’t come.

Miyako already joined the others yesterday. Although I somehow wanted to spend time with that girl… I had to create another opportunity for it.

Chii wanted to come but her mother took her out shopping with her. The girl still delayed her answer but with her behavior as well as how we treated each other, it’s no less than the relationship I have with my girls. This week, I didn’t have that much time to spend with her even though we’re at the same school. She’s always surrounded by her group and we stopped gathering at that empty clubroom to eat our lunch. Maybe I’ll walk her home again one of these days.

As for Eimi, Anzu would be tagging along with her if she left today so she already apologized to me earlier. Not that I asked her to. Due to that, I told her to just continue doing the exercises she learned last week. Earlier, I noticed that there’s an improvement with her gait and figure. Her back was straight most of the time and her shoulders stopped drooping. It’s like she got more confidence compared to when I hadn’t accepted her yet. Back then she’s somehow worried that I wouldn’t see her as anything more than a former classmate. That’s why.

With none of the girls coming to the gym, Sena was certainly happy. It’s only natural that I would spend time with her once I finished with today’s lesson.

However, Coach Ayu’s forecast yesterday came true.

When I reached the gym, it’s bustling with activity.

Even without the addition of my girls, there were more new enrollees, filling up the remaining slots.

They’re mostly mother and child. Moreover, from how they’re dressed, they seemed to be from a wealthy neighborhood. Those mothers were wearing flashy dresses and jewelry while their children were also fashionable for their age.

Ichihara-san and the other mother’s connections showed their reach. The word of mouth proliferated and now, I was faced with another challenge.

To make them satisfied even though they missed three sessions.

But with the help of Sena and… Coach Ayu, who surprisingly didn’t look bothered despite what happened between us yesterday, the 4th session and the initiation of those new enrollees went really well.

And that was shown from how those mothers approached me for tips.

“You’re really popular now, Onoda-sensei.” Ichihara-san teased upon running into me when I was about to go to the changing room.

“I owed that to you and the others, Ichihara-san. This is my first job and I’m really glad that you trust me enough to even recommend my program to others.” I acted humbly and scratched my cheek.

Looking at her, she had just taken a shower and changed back to her red tight-fitting knitted turtleneck dress. It stuck closely to her skin that anyone could admire her wonderful figure. Her front and back were also emphasized by what she’s wearing. Any member of the opposite gender would surely be taken by her appearance unless they’re not swinging that way.

If not for my act as an appropriate instructor and my experience with women, I might find myself ogling at her and losing the reputation I built in her eyes.

“Not really, no. It’s all because of your own charisma, Onoda-sensei. You’re young, yes. But you’re articulate enough to tickle us, old ladies’ senses. Personally, I liked your attentiveness to detail. I believe with the help of these lessons and Coach Ayu’s guidance, I’m slowly returning to my old figure before I… gave birth to my child.”

At the end of her sentence, Ichihara-san clearly blushed at the mention of her being already a mother.

So, she’s even sexier before she had a child, huh?

“Oh… I'm glad that it’s helping Ichihara-san. I’ll do my best to shape you up for your husband’s delight.”

When I said that, it didn’t escape my notice of Ichihara-san's troubled expression. Is there something wrong with it?

“Uhm… Onoda-sensei, you shouldn’t say that.”

“Hmm… why?”

Ichihara-san’s eyes darted around, a sign that she’s having trouble giving a straight answer.

Before she could answer, her daughter emerged from the changing room and went to her.

“N-nothing… See you next week, sensei.” Using that as an opportunity, Ichihara-san grabbed her daughter’s wrist and hurriedly excused herself or rather to escape from my inquiring eyes.

“See you, sensei.” Her daughter also bid me farewell, unaware of her mother’s condition. I waved back and smiled at her and didn’t say anything else.

Whatever was the meaning of that troubled expression she showed, it would be rude for me to step in and pry on that.. It’s a private matter.