Chapter 727 - Arisa-senpai's Consideration

As I expected, Arisa-senpai couldn’t give me an answer. Even after minutes passed, she remained silent in my embrace.

Perhaps I put her in a bind by telling her to choose. That’s why when I noticed it, I didn’t push for her answer anymore.

“You don’t have to answer today, senpai. You can think about it however long it may be… Uh. I realized that I had just pressured you by saying that.” In an apologetic tone, I whispered to her.

If I wasn’t holding her like this, I would probably escape already. But then she might run after me again. Her wound had just been treated and surely, it’s still stinging with pain. Better not let her move excessively again.

“Instead of that, can I request something?” I added.

Sure enough, with my previous words relieving her of the pressure to choose, Arisa-senpai managed to utter a response.

“What is it?”

“It’s quite simple… let me stay here with you, senpai.”

“You’re already doing that.”

“I’m not done yet… Not just today. If Izumi-senpai won’t show up tomorrow, I’ll look for you. And… allow me to continue doing it until the end of the Mentor Program. Even if you don’t allow me to be this close to you again, having you near and in my eyes was enough.”

I tried nudging her head to look at me but as soon as our gazes met, she quickly averted it again. Well, that’s enough. At least, I managed to convey my intention to her.

“That’s a huge request… But considering it’s coming from you, it’s to be expected from my cheeky junior.” Arisa-senpai snickered faintly. Her tensed body also started to relax compared to when she’s contemplating what answer she’s going to give me.

“Uh… I don’t know what kind of expectation you have from me, senpai. Care to elaborate it?”

“Let’s see. You’re the type that is super considerate yet you’re not backing down on what you decided. For example, if we like the same bread from a certain bakery and there’s only one left, you’ll leave it for me. However, you’re going to chase after me and ask for a bite.” Arisa-senpai's index finger drew circles on my arm along with another faint chuckle. She’s still trying to restrict whatever it was she’s feeling but it kept on spilling out.

“… That does sound like something I will do.”

I said that in a defeated tone which made her chuckle louder. How I wish I could see her expression clearly. But if I did, I would surely be unable to stop myself from indulging in her.

Well, holding her like this was enough. I could smell her fragrance, I could feel her warmth and I could watch her minute responses that clearly delivered her emotions.

“Right? I cannot boast that we have a lot of experience together. Nevertheless, the few times we were together was enough for me to create an image of you. You’re always straightforward so it’s to be expected.”

“Now, I’m feeling embarrassed. But I’m glad. Glad that senpai is looking at me properly. Really befitting of my precious senior that despite your playful nature, you care a lot about your friends.”

One of my arms loosened up and followed her left hand. As soon as I grabbed ahold of it, I lifted it to my lips, kissing its back. Following that, I put her hand on my cheek and held it in place.

Arisa-senpai paused. However, it didn’t take long before she started caressing it.

And with a rather unenergetic tone, she protested and gave her answer. “Stop flattering me. That is that and this is this… Onoda-kun, I can’t grant such a huge request.”

Her shoulders visibly dropped as if energy left them. However, I held it up and whispered. “Mhm. I expected that. That’s why senpai can revise that to your acceptable level. Whatever you decide to grant me, I’ll take it.”

Upon hearing that, Arisa-senpai couldn’t help but look at me, at last. Her lips were pursed and she’s still as red as earlier. “… Then Onoda-kun, no, Ruki… Drop tomorrow or the following weeks. Let’s focus on today…”

“I understand, I’ll stop bringing it up.”

“Good. Then stay here. You’re aware of it anyway. I’m as attracted to you as you are with me.” Arisa-senpai confessed. She then lowered her head to break eye contact with me but she didn’t turn to the side anymore. Instead, she snuggled her head just below my chin.

I still couldn’t see her face but this way, she’s closer to me than earlier.

“Can I kiss you, senpai?”

I whispered and her rejection came quickly.

“N-no.”

“Can I lie down with you? You’re better off resting your legs. It still hurts, right?”

I changed my question. Unlike the first question, she answered positively this time. She even lifted her head for a bit to sneak a peek at me. “Yes, you can. But you better make sure to jump out of the bed when someone enters.”

“Leave it to me. You see, I’m something of an athlete myself.”

Arisa-senpai laughed at my words. Following that, I loosened my hand and helped her lie down on the bed. Nonetheless, she turned her body sideways after lying down. It’s still to prevent us from facing each other.

Well, that’s fine. I expected it anyway.

I slid down on her backside and settled my head a little higher. I then slipped my arms around her, one of which replaced the infirmary pillow while the other tightly held her by her navel.

In response to my words before we laid down, Arisa-senpai commented. “That’s really baffling. You have this fit body but you’re not in any athletic clubs.”

“It’s a hassle. I don’t have the time to waste with training and practice.”

Or rather, I would have less time to spend with my girls if I did that.

“Oh. Understandable. You’re too busy with your girls. Practices will cut the time you can spend with them.”

Ugh… She saw through me, huh?

“Senpai, do you not hate me for that?”

“I do want to hate you… In spite of everything, I can’t. I can see Nanami, Hina and Saki always jumping in joy upon seeing you. You said they’re aware of each other yet even Hina’s spirit of competitiveness disappeared when she’s looking at Nanami. You’ve changed the dynamics between the two when they’re still vying for Kazuo’s attention.”

I see… She observed them last week instead of convincing them to break up with me. This girl… it’s probably her consideration towards me.

Even though she clearly hated it when I told her about my relationships, she hadn’t been blinded by that.

She’s too wonderful… I think I’m falling further for her.

“Mhm. It’s simple really. If only he was honest and not the coward that he made out himself, I would not have the opportunity to make Nami and Hina fall in love with me.”

Well, that didn’t mean I would stop though. Even if Ogawa confessed to her in the first instance, I’d still think of a way to steal Nami from him. And Hina too.

But I better not mention that for now.

“… Although it’s clearly his fault. You’re too bad yourself.”

“I know. I never claimed myself as a good person. I’m a hateful bastard after all.”

Lying down next to each other, holding her this close, it’s already enough for me to be satisfied. And with this, our conversation just continued into other topics; mostly about us and her friends.

Halfway through it, Arisa-senpai turned around to face me, coiled her arms around me and kissed me once. After that, she snuggled close to my chest and refused to budge anymore. Even though she refused when I asked her, this girl kissed me herself. I guess she also couldn't stand it anymore.

We're this close together. How much restraint do you think we have? It's already a wonder that I can keep my hands in place. If this was before, I would've already ravaged her and through that, she would also be influenced by me.

This bed we're lying down on would be creaking in mere seconds...

Well, that's enough thinking of 'what if'. For now, I'm satisfied with the state of my relationship with Arisa-senpai. It might not be as close as Shizu but still, we're both clear about what we wanted...

With our topics exhausted, our remaining time was spent in while appreciating each other’s company.