Chapter 373: Fuyu

Akane's period had already ended so… The way she clung to me was her way of telling me that her period's over. And that was even confirmed by her when she covertly whispered it to me.

However, since Fuyu was still present and we never had our dinner yet, the silly girl was trying to restrain herself from pulling me with her to go upstairs.

While we're waiting for Miwa-nee to call us at the dinner table, I left Akane at Fuyu's side while I sat down to play against Minoru.

Upon seeing me taking the controller that Akane put down, the boy pouted as if he was about to be bullied again.

But for the sake of showing off his skills to the spectator behind us, he sniffed once before a fighting spirit was ignited in his eyes.

Unfortunately, all the games I have for that console were something I already played at least once.

Even if I couldn't finish any of the games, there's no way the boy would be able to beat me.

Call me having no mercy, but the boy was bullying my Akane before I arrived, it's just returning the favor.

"Mama!" After 10 consecutive losses, Minoru shouted as his head turned to his mother. And a few seconds later, his sobs traveled to our ears.

And as soon as that happened, Fuyu who was silently watching with Akane stood up and threw a reprimanding glare at me before her face put on a comforting expression as she went to Minoru's side.

"Onoda-kun, I can't believe you're the type to bully a boy. Here here, don't cry now, Minoru, let me avenge you against your Ru-nii."

After saying that, she took the controller from Minoru before sitting him on her lap.

And surprisingly, that worked. The boy comfortably sat there as he looked up with a smile on his face.

This boy. It's easy to see that he had a favorable impression on Fuyu. And the girl, who seemed to be used to dealing with kids, ruffled his hair endearingly.

"A real man doesn't easily cry. Remember that. But in the same sense, a real man doesn't bully kids and the powerless."

With a rare grin appearing on her lips, Fuyu threw me a side glance before pressing the start button on her controller.

And as the silly girl watched all that happened, she stood up from the sofa as she inserted herself from my side by lifting my arm before settling down on my lap, the same way Minoru was sitting on Fuyu's lap.

In the end, it became a proxy battle where Fuyu and I represented the two initial players.

And just like that, the few minutes of waiting for dinner ended up with me competing against Fuyu in a game.

The two comfortably sitting on our lap spent their time cheering.

Looking at Minoru and Akane enjoying the time, I could only shake my head as I did my best at the game.

Unfortunately, Fuyu seemed to be familiar with it that I could only twice after playing 10 for 10 rounds

However, even if I lost, Akane kept on cheering me up by sneaking in a kiss.

Ah. No, whether I win or not, the girl was using that chance to be intimate with me. Minoru, on the other hand, already forgot that he was about to cry. He was having a good time watching Fuyu beating me in the game.

"Fuyu-nee is so strong!"

"See that? When you grow up, make sure to remember what I said."

"Yes! Don't cry and don't bully. Sorry, Aka-nee." Minoru nodded and repeated Fuyu's words earlier, albeit summarized. And in the end, he even apologized to Akane for bullying her in the game.

In the end, I became the only villain in their eyes.

Ah. Well, as long as they're enjoying the time.

Soon after that, Miwa-nee finally called us for dinner.

Unlike yesterday, Minoru sat next to Fuyu and was very engaged with talking with her.

Seeing the boy opening up to others like that, Miwa-nee had a relieved smile on her lips.

It's almost a month since they arrived here and compared to before, the boy had finally adjusted to this new environment.

-

-

After the dinner, since Shio wasn't around, I offered to walk Fuyu to the station.

It's already dark. Even if our neighborhood could be considered a safe place, it's better to be sure.

And since Akane's quirk had already ended, she approved of it even if Fuyu herself was declining.

Well, Akane knew that I didn't have any plan to also fall in love and take her best friend as my new girl.

There's really no reason to do so and it would just complicate things.

My offering of walking her to the was just me expressing concern to the person taking care of my future wife.

Besides, since Fuyu was accompanying Akane these past three school days, I was thinking that I needed to show her proper gratitude.

Err… But until now, I couldn't think of what to do about it.

"Well then, I'll be back soon."

"Husband, make sure to send Fuyu safely. And Fuyu, thank you for having the patience to deal with my tantrums."

"Akane, that's not new, is it? You're like that every month. But I agree, it took on a new extreme this time. Because Onoda-kun finally accepted you, you also removed what's restricting you. Either way, what are friends for? You'll also do the same for me if I am the one in your place."

"You don't have a quirk like me though."

"I will be expecting you to be doting on me."

"Is that all? Leave it to me!"

After that cheerful conversation between the two friends and Fuyu saying goodbye to Minoru who, for the first time, went to the door to send someone off, we began our walk towards the station.

Naturally, I maintained a distance between us but when Fuyu pointed out that it would look like I was stalking her if I did that, I matched her walking pace.

Halfway through our walk, Fuyu then broke the silence between us.

"Onoda-kun, thank you for accepting Akane. All these years, she's masking the loneliness she was feeling inside. But now, I can't see it anymore. Her smiles are now genuine."

Hearing her clear voice that was filled with her concern over Akane, I couldn't help but take a look at what expression Fuyu was making.

However, perhaps we're thinking the same thing, we ended up meeting each other's gaze.

With a beautiful smile plastered on her lips, I became a witness to Fuyu's beauty that was further highlighted by the moonlight above our heads.

Upon seeing that, a thought surfaced in my mind. Whoever could make this girl fall in love will be one lucky bastard.

Well, it's a sudden thought that I instantly removed in my mind as I replied to her.

"I should be the one thanking you. Thank you for not leaving her side and… For accompanying her. I don't know how I can repay this debt of gratitude so, if you need help on something, don't hesitate to ask me. I'll do my best to help you."

Since I couldn't think of anything, this was the best way to repay it for now. Owing to her a favor for when she needed my help.

"You don't have to. I'm not helping Akane because I want someone to repay me. She's my best friend. This concern of even walking me to the train station is enough."

And upon hearing her answer, that thought resurfaced in my mind. Whoever that will be. He better make sure not to show up in front of me.