Chapter 408: More Pressing Matters

Yeah. I know it’s kind of a surprise for her to be treated like a princess of an influential house. It wasn’t hinted at before and she hid it well.

Not that I hadn’t asked her about her family. This Tuesday, she was supposed to go home early because of a family problem or issue but she ended up not doing that.

I refrained from asking her about the issue since it was already resolved and when we’re talking about each other’s background, she only told me enough to imagine the household she was in.

“Stop staring. I knew you'd be surprised upon seeing this. I will explain it to you next time… See you tomorrow, Ruki.”

Ignoring the maid that was waiting for her to enter, Rae circled her arms on my neck and pulled me for another kiss.

It wasn’t a swift one but a passionate kind wherein we ended up being entangled with each other for more than a minute.

“Will this not bring you trouble?”

“Not really. They know about my relationship with you. I cannot invite you in at the moment but soon… I will.” With a meaningful smile on her lips, Rae fixed my collar before turning around to take the towel that was brought by the maid.

“Alright. I’ll be waiting for that. See you tomorrow, Rae.”

Maintaining my calm despite the surprising words she said, I saw Rae waved her hand at me with a smile as the metallic gate automatically shut closed.

-

-

On my ride back home, I was naturally occupied with the thoughts of Rae and her family.

They know. That’s what she said.

This means her parents are aware that we’re in a relationship.

However, how much do they know? Is it enough to know that I have other girls aside from Rae? And that I corrupted her enough to begin thinking about doing it with me.

While I was in that state, the phone that I was using to reply to the messages I hadn’t responded to yet vibrated.

And as expected, it was Rae who sent the message.

“Ruki… I expect you’re overthinking right now. Stop that. Focus on the things weighing on your mind at the moment. I will tell you everything when it’s time. You know, the time to properly introduce you to them. Look forward to it.”

That girl clearly knew what’s going on in my mind.

Although I was curious about what’s happening with her family or her identity, there truly was a pressing matter weighing in my mind.

For example, what happened to that talk with Ogawa.

Or the lemonade that I failed to drink today.

Right. That’s also a matter I needed to consider.

Because Satsuki was busy with her training, she hadn’t read my messages until I left the school with Rae and Aya.

With what happened in the Shower Room, I couldn’t go to that side door again lest someone caught me again. That’s why before leaving, I sent additional messages to her telling her that I wouldn’t be able to check on her again or get that… lemonade.

I was looking forward to it. However, it’s inevitable.

After clearing my mind, I replied to Rae first by telling her that I understand and I would wait for the time she would tell me everything.

Well, I could already guess the standing of her family just with that mansion and the way the maid called her an ojou-sama. There were probably circumstances that she couldn’t straight up tell me that would explain why she’s taking the bus or train home instead of being sent to it by a family car like Otoha, Mizuki or Himeko.

My overthinking about her situation wouldn’t result in anything else but speculation so… her message to me woke me up to turn my mind over to things that I should focus on at the moment.

Opening Satsuki’s message next, the girl was being apologetic about not reading my message when I needed her help. However, after that, she scolded me for still thinking about the lemonade after what happened.

“Idiot Ruki. I’ll make you more of it. How did you get out?”

Her reply immediately arrived after I sent a reply from her earlier message.

And as if she couldn’t wait for me to type in my reply, Satsuki videocalled from inside their bathroom.

She was in the tub, naked and relaxing her sore muscles. However, after her current situation, the first thing I noticed was her worry-filled face.

To not let the others see her, I moved from my seat to the empty side. Naturally, I also made sure that she wouldn’t be seen even through the reflection on the glass windows.

Only after securing it did I focus the camera on me.

“What are you doing calling me from there? I’m still on the train, someone might see you here.”

“You’re too slow to respond! Tell me first. Nothing happened, right?”

“As you can see, my limbs are still intact. I got help. I already told you the summary of how I got out, what are you asking this for?” I cracked a joke first to dampen the serious mood and to stop her from worrying.

However, my joke went ignored as the girl almost shouted in front of the screen. Perhaps, if not for her sitting in the tub, she would’ve already stood up and gestured with her fist.

“I’m worried, of course! It’s my fault that you…”

“Hey. Stop that. We’re not talking like this to let you blame yourself, Satsuki. I got out scot-free so… don’t worry about it. Anyway, I thought of saying how I want to join you there but… I will wait for it until the next time I visit your house. Finish your bath. I’ll message you again when I arrive home.”

Since I was still wary about the other train passengers seeing her, I skirt my way to convince her to end this call. As much as I would surely enjoy watching her bathing first hand, I would hate it if someone else saw her in that situation.

“... Alright. Take care, Ruki. I want to hear everything…” Although she’s still somewhat unconvinced, she had no choice but to end the call or I would be the one who would end it.

That girl calling from the bathroom showed how much she’s worried about me…

And like I thought, she really blamed herself.

Well, I managed to stop her but… I needed to sit down and convince her that she didn’t need to think that it was her fault.

After sending another message to completely calm the worried girl down, I opened the app again and opted to call someone this time.

Obviously, the receiver was Nami. I told her I would call her and she told me she’ll be waiting for it.

It’s been more than an hour ever since they arrived home. For sure, that talk was already over, unless… something happened.

Ah. Well, I was worrying needlessly here.

Clearing my head once again, I focused on my phone and waited until the screen switched to showing Nami’s beautiful face.

Even through the phone screen, I began observing Nami’s displayed expression. Apart from her picturesque and attractive face, her expression was somewhat down. However, it’s not as much as before our time in that empty clubroom.

Perhaps my face only loaded, Nami’s expression changed from down to a lively one while showing me an assuring smile.

“Did it go well?”

Before she could say anything, I began with a question.