Chapter 2320: Seniors and Juniors
It was already past six o'clock when I finally settled on the train home. The rush hour was still ongoing but given our city didn't have the same density in population as Tokyo, the huge bulk of passengers was already starting to ease up.
Next to me, Hana and Chii each took a side as they comfortably leaned against me. The former had our hands intertwined and let it rest on her thigh while the latter had her head resting on my shoulder.
As for the attention we're getting from the other passengers, none seemed to care at all. "What do you think, Chii? Is your club going to do something at the festival? The three of you can join us, you know? More actors mean we can expand on our scenario more."
After talking about how our day went, I brought up the same topic that I raised at Reira- senpai earlier.
Chii and his gyaru friends' club was just a hobby club that didn't really do anything. They're just there to spend time while doing activity at the minimum to maintain legitimacy and not get shut down by the Student Council.
The girl's head perked up at my question, "Sounds like a good idea, Kii. But will it be fine for the others? Hana?"
"I don't care. More actors will also mean less work for me. You should come aboard, Chizuru. Do you want to miss an opportunity to be close to Ruki during the preparation time?"
"Hehe. Of course, I will. But it's not like I can get him all to myself when you and the others are there too."
"What? Do you want us to give you special treatment? No way, you have to find your opportunity to sneak this guy away from us."
As Hana said that, she poked my cheek and smirked. Although her response sounded a little snappy, she was clearly playing with Chii.
Chii giggled and rolled her eyes, "You know I don't need to sneak around to be with him. I can get him now if you dare me."
"Heh. Try me."
Sparks started flying between the two, their playful banter turning into a challenge without me having a say in it. Hana tightened her hold on my hand while Chii pressed herself closer to
me.
With this sight, the other passengers around us couldn't help but throw glances our way, some with bewilderment and others with a hint of envy, especially those wearing the same uniform as us.
"Alright, stop it, you two. Why don't you ask what I prefer?" I interjected with a matching playful smirk.
Their response? Of course, they both looked at me with the same mischievous and exasperated expressions.
"Of course, you'll pick to be with the two of us, shameless Ruki."
my side?"
But a second later, her cheeks turned crimson as though she was remembering our time
together.
It was a short date but it ended with her reconciling with that girl from her club and a kiss we shared for the first time. Sumire furtively glanced at me before covering her face, hiding her
embarrassment.
Chii chuckled at Sumire's reaction, clearly enjoying the sight of her flustered junior. "Looks like you enjoyed it more than you're letting on, Sumimin," she teased, nudging her playfully. "Alright, you can take this seat too. I've already gotten my fill of Kii's warmth. It's your turn."
"Eh... I don't mean to-"
Sumire's protests were cut off as Chii playfully pulled her to the space she opened up between
us.
My arm naturally wrapped around her shoulder, and Sumire let out a surprised gasp as she quivered slightly.
"You bullies! Umi... help me." Sumire cried out before turning to her friend on my other side who's already nestled comfortably against me.
But instead of helping, Umi just giggled and said, "It's comfortable to be next to senpai,
Sumire. You should try it."
Finding out her last ally had also turned coat, Sumire couldn't help but slump her shoulders in defeat, letting out a dramatic sigh as she leaned into my embrace. "It's no use, I've been
outmatched."
"Come on. It's not like you're in a match. Don't you miss your favorite senior?" I whispered into Sumire's ear, feeling her body stiffen before she finally relented and leaned into my side.
"Shut up, shameless senpai," Sumire grumbled but the corners of her mouth curled up in a small smile. Sandwiched between Chii and me, the girl tried to act uncomfortable but she couldn't hide the warmth spreading through her cheeks.
Soon, the train swayed gently as it once again started moving. If earlier the passengers were already looking at me enviously, with the addition of Sumire and Umi whose affection for me was undeniable, I became the public enemy number one of the lonely hearts on the carriage.
I gently rubbed Sumire's arm and shoulder while continuing to pat Umi's head and eventually sliding my arm to her slender waist, enjoying both of their warmth. As for Chii and Hana, they're both glaring at me as though telling me I should do the same to them later.