After our extended morning intimacy where Chii helped me with calming down the tea's side effect, the four of us prepared for school.
I set aside my daily morning workout for later. I mean, doing it with Chii again could already count as half a workout. And if not for being conscious about Kushii and An-rin, who surely figured out what we did, we'd probably do more.
Anyway, while they changed into their uniforms, I began sorting the props we had bought the day before.
Immediately, I picked up the 'cursed' crystal ball, inspected it, and found nothing out of the ordinary. There was no ghost or anything. Whatever happened last night was just a coincidence that… was already forgotten by the girls. After all, their fear had been replaced by pleasure and the intimacy we shared.
Once I finished, I checked my phone to see if my girls, who were still asleep earlier when I sent my 'good morning' message, had replied yet.
A few messages from Akane and the others popped up, filled with their usual mix of affection and teasing, asking how the sleepover went.
I smirked, typing quick replies to let them know I'd survived the chaotic night and promised to fill them in later.
No way was I going to mention An-rin's 'hosting duties' casually or Chii's playful antics over breakfast. Some things were better left as private memories, at least for now.
Of course, it's not hard for them to figure out what happened. What I need to do is make it up to them when we're together next.
As the girls emerged from upstairs, I glanced up from my phone. They're now in their crisp school uniforms and their faces masked with their makeup.
Right. Last night and this morning, their faces were in their natural state. And honestly, I don't mind it either.
As it turns out, even though An-rin and Kushii put on more makeup than Chii, they're totally unlike that clown-faced gyaru from last night. I find them pretty attractive too and the makeup amplified it.
Well, maybe I was just saying that because of how biased I am to the girls I'm getting involved with but I'll stand with that assessment.
Naturally, unlike the other two, Chii's natural beauty was being hidden by her gyaru makeup. She's so beautiful that she had to nerf herself to match them.
Anyway, Chii's skirt pulled up a tad higher than the regulation. Her ribbon was slightly loose, giving her that effortlessly playful vibe.
Kushii's uniform was pristine, matching her straight posture. Her eyes had this mischievous and determined glint that hadn't faded since last night. I could tell she's about to sidle up to me and tell me she's jealous for not letting her help with the tea's side effect earlier.
An-rin, still trying to act like the chaotic gremlin queen, had her ribbon sloppily knotted with one string longer than the other. Her blouse was already untucked at the back. She caught me looking and stuck out her tongue at me.
"What? Don't stare, perv lord. I'm, like, totally put-together."
"Put-together, huh? Your ribbon is asking to be pulled. Come here, I can fix that for you," I shot back and beckoned her over.
An-rin's eyes narrowed but despite her putting on an offended look, she sauntered over. She stopped just close enough for me to reach her ribbon.
Her chin tilted up defiantly, like she was daring me to make a move. Yep. She's so teasable like this.
"Fix it quick, Onoda-han. And no more funny business, or I'll make sure your next tea side effect is a real problem."
I smilingly shook my head and reached out to tug the uneven ribbon loose. The girl sucked in her breath as if she were trying her best to act calm and collected. However, her gradually reddening cheeks were betraying her attempt.
Chii pouted as she watched the scene unfold. Kushii, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow but didn't say a word, her lips twitching like she was holding back a comment.
"Funny business, huh? Don't worry, I'll hold back on teasing you," I said as I carefully re-knotted An-rin's ribbon, making sure it sat evenly. I intentionally let my fingers linger a few seconds longer than necessary to catch her off-guard after I just said I'll hold back.
She puffed her cheeks in annoyance as I took a step back.
"There. Now you're almost presentable."
"Almost?!" An-rin huffed before clicking her tongue, "Tch, you're lucky I'm in a good mood, perv lord. Otherwise, I'd be dunking you in glitter for that."
Chii then came over, hugging my arm, "Kii, you're gonna make her combust before we even get to school. Save some of that charm for later, yeah? I'm about to get jealous here."
Kushii also chimed in, "Now I understand how terrific Onoda-han's charm is. It only took one night for An-rin to be like that…"
She then turned to her friend and smirked, "Now, An-rin, how does it feel? Will you still tease me for becoming too conscious of him?"
The chaotic gyaru bit her lip before saying, "... Yeah. He's, like, bad news."
I shook my head and grinned. "Alright. You three are gonna be the death of me. Let's get moving before we're late. Ryouko-san… I mean, Eguchi-san would be on our backs if we rolled in past the bell.
An-rin huffed, grabbing her bag and stomping toward the door. "Hmph, you're the one slowing us down, Onoda-han. Tryna act all cool and collected when you're, like, totally flustered inside. I see through you!"
"Sure you do, An-rin. Keep telling yourself that," I replied as I followed her out with Chii and Kushii sandwiching me.
The walk to the train was filled with their usual banter. I quietly watched as Chii continued to tease An-rin, who ended up getting more flustered as she kept deflecting it. Kushii leaned on me, silently enjoying our closeness.
Yep. She's probably thinking she might not get another chance after today.
Anyway, I couldn't help but feel a strange warmth at being caught in the middle of all this.
On the train, Chii rested on my shoulder while Kushii pretended to fiddle with her phone but her hand grasped mine. An-rin, crammed into the seat next to Chii, kept stealing glances my way. I could see her fidgeting and every time our eyes met, she'd look away before muttering something about 'dumb perv lord' under her breath.
Halfway through our ride, I checked my phone again and saw a new interesting message sent through the private message of that cosplay account. The sender? Tadano's little sister, Yumei.
"Handsome-senpai! Can I request something from you? Also, keep it a secret from my stupid brother!"
How should I respond to this?