*2 days later*
*POV Tadano*
It was the weekend and today we all gathered at the train station.
As I expected, the first to appear was naturally Shouko, who was already waiting when I arrived.
When she saw me, she had a strange expression, which was understandable.
On my shoulders, I was carrying Ai.
It looked a bit odd, but it was Ai's request, and since she was relatively small and I didn't mind much, I decided to do it.
After placing Ai on the ground, I greeted Shouko.
Tadano: "As punctual as ever∼" I said while scratching under her chin.
Shouko: "Uuuu… I didn't want the others to wait because of me∼" she said in a sweet tone.
I had noticed this since the time I petted her like a cat.
She really seemed to like it, but if I went a bit too far, she...
*bite*
Tadano: "That hurts a bit, you know..." I said, looking at Shouko, who had a resentful look.
*look*
Tadano: "Alright... I'm sorry, now please let go." I said while petting her head.
She loosened her grip.
Seeing her slightly blushing because of her action, I couldn't help but laugh.
Ai beside me also did.
Tadano and Ai: "KomiCat∼"
It made me happy to see how Shouko was becoming bolder in her actions, although in a sense, it was more fun when she was shyer.
But everything is for the sake of her progress in achieving her dream.
...
Not long after, Kaede and Agari arrived.
Tadano: "Oh? I thought you would come with Nene. Did something happen?" I asked.
Kaede: "I really don't know. I went to pick her up, but she wasn't at home at the time, and when I sent her a message, she said she would be a bit late." She said, somewhat pensively.
Tadano: "Oh, and you ran into Agari on the way?"
Agari: "That's right, I ran into Otori-san while I was on my way here."
The next to arrive were the trio of Eiko, Hoshio, and Amami.
Amami greeted everyone cordially and after seeing Ai, she gave her a candy from her bag.
Eiko gave her a soda.
Hoshio seemed to want to ask his characteristic question, but a look from me silenced him immediately.
Tadano: "You are really spoiled, huh?" I said while ruffling Ai's hair.
She grumbled annoyed but with a smile responded.
Ai: "Everyone is really kind."
The next to arrive were Makeru and Inaka along with Netsuno-Sempai.
Inaka greeted everyone and went to talk with Agari; they seemed to get along well.
Makeru and Netsuno-Sempai went to talk with Shouko.
After Netsuno-Sempai saw Ai, her eyes sparkled.
Netsuno: "100° you really have a great spirit, little one!" she said very excited.
Ai: "Thank you?" she said, somewhat confused.
Tadano: "That was a compliment." I murmured.
She seemed to understand and gave Netsuno-Sempai a sweet smile and thanked her with kind words.
Netsuno-Sempai was stunned for a moment and then fainted.
It seemed that Ai was gradually awakening her talent to charm people.
...
The next to arrive were the trio of idiots.
Shinobino, Chiarai, and Sonoda.
Each of them paid their respects to Shouko and Ai.
And gave their offering of a Ramune to each of the girls.
...
When I was wondering if something had happened to Nene, I saw her arriving in the distance.
Although she wasn't alone but accompanied by three little rascals.
Nene: "Sorry for being late... these three brats wouldn't stay still."
Tadano: "Let me guess, you had to babysit?"
Nene nodded.
Tadano: "You did a good job..." I said while rubbing her head and handing her a cold bottle of water from my space ring.
She took the bottle and drank happily.
Kazuya: "I want something to drink too!"
Nono: "Me too! Me too!"
The little ones said.
Before I could do anything, Shouko approached and gave each of them a Ramune.
They looked at Shouko for a moment.
Then their eyes sparkled as if they had found something fun.
Then they pulled Shouko aside to play.
Nene: "Hey! Don't bother your sister Shouko!" Nene said, somewhat exasperated as she ran after the little rascals.
Tadano: "Without a doubt, a harmonious family, well I think it's time to... Oh? What are you doing here, little one?" I said while looking at the little one clinging to my leg.
Nana: "Up" she said while raising her hands trying to keep her balance.
I obeyed this small and cute being.
Once in my arms, Nana found a more comfortable position and smiled happily.
Ai: "Oh! How cute..." Ai said as she approached to play with little Nana.
Nana looked at her.
Ai returned the look.
*Stare*
For some reason, they seemed to enter some kind of staring contest.
The first to lose was Ai, to which Nana puffed proudly.
...
After putting away my phone, I said:
Tadano: "Well, Yamai says she'll join us at the pool, so let's get going."
Everyone: "Yeah!"
Once on the train, everyone took a seat.
Not long after, we arrived at the pool.
Although I call it a pool, it's more like a water park.
When we reached the entrance, we saw Yamai and Najimi.
Najimi: "You guys are so cruel! I took care of organizing everything, but you abandoned me!"
Tadano: "Oh! That's right, I forgot about you..."
Najimi rolled their eyes at my words.
Tadano: "Come on, don't make that face..." I said with a smile as I placed a watermelon ice cream on their forehead.
Najimi: "AH! It's cold! Oh... thanks!" they said while eating their ice cream.
I approached Yamai and asked.
Tadano: "Any issues with the manga?"
Yamai: "None... I just wanted to check if it was okay... by the way, here you go," she said before handing me a copy of this week's manga.
I quickly reviewed it and nodded in satisfaction.
Tadano: "Good job... now let's have some fun." I said with a smile.
...
Everyone: "Pool!"
After the shout, everyone headed to the attraction that caught their attention.
One group went to the slides.
Another group stayed in the large pool.
And another wanted to try the artificial waves.
I was tempted to go to the slide with Shouko, but I was afraid of awakening a new side of me like in the original plot.
I was at the edge of the pool playing with little Nana, who was in a duck float.
Not far away was Nene taking care of the little ones.
Yamai had accompanied Shouko to the slides along with Najimi and Eiko.
Agari, Inaka, and Amami were in the artificial waves.
Kaede and Ai were in the deep pool practicing their swimming.
It was quite shocking to see how agile Kaede was in the water.
Ai seemed to look at her like a very reliable teacher.
It was cute to see the two together.
A small hand resting on my face pulled me out of my internal thoughts.
Tadano: "Oh? What's up? Are you hungry? Do you need to go to the bathroom? Or are you bored with the water?" I asked.
Nana raised two fingers, choosing my second question.
I nodded in response and went to look for Nene.
Although Nana wasn't very good at talking, thanks to my ability to read the atmosphere, it was relatively easy to understand what she wanted by forming small questions for her to choose with her fingers.
We formed this small communication system while spending time together.
It was kind of fun.
Once I reached Nene, I found her scolding the twins while putting band-aids on little Kazuya's knees.
Nene: "… and that's why you shouldn't run in such wet environments! You don't know how dangerous it can be… alright, all done. Now Nono, go and take care of Kazuya while I go get some anti-inflammatories… Oh? Hito-kun?"
Tadano: "I can go get the medicine for you, in exchange, I'll give you this little one. She needs help to go to the bathroom." I said while handing her Nana.
Nene: "Ah! Sorry! I had completely forgotten I left her with you! Forgive me for bothering you so much, Hito-Kun." She said, a bit embarrassed, while bowing.
I gave her a light tap on her head.
Tadano: "Baka! You're my girlfriend, why do you worry about such small things? Besides, I really like your siblings..." I said with a smile while materializing a couple of Ramune, which I offered to the little ones.
They thanked me and sat down patiently to drink.
Tadano: "Well, I'll be back soon. Take care of Nana, if you think you'll take too long, call Kaede, she's not far away." I said as I headed to the water park's pharmacy.
But I was quickly pulled back by her.
Before I could say anything, she pressed her lips against mine in a brief kiss.
Nene: "Thank you. And I love you... now go quickly. My parents called me recently; they'll come to pick them up in a few hours. So we can spend some pleasant time in a secluded part of the park if you know what I mean∼" she whispered the last part in my ear, her face turning a charming shade of red.
Tadano: "Oh? Is it about Kaede?" I asked.
She didn't look at me but nodded while avoiding my gaze.
I smiled.
Tadano: "Alright, I'll be back soon, dear∼" I said in a cheerful tone.
...
*POV Kaede*
I saw Hitohito-Kun walking away with a cheerful smile on his face.
It looks like Nene finally told him.
Well, then the next step is.
Kaede: "Ai-Chan, let's take a break, you must be tired, right? How about you lie down in the sun to relax your muscles?" I asked.
Ai: "Eh? Oh! Sure, Kaede-nee, and you're right, my legs are already a bit sore. I think I'll lie down for a bit." She said as she went to our spot.
I also returned to the shore.
Once Nene saw me, she pointed at little Nana in her arms and then behind her.
I nodded.
Then she left.
Ai had already chosen one of the chairs and lay down.
I took a jasmine tea bottle from my bag.
Kaede: "Drink this, Ai-Chan; it will help you relax in body and mind." I said while serving her a glass.
She drank it happily.
Not long after, she fell asleep.
I smiled at this.
Then I took out my phone and texted Agari.
She replied with an "Ok."
"Well, with that, Nene should have at least a couple of hours to be alone with Hitohito-Kun. I hope Hitohito-Kun doesn't take too long at the pharmacy..." I thought to myself while looking at the twins.
They were watching the pool with interest.
Kaede: "Alright, kids, how about we play a game? The winner will get a dessert of their choice," I said kindly while taking out a board game.
The twins' eyes lit up, and they nodded energetically.
Not long after, Nene arrived with Nana in her arms.
They joined us to play.
Nene sat next to me and said.
Nene: "I plan to make my move on Hito-Kun once my parents arrive. You don't mind, do you?" she murmured.
I glanced at her a bit and smiled.
Kaede: "Hehe, why would I? I told you that you were next, right? Besides, I already tried him out completely, and I guarantee you'll have the best time of your life with him." I said with a mischievous smile on my face.
Nene: "You! Don't rub it in my face. Even I can feel envy, you know?" she said, a bit annoyed.
Kaede: "Come on, Nene-Chan, don't be like that. It won't be long before we both serve him as sisters. At that point, we'll have to bet on who is the first to give him a child," I said playfully.
Nene: "Kaede..." she replied, blushing.
I smiled.
Her siblings were too focused on the board game to pay attention to our little conversation.
Kaede: "You don't need to wait until your parents arrive. I'll take care of your siblings, and Ai-Chan is tired enough to sleep peacefully for a long while. Once Hitohito-Kun returns, go and have fun. I'll take care of the rest." I said kindly while moving my piece.
Nene: "R-Really? Would you do so much for me?" she said, very moved.
Kaede: "Come on, Nene-Chan, don't get like that. You're like a sister to me, and we both are madly in love with the same man, and he loves us, so doing this is nothing. Now start preparing mentally. Because he is undoubtedly a beast in that area," I said with a bit of blush on my cheeks.
Nene also blushed at my words.
...
*POV Tadano*
Tadano: "Alright, let's see, it should be around here... Oh! There it is!"
When I finally found the pharmacy and bought the medicines Nene needed, I started heading back. Even though I had medicines in my spatial ring, they were for adults and not necessarily suitable for Nene's younger siblings. Maybe I should start storing some children's medications just in case?
While I was thinking about this, I found a girl lying on the ground. Blonde hair, chocolate skin, good figure, and half a soul about to ascend to the pure land. Wait, given the exaggerated state of her makeup and the description, this could only be...
Tadano: "Isn't this Manbagi Rumiko?"
Shinomiya: "What the heck is she doing here and in that state?"
This is strange. Rumiko shouldn't have any crises until the second year when she's separated from her friends who always look after her. But there's still a long way to go until then; we've only been a few months into this year. Why is she alone in the first place?
*Sigh*
Seeing that no one seemed to be paying attention to the fallen girl after a while, I decided to bite the bullet and take care of her myself.
I carried her to a nearby bench. When I sat her down, I realized her hair was a mess, her makeup was all smudged, and she was burning up. A heatstroke?
I took a cold compress out of my spatial ring. But before putting it on, I had to clean off the makeup that wasn't letting her skin breathe. It took me a bit of time, but I managed to do it. Then I put the compress on her and tried to fix her hair. Satisfied with the result, I nodded.
Without makeup, Rumiko is truly beautiful.
Taking a paper fan from my spatial ring, I started fanning her to lower her temperature. It didn't take long for her to wake up after that.
Rumiko: "Ahh, that's refreshing~" she said with satisfaction as she opened her eyes. But when she saw me, she froze.
Tadano: "Hello~" I said, raising my hand in a greeting gesture.
Rumiko panicked and fell off the bench.
Rumiko: "Ouch, that hurt... W-Who are you!" she said, pointing at me accusingly.
Tadano: "Oh, no one special, just the person who saved you from becoming roasted duck."
Rumiko: "???"
Tadano: "Never mind... I found you lying on the ground, so I assume it was a heatstroke. I treated you, and here we are. Oh, by the way, here, take this." I said, handing her a strawberry milkshake. Originally, it was for Hitomi, but since she would likely curse me for not going home in the last few days, it was better to give it to Rumiko.
Rumiko: "Eh? Oh! Thanks..." she said as she started drinking.
I looked at her.
Rumiko: "What?" she asked aggressively.
Tadano: "Are you planning to stay on the floor all the time?" I asked.
It was then that she realized she was still on the floor.
Tadano: "Come on..." I said, extending my hand. She hesitated a bit but took it, and I helped her up. Once seated again, she continued drinking her milkshake.
Tadano: "How do you feel? Still dizzy? Feeling very hot?" I asked.
Rumiko: "Eh?! Oh, that... no, I feel better, thanks. This compress and the cold milkshake have helped me a lot." she replied.
Tadano: "It's good to hear. Did you come here alone? Because when I found you, you were by yourself."
Rumiko: "Hehe, it's a bit embarrassing, but the truth is I got lost. I was looking for my friends, but the sun was too strong, and it seems I ended up succumbing to the heat. I guess I'm really clumsy." she said, a bit embarrassed.
Tadano: "Don't worry... we all have our days." I said gently.
Rumiko: "Thank you." she responded.
Tadano: "No need to thank me. Now, try to recover so you can continue looking for your friends. Don't you have your phone to contact them?"
Rumiko: "I do, but I ran out of battery a while ago." she said sadly.
Tadano: "Don't worry about that. May I..." I said, extending my hand. Rumiko nodded and handed me her phone.
Tadano: "Uhmm... a Type-C, perfect, I have one of those." I said while putting my hand in my pocket and materializing a portable charger, which I plugged into Rumiko's phone. Soon, it turned on. Rumiko was surprised that I had such a thing in my pocket. When the phone fully turned on, it quickly received a call from someone named Yukapoyo. Rumiko quickly answered the phone and explained her situation and location.
Tadano: "Looks like your friends are coming for you..." I said with a smile.
Rumiko: "Yes, fortunately, they aren't far from here. Thank you so much." she said happily.
I looked at her. She then realized and lowered her head, embarrassed.
Tadano: "Hehe, don't worry, I was just joking. Aside from that, I'm glad that such a beauty like you wasn't left abandoned." Hearing me call her a beauty, she blushed furiously.
Rumiko: "Hey! Don't make fun of me! I-I'm not a beauty..." she replied energetically.
Tadano: "Well, I think you are. At least to me, you are a very beautiful woman, and it would have been a shame if something had happened to you lying there, so I decided to be a bit childish and become the hero who rescues the beauty." I said a bit embarrassed, scratching my cheek.
Rumiko was surprised by my words, but before she could say anything, a group of voices in the distance caught her attention.
Group of girls: "Bagiko!"
Rumiko: "Yukapoyo! Muu-Tan! Gonzales!" Rumiko shouted and ran to meet her friends. I smiled, watching their happy reunion. Leaving another can of strawberry milkshake on the table, as well as the paper fan, I left. Nene should have been waiting for a while by now, so it was better to hurry. As for Rumiko, her time would come.
...
*POV Rumiko*
After catching up with my friends, I wanted to introduce them to my savior, but I didn't see him anywhere. The only things he left behind were the can of milkshake he had offered me earlier and the paper fan I saw when I woke up. For some reason, I felt a sense of loss.
Rumiko: "How strange, he was here earlier..." I said with some regret.
Muu-Tan: "If you're talking about that tall, handsome guy, he left when you approached us."
Rumiko: "Oh..." I said, feeling a bit down.
Gonzales: "Looks like he wanted to give you your space. A good spirit and very kind too." she added.
Rumiko: "I-I see..." I said, somewhat happy.
Yukapoyo: "By the way, Bagiko, what's the miracle that you're not wearing your makeup and extensions?" she asked curiously.
Rumiko: "Eh? Really?" I asked, puzzled.
Yukapoyo: "Yes, see for yourself." she said, handing me a mirror. When I saw myself, I paled. I didn't have any of my makeup or extensions on.
"Damn, I must have looked horrible to him." I thought to myself.
Tadano: "I'm glad that such a beauty like you wasn't left abandoned."
I remembered his words from that moment for some reason.
Rumiko: "..."
They sounded very genuine when he said them.
With some fear, I asked.
Rumiko: "Girls... do you think I look better without makeup?" I asked timidly.
The three of them looked at each other, surprised and astonished. Then they smiled and said.
Yukapoyo: "Hehe, you finally realized..."
Muu-Tan: "I always thought you were more beautiful without your makeup."
Gonzales: "Damn, I think you're even more beautiful than the models in the clothing magazines we always look at." she added.
So many warm and kind words, as well as remembering what that boy said to me.
Tadano: "At least to me, you are a very beautiful woman, and it would have been a shame if something had happened to you lying there, so I decided to be a bit childish and become the hero who rescues the beauty."
I couldn't help but smile happily.
Rumiko: "Hehe, it seems even a hero thinks I'm cute too..." I murmured with a confusing emotion fluttering in my heart.
...
Author's Note:
"Well, I apologize for the delay. I really haven't been feeling well these days. I've only been able to write around 100 to 200 words each day, and today, since I rested, I had some inspiration, so here's the chapter. It's a bit long, hehe. I curse the winter and the fever. This author doesn't like having a restless mind; it messes up the plot. Anyway, enjoy. Remember to drink plenty of water and that I love you all very much. Sincerely, your favorite depressive author."
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