Tuesday and Wednesday passed by in a blur.
Besides the usual affectionate moments with Sajuna, Akira didn't attempt any new intimate activities.
He would never admit that he was startled by Sajuna's gentleness that day.
He felt like he was about to lose his composure.
If he really made a fool of himself in front of Sajuna, he felt like he wouldn't be able to tease Sajuna anymore.
After school in the afternoon, Akira packed his bag and went to the club room for his usual daily study.
Wakana opened the door and walked in, looking at Akira and saying, "Akira-kun, Kitagawa-san agreed."
Akira nodded. Marin would definitely agree, but what about Sugaya Nowa?
"What about Sugaya-san?"
Wakana said a little sheepishly, "I told Kitagawa-san, and Kitagawa-san said she would bring Sugaya-san with her."
He suddenly felt a bit uncertain, after all, when he spoke to Kitagawa-san, he hadn't mentioned Murakami-san's matter.
Kitagawa-san, upon hearing his request, eagerly agreed to come along, clearly not considering the reason he invited Sugaya-san.
"That's good."
Akira nodded, "Just explain it to Kitagawa-san again tonight."
"Let's set the time for after school on Friday." Akira thought for a moment, figuring he should be able to prepare study materials for several people by then.
"However, please tell Kitagawa-san and Sugaya-san."
Wakana listened carefully, feeling that Akira-kun had many things to explain.
He always felt that Akira-kun was always so serious.
"Prepare it just like when I tutored you last time."
"No problem."
Wakana nodded.
Friday arrived as scheduled. After the teacher finished the last lesson, Akira slung his single-shoulder bag over his back and stood up from his seat.
"Wakana, I'm leaving first."
Akira patted Wakana on the shoulder in front of him and instructed him.
"Remember to call Kitagawa-san and Sugaya-san."
Then he turned his head to look at Kashiwagi and Murakami on the other side, who also seemed ready to leave.
After sending his home address on Line, Akira also needed to start preparing the setup at home.
The summer wind did not bring coolness; more often, it brought a sense of irritation to people's hearts.
Akira walked alone through the campus. Most of the "homebound club" members were still active so as not to stand out.
He walked to the shoe locker, bent halfway, and took out his outdoor shoes from inside, noticing something unfamiliar in the shoe locker.
Akira reached his hand inside and pulled out a pink envelope.
In the center of the envelope, "To Akira" was written, sealed with a heart-shaped sticker.
This was the first time he had received something like this.
Akira felt a little like sighing, always feeling he should tell Sajuna about it.
But he felt like it would bring unnecessary worry to Sajuna.
After all, he didn't need the fact that his "boyfriend is very popular" to guarantee Sajuna's affection for him.
Everything he did was to ensure Sajuna had no unnecessary worries.
He hesitated for a moment, looking around the surroundings, and didn't see any girls hiding and peeking.
It probably wasn't anything important.
Akira had no intention of ruining a girl's beautiful crush; it was just that he already had someone he liked.
Seeing such a thing again, he had no other thoughts at all.
Since the girl wasn't observing nearby, there was no need to consider her feelings, right?
Akira picked up the envelope, intending to throw it into the trash can. Just as he reached the mouth of the trash can, he hesitated, then slowly tore the envelope into pieces.
If it were accidentally found by someone, it would probably cause her some trouble.
Akira couldn't help but want to be thorough in his actions.
After doing these things, Akira left school with his bag.
He took the uncrowded train home. Akira walked into the living room and pushed two tables together.
This should be enough space for that many people, he thought.
Akira estimated, looking at the tables in front of him, after all, it was always like this in anime.
He and Sajuna.
Wakana and Marin.
Murakami Kouki and Sugaya Nowa.
And Shiki.
Akira confirmed again, feeling that seven people would be fine and not too crowded.
Then he started preparing cushions for everyone to sit on the floor.
By the time all the necessary items were prepared, Akira's forehead was covered in sweat.
His phone, which was placed nearby, chimed. Sajuna had sent a message.
『Sajuna: Aki-Kun, are you home now?』
『Akira: Doesn't Sajuna need to attend club activities too?』
Akira asked, puzzled. Sajuna was clearly highly valued by the club teacher and had been diligently participating in club activities these past few days to improve her art skills.
Why did it seem like she was coming back already?
『Sajuna: Didn't Aki-Kun say there would be a study session at home today?』
『Sajuna: So I took the day off!』
『Akira: Then come on over, I'm home right now.』
Akira could only reluctantly agree to Sajuna's arrival. He had originally planned for Sajuna to finish her club activities at school.
He didn't expect Sajuna to take a leave from the club directly.
After waiting for more than half an hour, Akira, who was organizing study materials, heard a knock at the door.
He opened the door and saw Sajuna, full of smiles.
"Aki-Kun."
Sajuna rushed forward and threw herself into Akira's embrace, gently rubbing her cheek against his chest.
Ever since that time, she always felt like a clingy cat.
Akira held Sajuna's waist, extended both arms, and took off the backpack she was carrying from her back.
"Did you come straight after school?"
Akira asked, knowing the answer.
"Mm."
Sajuna nodded a little shyly, then poked her head out, wanting to look into the living room.
"Aki-Kun, have your friends arrived?"
"Not yet."
Akira stroked Sajuna's hair, as if comforting her.
"I hope Sajuna won't be shy then."
Sajuna's face flushed. Although she always couldn't help but be shy when she was with Aki-Kun normally.
But this was such an occasion!
If she got shy on such an occasion, wouldn't she make her boyfriend lose face?!
She was Aki-Kun's official girlfriend!
There was nothing to be afraid of, okay?!
Sajuna cheered herself on, and besides, she was a year older than Aki-Kun's classmates.
They should all call her'senpai'!
Sajuna was full of vigor and high spirits.