Published at 23rd of September 2024 2:04 pm

Chapter 2156: A Brief Encounter

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Although Reira-senpai's voice carried a playful hint, hearing my words made the smile slowly forming on her face wavered. Her expression shifted to a mock pout as she leaned forward, folding her arms and making a flourishing display of her bountiful front.

"Coincidence? Ruki. I'm mad. Does that mean you're not here for me?" She teasingly said. Although her words were playful, I could still sense a hint of her genuine disappointment through her piercing gaze.

Not gonna lie, her natural allure that always drew most boys to her was once again creeping on me. I had to strengthen my mental capacity to resist the temptation of just jumping into her arms and telling her 'I am here for you'.

In any case, she's aware of my closeness to other girls so she's just clearly being playful here. But then again, not having been able to see her for a while, I, no doubt, missed this side of her, especially when our last interaction was during that patrol where we'd reduced the distance between us by deciding to call each other using our first name.

On the side, Nikka-senpai remained silent, her expression a bit unreadable. Nonetheless, her eyes flickered with curiosity as she watched our exchange.

After thinking for a while, I settled on playing with Reira-senpai, scratching my head, and fumbling my answer, "Well, I- No, I won't say... Uhm..."

Reira-senpai raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the flustered look on my face and how I couldn't seem to finish my sentence.

"What, cat got your tongue?" she teased as she stepped down the staircase arriving right in front of me. Her presence was magnetic and just for a moment, I felt like falling for her allure again.

I chuckled nervously, rubbing the tip of my nose as I averted my gaze from her. Then, while sounding like I was forcing myself to make an excuse, I faced that delightful stare she was subjecting me to, "No, no, of course not, Reira-senpai. Aren't I always happy to see you? Just that... I'm here for a different reason."

Reira-senpai's amused expression expanded and I could almost hear her chuckling. She also seemed pleased to hear me still being honest with her despite my attempt to ride on her playfulness.

"Hmm. That's unlike you, Onoda-kun. Or am I missing something here? Are you also close with some other girls?"

But before she could respond to me, Nikka-senpai finally spoke up, her voice calm and steady as though she was here to mediate between us. And yet, she started her questions with a hint of suspicion, layering her concern for her friend.

What an admirable senior. Too bad, she's wasted on Enomoto.

Her question hung in the air as I felt both sets of eyes on me.

How should I answer her? I wonder?

I looked at Reira-senpai and as though she read my mind, she returned a wink and a mischievous smile.

Shortly after that, she opened her mouth, her mischief sparkled in her eyes.

"Heh... You're not entirely wrong, Nikka. This guy here is close to a lot of girls. You should also be careful. You're behind the times when it comes to rumors, after all."

This girl... Does she form a grudge with me because I failed to visit her this week?

Nah. She just found it amusing to pit me like this. She was maximizing this moment when we incidentally ran into each other.

"Eh? Is that true?" With her eyes widening slightly, Nikka-senpai pressed me for confirmation. Her voice carried a sense of disbelief.

Is my image in her mind different? Now, that's interesting.

With a sheepish grin, I scratched my head again as I admitted to it, "Well, I don't want to lie to you but yes. I never thought you hadn't heard the rumors surrounding me, senpai. But I'm quite a celebrity, you know?"

A bit taken aback at first, Nikka-senpai tilted her head as her expression softened into one of thoughtful consideration, "I... I know a bit about it but... I don't always believe in rumors. Besides, I'd like to believe Reira found a guy she could finally be comfortable with." "Huh? Wait. Nikka... That's not what I-" This time, it was Reira-senpai's turn to panic. Looking really flustered, she stammered as her confident demeanor cracked for the first time. Not expecting Nikka-senpai to take the conversation in this direction, her face flushed a light shade of pink as he waved her hands in front of her as if trying to dispel the implication. Somehow, I feel like this unplanned meeting with them is totally worth it. When can I see Reira-senpai act like this? If other boys are around, they'll all be flabbergasted. Most of them only see her as an object to sexualize due to her natural charms. They've never seen her act like a frail maiden like this, flustered and vulnerable.

Nikka-senpai raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a faint smile. "Oh? Did I say something wrong, Reira?"

Interesting, she's feigning innocence but clearly relishing the sight of Reira-senpai squirming.

Oh, Enomoto. You're letting this girl rot away in your little alchemy club? Nikka-senpai seemed far more perceptive and playful than I'd expected. Something she'd probably only ever show to a select few. If not for our agreement not to bother this girl, I would've already invited her to join us for lunch or to hang out. But then again, I wonder if Reira-senpai would be pleased to be in the presence of the other girls.

Trying to ease the tension, I chimed in, shooting a quick glance at Reira-senpai to help her regain her composure, "I feel lucky to be that guy, though. Unfortunately, the rumors about me are true. I'm quite close to a lot of girls."

The flustered Reira-senpai gave me a sharp look, but I could tell she appreciated the change of subject. Nikka-senpai, however, wasn't about to let me off that easily.

"Hmm? You won't even try to make an excuse, Onoda-kun?"

"Nope. I value honesty more than anything, senpai. Am I right, Reira-senpai?" I nonchalantly shrugged before throwing the other girl a lifeline.

"Y-yeah." Heaving a sigh of relief, Reira-senpai supported my claim before returning to Nikka-senpai's side. It was clear she was trying to regain her usual cool, mystifying, and extremely charismatic demeanor, but the blush still adorned her cheeks.

Sensing that it was about time to wrap things up, I decided to make my exit. I shouldn't be too comfortable or Enomoto might show up anytime.

I started climbing up the stairs again but paused beside them, turning to face both of them. "By the way, it's nice meeting you two here, Reira-senpai, Nikka-senpai. I won't hold you back anymore. Can I invite you two to lunch next time? If it's not going to be any trouble. I know Enomoto-senpai doesn't like my presence, so..."

I let my voice trail off, acting a little pitiful yet playful at the same time. I hoped it would make them laugh or at least ease any lingering tension.

Reira-senpai shook her head in amusement, a small smile tugging at her lips. Nikka-senpai, however, looked a bit more concerned, her brow furrowing as she thought it over. After a moment, she spoke up, her voice soft but firm, "As long as Onoda-kun promises not to do something Enomoto will hate. Uhm... I'm sorry if that comes off a little weird."

I chuckled softly, waving off her concern. "Ah. No, I fully understand. If it's impossible, I'll just ask to borrow Reira-senpai from you."

Reira-senpai's eyes widened as she let out a small huff of indignation. "Oi, you brat! What do you mean, 'borrow'? I'm not something you can just borrow like a book or a pen!"

I laughed, holding up my hands in a gesture of surrender. "Don't mind it, senpai. It's a figure of speech, no? You know how much I like you, right?"

She crossed her arms, a faint blush still on her cheeks. "I don't!"

Seeing that exchange, Nikka-senpai burst out laughing, clearly entertained by our banter. "Pfft... You two. You have the makings of a great couple, Sure, Onoda-kun. I'll let you borrow Reira. But you better be respectful to her. No matter how mature you act, she's still older than

you!"

I grinned, nodding earnestly. "Of course. You can count on me for that. I wouldn't dream of being anything but respectful."

Reira-senpai rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling pleasantly. "Alright, alright. Enough of this 'borrowing' nonsense. Just... make sure to invite me properly next time, got it? Don't just show up out of nowhere."

I gave a playful salute. "Yes, ma'am. I'll be sure to do that."

With a final wave, I resumed my climb up the stairs. The two also went on their way,

descending the stairs.

As I reached the next floor, I glanced back to see Reira-senpai and Nikka-senpai still chatting, their laughter echoing softly in the stairwell. When Reira-senpai noticed me staring at her,

she once again waved at me before sticking her tongue out playfully.

What a lass.

This encounter may have been unexpected, but it was definitely a welcome one.

.

After this, I set the encounter to one corner of my mind and accomplished what I set out here

to do; picking up the girls.

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