Chapter 1994: Countermeasure

"Yes. That's what happened. I understand. I'll wait for your news... And Mom, I'm sorry for troubling you and Dad like this."

Having decided my next step of action, I didn't wait until I arrived home before contacting my parents.

My mother answered at the first ring. They were probably at their house since I could hear Minoru and my father nearby.

I gave my mother the rundown of what transpired today as well as my decision.

She listened for the most part, probably visualizing the scene in her head. I made sure to tell her that I wasn't hurt or anything. Knowing how much she dotes on me, she'll immediately jump in the car and get to my location to give them some payback for using actual adults to bully me.

That could be an interesting sight but I should shelve that thought at the back of my head. I shouldn't trouble her that much. It's also fortunate that my father was there. He's more reasonable and they both act as a leash to each other. I probably won't see them act separately, no matter the occasion.

Somehow, looking from an outside perspective, I'm not any different from Ichihara Jun. My parents clean any mess that I make. They also spoil me a lot, letting me continue on this path with my girls...

"Baby boy, save your apology, okay? We are your parents. We ought to protect you before you leave our nest. Understand that no matter what happens, as long as what you're doing isn't an outright criminal act, we'll always have your back."

And there she goes again... Tell me, how can I repay them? Ensure that I'll give them more grandchildren? Uh... Let's think about that in the future. For now, Minoru is enough to occupy them.

Since I've already decided to be as shameless as Ichihara Jun, I was really just trying to make things difficult for me. But then again, this was something I should communicate to them. It wouldn't be right if I just accept everything without introspection.

"Mom, can I cry?"

"Pfft. Save your tears too, baby boy. And don't let your girls worry for you. Even if you beat up people as long as you have a justification to do so, we won't condemn you for it. All we're asking is for you to continue caring for everyone and never stray from what you've decided. Understand?"

"Yeah... I'll keep that in mind."

As I had no more avenue to refute, I could only nod and end the call there.

Since they're going to make a move too, something might happen tomorrow or within this week

Good thing we're going to Tokyo, I guess I can relax there with Yue and the other girls before facing what the Ichihara will do.

As for Marika... I'll call her tonight. I can't have her worry for me too much.

Upon arriving home, I ate another dinner with Yae and Akane who considerately asked me why I looked glum. They even acted goofy to make me smile. And that was super effective. I joined them in their antics and doted on them while we scolded each other for playing in front of the food.

With my mother's reminder etched in my mind, I shook off whatever troubling thoughts still running in my head.

While we were relaxing in the living room, I told them what happened and that included everyone who connected to a group call.

Some voiced their concern like Shio and Shizu who looked at the situation objectively. Mizuki also supported that. According to them, I shouldn't just dismiss Ichihara Jun's threats. Because I'm not invincible, I could still be taken by surprise.

Well, they're right to bring up that concern. That's why I assured them that I had already accounted for that.

Of course, that was not enough to settle their concern so we spent a few hours discussing the situation and thinking of solutions or countermeasures.

Shizu brought up suggestions like minimizing their contact with me because they could be targeted just by being close to me.

While a lot of them agreed to that, it's evident that they're reluctant. Especially the girls from the other school. It's for their protection so I cannot really disagree with their suggestion. All I can do is to make up for that. If I have to be sneaky again just like in the past then I'll do it. I mean, we're still being sneaky in private so there won't be that much of a change.

I tried to be optimistic but with the weight of the Ichihara Family looming above us, it's really hard to cheer them all up.

In the end, it's clear that I brought up a big enough problem that we have no choice but to take a step back before the issue is resolved.

Still, with most of my girls having a strong character, they brainstormed about how to deal with every possibility.

Mizuki said she'll help look into the Ichihara Construction through the Hasegawa Family. I guess she's going to mobilize her family's resources too. And perhaps knowing I would be dissuading her, she immediately told me not to refuse.

Of course, it didn't stop with Mizuki.

Otoha, Himeko, Maaya, Rae and even Edel pitched in. They used the argument of 'we're in this together' to stop me from refusing them.

Rae promised to ask her parents for a favor to gather the dirt of the Ichihara Family. And Edel... she's going to contact her mother. Although it's probably going to be a shot to the moon, I appreciate the sentiment.

Like Mizuki. They'll do everything to help stave off the pressure that I will be receiving. Of course, the others who didn't have a large background also expressed their support. No matter how meager it is.

Really, why are my girls so stubborn?

Short answer. Because of my influence...

Long answer. They're totally committed to our complex relationship and just like my parents, they'll appreciate more if I rely on them than set them aside...

With Marika also included in the group call, the ringlet girl was not just speechless, she became emotional, thanking everyone and promising them that she'll also be strong for everyone.

She made her choice of being with me so she's not going to back down on it no matter what.

How much luckier can I be to have these wonderful girls? It's unreal how they're this unified.

If I falter at this point, then I'll be failing them.

Before ending that call, I told everyone that I would be calling them one by one before the day ended.

With that, I spent another two hours on the phone before joining Akane and Yae in our bedroom. It heated up like fiery coal from how long I used it.

With tomorrow going to be a long day, I made sure not to miss anyone, especially the ones who weren't in the group call.

Yayoi-san and Ryouko-san.

My two adorable juniors - Sumire and Umi.

Azusa and Hanabi.

And lastly Komoe and Mutsumi-senpai.

It's exhausting, however, there's no reason for me to complain besides, their smiles are also rejuvenating me. That alone was enough to lighten the pressure on my shoulder

Then with Akane and Yae spoiling me with their endless affection, the day ended on a perfect note.

It's going to be a new week and new challenges but with my girls supporting me, we're not going to slow down.