Chapter 2018: Arrival at Tokyo

The scenery beyond the window of the train soon started to change. From afar, we could finally see Tokyo's boasted skyscrapers reaching up to the sky. Naturally, it's quite hard for us to recognize every landmark, and with how dense this part of the country is, we're probably only seeing not even 1% of it.

Furthermore, at this point of the trip, the interval between different stations became shorter.

If earlier it would take 10 to 20 minutes before we stopped at a station to unload and load passengers, the maximum time the train would move was 5 minutes.

Well, that's not a problem for us since we're still in the premium line. While waiting for the station where Kaoru-san would be waiting for us, I messaged the girls back home, sending them updates that we were already in Tokyo.

Honestly, Tokyo could never be compared to our city. Its area was so vast that it would feel like we were stepping into a giant labyrinth once we got off the train.

Without a guide or a specific plan on where to go, it'd definitely feel overwhelming for anyone residing outside it.

Thankfully, we're going to be spared from that dilemma.

Our destination was one of the special wards. It might not be located in one of the famous places like Shibuya or Shinjuku, but it's still within one of the most populated areas; Chiyoda Ward.

Its most famous landmark is the Imperial Palace which we already saw from afar. Aside from that, Akihabara - the electric town of Tokyo - which was still a haven for electronics as well as games, anime, and manga was also located in this special ward. It's also filled with tourists so it will be like a different land if we go there. Not that we have a plan to do so.

According to the address reflected on the interactive map on the internet, the building was far from the hustle and bustle. Or at the very least, we won't have to swim along the wave of people going to and from different places.

Another five minutes later, the usual voice of the staff announcing the train's arrival at a specific station rang out.

And upon hearing that, the four of us prepared to leave.

They left their school bags in school so what they were carrying were small handbags while I carried the same bag containing their uniforms they changed into and the other things I packed earlier.

With Akane leading the way, we exited the train and continued towards the stairs leading to the main hall of the station.

At this point, Miho and Yua stuck close to me while Akane walked just a step ahead of us.

To prevent ourselves from getting attention, the girls restrained themselves from clinging to me openly.

No. They only tried to do so.

We're in an unfamiliar place. I can't afford to lose sight of them here especially when everywhere we look, there's no end to the heads of people packed together. That's why to prevent that from happening, I grabbed their hands and hooked them on my arms.

It's just the same as back home, anyway. People will stare. But what can they do? Reprimand us for sticking close in this crowd?

After a while, we passed by the exit gates and arrived at the large open space where every direction, aside from the entrance, would lead to a different platform.

Upon spotting Kaoru who was quite sticking out with her maroon-colored business suit and pointed glasses.

Before approaching her, Yua and Miho naturally let go of their hold on my arm and Akane squeezed into our side.

Since she was seemingly still trying to find us from the crowd, I raised my arm and smilingly called out to her.

"Kaoru-san, Here we are."

With how noisy the place was with the squeaking of boots and muffled chattering from everyone, my voice naturally felt like it got drowned out.

Thankfully, she managed to pick that up and turned her gaze in our direction.

She appeared relieved before a gentle smile flashed from her lips.

She didn't say anything since her voice would surely be drowned out as well but she gestured for us to follow her before turning around to the exit.

Shortly after that, we reached the parking area and successfully met up with Kaoru-san who waited before her car.

"It's nice meeting you, Kaoru-san."

One by one, the three girls introduced themselves to the woman.

Although they've already conversed through a phone, this should be their first time meeting each other.

"How's the trip? I hope no one inconvenienced you." Kaoru-san asked as her eyes swept on the girls' appearances. Sure enough, she's probably thinking that because of their looks, we might've encountered some idiots there.

"Not at all. It's a smooth trip. Besides, having Ruki with us, no one can touch us."

Akane was the one who answered. Obviously, she didn't call me husband this time but Kaoru-san's flashed a hint of suspicion.

I mean, I'm practically sandwiched by them. As someone who doesn't know about our complex relationship, it certainly looks like we're too close to each other.

In any case, we can just feign ignorance of what she's picking up.

"I'm glad to hear that. Is that the same for the two of you?" Kaoru-san also asked the other two.

"Yes."

"Un. Ruki alone can prevent anyone from approaching us."

Miho gave a short answer while Yua energetically pumped her fist up as she couldn't restrain her excitement any longer.

"I see. Then it's all thanks to you, Onoda-kun."

"Don't mention it. Isn't that the reason why I'm here?"

"Is it? I wonder." Kaoru-san amusedly answered as a meaningful smile peeked from her lips.

Alright. I hadn't expected her to jest like that but there's no reason not to play along.

I rubbed my nose with my thumb and acted embarrassed.

Kaoru-san laughed before stepping forward and patting my shoulder, "I'm joking. Good job, Onoda-kun. I'm sure that girl will be pleased to hear your feat."

"Well... Knowing that girl, she'll still cheer for me even if I only clapped a mosquito buzzing around her."

"Yeah. Asahi's a simpleton. Take care of her, okay? And these girls too. You're their guardian today."

"I understand. Leave it to me."

"Good."

Another tap on my shoulder and Kaoru-san turned her attention back to the girls.

After asking them a few more questions regarding the trip and how they felt at the moment, she guided us into her car.

The same as earlier, I took the passenger's seat while the three squeezed together at the back.

They held my bag though and at the moment, Akane was using it like a hug pillow.

Before starting the car, Kaoru-san brought up another question.

"Shall we go straight to the studio or... do you like to eat first? I'll treat you to a meal. The recording may last until late in the night. It may be best to stuff yourselves now than eat those cheap lunch boxes they're going to serve later."

"Sure. No problem. Will Yue be there?" I swiftly answered.

"Hold it, young man. You're not wasting any time, are you? Let the girls answer first.

Kaoru-san's cheek twitched as she focused on me. Judging from the smirk, she's once again amused by my answer.

From the looks of it, Kaoru-san is playing the role of the host excellently. Knowing that we just arrived from a long trip and into a bustling place like Tokyo, she's trying to ease us up.

Not that we needed it but I appreciate her for doing this.

I mean, Miho was still feeling uncomfortable, after all.

"That's also our question, Kaoru-san." Akane answered and Yua seconded with, "It'll be great to share a meal with Yue first. It's been a while."

"Mhm. That's great. Buckle up then. I'll take you to a good place. Onoda-kun, let me warn you though. For Asahi's sake, behave."

"I understand. I won't openly flirt with her." I smirked as I let my voice trail, insinuating a continuation that I didn't voice out.

"Impatient, are we? Don't worry. I won't get in your way." Kaoru-san laughed again, turning the atmosphere in the car mellow.

I glanced behind and checked on the three. Akane and Yua were still in their top form but Miho, the girl had her eyes closed with her head resting on Akane's shoulder.

Mhm. She doesn't look sick but I guess she's trying to conserve her energy for later.