Chapter 1956: The Last Stretch

A while later, I escorted the satisfied Otsuka-senpai back to their gathering area. Well, the girl made sure to take advantage of our situation. She failed to stop herself from leaving a mark on my chest. And maybe if it wasn't for our promise, she would've continued going down and left her mark there as well.

I had no idea if that was the influence of her curiosity or if there was more to it. In any case, it's fine as long as she's satisfied. That's more than enough reason to let her do it. It's not like I'm losing out on the situation anyway. Besides, Otsuka-senpai also let me touch and feel her up, stating that it's only fair that way. Although I didn't leave a mark on her, she'd definitely remember the sensation of my hands, lips, and tongue on her body for the days to come.

On our way to our destination, we ran into other second-year students. However, unlike on our hill, most of them only paid us little attention. In fact, they focused more on Otsuka-senpai than me. Her popularity was really showing.

Most likely, they're wondering why she's with someone like me. While I'm already a well-known student due to my connection and position or maybe even my appearance, it's not as exaggerated to those at a higher level than us. If I have to guess, a lot of them still thought that my influence had to do with my association with Shizu and was not earned solely by me.

Nonetheless, I doubt it will stay that way in the future. Given how frequently I would be seen with my girls from now on, their perception of me would slowly change. Just like what happened to our year level.

Anyway, thanks to Otsuka-senpai's bright, satisfied smile that they possibly took as her being friendly, no one tried to block our way or question us.

I did feel some envious gazes though but those were irrelevant. If it's just a guy who's interested in her, he now has zero chance with her.

"Well then, senpai. See you in school."

"Okay! See you in school, Onoda-kun!"

Upon arriving at the entrance of the gathering area, we stopped and bid ourselves farewell. This was the end of our time together.

I could've escorted her all the way to where she was going but since her friends had yet to know the identity of her supposed "˜boyfriend', we decided to keep it a mystery until the day of that group date.

I have to prevent them from seeing me with her. She's not known to be someone close to any other guy, after all.

We also reverted the way we called each other. The first name basis should only be whenever we're alone. For now, at least.

And as another promise to her, our practice will continue until she becomes more natural with acting intimate with me.

But well, we all know what might happen there... I can use that as a stage to court her for real and make her fall in love with me. Of course, I will also figure out what I feel for her.

As I stood there watching her back until she disappeared from my sight, I began thinking of my next move.

I still have time to spare so since I'm already at this hill, I decided to meet up with my girls here as well.

I pulled up my phone and sent a message to Haruko, asking where they were.

In less than ten seconds, I received a reply.

"We're at the peak, hubby. Come, we're waiting for you."

And with that, my destination was set.

I haven't been to the peak of this hill yet but there's no doubt it should be the same as the other one.

Five minutes later, I arrived at the steps leading to it and I was immediately greeted by the excited Himeko descending the stairs to pick me up. Haruko most likely told them that I was coming and this girl volunteered to pick me up. Or maybe she won a game of rocks-papers-and-scissors against them.

Well, it's a good thing she's still wearing her pants. With the day already in the late afternoon, the winds are already strong enough to flip skirts.

Staring at her elated expression partnered with her beautiful smile, the fatigue that was starting to accumulate in my head was swept away. It's only been a day for both of us but it feels like we haven't seen each other for months.

Well, it's always like this when it comes to them anyway. When I meet up with my girls from the other school, I also have to expect this from them.

Anyway, seeing her mindlessly hop down the stairs, my protective instinct was triggered. I kept a watchful eye on the girl as she took those steps. If ever she tripped, I would be more than ready to catch her.

Fortunately, nothing of the sort happened. However, Himeko leaped at me as soon as she gauged the distance to be sufficient.

I opened my arms, catching her perfectly.

Due to this scene, we became another attraction for the other guests and other students to look at. Some shook their heads at how dangerous it was while some stared at us fondly since we looked like a cute couple who just couldn't help it being this affectionate after not seeing each other for long.

Like this, I spent a few minutes with her there, enjoying the atmosphere. She'd sometimes lift her head for a kiss which I never rejected. This was a romantic setting, no? Even if it's not a mountain, standing here close to the highest spot where we could see the stretch of the land below was definitely something special.

If my other girls also want to, I'll do the same for them.

A while later, we began climbing up to join Haruko and the others. I asked her if she enjoyed the camp but the girl cheekily said that the most enjoyable time is when I'm with her...

Well, that's probably how they're going to answer if I asked them the same questions, no? And honestly, it's the same for me. I couldn't care less about the activities we did, all the notable events that I would remember were things I did with all of them - including my time with Shiina, Sara, Setsuna-nee, and Otsuka-senpai.

Upon joining Haruko, Shizu and the others who occupied a spot at the peak, I spent the rest of the time with them until it was time for me to return to the other hill.

Luckily, Juri also came to join us halfway through. The girl even jokingly said that she ditched Setsuna-nee somewhere just to be with me.

Somehow, I could imagine that girl becoming grumpy again. If Sakuma found her, that's his chance. But will he even go look for her? I don't know.

Honestly, I probably jinxed it for them, because as luck would have it, I came face-to-face with the woman on my way back to our hill.

As soon as she spotted me coming from the direction of the peak, one of her eyebrows raised while standing in the middle of the path with her arms crossed.

"Shameless guy, why are you coming from there?"