As I followed Fuyu in, I immediately heard little Fubukis excited voice coming from inside telling Akane that I brought her donuts.

Look, look. Akane-nee-chan, Ruki-nii-chan brought us donuts!

Oh! How thoughtful of him. What do you think, Fubuki-chan? Will he pass your evaluation?

With full marks!

Alright. I'll pretend I didn't hear that conversation. Fubuki was just too happy about the donuts and Akane is just being herself.

Having heard that as well, I noticed Fuyu shaking her head at my side, an awkward smile hanging on her lips.

Those two Don't mind them, Onoda-kun.

I nodded, Mhm. I expected as much from Akane. But Fubuki she's ready to sell you to me in exchange for donuts.

Hearing that bit at the end, the arc on Fuyus lips turned the other way as she unhappily muttered.

That Am I a commodity to be traded?

I leaned close to her and answered in a hushed voice, If you are, I have long brought you home.

Taken aback, Fuyu let out a surprised gap before her eyes narrowed at me. Her hand also reflexively reached for the hem of my shirt and tugged at it.

Y-you Don't say something that can cause a misunderstanding! Geez. You, Akane, and Fubuki are a bunch of teasers How can I win?

You know there's a saying If you can't beat them, join them. You can always fight fire with fire, Yuuki-san. I dont mind being teased by you.

If it was that easy, did you think I wouldn't do it? Ugh Fuyu groaned.

Shes not wrong though. Her ability to tease back was severely lacking. But then again, she could endure being triggered by it before. Is becoming conscious of me made her susceptible to it? Possible.

Now that Ive grown closer to her, her strong personality for protecting those important to her wasnt manifesting here.

Well, this shows the progress I have with her, no? While were still seemingly at a standstill when it comes to what we both want from each other, this girl has already been caught in my net. And likewise I dont think I can step away from her anymore.

I must say though. This suits you better, Yuuki-san. Youre so charming whenever you're flustered. I blurted that out at the end of my thought.

Perhaps not expecting to hear that from me, Fuyu almost toppled over. She swayed to my side, nudging my shoulder. Reflexively, my arm caught her by her waist which made her stiffen.

A few seconds later, I heard her aggrieved murmuring, Onoda-kun I hate you.

Contrary to the words she had spoken, I found the girls puffed-up cheeks already dyed in crimson red. Like I said, shes too adorable whenever shes flustered.

Its quite tempting to continue teasing her like this but unfortunately, I have to refrain from doing that. Its a short walk from their gate to their door, after all. And were already in front of it.

Upon noticing that, Fuyu appeared as though she found refuge at the sight of their door. She quickly extracted herself from me and hurried on her steps to grab the knob.

But before turning and pushing it open, the girl looked at me again, her eyes looking fierce. It resembled her game face whenever she was playing tennis.

I thought she was going to say something but the girl only scanned me from head to toe as if she was sizing her opponent. Following that, she lowered her gaze and resumed what she was about to do.

Opening the door, the girl turned her body sideways as she gestured for me to come over.

Shaking my head, I followed her guidance and walked in with her before politely muttering. Im sorry for the intrusion.

Like a proper host, Fuyu quickly got me a pair of slippers to use before guiding me to their living room.

As this wasnt my first time in this place, I found everything familiar. Also, I couldnt help but recall the moment this girl came over just to fall asleep on my shoulder.

Its not even a week yet but it feels like its been a long time.

Anyway, as we neared their living room, I couldnt help but find the place strangely quiet. No. To say that its strange should be wrong. Its more like the closer we approached it, the heavier the load on my shoulders became.

Am I getting nervous? Possibly. I mean, its always a challenge to meet my girls parents. Its just funny this time because Fuyu isnt my girl yet.

I dont know what to expect but I could liken this feeling of pressure to an impossible dungeon none has yet to conquer. Furthermore, theres also Akane who can be considered as an unpredictable variable that may or may not help me in this situation.

Ah Enough about that. I better keep a straight face. I mean, Im here to pick up my silly wife, right? Im not here to court Fuyu I should stick to that.

As I was lost in that thought, Fuyu glanced behind to check on me.

Perhaps seeing my serious expression, she asked with concern, Are you okay, Onoda-kun?

Mhm. Dont worry. Im probably just overthinking.

Huh? Youre weird. Fuyu let out a giggle as she waited for me to catch up to her. I have no clue whats in your mind but Onoda-kun, I believe youll be fine. Youre not here to ask for my hand, right?

Alright. Ill give it to her to accurately guess that one.

But lets see

If its possible, I will do that.

This guy Its pointless to be worried about you, huh? One moment, you looked like you were about to succumb to pressure. Then, at the next moment, youre teasing me again Ugh I wont fall for that next time!

I couldnt help but let out a laugh from her reaction. Before she could take another step, I reached for her hand and squeezed it tight before sincerely saying, Thank you, Yuuki-

san.

Whether she understood where that came from or not wasnt important already as the girl focused more on our hands and how intimately I was holding hers.

Fuyus mouth opened and closed, looking as though she was going to reprimand me. But in the end, she simply let out a sigh and turned her body to stand in front of me.

As a sweet laugh escaped her lips, she lifted her hand and placed it on my cheek. I admit Youre also adorable when youre like this, Onoda-kun.

Am I?

Yes But dont get it to your head My Fubuki is more adorable. Fuyu cutely stuck her tongue out before hurriedly walking away from me.

Looking at her back, I couldnt help but shake my head. Didnt she say she couldnt tease back?

Then whats this?

In any case, thanks to her, I feel light on my shoulders again.

Looks like I can survive this whatever is waiting for me in their living room.

I caught up to her and we went in together.

As the view of the living room entered my eyes, the first thing I noticed was Akane sitting comfortably on the same sofa I sat on back then. A meaningful smile plastered on her lips. Fubuki was beside her, munching on one of the donuts I bought.

Then, seated on the side was an imposing middle-aged man Yep. Hes probably the source of the pressure I was feeling earlier

Fuyus father.

His eyes alternated between me and Fuyu before eventually settling a fiercer gaze on me. Even without words, I could already feel like he was gauging me whether I was worthy of his daughter or not.

Uncle. Im only here to pick up my wife.

If I opened up the conversation with that? How likely will I survive?