Ultimately, Akane left with Machida to guide her to her destination. With an exuberant motive in mind, she left me no window to dissuade her.

Nevertheless, its not like shes going to push Machida to be more conscious of me or vice versa. Her reason for deciding to be her guide was to test the waters. To figure out Machidas personality more.

Since their conversation only went around our encounter today, Akane believed it was insufficient to reach a conclusion. It wasnt enough to get a proper read on her. Who knows? She might still be hiding a lot more than she let on.

Even though that should only be the second time weve encountered each other ever since graduating from middle school, Machida was strangely too updated about me. With her group being one of those at the top of the hierarchy, shouldnt dabbling in rumors be pointless to them?

Well, its difficult to figure that out properly considering I hadnt observed them enough and I lacked the interest to do so.

That aside, Akane also commented about how I acted differently from usual today.

According to her, shes aware of my shift in focus to limit myself from getting too close to other girls considering my current record of becoming eventually entangled with most of them. However, she found it strange that if I was really that opposed to getting to know Machida, I wouldve never let the girl buzz around me. Yet, all I did was act cold to her and still reply to her attempts at conversing with me no matter how succinct my responses were.

Hearing that made me pause what was running into my head and internalize. To figure out if thats really the case.

As much as I didnt want to admit it, Akane hit the bullseye there.

Saying it was difficult to shake her off on the train was nothing but an excuse. Not only did I fail in completely ignoring her but also in one corner of my mind, I was curious about why she was that persistent in getting to know me.

I guess Akane already knows me more than I know myself. She can already read things that Im refusing to vocalize or recognize. And most likely, thats the same for my other girls especially those who can read me like a book.

Anyway, since she got me convinced to leave the matter of Machida to her, I didnt oppose it anymore.

Besides, we already found out why shes here in our neighborhood. Apparently, she found a part-time job posting on the internet and the address was here. Shes going for an interview today.

Its a newly opened bookstore that I have yet to visit

And funnily enough, its another branch of 8000s bookstores.

Well, its obviously a coincidence that they opened one here. Its still going to be a bookstore.

A month has yet to pass since that business dinner where Ive given him the advice of switching his chain of bookstores business model. I heard from Mizuki that it will take at least two months of testing on one single branch before they can give proper feedback.

After Akane and Machida left the house, I spent a few minutes checking our pantry and fridge to see what I needed to buy at the supermarket. Following that, I sent a message to Eimi that I was on the way to their house.

However, I didnt receive her reply until I was almost at their house and saw their pickup van leaving their gate from afar.

Ruki. Sorry. Something urgent came up. My parents are taking me with them to visit my grandparents on my fathers side. I dont think its an emergency but I cannot refuse to come with them.

Anzu-nee will be waiting at our house. She volunteered to come with you instead. Take care of her!

I read that second part a few times before shaking my head at how unbelievable it was.

Eimi, that girl I understand that she cant come because of how sudden that trip is but whats the deal with Anzu-nee? Is she intentionally setting me up with her? No She wouldve mentioned it to me if thats the case.

And upon reading it again, it says Anzu-nee volunteered for it.

Then its her cousins idea to accompany me.

I quickly wrote my reply to her before continuing my steps.

I understand. Take care on your trip. Dont forget to message me, alright? I miss you. And dont apologize. Its an unavoidable circumstance.

Also, about Anzu-nee. Are you sure about leaving her with me?

Well, I could probably word that better but its Eimi. Shed understand what I meant with those.

This time, her reply arrived quickly. For sure, she had her phone in her hand while sitting in the backseat, waiting for me to reply.

Regrettably, I couldve caught them before they left if not for Machida.

Uh. Scratch that. Its not true, after all. We have our set time for the grocery. Regardless of how early or late I returned home, Id still be coming here at the same time.

Thank you Im going to miss you too, Ruki. Ill keep in touch. Ill also call you as soon as we arrive there!

I trust you! And I think Anzu-nee is troubled about something and she needs your advice. Dont tease her too much. If she falls for you, itll be awkward for both of us.

I see So, she volunteered because she wanted to ask me for advice? And like I thought, Eimi is already influenced by Akane and the others. But then again, its also because of how I continue to grow closer to her cousin. Eimis not blind. She can see those signs. Especially when I told her about the park and what happened there.

Saying itll be awkward for them if it truly happens is just her way of reminding me to make sure Im also certain of my choice before proceeding with whatever may happen.

In any case, since that woman would be waiting for me, backing out here would be a bad move. I should hear her out at least.

Ill be waiting for your call! And dont worry. Ill handle this to the best I can I cant promise not to tease her though.

A few seconds later, Eimis reply to that was a cutesy sticker of an animated girl pouting in jealousy.

Thats cute.

I guess thats the price for being too honest with my reply.

After exchanging a few more messages with my girl, I soon arrived before the opened gate of the Nikaido household.

Since she was already expecting me to come, Anzu-nee probably didnt bother closing the gate anymore.

As I walked inside, I saw her motorbike parked on the side. Its still looking a little adorable. Like its made for someone with her height.

Before I could knock on their door, it swung open, and the grumpy college student who looked like a middle schooler because of her height scowled at me, What are you grinning there for? Are you mocking my bike?

Nope. Im admiring it. Didnt I tell you before? It looks great.

Psh. Come in. Eimi told you, right? Wait for me. I still have to prepare.

Looking like she didnt even believe a word I said, the woman turned around and left the door open as she begrudgingly walked back in the direction of the staircase.

As I watched her departing back, I could only shake my head at how especially grumpy she was today

Maybe shes acting like this because shes anxious it might not go well? Probably.

I should follow along for now and wait to hear whatever trouble she was facing. Its a bit early to tease her right away.