The study session came to an end and Iwabuchi-san and I were standing at the entrance.

We got more into studying than expected and outside it was already completely dark.

I already contacted Mitsuki during the session so she’s probably not worried about me being late.

I need to hurry back and prepare dinner for Mitsuki and Umi.

But since it’s already night, maybe I should walk Iwabuchi-san part of the way?

"Ah, looks like my mom is driving nearby right now."

Iwabuchi-san says while holding her phone.

"I’ll just get picked up around here and head home with her."

I see. If she’s with her mom then I don’t need to walk her... it’s safe at least.

"Want to ride with us Hayama-kun?"

"N-no I’m fine!"

Meeting Iwabuchi-san’s mom would make me too nervous!

"I still need to buy ingredients for dinner for my little sisters."

With the time I have today I’ll probably end up relying on prepared food.

Though Mitsuki actually likes supermarket deli food since it feels more special to her.

"Seriously, your siblings get along really well. You were super worried about them during the camp too. They must be really cute."

"They’re in fifth grade and preschool middle class so yeah they’re cute but it’s also a difficult age so it’s not easy."

"I get that. My little brother has been really cheeky lately too. Maybe because he’s in that middle school phase."

During the camp she told me she has a younger brother.

He’s lucky enough to live under the same roof as Iwabuchi-san yet he pushes back against her.

Maybe it’s different when you’re family.

"Is your brother good at sports too?"

"He plays soccer. His legs are getting really thick. Also his leg hair is getting thicker and when I laughed about it yesterday he got seriously mad."

Is there even a connection between playing soccer and growing thicker leg hair?

"And also he’s been acting all grown up so he doesn’t let me hug him anymore. He used to smile when his big sister carried him..."

"Well that’s just his age."

What a lucky brother.

And yet what a waste.

Refusing Iwabuchi-san’s hugs...

"Actually he’s about the same height as you Hayama-kun. If I hug you I might get to relive that nostalgic feeling."

"W-wait but our builds are different right!?"

"Yeah he’s more muscular. But can I try just once? Just once I’ll only touch a little, okay?"

Iwabuchi-san suddenly sounds oddly eager.

How starved is she for interaction with her brother?

"Are you two done with your sibling talk?"

Takatsuka-san stands there with her arms crossed looking exasperated.

"I can’t have you chatting forever at my front door."

"Sorry, sorry. By the way Takatsuka-san do you have siblings?"

"...I’m an only child."

"I see. You have so many rooms it feels like a waste."

"That has nothing to do with you. And siblings are just a hassle. From what I hear they’re cheeky, loud and troublesome. I’m enjoying the freedom of being an only child. My parents are busy and often away so I don’t have to deal with being told what to do."

Then Takatsuka-san starts grinning.

"That kind of environment lets me do things like bringing over someone I like."

"Eek, that's so adult."

Iwabuchi-san hugs herself and shivers playfully.

"S-so you’ve done that kind of thing..."

Embarrassingly I got flustered.

I knew Takatsuka-san was popular but...

"Hayama-kun you’re bright red. Come on, let's leave this pervy Prince and head home."

"Y-yeah we should. It’s getting late..."

"See you Takatsuka Prince. Thanks for today. Can we come again?"

"Do whatever you want. Just make sure to get my permission properly."

It was a bit surprising she didn’t refuse Iwabuchi-san.

Maybe she also felt this study session went well.

"Okay, okay. I don’t want to suddenly show up and run into your partner or anything. Hayama-kun, will you keep helping me study a bit more?"

"Yeah sure. You were really focused today so this environment suits you."

"Yeah yeah I really felt that away-game effect. From now on, let's make this our meeting spot before tests."

"Hey don’t decide that without asking the homeowner."

"Yeah yeah. By the way Takatsuka-san do you use Line? Let’s exchange."

"You seem like you’d be noisy if I gave it to you... Hayama-kun I don’t mind if it’s a group with you though."

I didn’t want to give Takatsuka-san my contact since she’d probably be persistent and troublesome but if it means I can also message Iwabuchi-san then... it’s fine.

"Oh my so you want to message Hayama-kun that badly?"

"Of course. That way I can send my erotic selfies whenever I want. It’ll give me more chances to enjoy Hayama-kun’s reactions."

"I-I’d be in trouble if you sent something like that so absolutely don’t!"

In the end I couldn’t resist the temptation of getting Iwabuchi-san’s contact and ended up connecting in a group with Takatsuka-san.