The stationery shop purchase didn't take much of their time. After buying what they needed, they headed to the train station.

Even though Nene was taking the same train as them, she would get off earlier, which made her a bit sad even before boarding the train, until she had a brilliant idea.

"Reiji-senpai!"

"Yes?" Reiji turned to her with a look of curiosity.

"Like, Reiji-senpai." She smiled at her own idea, clearly excited: "Are you busy? If not, can I come to your house? I'm good at cooking, I can make something for you to eat, how about it?"

Kanade, surprised by Nene's suggestion, raised an eyebrow and thought with a hint of jealousy: 'Going to Reiji-kun's house?' 'That's an option too!'

"I want to go too, Reiji-kun!" Kanade exclaimed, moving closer to Reiji and looking at him with hopeful eyes.

"Unfortunately, I have to go to my part-time job and won't be back until 8 pm." Reiji responded somewhat apologetically, scratching his nape in discomfort.

"It's no problem." Nene said quickly, her voice full of determination. "You live alone, right?" When he nodded, she continued without hesitation: "Then, it's okay if I wait for you at your house? I mean, I can even make dinner, I bet you don't eat anything decent because you're tired when you get back from work, right?"

"If she can stay, I want to too, Reiji-kun." Kanade looked at him with her big, pleading eyes, gently placing her hand on his arm. "I'm good at cooking too."

"..."

Once again, they put him in a difficult situation, while passersby started to notice the small scene unfolding, some with amused smiles witnessing Reiji's dilemma.

However, contrary to what they might expect, Reiji didn't seem affected as he said: "Okay, if you both want to do it that way, I don't mind at all. In fact, it would make me happy." His smile was genuine, conveying an aura of calm and acceptance.

"Reiji-kun~" Kanade moved closer to him, her voice sweet and affectionate.

"Reiji-senpai~" Nene, on the other hand, approached from the other side, trying not to be outdone.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Meanwhile, the people who overheard this 'little theater' of the three looked at them with anger and other emotions. Some expressions were of disgust, others of envy.

'Damn playboy!' Several boys thought; even adult men seemed to shake their heads in disapproval.

At this point, even though Reiji had good looks, even some girls were somewhat disgusted by him. But, again, he was very attractive and lean, so... If money can practically buy anything, sometimes, just having good looks can even break boundaries that even money can't easily.

A prime example was a 22-year-old guy who ran over a 20-year-old mother and her 3-year-old daughter, killing them both in the process while drunk racing. Yet, because he was very attractive, there was a protest by several women and some men wanting him to be released, because, in their words, he was too beautiful to go to jail.

Of course, that was an absurd excuse. The young man caused the death of two people due to his own irresponsibility, but that didn't stop many people from advocating for him.

Nene, although a bit unhappy that Kanade was also going to Reiji's house, was still happy. Taking out her smartphone, she sent a message to her mom telling her she would be staying at a friend's house until later, her face lit up with a mischievous smile.

As for Kanade, she didn't need to worry; her parents were hardly ever home, spending most of their time traveling for business, and even when they were around, they were always out together, acting like two love-struck doves. She checked her phone briefly before stowing it away with a sigh.

Not long after, their train arrived.

Upon boarding, they were lucky to find vacant seats on the left side at the right corner.

Sitting on the blue bench, with Nene on his left and Kanade on his right, Reiji was once again 'attacked' by them, having his arms embraced.

"I'm not complaining, but why do you like hugging my arm so much?" Reiji asked, curious, glancing alternately at each of them.

"Because it's nice." Nene promptly replied, snuggling closer.

"Because I feel safe and... Your arm is firm and strong, it feels comforting to the touch." Kanade shared her feelings, her face blushing slightly.

"I understand." Reiji said, nodding with a light smile on his lips.

Nene, with her fingers, traced the muscles of Reiji's arm.

Feeling this, Reiji looked at her, and then she looked back.

Why is she looking at him with that all-knowing and presumptuous expression?

"Having fun?" Reiji asked.

"Very much so." She smiled. She even traced down to his chest, outlining his pectoral muscles, down to his abs.

Seriously, this girl was bolder than she seemed...

Visibly pleased, she ended her mischief and, for a moment, stayed quiet, finding satisfaction in just holding his arm between her breasts. She displayed a wide, restrained smile, her lips forming a perfect arc.

Reiji, shifting his gaze to the landscape outside the window, seemed to have seen something that provoked a mischievous smile on his lips. He then leaned in discreetly to whisper in Nene's ear: "You know, little one, if you don't stop these provocations, I might just have to claim those irresistible lips of yours~"

"Ahhh!" Nene let out a surprised scream and, for a brief moment, had the impulse to 'counterattack' Reiji. But then...

"In a little while, in a little while..."

The announcement for the next stop echoed through the train, signaling that they were approaching their destination.

"Moo!" Nene displayed a visibly upset demeanor, catching Reiji's mischievous smile. She immediately realized he had planned his words knowing they were about to get off, using this moment to tease her!

Crossing her arms and frowning, she glared at Reiji with a mix of irritation and a silent promise of retaliation. In her determined thoughts, she swore: 'Damn, next time I won't let you get away!' Meanwhile, Reiji just maintained his provocative smile, clearly amused by the situation.

'What happened between them when I wasn't looking?' Kanade was extremely curious. However, it was already time to get off, which left her no opportunity to ask any questions.

Once outside the train, they passed through the turnstile, leaving the station behind.

By a happy coincidence, the rain had let up.

Nene, still sporting an air of irritation with her cheeks puffed out in discontent, only found solace in suddenly hugging Reiji's waist in a gesture of affection.

Seeing the scene, Kanade decided to follow suit and did the same from the other side.

This again?

Reiji let out an ironic smile, resigned. He found himself again in a difficult situation to walk, but somehow, the feeling was comforting. Shaking his head lightly with amusement and acceptance, he pondered how to balance walking with a girl on each side.

||- Note -||

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