Reluctance

When the time to leave arrived, Ayu and Marika clung to me tightly, not wanting the night to end. Akane and Sena giggled at the sight while Miwa-nee went upstairs, bringing Minoru who was already asleep to their room.

Looking at their reluctant faces, I couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth in my chest. "Should I just keep you here with me then?"

Marika quickly nodded with a grin, her beautiful white teeth peeking from her lips.

That earned her a flick on her forehead though. Because among the two, she's the one who had someone waiting outside. The car of her guards was still parked not far from our house.

As for Ayu, she didn't give a definite answer. Instead, she simply wrapped her arms around my waist as though asking me for more time to pamper her.

“Why don't you stay the night too, Ayu? Are you afraid you'll wake up late for your workout?”

“It's not that… I'm afraid I'll hold you back in the morning. It's Monday. You can't be late, right?”