Chapter 168: Eriri and Sayuri's pillow talk, Haruno's Dilemma

Shinoa Hiragi: "…This sounds like the typical excuse of a playboy who juggles multiple relationships, saying things like 'you're all my wings.'"

After reading the latest developments in the chat group, she couldn't help but voice her thoughts.

Hijiri Kasuga: "Mmm, I feel the same."

Rei Ao: "Completely wrong! We're open and honest about everything. For example, @Mai Sakurajima, @Ayame Yomogawa, @Sui, what do you think?"

Saeko Busujima: "I think it's nice. It feels like gaining a close new sister."

Ayame Yomogawa: "Agreed."

Sui: "Uh… I do feel a little jealous, but it's not a big deal."

Megumi Kato: "Sigh, Rei Ao-kun handles relationships in his own unique way. I hope no one minds."

Shinoa Hiragi: "Hmm… I don't really care."

After all, it wasn't her business.

Stella: "But… this is my dorm room! How am I supposed to sleep with this heavy scent everywhere?!"

She knew she had no right to criticize consensual relationships, but her irritation needed an outlet. The jealousy and dissatisfaction brewing within her demanded release.

Rei Ao: "That's something I didn't account for, but hey, I didn't do anything unreasonable. You can't blame me."

Stella: "What did you do?"

Rei Ao: "For example, Shizuku wanted to use your bed, but I stopped her because I thought it was inappropriate."

Stella: "What???"

Her mind froze.

"On my bed?"

At that moment, a soft noise broke the silence.

"Mmm…"

Shizuku Kurogane stirred awake. Stretching lazily, she let out a yawn and said casually,

"Oh, Stella, you're back."

"…"

"Heh."

Stella's shoulders began to tremble as a cold, dry laugh escaped her lips.

"Shizuku… not only did you get ahead of me, but you even dared to set your sights on my bed!"

"Huh?!"

Shizuku, still groggy and bashful from exhaustion, didn't understand what was happening. But Stella's ominous aura made it clear that she wasn't to be trifled with.

Fortunately, something diverted Stella's attention—their world group chat.

Touka Toudou: "@Rei Ao, the one who saved me in the arena… it was you, wasn't it? Stella told me your name."

Kurono Shinguuji: "Touka Toudou?"

Shizuku Kurogane: "Her?!"

Shizuku's eyes widened.

She hadn't forgotten Touka Toudou—the one who had defeated her so thoroughly.

Shizuku Kurogane: "When did she join the group?"

Stella, momentarily distracted from her anger, added,

"@Rei Ao, this was your doing, wasn't it?"

Rei Ao: "Yes, I added her as a sub-group member. Welcome."

Rei Ao: "By the way, Stella was using my power during your match, so don't feel too discouraged about losing to her."

Stella: "Hmph, as much as I hate to admit it, it was his power. Next time, I'll beat you with my own strength!"

Touka Toudou: "I see."

Touka Toudou: "Thank you, Rei Ao, for showing me a broader world and helping me recognize my own shortcomings."

Touka's expression was one of reverence. The incredible power she had witnessed in the arena remained vivid in her memory.

From now on, Rei Ao would be her ultimate goal to strive toward.

Shizuku Kurogane: "I won't be discouraged either. Next time, I'll beat you myself!"

Touka Toudou: "I look forward to it."

Rei Ao: "@Kurono Shinguuji, your academy's three star students—what's your take?"

Kurono Shinguuji: "I'm pleased. They'll go far."

Rei Ao: "Haha, Touka Toudou, if you have any questions about the chat group, feel free to ask the others. I have something urgent to attend to."

Touka Toudou: "Understood."

Rei Ao's "urgent matter" was, of course, Mai.

Unable to just sit idly by any longer, she finally took action, straddling him decisively.

Her face flushed red as she glared down at him, her tone icy yet commanding.

"This is your punishment for being such a philanderer. This time, it's your turn to grasp the future."

Rei Ao was tempted to quip, "What future? You don't have one," but decided against it.

Instead, he smirked and thought, "If it's being served on a silver platter, why not?"

And so, he began.

…

At the Spencer household.

"Mom, there's something I want to ask you."

It was late at night when Eriri came into her mother's room, looking conflicted.

Sayuri had never seen her daughter so hesitant before, so she responded gently, "Of course. Let's have a long-overdue mother-daughter chat tonight."

Eriri's face lit up with joy. "Okay! I'll grab my pillow!"

Not long after, the two were sitting together on the bed, leaning against the headboard. The dim light cast a warm glow over the room.

Sayuri took the lead. "So, Eriri, tell me—what is it you'd like to ask?"

"Um…"

Eriri fidgeted with her hands, her hesitation returning. Whatever was on her mind, it was clearly difficult for her to say.

To help, Sayuri tried to guide her gently. "Why don't you start by telling me what kind of question it is? Is it about art? Life? Or… emotions, perhaps?"

"It's about… the emotional problems in my doujinshi!" Eriri blurted, her face turning bright red.

"Oh?"

From her understanding of her daughter's shy and tsundere nature, Sayuri suspected this wasn't really about her doujinshi. It was probably about Eriri's own emotions.

Still, she played along. "What kind of emotional storyline are you struggling to draw? Is it… one of those 'netorare' (cheating) types?"

"Th-that… might be somewhat related," Eriri said, thinking carefully.

If Rei Ao already had a girlfriend, wouldn't her involvement make her the "other woman"? But Rei Ao's situation was unique—he was genuinely building a large harem.

Sayuri was taken aback by this response.

"Eriri… a cheating storyline?"

The only person Sayuri could imagine her daughter liking was Rei Ao. But if cheating was involved, who was cheating on whom? She was desperate to know the details but didn't dare ask directly. If she pushed too hard, Eriri might get embarrassed and run off, and she'd lose her chance to find out.

Adopting a soft tone, Sayuri probed delicately. "So, is the male lead cheating on another male lead, or is the female lead cheating on another female lead?"

"It's more like… the female lead wanting to cheat on someone else," Eriri replied cautiously.

"???"

Sayuri understood immediately—this meant Rei Ao already had a girlfriend. And Eriri… was aiming to insert herself into his life.

Her thoughts spun in turmoil.

"Wait… Rei Ao has a girlfriend?! That won't do!"

Sayuri had been hoping Eriri would bring Rei Ao home one day so they could live as a happy family of three.

Her expression turned serious.

If Eriri was determined to win Rei Ao's affection, Sayuri couldn't let her fail. For her daughter's happiness—and maybe her own future peace of mind—she had to teach Eriri how to succeed.

With that resolve, Sayuri began a heartfelt, overnight lesson for her daughter.

Saturday.

Rei Ao's weekends were typically peaceful—provided Mai and the others had nothing planned, and the chat group wasn't buzzing with trades.

He'd initially planned to watch Michiru Hyodo's band's street performance, having been personally invited.

However, a text message temporarily redirected his plans.

It was from Haruno Yukinoshita.

Haruno: "Hehe, hey there, Rei Ao-kun."

Carefully removing Tohru and Mai's soft arms from his chest, Rei Ao got up without waking them and walked downstairs with his phone.

Rei Ao: "Shouldn't you be resting on a weekend? Sleeping in, perhaps? It's pretty early."

Haruno: "I'm not the kind of woman who sleeps in, you know~"

Rei Ao: "Well, I am."

He'd been up late the previous night playing with Mai and Tohru, so he didn't mind sleeping in when given the chance.

Haruno: "Oh dear, it seems my efforts to set up a date for you with Shizuka have gone to waste."

Rei Ao: "???"

Haruno: "Don't you remember? I promised to help you arrange something with your Hiratsuka-sensei. I haven't forgotten!"

Ah, yes. Rei Ao recalled her mentioning that. Though he hadn't needed her help—he could easily arrange something himself—Haruno was one of his own targets, so he played along.

Rei Ao: "Time and place?"

Haruno: "Hehe, you're so eager when it comes to Shizuka. I'll send you the details, but you'll need to read between the lines. If you miss my hints, don't blame me~"

Rei Ao smirked. "Big sister type, huh?"

If Haruno wanted to tease him now, he'd make sure she learned to call him "Daddy" in the future.

But before that, he decided to give her a little shock.

Rei Ao: "Aren't you curious about your sister, Yukino? Have you thought to ask?"

Haruno: "Hmm? Did you discover something about her?"

Rei Ao: "For example, a man has been in her home recently."

That "man," of course, was him.

Haruno: "???"

Haruno: "Who?! What kind of person? How old? Do you know him?!"

Rei Ao: "Tsk, so many questions at once."

Haruno: "Fine! Shizuka's entire schedule tomorrow is yours—do whatever you want with her!"

Rei Ao: "…"

Well, Haruno had practically handed Hiratsuka over on a silver platter.

Rei Ao: "A handsome young man, that's all I'll say. Anyway, I'm off to take a shower."

Closing the chat, Rei Ao smirked. He could already imagine Haruno pacing anxiously, pulling her hair in frustration.

~~~

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I need more Stones! Haha, thank you, guys! There will be more—and even more beautiful girls—joining the chat group in the future. I promise you'll all like it