Once sixth period ended and school let out, I received another LIME from Himesaki.
『Homeroom is almost over, so would you like to walk home together today? Maybe we could hang out in front of the station or something?』
She wasn't even using commands anymore.
At this point, I wasn't sure which of us was supposed to be the dog. Maybe this was the kind of roleplay she was after?
"Sorry, Ryouta. I have to rush off because I’m meeting my b-b-boyfriend right after this."
"Baito," huh? Right. I got the message.
"I’m heading out too. I’ve got a breast—I mean, a package arriving today. My family has zero boundaries when it comes to opening other people’s mail, so I have to be there to intercept it."
It was definitely that baby bottle modeled after the new Breast-Kyun character that had just been released.
With Airi and Yuria heading home early and Rui off to club activities as usual, the coast was clear. In a way, it was the perfect timing to walk home with Himesaki.
I started heading toward the School Entrance where we’d agreed to meet.
(Come to think of it, I’m always walking home with one of those three. I’m living like way too much of a normie.)
And yet, none of those relationships ever turned romantic. I was still treated as the resident "degenerate pervert" by everyone. I suppose that was just the cross a loner had to bear.
Not that I had any ulterior motives. I hung out with those three because, despite everything, being jerked around by them was fun. Sure, I might occasionally stare a bit too hard at their thighs or chests, and I might have a collection of Rui’s selfies saved on my phone, but I definitely didn't have any impure motives. (Yes, I’m saying that twice for a reason.)
The same applied to Himesaki... but in her case, she didn't seem to have any actual intention of treating me like a dog. Honestly, compared to the constant whirlwind of being handled by the Beautiful Girl Trio, Himesaki’s "orders" felt a little underwhelming.
"...I know. Since we're heading home anyway, I’ll go pick her up at the first-year wing like a loyal hound."
If I did that, maybe she’d get cross with me. "What a bad puppy, not being able to wait patiently at the meeting spot," she might say. It could naturally lead into some kind of SM scenario... though, realistically, it probably wouldn't.
Despite those faint, delusional expectations, I climbed up to the fourth floor where the first-year classrooms were located... only to realize I didn't actually know which class was Himesaki’s.
As I was wandering around, students began pouring out of a classroom where homeroom had evidently just finished.
Crap! Himesaki might come out with a bunch of popular, extroverted friends. It would be a bad look for her if she was caught meeting up with a loner like me.
As I hovered near the classroom entrance, worrying about her reputation, a group of girls who looked like the school's top-tier gyarus walked past me. Himesaki wasn't among them, so it seemed she didn't run with that particular crowd.
"...Wait, seriously? Isn't that guy standing there that super famous second-year?"
"Oh, I know him. He played the heroine during the Cultural Festival, right?"
"No, more importantly, the rumor is that he’s in a totally 'mellow' relationship with Rui-paisen."
"""No way! That's insane!"""
Apparently, I was even being recognized by the junior gyarus now.
For the record, my relationship with Rui was more "erotic" than "mellow"... but whatever.
Next, a more reserved group of girls passed by. They looked like the type to join Cultural Clubs, but Himesaki wasn't with them either.
"Hey, isn't that Ryouta Izumiya-senpai?"
"I think so. The first-year guys call him a living legend."
"The rumor is that the aura pouring out of him is so intense he won't let anyone but girls get near him."
What kind of aura is that supposed to be? Is this the Great Pirate Era?
I guess that was how people interpreted a loner who was constantly surrounded by the Beautiful Girl Trio. It was a remarkably spiritual way of looking at things. Also, girls, please don't gossip at a normal volume.
"Wait, Ryouta-senpai?"
While I was lost in thought, I heard Himesaki’s voice from the side. She was walking out of the classroom alone, looking at me with wide, surprised eyes.
"Oh, Himesaki. There you are."
"Huh...? Senpai, did you come all the way to the fourth floor? Have I kept you waiting?"
"Ah, no, it wasn't like that."
I had fully expected her to be surrounded by friends or hangers-on, but Himesaki was unexpectedly by herself. She stared at me for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly.
That look... was she angry?
"U-Um! Sorry for showing up at your classroom. I know we have this whole master-servant thing, but it’d be a disaster if your friends saw you going home with a guy like me. Are you... mad?"
"N-No... It’s not that. I’m... happy. Truly."
"Happy?"
"Ah! No! I mean! Anyway! We’re losing daylight, so let’s get going! You’re going to spend the whole afternoon with me today, okay? ♡"
Himesaki’s expression suddenly cleared, and she started walking ahead with a cheerful, light step.
Absolutely!!! Nothing!!! Happened!!!
The SM scenario... didn't happen!
While Himesaki hummed happily to herself, I followed along behind her, biting my lip in silent defeat.