51 See you later!

Ayaka nodded as she agreed with what Nozomi was saying. Maki and Nico definitely can be like that at first glance, but after knowing them a bit further, people would know that those two aren't like what they thought at first. This is especially true if the case with Todokami Ayaka since this orange-haired orphan girl managed to make all of the members of μ's to fallen in love with her in such a short time.

All they felt is the same. Genuinely loved Todokami Ayaka and wanted to confess their feelings and become her girlfriend. However, Hanayo did it faster than everyone else, so she had a head start from the beginning. Although Ayaka now has two girlfriends by her side—Koizumi Hanayo and Yazawa Nico—there is nothing wrong with having more than two or more.

After all, from the start, Ayaka had already told about this to Hanayo, and she agreed with that. The brown-haired rice-loving girl willingly helped her girlfriend with the harem she wanted and had no complaint, but with one of the important conditions or permission, Hanayo would be the alpha of the harem. Hanayo has no problem with the harem since she believes that Ayaka won't mistreat them and gives all her harem equal treatment.

'It's not really equal since Hana has special privilege, but I think it's okay since a group or something similar would require a leader to maintain so it won't fall apart. Most people would be hesitant and thinking about it several times if they appoint or give someone like Hana a job as a leader, but I believe that she has the quality for that.'

Indeed. What Ayaka thought is correct since Hanayo has the quality of being a leader despite her shyness and doubt, which could become low self-esteem. But, thanks to her days together with Ayaka and becoming her girlfriend, Hanayo slowly and steadily overcame her previous self and turned into a new person. She gains more confidence and self-esteem. Ayaka is happy to notice the changes in what happened to her beloved first girlfriend.

"Anyway, Ayachi. Thank you for spending some of your time with me, and I am also sorry for making you stay at this late night."

Nozomi bowed at Ayaka as she apologized since she made the young orange-haired orphan girl stay late because of her sudden appearance and have to accompany her for a bit. However, Ayaka was flustered and waved her hands when she heard one of her senpais say sorry to her.

"I-It's okay, Nozomi-senpai! I don't mind it at all since I enjoyed it. And, staying up at night is normal for me, so please don't worry about that, senpai."

As Nozomi heard that from her beloved crush and kouhai, she lifted her head up and chuckled as she nodded in understanding. She put her arms below her chest, smiled at Ayaka, and replied to the orange-haired kouhai.

"Thank you, Ayachi. You're so kind, even though it would make you have to stay up late and practically my fault."

"As I said, Nozomi-senpai. It's okay since I don't mind it. I also sometimes do my homework or other things when I stay up at night. Of course, I also try my best to not wake up late, or I would skip school. That would be bad for me since I don't want to miss my attendance."

"Oh, my. You're also diligent, Ayachi. But it's no surprise since you look like that. After all, you have to do some part-time, if I recall it. So, of course, your time management would be good. Right, Ayachi?"

"I think so…? Yeah, I did several part-time jobs and had to carefully manage also balance them with my school and home. So, maybe you're right that I have good time management skills. Well, maybe a bit better than average…?"

Ayaka questioned as she was unsure about it herself. But Nozomi giggled amusingly since it was such a cute reaction from her beloved crush and made her smile, pleased with the sight served right in front of her eyes. She did her best to hold back, not gushing or squealing over Ayaka. However, she let out a fake cough and kept herself calm as she was about to reply to Ayaka's words.

"You don't have to belittle yourself, Ayachi. Anyway, since we prolong our time a bit and I don't want to make you stay late further, how about we end today's conversation and continue it tomorrow, Ayachi?"

Hearing that, Ayaka realized and blinked with a nod to Nozomi, which caused the latter to smile in happiness seeing that response from Ayaka. As much as the dark purple-haired girl wants to spend more time with Ayaka, she also has to know when to stop. She knew how and when to have to hold back.

"Ah, right! Sorry for what I did, senpai."

"Fufu, it's okay as long as you understand. Anyway, see you tomorrow—or later, I suppose?"

"I think it's later, Nozomi-senpai. See you later, too, senpai. We can continue this later or anytime we want! I have fun talking with you, Nozomi-senpai."

Ayaka said cheerfully to Nozomi, who flushed her cheeks, seeing her beloved crush's smile and hearing being complimented like that. She became happier than before and nodded to the orange-haired orphan girl.

"See you later at school, too, Ayachi."

"Of course, Nozomi-senpai!"

With that, both sent their goodbyes and waved their hands at each other as Nozomi and Ayaka went to their own homes since it's already been too late for them to stay away from their houses. Nozomi doesn't want something bad to happen to Ayaka, and the orange-haired girl also just realized that since she has been immersed and absorbed in her talk with Nozomi.

However, Ayaka let out a relieved sigh and blamed herself. She could realize it because of Nozomi.

'Um… to think I did not realize it sooner and made Nozomi-senpai have to remind me… looks like I have to properly apologize to her later in school.'

She scratched her cheeks when thinking that.