On our way out of the Literature Club, after informing the other three about my intention to talk to Otsuka-senpai, I let them go first and I stayed behind with the overly curious girl.

She tilted her head rather cutely as she waited for me to return. But knowing how scary her curiosity could be if left unchecked, it’s hard to really appreciate that.

In any case, Otsuka-senpai was still as bright as the day I first saw her in this very room. Too energetic even. And most likely, being curious about that kind of thing somehow affected the way she carried herself.

She’s not the easy-go-lucky girl who wouldn’t mind physical contact with boys anymore. Although I only saw her a few times outside this clubroom, each of those sightings somehow got me thinking if she was the same girl whose mind would erode whenever her curiosity overflowed. In public, she was a cheerful girl yet she also gave off the vibe of a very demure lady based on how she moved.

“How rare, Onoda-kun. It’s not like you to approach me for a talk. I remember it’s always me who initiates it.” She said as the girl stared intently at me. Perhaps she’s trying to pick up a reaction that would pique some of her curiosity.

For sure, she’s also trying to guess what I see her as. Even if she’s uncontrollable at times, she’s not an idiot and definitely not ignorant.

She’s aware of the matters between men and women. She even vaguely hinted that she already checked the internet to fill her curiosity. However, what she wanted from me was the real experience. A hands-on experience that would thoroughly fulfill her.

“I can’t deny that. It’s hard to find the time. Or rather, even if I ask you for a moment every time, I was choosing not to.”

I met the girl’s gaze and focused on it. In terms of shamelessness, she’s no match for me. However, Otsuka-senpai also had this adamant trait that made her focus on one thing without faltering.

Although I managed to break her composure back during that first session where I satisfied her curiosity, it was more or less a fluke. Had she researched more about the subject, she’d probably be like a perverted version of Rae. Her mind would be filled with knowledge about sexual acts or anything related to it.

“Oh. I get it. You’re trying to avoid us getting in the same situation as before.” said Otsuka-senpai. She once again clapped her hand as an amused smile showed on her lips.

“Mhm. I’m glad senpai gets it.”

Avoiding her to prevent getting into that situation was an apt description. But I also considered that as some kind of limiter to her curiosity.

If she can’t even talk to me, how can her curiosity overflow? That idea or something along those lines.

“I sure do. I’m not Onoda-kun’s girlfriend and I do not intend to be even when I am a little tempted.”

This girl… Kana and Rae already hinted to her multiple times that if she wanted to get easy access with me, the best way was to become like them. But this girl really had no intention to get into a relationship.

It’s all about her curiosity with her.

“That’s for the best, I guess?”

“Un. But you see, Onoda-kun. Rumi-senpai. She’s changed a lot. And you’re paying more attention to her the same way you’re paying attention to Mirae-chan and Kana-senpai. Is it right for me to assume that she’s now your…”

She trailed her voice there before whispering the continuation in a very subdued volume, “… new girlfriend”.

“Is senpai curious?”

“You bet. I am extremely curious!”

And there it was… Otsuka-senpai’s eyes shone brightly as she joined up her arms before leaning slightly forward. With how close she was to me, Otsuka-senpai’s full features were fully captured by me.

Bright purple eyes. Silky-smooth black hair that was, more often than not, untied. Small yet sharp nose and very kissable red lips.

“Alright. Let me satisfy that then. We’re not there yet. But you see, it’s only a matter of time.”

As soon as she heard my answer, Otsuka-senpai’s mouth moved and made the ‘O’ shape as she exclaimed enthusiastically, “Ooh! What a confident answer! Before you joined us, Rumi-senpai often stared bitterly when it came to the couple, Goto and Kana-senpai. Now you have both in your arms… Tell me, Onoda-kun. Should I say ‘amazing’ or ‘you’re the worst’?”

Often looked bitter, huh? That’s probably true. She’s nursing a crush on that guy, after all. Only after that failed attempt at the love hotel, his ugly cowardly acts to take Kana back and quitting the club did Ishida-senpai get the chance to move on and let go of any infatuation she had towards the guy. He’s still a friend, however. But a friend that’s not welcome in her house.

“I’m the worst but amazing at the same time. I have this ability to love a lot of girls at the same time and equally at that. There might be a slight show of favoritism but I love all of them just the same.”

“Heh, now you’re just bragging, Onoda-kun.” Otsuka-senpai jubilantly laughed as though she just heard the funniest act of narcissism in the world. It didn’t last long though. She immediately silenced herself before switching back to the main subject; the reason I sent the others away and talked to her in person.

“Okay, what’s this about Onoda-kun? You set aside time for me. Which is something I never thought you would do.”

With the girl already as close as she could get without our bodies touching, I could see my reflection in those brilliant purple eyes of hers.

“Hmm… Let’s just say I’m checking on your curiosity level. You still seem fine.” I answered before placing my hand on top of her head.

Her hair was too blissful to the touch. Even when my fingers dig into it, nothing’s getting tangled as my hand slid down to the back of her ear.

Although she felt a little ticklish from that, Otsuka-senpai didn’t have any big reaction. She just continued staring at me with her iconic smile.

“Oh. So that’s why… What will you do if you find me at the end of my rope trying to restrain it?”

“It’s obvious, senpai. I vowed to take responsibility. I’ll assist you in reigning in that curiosity over sexual subjects again.”

“Such dedication… I like it! But don’t worry, Onoda-kun. I can partly control it now. See?” She said with such confidence. She even pointed at my hand holding her head. It’s like saying that even if I try to induce her curiosity to go over her limits, she could still control it.

Yet, I can’t help but find a certain word a little alarming.

“Partly?”

“Un. Because you see. The more time I spend this close to you, the more that restraint control loosens. Like this…” As her voice trailed, Otsuka-senpai took another step forward, closing the distance between us. Her rather bountiful front pressed against my chest and her arms instantly found their way to my back, closing me in a hug. “… What do you think, Onoda-kun?”

“I messed up, right?”

“Un. You sure did for letting me this close. But don’t mind, Onoda-kun. This will be enough for today.” Otsuka-senpai rubbed her face on my chest like a kitten who wanted to be petted. And when she’s done, she looked up again and whispered, “By the way, your promise is another thing though… When will you let me watch it again?”