During the rest of the journey, Natsume Chikage and Akita Miki were almost completely silent, returning home just like that.
However, as soon as they returned.
Akita Sana noticed something was amiss. "Miki, why are your eyes a little red?"
Akita Miki was momentarily startled, her expression complicated. "It's nothing, you just saw wrong."
Akita Sana felt a bit suspicious, but since her close friend said so, she couldn't press further.
Natsume Chikage didn't want this matter to be pursued any further either, so he changed the subject. "I brought back the drinks you wanted."
Hearing him say that, Akita Miki's mood became even more complicated.
After a while, the birthday party finally came to an end. Having suffered a failed confession, Akita Miki had long been sitting on pins and needles and didn't want to stay a moment longer, so she pulled Akita Miyuki up. "Mom, it's getting late, let's go."
"Alright." Akita Miyuki stood up, smiling as she looked at everyone present. "I'll be heading out first. Don't play too late, and remember to head back early."
Ando Chizuru also checked the time and said her goodbyes. "Then I'll be leaving first as well. Ruri, Reisa, see you tomorrow. Big Brother Chikage, older sisters, goodbye."
Everyone present held a very favorable impression of Akita Miyuki and Ando Chizuru, so they politely said their goodbyes.
"Drop by whenever you have free time."
"Goodbye, Auntie. Goodbye, Miki."
"Bye-bye."
"Chizuru-chan, see you tomorrow."
After bidding farewell to the two of them, Tsukishima Rin, Akita Sana, Yukimura Suzune, Saionji Nanase, and Akita Sana—several of the girls—were still seated in their spots, with no intention of leaving.
As they exchanged glances, they couldn't help but look at Natsume Chikage as well, as if waiting for something.
At that moment, Akita Sana remembered something