Kanzaki Kumo did not know the specific arrangements for tonight.
Just as Makomo had said back then, the girls discussed and decided many everyday matters among themselves. As long as no disputes broke out, Kanzaki Kumo, the "head of the family," did not need to intervene.
During the day, when Kanzaki Kumo tried to ask about tonight's arrangements, Makomo and Kanae gave the same answer: "It's a secret." The other girls did not know either, since they were not involved.
Still, recalling Kanae's shy expression as she hesitated to speak, Kanzaki Kumo inevitably entertained a certain fantasy.
Of course, it lasted only a moment.
After all, this was an important occasion-their "first time." Neither Makomo nor Kanae seemed like the type to agree to share it with someone else.
So Kanzaki Kumo had already assumed this final step would take place over two days.
What made him a little curious, in fact, was who would go first.
As though confirming Kanzaki Kumo's guess, once everyone else had left in turn, Makomo and Kanae exchanged a look and nodded in tacit understanding. Then Kanae took the initiative to leave first, and the room, so lively with birthday celebrations a moment ago, was suddenly left with just one man and one woman.
"Will you take a walk in the courtyard with me?"
Makomo held out her hand to Kanzaki Kumo in invitation. Earlier, she had stared at him with burning eyes, as though she could hardly wait to "devour him completely," but now she no longer seemed impatient.
Because she knew that nearly five years of feelings were destined to bear fruit tonight, there was no need to rush.
"Of course." Kanzaki Kumo took her small hand, and the two walked out of the room side by side into the moonlit courtyard.