Our Bonds

"The proposal to make a resort on that island came through." (Ooyodo)

"I see. He really works fast. Anything else?"

"No. That's all. By the way," (Ooyodo)

"Yeah?"

"What's the meaning of that?" (Ooyodo)

"Funyaa~~" (Shigure)

"Ehehe~" (Zuihou)

Zuihou was sitting on my lap, snuggled up towards me while I pet Shigure.

"This? Don't worry about it. This is normal."

"Is this what you have been doing secretly?" (Ooyodo)

"Sort of."

After revealing our relationship a few days back, Zuihou is more open with her interaction with me now. She would hug me whenever she gets the chance, interlock arms with me even in front of others, and even do stuff like this while working. I'm glad all this worked out in the end. I was so afraid that the other girls won't be happy about our relationship and morale would go down if they knew. That's why we kept it a secret in the first place.

Oh, by the way, Shigure is here for her usual 'treatment'. She was having nightmares for the three days I was gone. So I'm helping her calm down for the time being. I was a little shocked when Shigure suddenly said that she liked me, but not in a romantic sense. She just wants to be treated as per normal. Shigure is wearing a light pink apron today. Is there something happening later?

...Oh

Its that time of the year again.

"Ooyodo,"

"Yes?" (Ooyodo)

"Is the kitchen..."

"Yes. It should be fine this year. Mamiya-san and the fairies helped to prepare the equipment. The appliances have been upgraded by Akashi-san. Up till now, there weren't any problems. (Ooyodo)

"Good. Last year was horrible."

Last Valentine, most of the girls went on a cooking frenzy. The results were several of them getting light to moderate damages and the destruction of one kitchen. Basically, the whole place blew up. It was a huge mess.

"You say that as if it was a bad thing." (Shigure)

"That's right! You should be glad that so many of us are giving you chocolates. But you are mine, so no cheating." (Zuihou)

"Still, to think that we have a schedule for whose turn is it to enter the kitchen... My turn was only later on." (Shigure)

"Can't be helped. It's to make such you girls don't hog up the kitchen again." (Ooyodo)

"Ooyodo-san, you saying that as if it doesn't concern you. In fact, you made your chocolate this morning already, haven't you?" (Zuihou)

Zuihou shot out a finger at Ooyodo, who was a little fl.u.s.tered by her accusation.

"Wh-wha-what are you talking about, Zuihou-san?! I didn't do such a thing!"

"Then what's that hiding in your pocket?" (Zuihou)

*sniff sniff* "Something smell chocolatey." (Shigure)

Ooyodo blushed. Her hands were covering her left waist pockets. Looks like Zuihou was right.

"Geez..."(Ooyodo)

Ooyodo walked up to me and handed a small pink box.

"Here! This is for you! It's just obligation chocolate. Hey, Zuihou-san, don't stare at me like that." (Ooyodo)

"Is this better?"

"Wha-? Admiral! I can't see!" (Zuihou)

I placed one hand over Zuihou's eyes. Now, she wouldn't be giving anyone a death stare.

"Ooyodo, thank you for the chocolate."

Ooyodo left, smiling to herself. I didn't expect Ooyodo to make some chocolate for me though. Maybe that battle last year made her feel like joining in.

"Admiral, I'd like you to have this." (Shigure)

Shigure stood up and passed me a red heart-shaped box wrapped with a white bow.

"Should I not have?" (Shigure)

"Thank you, Shigure. I'm glad you gave me some this year."

I stroked Shigure's chin. She seems to enjoy that more than the usual headpats. I should change the way I pamper her next time.

That's two so far. I should be expecting more for the others later. I was hoping Zuihou would give me some this year as well, but it doesn't seem like she made any.

"Admiral," (Zuihou)

"Hm?"

"Can I come to your room afterwards?" (Zuihou)

She's whispering. Even though Shigure already left and we are alone now. Maybe she is being cautious of people eavesdroppingon us. That's why some of the girls found out.

"Sure. But why are you asking permission now?"

"Umm..."

Zuihou blushed as she tried to answer.

"It's a secret. It's going to be my turn next to make my chocolate. I'll be going now." (Zuihou)

Zuihou ran out of the office. Okay. Now I'm curious. What is she up to this time?

For the next few hours, girls have been coming into my office hand me their chocolates. Some were small, some were pretty large. Kashima's chocolate was basically a sculpture of me. How long did it take for her to make it?! In the end, the only chocolate I'm concerned about is Zuihous'. Last year, I heard she tried to mix some sort of liquid into the chocolate she was making for me. Good thing Shouhou was there to stop her. There was also one time when she accidentally burnt the chocolate she made. That was the first Valentine's Day she spent at this Naval District. I wonder what kind of creation did she come up with this time.

It was already night time. I waited in my room anxiously. Speaking of which, why did she ask me to wait in my room? She could have just given it to me while I'm in the office. And this is the first time she didn't prepare any beforehand. For the past years, she would be one of the few to give me chocolate first thing in the morning.

I heard a knock on my door. Looks like that her.

Zuihou walked in. Compared to her outfit this morning, this time she is wearing the green skirt and parka she wore on the date during our onsen trip. Only difference is that her parka is all zipped up. Zuihou's face was extremely red. I get that she is embarrassed but she has been doing things more embarrassing than this. I think I saw a bit of her cheekbone. Maybe she is going to do those things from a harem manga, you know, the part where the girl spreads chocolate over her self and ask the male if he wants some chocolate.

Yeah right! As if such a thing would happen. Though, I would be glad if it did...

"Here. I put some some serious effort in making this..." (Zuihou)

Zuihou passed me a typical heart-shaped box. Obviously there was zero chance of her covering herself with chocolate. I knew that, but I can't help but feel a little disappointed.

"Haah..."

"What's with that sigh? You don't like my chocolate?!"

Oops.

"No. I was just imagining something else in my head. Don't mind me."

"You thought I was going to be covered in chocolate, didn't you?

"..."

"Admiral really is a pervert."

"I can't help it! A man has his fantasies!"

"A pervert will always remain a pervert, huh."

"Leave me alone. Anyway, what's with that outfit?"

Zuihou took a deep breath before slowly unzipping the parka.

"The chocolate isn't the only thing I wanted to give you..."

This is unexpected...

Ribbons... covering the important parts of her body... This is way better than what I was hoping for!

Where did she learn this?

"Happy Valentines~"

Her playful smile was the last thing I remembered that night.