When lunchtime turned to evening, Rise was practically begging to stay. She was clingy, jealous, and salty, but in an endearing way. Kanji was about to drag Rise away if he had too, but a voice made him reconsider.
"I don't mind," said Ayane. "We'll need more people if we're going to shop anyway. I'll bet Rise-chan would be able to help pick and carry the foodstuffs too."
Rise, utterly lost for words, was frozen. She was completely and utterly defeated, just like that. Both hands raised up, she ordered Kanji to come closer.
"Carry me home."
"Walk there yourself."
"Meanie!"
And with that, Rise went home with the rest of Yu's friends. Yosuke waved goodbye alongside Teddie as they turned toward the shopping district. Ayane, meanwhile, stayed beside Yu. She was ready for their first shopping trip.
"Shall we go?"
Yu asked the flustered girl, who replied with a small voice.
"Okay."
"Now I expect proper behaviour from both of you." Dojima's warning was not lost on them. He was serious, and his voice carried a commanding tone. "Don't flirt too much, don't disturb other people when you flirt, and make sure to come back before dark. Do you understand me?"
"Loud and clear, sir."
"The both of you will look after the house tonight until I get home from the hospital. Nanako's check up should be finished sometime at eight, so no funny business." Ryotaro Dojima was telling it as is. They were still too young for it, but he trusted them both enough that there would be no funny business in his house tonight. "If you need anything, just call."
"Thanks for looking after Big Bro, Big Sis!"
Ayane patted Nanako's head, gently ruffling each strand of her hair. "Be sure to do what the doctor says, okay? And get well soon, Nanako-chan."
"I will!" Nanako beamed. "Then I'll be able to play and cook with Big Bro and Big Sis again!"
"I'm so looking forward to that," Ayane muttered happily. "Oh, Dojima-san, did you forget anything? Did you double check Nanako's papers?"
"Thanks for the reminder, but I have everything I need on me." Dojima puffed the backpack he carried on his shoulder. "Now, this is my last warning: No funny businesses in my house."
"Noted, Dojima-san." Yu assured him, eyes locked with each other.
Nodding, Dojima took Nanako's hands and they went to the car. With a soft hum of its engine, the car started moving toward the main street. After turning right, the car was out of sight.
"Now... It's just the two of us, Yu." Ayane sheepishly said, foregoing the use of senpai when they were alone. "Should we get started on preparing dinner?"
With red painted on his face, Yu nodded nervously.
Dojima said no funny businesses, but could he manage to not turn into a monkey tonight?