Stealing Spree

Chapter 1400 Wanna Hear Our Story?

Upon leaving the infirmary, Hanabi and I ran into the nurse. I thought she was going to question us about why we were there but the nurseʼs attention instantly fell on Hanabi.

Why? Because the girl was already a notorious student who uses the infirmary to skip classes. The nurse thought that she came to use a bed again.

Due to that, it took her a while before noticing that Iʼm not a student of the school. By then, Hanabi already had fun making all sorts of excuses before standing behind me to reveal that she was giving me a tour.

The school nurse shot me a glance but she seemed to be the type not to bother with details. She easily accepted Hanabiʼs answer and lost her interest right away, leaving us alone as she continued on her way back to the infirmary.

”Heh. See that, Ruki?”

”See what? Proving that youʼre a notorious slacker?”

”Oh, please. Donʼt praise me or Iʼll blush.”

The girl mischievously grinned before cupping her cheeks acting like she was pleased with what she heard.

This girl has her way to annoy people, huh? But then again, itʼs not like I donʼt have a girl with similar traits. But still, theyʼre way more lovable than this girl whoʼs like the embodiment of a happy-go-lucky stereotype.

”Iʼm not praising you...” I murmured as a response that instantly drew some sweet-sounding laughter from the girl.

Not falling for her attempt to banter with me, I turned towards the stairs to leave the building.

Although I kind of want to see Nao and check on Saionji one last time, the inspection should be done by now and theyʼre on their way back here. Itʼs better to wait for Eguchi-sensei at the car to prevent Kanno-sensei from interrogating me where I ran off to.

Hanabi chased after me like I expected. Sheʼs humming merrily without any care in the world. Sure enough, she still didnʼt have any plans to return to her class. Should I call Saionji here and let her take care of this girl?

Ah. Wait. That might backfire on me. Besides, I guess I could entertain myself with her and find out Matsuriʼs current status.

A few steps away from the Administration Building, I opened up the conversation.

”Wonʼt Matsuri feel sad if she finds out youʼre still skipping classes? She even bought you that gift.”

”Ehh... Of course, she will.” Surprisingly, she didnʼt deny it. However, a moment later, Hanabiʼs mischievous grin resurfaced, ”But who will tell her? You?”

Ignoring that bait, I focused on what I picked up from her words, ”You talk as if sheʼs not attending the same school.”

”Un. Because she isnʼt. We go to different schools. Itʼs always been this way.” Her playful tone waned a bit in the last part. She instantly recovered though.

But having picked that up, I couldnʼt help but interpret that as the girl sounding a little lonely.

Now that I think about it, if she also attended the same middle school, I wouldʼve, at least, run into her once or twice during my scouting sessions. But no. Thereʼs only Matsuri there.

There must be a reason why theyʼre separated. But since she received a gift from Matsuri and even saw my photo with her, theyʼre not really out of contact.

I never pried into her family situation before and that girl didnʼt really talk about them that much except that day when we walked our separate ways.

I should scold myself for not doing so but thereʼs no point in it by now. Years already passed, after all.

”Heh. No wonder I never saw you with her back then.”

”Yeah! Wanna hear our story? No, Iʼll tell you even if you donʼt answer yes.” Without pausing at all, the girl quickly decided what she wanted to do. She clapped her hands enthusiastically before looking to her left and right, perhaps making sure that no one was around.

Once she confirmed that, the girl went behind me and started pushing me on my back.

Looks like apart from deciding to tell me their story, she already had a place in mind where to do it.

But if I let myself be dragged by her pace, this girl might think Iʼm easy. I should play with her a bit. I already decided to ask her about Matsuri, anyway.

”Girl. At least respect someone elseʼs opinion first?”

”Eh? Are you going to say no?”

”Well, not really.” I shrugged and grinned at the girl which resulted in a rather annoyed pout.

She then clicked her tongue and said, ”Then whatʼs the deal? Psh. Donʼt make it so complicated, Ruki. Do you think I failed to notice your interest when I brought up her name? Tsk tsk. You still lacked the experience, kiddo.”

Hearing all that, I couldnʼt help but laugh inwardly. Sheʼs really trying to make herself appear bigger in my eyes, huh? Sheʼs really different from Matsuri.

This girl was too spontaneous.

But from what Iʼve seen. That was probably just on the surface. Or not.

Anyway, this was just an assumption on my part. She might be hiding her loneliness beneath this goofiness or sheʼs just a natural goofball who could also be lonely at times. Either way, thereʼs no doubt that I found interacting with her like this as a little refreshing.

”Iʼm just not fond of someone forcing me to do something.” I eventually answered before stepping aside.

Seeing that, the girl sidled up next to me again.

”Eek. Thatʼs lame.” Although she grumpily said that, the girl still sidled up next to me before matching up my steps again and dropping the notion to bring me somewhere.

”Girl, you should really learn some manners.”

”I should say the same to you. Iʼm your senior. Did you forget that?”

”Not really. But who was it that told me I can call her casually by her first name?”

”Ugh. Iʼm starting to hate you, Ruki.” Stumped at what to fire back at that, the girl grunted.

But even with her visible annoyance at losing in this verbal battle with me, I continued to fire back with my lips curved up into a teasing smile ”Shame, I feel the opposite.”

”Guh. Stop making comebacks like that!”

And with that, the girl raised her white flag and shut her mouth while my laughter naturally escaped my mouth. Hanabi tried to make another comeback after that. Unfortunately for her, she found no success.

Soon enough, we reached the parking lot. Since I only needed to wait for Eguchi-senseiʼs return, I brought her into the nearby rest area. Itʼs roofed and even has a vending machine next to the benches.

However, because of what happened, Hanabiʼs earlier overflowing enthusiasm clearly took a hit. It slightly dampened. She even appeared a little upset, pouting to no end.

And when I asked her to sit down, the girl did it sluggishly as if she was trying to get back at me by doing petty things like that.

”Hanabi. Cheer up. How will you tell me your story if youʼre like that? Here, what do you want to drink, Iʼll treat you.”

What a turn of events, right? In the end, I had to cheer her up like this when she was the one who pushed herself onto following me.

Anyway, the girlʼs eyes instantly lit up and energetically jumped from her seat to pick a drink for herself, ”Heh, thank you, Ruki. Youʼre the best!”

”Yeah, yeah. Flatter me all you want. Iʼll take it.” I lethargically replied as I pushed the buttons on the vending machine.

Along with the sound of dropping cans, Hanabi, who probably didnʼt like the way I answered, pouted again. But this time, she also wrapped her arms around my neck; not to hug me but to express her frustration by strangling me with her meager strength.

The result? Itʼs ineffective and she just fed my perverted instinct by giving me a feel of her softness when she pressed herself against me with all her might.

”Are you done? Letʼs go and take a seat.” A few seconds later, even with the girl still clinging to me, I leaned down to get the cans and started walking to the bench while dragging her with me.

I donʼt know what to expect with their story but Iʼm all in it for Matsuri… Uh. Alright, letʼs be honest, Iʼm also interested in this goofballʼs story.