Stealing Spree

Chapter 2320: Seniors and Juniors

It was already past six oʼclock when I finally settled on the train home. The rush hour was still ongoing but given our city didnʼt have the same density in population as Tokyo, the huge bulk of passengers was already starting to ease up.

Next to me, Hana and Chii each took a side as they comfortably leaned against me. The former had our hands intertwined and let it rest on her thigh while the latter had her head resting on my shoulder.

As for the attention weʼre getting from the other passengers, none seemed to care at all. ”What do you think, Chii? Is your club going to do something at the festival? The three of you can join us, you know? More actors mean we can expand on our scenario more.”

After talking about how our day went, I brought up the same topic that I raised at Reira- senpai earlier.

Chii and his gyaru friendsʼ club was just a hobby club that didnʼt really do anything. Theyʼre just there to spend time while doing activity at the minimum to maintain legitimacy and not get shut down by the Student Council.

The girlʼs head perked up at my question, ”Sounds like a good idea, Kii. But will it be fine for the others? Hana?”

”I donʼt care. More actors will also mean less work for me. You should come aboard, Chizuru. Do you want to miss an opportunity to be close to Ruki during the preparation time?”

”Hehe. Of course, I will. But itʼs not like I can get him all to myself when you and the others are there too.”

”What? Do you want us to give you special treatment? No way, you have to find your opportunity to sneak this guy away from us.”

As Hana said that, she poked my cheek and smirked. Although her response sounded a little snappy, she was clearly playing with Chii.

Chii giggled and rolled her eyes, ”You know I donʼt need to sneak around to be with him. I can get him now if you dare me.”

”Heh. Try me.”

Sparks started flying between the two, their playful banter turning into a challenge without me having a say in it. Hana tightened her hold on my hand while Chii pressed herself closer to

me.

With this sight, the other passengers around us couldnʼt help but throw glances our way, some with bewilderment and others with a hint of envy, especially those wearing the same uniform as us.

”Alright, stop it, you two. Why donʼt you ask what I prefer?” I interjected with a matching playful smirk.

Their response? Of course, they both looked at me with the same mischievous and exasperated expressions.

”Of course, youʼll pick to be with the two of us, shameless Ruki.”

”Kii, you think we donʼt know whatʼs in your head?”

Hearing that, I couldnʼt help but laugh. Hana and Chii then pinched my cheeks, taking one side each, turning their hostile playfulness to me.

I let them do it as I simply held them even closer, enjoying this moment with them. This train ride home was definitely more interesting with Hana and Chii flirting with me like this but not so much for the other passengers. But who cares right?

Shortly after, we were joined by Sumire and Umi when the train stopped at the next station.

As soon as they saw us, or me specifically, their faces lit up, and immediately made their way through the crowd. Sumire narrowed her eyes at me as though a wife catching her husband cheating on her, ”Shameless senpai, flirting again!”

Behind her, Umi shyly waved and smiled at me. Sheʼs like a shining beacon amidst the troubled sea. The way she looked at me made my heart flutter a bit faster as if she had just walked out of a manga page.

I acted like I didnʼt see Sumire and reached out for Umiʼs hand, pulling her to our front, and leaving my other lovely junior fuming behind her.

”Look at this shameless idiot.” Hana facepalmed.

”Well, itʼs classic Kii.” Chii shrugged.

”I donʼt know what you mean,” I replied with a wink at Hana before turning my attention to Umi and then to the fuming Sumire who probably wanted to rush at me and smack me in the face.

”How lucky to run into you here, Umi. And here I thought itʼll be a while before I see you in person again.”

”Uhm... I missed you, senpai.”

”I know. Me too. Wanna sit here?”

”Eh? But Hana-senpai is...”

”Go on. Iʼll be with him on this train longer than you two. I donʼt mind you taking my place for a while.” Despite Hanaʼs nonchalant tone, the girl was also showing signs of consideration. Whether that was growth in her character or not, I had no idea. I couldnʼt help but bring her hand to my lips, kissing the back of it before she slid away, opening a space for Umi to sit. ”Thank you, Hana-senpai.” Umi whispered, her cheeks blushing as she sat down next to me. The girl instantly fidgeted but once I placed a hand on her head, caressing her silky hair, she relaxed. She leaned closer to me as the air around her turned gleeful. Sheʼs really expressing how much she missed me without saying a single word.

”Hey, senpai. Are you ignoring me?” Left standing there, Sumire stomped her foot playfully, pouting as she looked at me with a mix of feigned anger.

Sheʼs so adorable like this. Should I tease her about our last meeting?

”Of course not, Sumire. Arenʼt you my favorite junior? Come here. I missed you too.” I teasingly beckoned her with my free hand.

Her eyebrows slanted, acting unamused. She then turned to Chii as though she was going to ask the fake gyaru for help, ”Chii-chan-senpai, Ruki-senpai is bullying me.” ”Fufu, Sumimin, youʼve also fallen deeply in Kiiʼs grasp, huh? Was the date with him last Saturday that satisfying?” Chii smirked at the junior she used to tease, crossing her arms.

Finding out that she didnʼt have an ally in Chiiʼs form but another one to tease her, Sumire huffed adorably, her cheeks puffing up. ”Ugh... Why do I think Chii-chan-senpai would take

my side?”

But a second later, her cheeks turned crimson as though she was remembering our time

together.

It was a short date but it ended with her reconciling with that girl from her club and a kiss we shared for the first time. Sumire furtively glanced at me before covering her face, hiding her

embarrassment.

Chii chuckled at Sumireʼs reaction, clearly enjoying the sight of her flustered junior. ”Looks like you enjoyed it more than youʼre letting on, Sumimin,” she teased, nudging her playfully. ”Alright, you can take this seat too. Iʼve already gotten my fill of Kiiʼs warmth. Itʼs your turn.”

”Eh... I donʼt mean to-”

Sumireʼs protests were cut off as Chii playfully pulled her to the space she opened up between

us.

My arm naturally wrapped around her shoulder, and Sumire let out a surprised gasp as she quivered slightly.

”You bullies! Umi... help me.” Sumire cried out before turning to her friend on my other side whoʼs already nestled comfortably against me.

But instead of helping, Umi just giggled and said, ”Itʼs comfortable to be next to senpai,

Sumire. You should try it.”

Finding out her last ally had also turned coat, Sumire couldnʼt help but slump her shoulders in defeat, letting out a dramatic sigh as she leaned into my embrace. ”Itʼs no use, Iʼve been

outmatched.”

”Come on. Itʼs not like youʼre in a match. Donʼt you miss your favorite senior?” I whispered into Sumireʼs ear, feeling her body stiffen before she finally relented and leaned into my side.

”Shut up, shameless senpai,” Sumire grumbled but the corners of her mouth curled up in a small smile. Sandwiched between Chii and me, the girl tried to act uncomfortable but she couldnʼt hide the warmth spreading through her cheeks.

Soon, the train swayed gently as it once again started moving. If earlier the passengers were already looking at me enviously, with the addition of Sumire and Umi whose affection for me was undeniable, I became the public enemy number one of the lonely hearts on the carriage.

I gently rubbed Sumireʼs arm and shoulder while continuing to pat Umiʼs head and eventually sliding my arm to her slender waist, enjoying both of their warmth. As for Chii and Hana, theyʼre both glaring at me as though telling me I should do the same to them later.