Stealing Spree

Chapter 2352: Cheesecake and Banana Split

Futaba quickly released her hold on my collar, spinning on her heel to retreat to the living room with a huff. I watched her go, her shoulders still slightly tense.

”That girl,” I muttered under my breath, shaking my head with a small grin. I couldnʼt help but admire how honest she was in her reactions, even when flustered. She might complain about my teasing, but deep down, she didnʼt seem to hate the attention. Not entirely, at least.

As I headed up the stairs, I heard Eri laughing at Futaba, teasing for going back defeated after her dramatic charge.

Thankfully, there was Minoru who stopped them from bickering as the boy innocently asked them to concentrate on the game.

But Akane joined the fray and before long the living room became filled with laughter again. After heading upstairs, I changed out of my uniform and into a comfortable set of clothes. Mhm. Looking at how our house was still this lively despite the sky already darkening, it couldnʼt help but remind me of how long a day this was. It was packed with interactions and responsibilities that I would never really miss out on. My chest was filled with satisfaction every time I remembered their smiles, their blushes and their endless affection for me. It was extremely satisfying. My life was undoubtedly chaotic, but it was full of moments I cherished. Alright. Letʼs stop being a bit dramatic. It was always like this anyway.

When I returned downstairs, the aroma of Miwa-neeʼs cooking filled the house, promising another delicious dinner.

In the living room, Eri was now dominating the game, her cheers of triumph echoing loudly as Minoru struggled to keep up.

”Youʼve got no chance against me, Minoru-kun! Accept your fate!” Eri declared, leaning forward with exaggerated intensity. She was that proud to beat the boy in a game.

The little boy pouted, his fingers flying over the buttons. ”Iʼll beat you next time, Eri-nee!”

Akane chuckled from her spot on the couch, glancing at me as I entered. ”Husband, Minoruʼs having his spirit crushed. Should we intervene?”

”Nah, let him fight his own battles. It builds character,” I replied with a laugh but I still walked over to them and patted Eriʼs shoulder, distracting her for a bit.

Because of that, she crashed her cart into a wall, allowing Minoru to pass her, winning the

race.

Eri let out a loud, exaggerated gasp of disbelief as the screen flashed ”1st Place!” over Minoruʼs character. She pointed an accusing finger at me, her cheeks puffed out.

”Ruki! That was sabotage! How could you betray your best friend like this?”

I smirked and leaned down to pat her head while donning my shameless smile, ”How can you call that sabotage? That was an encouraging pat.”

Minoru, still holding the controller tightly, jumped up from his seat and pumped his fist in the air. ”I did it! I beat Eri-nee!”

His excitement was infectious, his bright grin melting away any lingering frustration. Futaba, sitting cross-legged on the floor, giggled at the exchange before glaring at me again. ”Thatʼs what you get for being such a tease, Eri. But Onoda-kun is not any better. Hmph.” ”Pfft. Okay. Iʼm better now. Someone here is more salty because Ruki cannot stop teasing her.” Eri smirked at Futaba, making the girl flare up again.

Her earlier outburst that had seemed to have simmered down once again returned as her gaze flicked to me briefly before darting away.

I simply shook my head and took a seat beside her, or rather, between her and Akane. I let the moment linger without teasing her further which seemed to be effective as she quietly appreciated the reprieve.

Well, only for a while though because Akaneʼs quirk once again showed itself, making my silly wife cling to me while acting a little jealous over Futabaʼs closeness to me.

Futaba rolled her eyes and then childishly stuck her tongue out at Akane before holding on to my arm just to get back at her. With how massive her front was, my arm ended up buried in its crevice again.

Then as if reading my thoughts, she whispered, ”Donʼt misunderstand, Onoda-kun, Iʼm not hugging your arm. Iʼm just... teasing Akane.”

That sounded like an excuse, no? Whereʼs the most sensible girl now?

But well, I decided to just nod and let the matter rest.

Just like this, the next few minutes became a back-and-forth banter between the two girls. Eri also joined in at some point as she slid back and slotted herself on the space between my legs while sitting on the floor.

Although I also enjoyed the moment, it was difficult to please all three of them, especially when Iʼm quite biased toward my silly wife. Itʼs not serious anyway.

In the end, Futaba squeezed my arm tightly while Eri rested her head on my lap while continuing to play the game with Minoru.

I only got freed when Miwa-nee and Fuyu called for me to help with table preparation.

After dinner was announced, everyone gathered around the table. The lively chatter continued.

The meal was as delicious as always and the atmosphere remained warm, comforting, and oftentimes playful.

Moments like these reminded me of how much this household had become a true haven-a place where everyone could feel at ease.

After that dinner, I brought out the cheesecake that Fuyu requested and the shortcake I bought for Minoru.

Following that, it was time to fulfill Eriʼs request for the banana split. With the four girls eagerly watching, I got to work in the kitchen.

Eri somehow started eating a few of the bananas as she couldnʼt wait any longer. Futaba reprimanded her but Eri shoved a half-eaten one in her mouth, effectively shutting her down. Fuyu and Akane, who were enjoying the cheesecake, laughed at that exchange while Miwa- nee assisted me in making the dessert.

”You know, Ruki, you seem pretty good at this. Maybe you should open a dessert shop,” Eri teased as she took another bite from a newly peeled banana.

”Not a bad idea,” I replied before teasing her again. ”But I think Iʼd end up giving away everything for free. Especially to you.”𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

”Anyway, Miwa-nee is planning to open a cafe. It can be part of the menu.”

”Oh Is that true?.” She grinned, leaning against the counter as she watched us assemble the

dessert.

”Thatʼs a good idea. You all should come to visit. Iʼll give you a free taste when it opens. But for now, itʼs still just a plan.” Miwa-nee approvingly said as she started scooping the ice cream to put in the middle of the sliced banana.

”We will come! We will bring customers too! You know... Itʼll be a good place for a date.” Eri enthusiastically chirped.”

”What? Are you going to bring Toshi there?” Futaba asked.

”Maybe? Or I can have a date with Ruki there.” Eri playfully grinned, making Akane and Fuyu

work up.

Of course, that was intentional to make them react like that. I pinched her cheek and reprimanded her. But the girl just ʼTeeheeʼd her way out. Sheʼs adorable so I let that pass.

But Futaba rolled her eyes at how I treated Eri.

Anyway, the lively atmosphere continued that way and soon, Miwa-nee and I finished the

banana splits.

They were a masterpiece. Layers of ice cream, fruit, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup.

”Alright, dessert is served,” I announced, placing a plate in front of each person.

Eriʼs eyes sparkled as she dug in. ”Mmm, this is amazing! Ruki, youʼre the best!”

Minoru also returned after finishing his chocolate shortcake and dug in for another dessert.

Before long, his mouth became full of ice cream to speak.

And obviously, I didnʼt forget Futaba. Despite her reservations, couldnʼt hide her

appreciation as she took a cautious bite.

”This is... acceptable,” she muttered, though the slight curl of her lips betrayed her true feelings. She really loves her sweets no matter how much she states she hates eating more of

it.

I nodded with a grin. ”Glad you approve.”

After that, Akane and Fuyu, who were still eating the cheesecake, failed to resist the allure of

it as they dug on their plates as well.

As we ate, the conversation flowed naturally, punctuated by laughter and the occasional playful jab. It was a perfect end to the day, I guess?