Stealing Spree

Chapter 2358: Communication is the key

As the bus rolled smoothly along the dimly lit streets, the silence remained but it was easy to sense the two girls wanting to say something to each other.

And so, to give them the space, I leaned back to the soft cushion of the bus seat, feigning disinterest while my eyes darted between the two, keeping an eye on them.

With Futaba being sensible enough to notice the tension, she decided to be the one to break the silence, ”Eri. I know this may sound out of place but... are things going well between you and Toshi-kun?”

Before answering Futabaʼs question, Eri glanced at me, most likely gauging my interest in it. I know I shouldnʼt be hearing this but... itʼs not like I can pretend to be completely indifferent. This came up because of me, after all.

I shifted slightly, keeping my expression neutral while my ears remained attuned to their conversation.

Futabaʼs question was laced with genuine concern. That much I could tell. However, there was also a hint of self-reflection. Sheʼs probably trying to see Eriʼs perspective and then compare

it with her own.

Eriʼs lips curled into a faint, bittersweet smile. She leaned back against the seat, her grip on my arm tightening a little, a reflection of the internal battle she was fighting. ”Yes. Things are going well. In fact, itʼs the same as before.”

At the end of her sentence, Eri forced out a smile. I guess she didnʼt want to admit that she was not satisfied with the lack of development. But then again, her lack of satisfaction with their current status quo mustʼve also been influenced by associating with me... or my

relationship with Akane where my silly wife never held back in telling them that weʼve already done everything a couple would do.

And thatʼs the same for Futaba but her situation was different. Theyʼre willing. Itʼs her body that seemed to be rejecting further intimacy.

Eriʼs bittersweet smile lingered as her words hung in the air. Each syllable is weighted with unspoken thoughts.

Futaba shifted uncomfortably beside me and saw her fingers toying with the hem of her skirt. Internally, she mustʼve been reprimanding herself for bringing that up.

”I see...” Futaba finally responded. Her gaze flitted towards me momentarily as she bit her lips while trying to find an answer from my eyes. ”If things are the same as before, does that mean youʼre... happy with it?”

”Happy? Hmm...” Eri dragged the word out as if tasting its meaning. ”I am, yes. Toshi is sweet, caring, and everything I could ask for. But...”

”But?” Futaba pressed. That but was surely coming from a mile away.

”But I guess I sometimes wonder... if Iʼm being fair to him.” Eri let out a small deprecating laugh, ”I mean, look at me. Iʼm here consulting Ruki about relationships, clinging to him without considering personal boundaries, while Toshi probably assumes Iʼm just hanging out with my friends.”

Upon saying that, Eri also looked at me. Most likely, she wanted me to confirm her actions. But I didnʼt. Instead, I gave her a comforting squeeze, ”Eri, you donʼt have to beat yourself over this. I know I wonʼt be the best person to say this but relationships arenʼt simple. And sometimes, itʼs not always going to go your way. But thereʼs one golden rule that can always make things better.”

”Whatʼs that?” Both girls looked at me with curiosity, their eyes gleaming under the dim light of the bus.

”Communication is the key,” I said with a smile. Although it should really be a general rule for relationships, I would probably only be going to talk based on my own experience. ”I valued honesty a lot. Thatʼs why I always tell Akane to tell me if Iʼve done something wrong. Even before Fuyu confessed to me, Akane already knew that Iʼd also grown interested in her best friend.”

”Of course, I still keep secrets. But those are done only after careful considerations.” I added as my gaze shifted to Futaba whose eyes faltered a bit.

”Youʼre amazing, Ruki,” Eri whispered, her voice filled with admiration. ”You always know what to say.”

”Wrong. Iʼm not amazing at all. Besides, itʼs not that I always know what to say, I only have an honesty filter that more often than not, doesnʼt restrict the words coming from my mouth. For example, I can be this open to tell you that when it comes to our closeness, I donʼt mind doting on you just like how I dote on Akane and Fuyu. Since you two have followed Akane before, you know how I was seemingly involved with different girls, right?”

Eri and Futaba nodded.

”But that doesnʼt mean I donʼt respect the boundaries you have with Toshi-kun, Eri. You know that.” I continued, looking at her intently. ”And thatʼs what I want to tell you as well, Futaba. I donʼt want to cause trouble for either of you. But I will always be this guy you can talk to openly.”

Futaba looked away, a faint blush staining her cheeks. It was clear she was processing what I had just said. Meanwhile, Eri leaned closer to me, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and something else... something more intimate. ”Thank you, Ruki. I really appreciate it.”

”Alright. Now thatʼs out of the way... What are you going to do next, Eri?”

Her eyes searched my face for a moment before she leaned back with a sigh. ”Follow that golden rule. I should just talk to Toshi-kun directly. Tell him my thoughts and then hear his.”

”Good girl.” I praised as I ruffled her hair.

Eri pouted slightly at being treated like a child but she didnʼt object. Instead, she leaned her head on my shoulder, ”I can at least do this, right?”

”As long as you know what youʼre doing, why not? I already told you Iʼm fine with being close to you even though I already got scolded by Akane and Fuyu earlier.”

”Pfft. Right. I have to apologize for putting you in that situation, Ruki.”

”Donʼt be. I got more than just a scolding.”

”... I shouldnʼt ask what it is youʼve gotten, right?”

”Yeah. But donʼt you already know?”

”Un. I do.” Eriʼs voice turned softer. Clearly, sheʼs imagining whatever it was.

Turning to the other side, Futaba remained silent but I could tell she also had something to say. Most likely, sheʼs holding it back for later as it probably involved our ʼsecretʼ.

The bus ride continued with only the occasional rumble of the engine breaking the quiet. The busʼs gentle swaying was almost hypnotic and it wasnʼt long before Eriʼs breathing grew steady, indicating she had dozed off on my shoulder.

Futaba, on the other hand, remained awake. When she noticed Eri had dozed off, she leaned closer to me and whispered, ”Onoda-kun...”

I glanced at her, raising an eyebrow in question. ”Whatʼs on your mind, Futaba?” Her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink as she whispered, ”I... I just thought I should say this. Thank you for being so considerate. But... I donʼt think weʼre lacking in communication.” ”Mhm. I know. Letʼs talk about it later, alright? I still donʼt mind continuing to help you.” I whispered back, giving her a comforting smile.

”Is it really fine?”

”As long as itʼs fine with you.”

Futaba faltered a bit from that answer but she still understood what I was trying to say.

My mindset was really different from the other guys. Just the fact that theyʼre close friends of Akane and Fuyu, my excessive consideration had also extended to them regardless of their current status. If I could help them, then I would.