Stealing Spree

Chapter 2764: Tea Ceremony Promise

“M-Mom!” Mina squeaked, cheeks flaming. “You can’t just... What are you suggesting? You’re not thinking of telling them you entered a relationship with someone younger than you, right?”

Yayoi-san tilted her head and somehow acted innocently, “What of it? The ladies have become curious about who’s bringing the smile to my lips these days. I thought it’d be nice to introduce them properly.”

She said it so sweetly, so reasonably, that for a second I almost believed it was innocent.

Then she winked at me over the rim of her teacup. She’s naturally fishing for her daughter’s adorable reaction.

Mina made this strangled little sound and buried her face in her hands. “Mom, you can’t be serious... Fine! If you’re going to bring him, I’ll be there too.”

I couldn’t help the laugh that rumbled out of me. I set my spoon down and reached over to ruffle Mina’s hair, earning an indignant squeak.

“You say something too, idiot. Mom cannot openly talk about your relationship or it’ll be bad for her reputation.” Mina grumbled.

“Well, I know it. And I’m certain Yayoi-san is also clear about that,” I said, keeping my tone light but serious enough to cut through the teasing atmosphere. “It’s not like we can parade our relationship in public. Not yet, at least.”

Mina peeked through her fingers, her pout softening a little as she registered my words. Yayoi-san, on the other hand, set her teacup down, her elegant smile turning just a touch wistful.

“Of course, Ruki-dear. I was only joking,” She said but the glint in her eyes told me she’d meant it more than half-seriously.

She got that boldness in her. After all, the reason we’d come this far was that she boldly entered the bathroom when she had me take a bath after my first time with Mina. If that didn’t happen, we’d probably keep tiptoeing over each other, and it would make things very awkward because of the clear attraction between us.

“The ladies would probably faint from envy if they saw you, but I’d rather keep you all to myself, and Mii-chan, than share you with their gossip.”

Mina’s blush deepened, but she lowered her hands, looking a little relieved.

“Good. Because if you actually told them about your relationship, we’d have a lot of things to explain to them... And they’ll wonder what kind of spell this guy put us under.”

Obviously, that was the expected reaction.

Yayoi-san reached over and patted Mina’s hand. “Don’t worry, Mii-chan. I’m not that reckless. Though...” She glanced at me with that playful spark again. “It would be fun to see their faces if they knew the young man who’s been making me smile like a schoolgirl again is the same one who’s stolen my daughter’s heart.”

“Mom!” Mina squeaked again, burying her face in her hands once more. But this time, she was laughing too, the sound muffled and embarrassed and utterly adorable.

“This tea party,” I said with wonder in my tone, “Is it your normal tea party where you sit around and gossip? Or is it going to be a tea ceremony?

Yayoi-san’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she set her teacup down, the porcelain clinking softly against the saucer.

“Not exactly ceremonious, Ruki-dear. The ladies love their gossip and they appreciate a more casual gathering. It’s more of a social event than anything formal. We talk about everything. Hairstyles, family drama, and the latest salon trends. And sometimes... a bit of tea competition. However, that can also be arranged if everyone is up for it. Do you prefer it?”

I scratched my head, letting out a small, helpless laugh as I stared at Yayoi-san. “A tea ceremony, huh? I wouldn’t mind seeing you and Mina perform one as a guest, but I understand it requires a lot of preparation. And also the right attire. I doubt your ladies would appreciate a guy like me crashing their elegant gathering.”

Mina peeked through her fingers again, her pout easing into a curious tilt of her head.

“You... want to see us in a kimono? Doing a proper ceremony?”

“Mhm. Why not? You two would look stunning. And I’d get to brag that my girls are not just beautiful but also talented in traditional arts.”

Yayoi-san’s eyes lit up with that mature, teasing glint. She leaned forward slightly, the neckline of her blouse dipping just enough to draw my gaze to her deep valley before I caught myself.

“Ruki-dear, you’re making me blush. But if that’s what you want... I can arrange a private one. Just for you. Mii-chan and I in full kimono, performing the ceremony while you sit there like a proper guest of honor.”

Upon hearing that, Mina’s cheeks went full crimson again, but this time she didn’t hide. She straightened up, puffing out her chest like she was already imagining it. “Un! I’ll practice extra hard. Mom’s been teaching me more advanced forms lately. We can do the winter-themed one, with the special kettle and everything.”

Winter-themed, huh? Even though summer was approaching, that sounded perfect. Especially with how elegant they’d look.

I couldn’t help the grin that spread across my face.

“Alright. Deal. But there’s no need to rush it, so it can be perfect. And maybe... add a little twist. Like letting me feed you both mochi afterward.”

“Pervert Ruki,” Mina clicked her tongue but her lips curved up into a smirk, “You just want an excuse to get close during the ceremony, right?”

Yayoi-san laughed softly, reaching over to pat my hand. “He’s not wrong, Mii-chan. But I like the idea. It’ll be our little secret performance.”

With that settled, we finished the tiramisu in comfortable silence, the earlier teasing fading into that warm, contented quiet that only came after everything felt... right.

When the plates were empty, Mina stood up to clear them, but Yayoi-san caught her wrist gently.

“Let me handle this, Mii-chan. You worked hard on the dessert. Go relax with Ruki-dear.”

Mina hesitated as she glanced at me with that hopeful little look she always got when she wanted alone time. “Really, Mom?”

“Really.” Yayoi-san winked at me. “I’ll join you two in a bit. Don’t have too much fun without me.”

Mina’s cheeks pinked again, understanding what she was implying but she didn’t argue. She grabbed my hand and tugged me toward the living room couch like she’d been waiting for permission all afternoon.

The second we sat down, Mina curled into my side but little by little, she climbed up to my lap, her arms resting on my shoulders as they crossed behind my neck.

Her eyes sparkled with that familiar mix of shyness and boldness she only ever showed when we were alone like this.

“You’re really here,” She whispered, like she still couldn’t quite believe I was here with them. Her fingers pressed on my nape as she absentmindedly threaded through my hair. “I thought you’d be too busy with... everyone else.”

“Mhm. I am busy,” I admitted, sliding my hands up her thighs to settle at her waist, thumbs brushing the soft skin just above the hem of her shorts. “But I always have time for you and Yayoi-san. Especially so when you’ve worked hard to impress me.”

Mina’s cheeks puffed out in that adorable pout. “I wasn’t trying to impress you! I just... wanted to make something you’d like. That’s different. If you didn’t come, I would be bringing it on Monday.”

“Then I guess my timing is perfect,” I smirked, leaning in just enough to plant a peck on her lips. “And the way you kept sneaking glances at me while cooking? Totally not for approval.”

“Idiot Ruki,” She muttered as her pout melted into a shy smile as she closed the distance, pressing her lips to mine in a soft, lingering kiss.

It started sweet and almost hesitant, like she wanted to completely savor the moment. But the second my hands tightened on her waist, pulling her flush against me, Mina let out this tiny, needy sound and deepened it.

Her tongue slipped past my lips as we both tasted the matcha and the faint sweetness of the tiramisu we’d just shared.

I let her take the lead for a bit, enjoying the way she melted into me, her fingers continued threading through my hair as she tilted her head to get a better angle. Her hips started moving slightly, grinding down on my lap like she couldn’t help herself.