Stealing Spree

Chapter 2799: Do you want to join us?

Before leaving the house and escorting the three girls, I also checked on Ryouko-san and Orimura-sensei, who should’ve been in the mini-gym to exercise when I was packing the breakfast that I promised to Ria.

When we went down for breakfast earlier, Ryouko-san awkwardly greeted me with ‘good morning’ because she never expected to stay the night. She thought she had controlled her alcohol consumption. But upon recalling how I also almost carried her to that room, she couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.

On the other hand, Orimura-sensei acted as if nothing happened at all. She greeted everyone with that usual sharp, no-nonsense tone, barking at Hanabi to stop being so loud over breakfast while secretly stealing glances at me like she was trying to figure out if I remembered every detail of last night.

Of course I did. How could I forget the way she pulled me down with her when I dropped her onto the bed? She only let go after asking me for a goodnight kiss, which evolved into something more passionate. Perhaps if she’s not too drunk, she’d ask for more than that even with Ryouko-san sleeping next to her.

Anyhow, they both excused themselves shortly after breakfast to do their morning exercise in the mini-gym.

Now, with the three girls walking with me toward the station, I couldn’t help but feel that familiar contentment settling in.

Hanabi kept skipping backwards to face me, grinning like an idiot while Azusa walked with that haughty little sway, pretending she wasn’t sneaking glances back every few steps.

Nao just smiled quietly beside me as she listed her next pastry projects she wanted to try out.

I don’t have a sweet tooth but if this girl keeps sending me tasty treats, I might develop one. After all, I will never want to waste something my girl made specifically for me.

Soon, we arrived at the station and walked them up to the platform. As we heard the train about to arrive, Hanabi launched herself at me for one last dramatic hug.

“Babe, you better not forget me after today or I’ll spam your phone with goofy selfies,” She threatened as she nuzzled into my neck before asking for one more kiss.

It’s a Sunday morning. There weren’t many passengers yet. So, after making sure no one was watching, I gave her a parting kiss that she’d savor until our next meeting.

I only stopped when Azusa cleared her throat loudly.

But then, she clicked her tongue, acting like she was not just asking for her turn.

“Shameless junior. I’ll definitely beat you next time. And when I do...”

“When you do, what?”

“... Hmph. I’ll decide what will happen by then. Also, clear up a day during summer vacation.”

I couldn’t help but grin at how she’s trying her best not to appear too eager, even though her cheeks were already betraying her with that faint pink flush creeping up her neck.

“A day, huh? Got it. Just don’t lock me up somewhere, alright?”

“Tch. As if you can be locked up. Enough about that... give me a reward.”

“A reward? Oh...” My lips curled up into a grin before pulling her flush against me.

She closed her eyes, fully anticipating a kiss. And I didn’t disappoint her. The moment our lips pressed against each other, her kiss turned fiercer and more possessive, like she was staking her claim in front of the other two. Nao just laughed softly and waited her turn, pulling me down for something slower, sweeter, that lingered until the train announcement echoed above.

“Be safe, you three. Message when you arrive home so this worrywart won’t lose his mind thinking about you three.” I playfully said as they boarded, watching until the doors slid shut and the train pulled away.

Then it was just me again, heading toward the park where Ria and Aoi would be waiting.

Before boarding the train, I stopped by a convenience store on the way, grabbing a couple of melon pans and strawberry milk. Simple, but I knew Ria would like them.

When I reached the park, the morning sun was already warming the benches, casting long shadows across the grass.

Ria was sitting on the swing, legs kicking lazily as she scrolled through her phone.

Aoi was standing nearby, but there was another person with them.

A surprise, surely. Because I never expected to see her here.

It was Ohori-senpai. Aoi’s senior, who’s also as unruly as her. At least, before she got too enamored of her boyfriend. Or ex, by now.

I guess it’s not truly surprising. Her house was also nearby, after all. Looking at her, despite the awkwardness, she appeared better than before, wherein I saw some dark lines underneath her eyes because of the stress that cuckold ex of hers was causing her.

The second they spotted me, their heads snapped up.

Ria’s eyes lit up first, that soft, genuine smile curving her lips as she hopped off the swing. Her eyes still appeared intelligent as if she already knew why I arrived a little late.

Aoi waved at me with her lovely smile while Ohori-senpai awkwardly nodded.

“Dumb-senpai!” Ria called, quickening her pace until she was right in front of me.

She didn’t hesitate. She reached up, grabbed my collar, and pulled me down for a quick but firm kiss right here in the open park, like she’d been waiting weeks for it.

Aoi made an exaggerated gagging sound, but the grin on her face said she wasn’t actually mad. Of course, she’d ask for the same treatment later.

“Happy birthday, Ria,” I caressed her cheek as we pulled apart, “Ready for your day?”

Ria’s cheeks flushed pink and nodded enthusiastically, “Un. As long as you’re with me, Dumb-senpai. Bring me anywhere.”

Aoi used this moment to chime in.

“Darling, aren’t you forgetting someone here? Where’s my kiss and morning greeting?”

Aoi approached us with her hands clasped behind her back like she was barely holding herself together. Her eyes had a mischievous sparkle as she waited for my reaction.

Ohori-senpai followed right after and stood a step behind her, looking a little out of place in the morning light.

Her lush hair was tied back in a loose ponytail this time but there was still the ribbon that spread across her head like a hairband. She was wearing a simple tracksuit like she’d just come from a run or something.

Most likely, she spotted them in this park during her morning run.

Her cheeks were already pink, and she kept glancing at me as if she didn’t know how I would react to seeing her at this time.

I mean, the last time we met, I received a gift from her. As thanks for helping her out with that ex-boyfriend of hers.

Although her problem had yet to be truly solved, she probably didn’t want to trouble me any further.

I raised an eyebrow at Aoi and let my smirk widen. “Forgetting someone? That will never happen. But you’re gonna have to wait your turn, Aoi. Our birthday girl gets first dibs on me today.”

Ria’s fingers tightened around mine at that as her smile turned smug while moving to my side. She seldom acts like this but I guess it’s normal. I just kind of got used to her mature demeanor.

Aoi made a dramatic whine, putting her arm on her forehead like it was such a shock for her.

“Darling! That’s unfair! I’ve been waiting since... the last time I met you. I mean, how long was it? Three or four days?” She pouted, lower lip jutting out in that way she knew always got to me. “At least one quick kiss? For morale?”

I stepped closer, tugging Ria along with me so she stayed tucked against my arm. Aoi’s eyes lit up instantly, and she rose on her toes, closing the distance without hesitation.

Her lips met mine in an eager and playful kiss. Quick but deep with her tongue entangling with mine as if she wanted to knot it. But of course, it was difficult considering how slippery our tongues were.

In the end, she pulled back with a satisfied little hum.

“There. Morale restored,” I said before giving her one more peck for good measure.

Aoi beamed, cheeks flushed as she bounced back on her heels. “Mhm. Great morale boost. Thanks, Darling. But I need more later.”

Ohori-senpai cleared her throat awkwardly from behind her, shifting her weight from one foot to the other like she wasn’t sure whether to look away or bolt entirely.

“Ah. It’s nice to see you today too, Ohori-senpai. Out for a run?”

“Likewise, Onoda-kun. And yes. Aoi called for me when I passed by. So, you really came, huh?”

“Well, it’s Ria’s birthday. Do you want to join us for breakfast?”

As I said that, I lifted the convenience store bag and the packed breakfast I brought with me higher.

Ohori-senpai’s eyes alternated between my hand and my face before carefully saying, “I... wouldn’t want to intrude. It’s her birthday, after all.”

Ria tilted her head, that sharp, assessing gaze of hers sweeping over Ohori-senpai like she was already cataloguing every detail. Then she smiled. A small, genuine and welcoming smile.

“You’re not intruding, Ohori-senpai.” Ria said simply. “Besides, Dumb-senpai invited you. He wouldn’t do that just to anyone.”

Ending that with an elbow to my side, I couldn’t help but force a smile and nod at the girl.