Stealing Spree

Chapter 2884: Tuesday Morning

Tuesday morning started the same as any other day. With only Akane and Miwa-nee in the house with me, the two took turns helping me out with the miraculous tea’s side effects.

We then went for the usual morning routine: morning exercise, breakfast and school preparation.

Obviously, I also squeezed out time to swing my tennis racket, solve Mizuki’s quizzes and practice playing the keyboard.

Akane also had me practice my poses while she took photos of me. That’s in preparation for the modeling that I might take under Yua’s agency. Well, the photos naturally circulated in their group chat right away, prompting the girls to tease me endlessly.

Well, as long as they’re happy with their teasing, I don’t mind being their personal mannequin.

The same as yesterday, Eimi met up with us at the train station and I managed to steal a few moments with Anzu-nee before she rode her motorbike back.

At this point, it was slowly becoming a routine that both of us were expecting. Unless she couldn’t make it, like having her schedule conflict with our usual time to leave the house, she would always give Eimi a ride to the station and wait for me.

And it’s the same for Eimi, although there would still be times when she would be needed to help out in her parents’ restaurant, like the last time I accompanied her there, she’s now always waking up early to catch up with us.

As we rode the train, Fuyu joined us at the next station, then Eri and Futaba also showed up again at the next one. But unlike yesterday, the two girls were accompanied by their boyfriends.

Naturally, Akane and the others didn’t mind it. After all, it’s not the first time that it happened. Those two knew their places anyway. They’re quite devoted to the two girls.

Unfortunately, they’re lacking in the intimacy department.

The train ride was quite peaceful as we got a small space to ourselves. Akane and the girls conversed with each other while the two boys also tried to talk to me. They still thought I was just like them.

But since there’s no reason for me to shatter their illusion, I humored them, nodding along to their complaints about cram school and their latest gaming obsession. Whatever topic they brought up, I met them with the same enthusiasm. Not that I was faking it. Their mundane concerns were refreshing compared to the minefield I navigated daily.

Sometimes Eri would also come join our conversation, as her lively personality wouldn’t let her stay silent for long whenever she found something interesting to talk about. Meanwhile, Futaba was more reserved, only occasionally adding a remark while staying close to her boyfriend.

Yeah. She stayed close to him, but she couldn’t hide the glances she kept throwing my way.

It’s now Tuesday. She’s probably feeling restless about our agreement. And perhaps, she’s also feeling a little frustrated due to how normal I act around her. But then again, she was clearly aware that I wasn’t one to act out of line.

Also, I decided not to approach her this time. Let her build up the anticipation for later. As for whether it would have an effect when the time comes, I had no idea. But since she’s so determined to go through with it, I might as well make it worth our while.

After sending off Akane, Fuyu and Eimi at their school gates, I didn’t immediately go to look for my girls who hadn’t arrived yet.

Instead, I checked the seeds I had planted before to see if any had already budded. And sure enough, that one girl whom I approached before looked slightly aggrieved upon spotting me.

I walked with her halfway through the road to their school gates, listening to her grumbling about the problem I pointed out about a guy close to her. And that guy was one of those flies buzzing around my girls.

Not only would he not have a chance with my girls, but even the girl who might accept him had started seeing his flaws. Flaws I’d carefully highlighted during our first conversation.

As for whether I would try to steal the girl for myself, I wasn’t that motivated. After all, the seed of doubt I planted in those close to them was only for sweeping them away from my girls’ surroundings.

Although the circumstances between those seeds were different, my confidence in them sprouting remained absolute. After exchanging a few more words with her, just enough to reinforce the cracks I’d created, I left the girl with a thoughtful frown and searched for a few more seeds.

At the same time, I tried to gather gossip about their school. Only after gathering enough information did I finally find Miho and Yua, spend time with them for a bit, and hand them the kimono Chisato-nee-san sent.

The two girls couldn’t even wait to try them on. But considering there wasn’t a place for them to change into them, they could only hold them up against themselves while twirling excitedly. Once that was done, the two worked together to pin me down in that desolate alley, ensuring I pamper them before I go.

---

An hour later, I arrived at our school with Marika. Unlike yesterday, we arrived on time. Maybe around a minute before the bell would chime, but still, it wasn’t late.

Upon spotting us, Ryouko-san put on a wry smile. I could tell she wanted to scold me but since I wasn’t late, she could only let us pass after I greeted her sweetly. Of course, the sweet greeting was not something scandalous. It came off more playful that the other students who knew her as the terror teacher stared at me like I was trying to commit suicide.

Well, if they knew what I did to her before. No, I’m sure they would worship me if they knew.

Of course, Ryouko-san would never let them know. That’s our secret.

With Marika separating from me again at the shoe lockers, Sachi once again approached me, bearing school gossip to share with me.

Well, there’s also the part that she’s using the opportunity to get closer to me.

”Onoda-kun, I heard--”

She started with that as she closed in on me while I changed into my indoor shoes. I listened to her silently, expressing interest in those I deemed noteworthy. But more than seventy percent of what she said was insignificant, especially if they’re related to boys.

I mean, I couldn’t care less about what they’re doing. As long as none of my girls are involved, they can do whatever they want.

”You know, I’m wondering how you’re able to gather all these rumors when you’re supposed to be drowning in practice.” I teasingly said after she finished listing all the updates about the school’s happenings.

Sachi laughed awkwardly while twirling a strand of hair around her finger, ”W-well... I have ears everywhere! Besides, it’s not like I’m actively searching for them.”

”Mhm. I know and I appreciate the effort. With how lazy I am to bother with gossip, I’d be lost without your updates.” I patted her head, to which she leaned into it like a cat.

The girl reddened slightly before stepping back to regain her composure. ”Hehe, knowing you, you probably don’t need me at all. You’re just indulging my whimsical nature, Onoda-kun.”

”Well, saying I’m just indulging you is wrong but since you probably won’t know how to approach me without these gossips, I’ll let you have it your way.” I stretched my arm, chasing after her head to continue patting her, ”Besides, I’m starting to like hearing your voice, too. Unfortunately, you’re afraid of my girls.”

Sachi let out a nervous laugh before saying, ”I... I’m not afraid. It’s just... I don’t know how to act around them.”

Before I could reply to that, Marika’s melodious voice cut through from behind her, ”My... you must not think too much about it. If you like Ruki-kun, none of us will stop you.”

Marika, with her golden locks, tilted her head slightly as she stared at us with her usual princess-like smile.

Sachi flinched so hard her indoor shoes squeaked against the floor. She spun around to face Marika with the panicked grace of a startled fawn, hands fluttering up to clutch at her blouse collar. ”K-kujou-senpai! That wasn’t... I wasn’t interested in...”

”Uh-huh, you’re stuttering, dear. Ruki-kun, must you tease her?” Her lips curved up a little, clearly indicating how she’s liking Sachi’s reaction.

This girl... Although still quite naive when it comes to seeing through people, she already knew how to conduct herself well when it comes to the girls related to me. There’s also a hint of cunning in her words. It wasn’t malicious, but playful as though she enjoyed watching Sachi squirm.

I chuckled, stepping between them before Sachi could combust from embarrassment. ”Alright, Marika, stop bullying my informant. This is Sachi, I rely on her school gossip.”

Marika’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she gracefully covered her mouth with one hand. ”My, Ruki-kun, gossip? May I also hear some?”

Sachi looked like a rabbit caught between two foxes but only for a moment. Soon enough, the girl regained her composure.