Stealing Spree

Chapter 1499 I Don’t Mind

Guided by the two college girls with different aesthetics when it comes to their fashion sense; Juri being the cool fashionista and Setsuna sporting a bratty and charming air at the same time, I soon found myself sitting opposite them in a certain fast-food chain with a clown as its mascot.

What happened?

After Juri apologized again for making a mistake in the directions she sent me and Setsuna-nee-san duked it out with me about who could tease the other the most – which I lost after surrendering after the woman used an ʼolder sisterʼ card – the triumphant teaser suggested, or rather, dragged me and her best friend there without letting us voice our opinion.

As for her reasoning, she hadnʼt eaten her breakfast yet. And that made her crave fast-food burgers that she could chow down in three or four bites.

Really, Setsuna-nee seemed a lot more brazen than the first time I saw her. And from what I picked up from Juriʼs reaction, it was as though she was also seeing a new side of her best friend.

When I tried probing about it, Juri confirmed that this was the first time she saw Setsuna-nee getting too worked up on something. That included the way Setsuna-nee refused to back down in out-teasing me.

But then again, I could also take that as a sign that sheʼs already comfortable with me. There was no need for her to mind how she could be seen by me.

Or this was the manifestation of her threat back when Satsuki slept over. She said sheʼs going to hang me when we meet…

Uh. Whichever the case, one thing was for sure…

Sheʼs not going to come with us on this trip. Her attire wasnʼt fit for it.

And if Iʼm guessing it right, she probably had just woken up and tagged along when she saw Juri leaving their dorm.

I had no idea if she was also like this to Sakuma but knowing that guy… she mustʼve been like an angel in his eyes or a Goddess he worships.

With the guy still failing to score the date with her, either itʼs Setsuna-nee not giving a clear answer or heʼs still acting like a wimp; cowardly shying away from possible rejection.

But well, Iʼve given him enough advice. From what I last heard from the guy – yesterday, to be exact – it would be harder for him to meet Setsuna-nee because of college as well as her return to her dormitory. She could still come home during weekends and that was the remaining window for him to seize and further his attempts to woo her.

The idiot still couldnʼt make plans to take her out on a date. And obviously, sheʼs still shutting him down, saying sheʼd be busy on that day.

Really, I wonder what is in her mind for stringing along that guy?

Anyway, thatʼs not my problem anymore. Sakuma has to step up for himself and push this woman down or he wonʼt get anywhere.

Maybe I got too lost in my thoughts, I didnʼt notice that I was already staring at her. And that resulted in the woman finding another ammo to tease me.

”Hmm? What? Why are you staring at me? Have you fallen for your girlfriendʼs sister?”

With her cheeks still bloated from what she was eating, the girl smirked condescendingly.

At her side, Juri poked Setsuna-neeʼs cheek and scolded her, ”Stop talking while eating! Thatʼs inappropriate.”

Now, thereʼs the propriety freak. But thatʼs a nice save nonetheless. Not that I needed it but itʼs still something I appreciated.

In any case, I still came up with a rather unhinged answer. Looking over at the two women in front of me, I straightened my back, rested my elbows on the table, and leaned forward with my mouth hidden behind my clasped hands.

”Nope. Letʼs see. If I have a choice to fall in love with someone other than Satsuki, it wonʼt be you, Setsuna-nee…” I trailed my voice and let my eyes wander to Juri.

Although I havenʼt said anything yet, the cool fashionista immediately averted her gaze, her cheeks turning pink.

It reminded me of her image last Sunday when we were so into the act of being a couple.

”What?! Thatʼs rude!”

”You… You canʼt say that Onoda-kun!”

Not noticing the subtle change in her best friendʼs behavior, Setsuna-nee took that as an offense as she almost stood up to get back at me.

As for Juri… it sounded like there was a double meaning to her words. Either sheʼs scolding me for saying that to Setsuna-nee or sheʼs telling me not to voice out whatʼs in my head.

Whichever the case, I remained calm and collected, watching and relishing their reactions.

This continued for a while and no matter how much Setsuna-nee raged at me, I would simply meet it with a nonchalant expression. That made her pissed, of course, but she couldnʼt do anything else but accept that I wouldnʼt butt heads with her anymore.

At least, not on the current occasion. Itʼs tiring and I just wanted us to move on.

Anyway, when she finished with her food, Setsuna-nee stood up to bring it to the corner where the trays and trash were supposed to be put. She also didnʼt return right away, saying she was going to the bathroom.

Thanks to that, it finally gave me the chance to talk to Juri alone.

”Uh. I think I need to apologize again, Onoda-kun. I never told you that Setsu is with me.”

”You donʼt have to. I kind of predicted that sheʼll also be here considering youʼre staying at the same dormitory and she knows about this trip.”

ʼR-right…” She pursed her lips, perhaps not knowing what to say anymore.

My mind quickly formed words to keep this conversation going. And instead of going in circles, I went directly to the purpose of our trip today.

”That aside, I take it that weʼre going to the first location after this?”

”Yes. Weʼll check out the lake park first. Itʼs the farthest so… better to start there. That way, when we finish checking out the third location, going back wonʼt be a hassle.”

I see. So, the lake park first then the forest camp, and lastly, the hills. I guess thatʼs the order she decided. Since I am only supposed to escort her, sheʼs the one who prepared everything, including booking tickets and calling those locations for our purpose of scouting.

She mustʼve been busy these past few days. And given that she was still a little baffled at the aftermath that was completely against her expectation, I could somehow spy some black lines beneath her eyes.

”I understand. Iʼll do my best to be of help to you today, Koizumi-san…” I put on an amiable smile which infected Juri.

”Yeah. Iʼll be in your care. By the way, Onoda-kun… Wonʼt you call me by my name?”

This… Thinking about it, our act ended abruptly back then and I sent her back before we even got to end it properly… Is she, perhaps, still hung up on it?𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

”You mean…?”

”Yes. I think I prefer it better if you start calling me by my first name… And if you donʼt mind, Iʼll do the same for you… Ruki.”

Upon saying that, Juri lowered her head, perhaps anticipating her cheeks to heat up again.

Well, thatʼs not what happened. Somehow, her mentality got a boost that she recovered instantly. She raised her head once again, bearing her usual, cool expression, accentuating her natural beauty.

I didnʼt answer right away to see if sheʼll find it awkward. Even after a minute passed, her clear, blue eyes never left my figure. It felt like she was burning my image in her memory albeit in a subtle way.

I was waiting for her to bring up the ʼdateʼ that she suggested or question me again about what I did but that didnʼt come. Most likely, sheʼs holding it back. I guess I have to expect that later. When thereʼs no Setsuna-nee that could interrupt our moment.

”Mhm. I donʼt mind it. But Juri, I have to be honest. If I start calling you this way, itʼll make me remember our act.”

I thought of teasing her a bit. However, instead of my expected reaction, Juri heatedly stared at me, gratitude filling her eyes. Then, she reached for my hand, clasping it in between hers.

And as though weʼre not in a busy place where people come and go, Juri put on her most beautiful smile as she endearingly muttered. ”I donʼt mind if it reminds you of it. Iʼm just as guilty of that. Besides, itʼs a memory I wonʼt forget… I havenʼt thanked you properly yet. But Ruki, thereʼs no doubt that you saved me there. I will always appreciate it.”