Stealing Spree

Chapter 2118: Eriʼs Problem (2)

”Like that? I guess heʼs right. Thereʼs no need to tell you to stop consuming sugar. But let me just tell you this. Itʼs my opinion so youʼre free to believe it or not...”

I paused for a moment to bring some sort of suspense before looking at her straight in her eyes as I delivered my words in utter seriousness.

”Eri, you already look so beautiful as you are. Iʼm certain youʼll look better if you gain more nutrients in some parts and create a curvier figure but itʼs not necessary at all. You can ask your boyfriend. Thereʼs no way he doesnʼt see you as attractive.”

If I say the same words to Futaba or any other girl whoʼs too conscious about their figure, they might just declare me as their mortal enemy. That sounded like what a champion of ʼbody positivityʼ would say, after all. Theyʼre all working hard to keep their figure so it was more insulting to hear.

”I donʼt know if thatʼs a compliment or not but thank you, I guess?” Upon hearing that, Eri put on a lousy smirk as though she was just picking up some kind of pity from me.

”Come on, Iʼm honestly complimenting you.”

”I know. But Onoda-kun, itʼs just unbelievable for me... Arenʼt you someone who would prefer Akane, Fuyu, or Futabaʼs figure more? Iʼve seen how you hold them and your head tends to...”

She didnʼt finish her sentence but the way she looked down on her chest conveyed her unspoken words.

This girl. Is that whatʼs running in her head? Itʼs not that sheʼs comparing herself to the other three. She simply accepted that out of the three, she was the least attractive and lacking in sex appeal.

Yeah. Itʼs not that noticeable since sheʼs always playful and energetic despite her overflowing girlish demeanor. But thinking about it, after being with them for years and seeing their bodies slowly develop next to them, this was bound to happen.

Itʼs not an inferiority complex. But maybe a defeatist one. It would probably not affect them negatively but this girl... she severely needed someone whoʼd compliment and help her build a tower of confidence.

I wonʼt judge but her boyfriend is probably already satisfied with their current situation.

Wait. Is she actually here to ask me for advice on her relationship? Uh... Weʼre still not back on that topic.𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

”Unlike most boys, I have no such preference. The four of you are head-turners. I may be biased for Akane and Fuyu though.”

My reply was just in line with what she knew. Upon hearing that, the girlʼs grim look slightly brightened up.

”Haha... Thatʼs very like you, Onoda-kun. Did I tell you this before? That youʼre so good at comforting a girl.”

She hit me again on my arm but this time, it was a light tap.

”First time Iʼm hearing that.”

”Now you do, then. Hehe. Donʼt make my two best friends cry in the future! You have to make them happy!”

”Of course, I will. Youʼll be there to witness that. Weʼve been derailed for so long but Eri, tell me... What is it? Whatʼs bugging you thatʼs in need of this Shameless Wisdom Spiritʼs answer”

Finally, we finished a circle and returned to the reason why she sneaked out to meet me at this hour.

Upon hearing that, the girl also turned serious. She slid closer and nudged me with her shoulder.

Glancing at her from the side, I saw the girl with her head down while fiddling with her fingers.

”Can you promise not to laugh?”

”Cross my heart.”

Is she telling me some embarrassing secret? I donʼt know. But this sounds serious. So, I simply answered swiftly.

Eri raised her head to look at me. From her gaze alone, I could already feel that this was going to be important for her.

”Then, Onoda-kun, do I look attractive to you?”

”Iʼm sorry?”

I didnʼt hear wrongly, right? Didnʼt I just call her attractive a few times before this? Or maybe that doesnʼt count and this one has another meaning?

”Thatʼs my question! I... You see. Donʼt tell this to anyone, okay? I heard you earlier but I canʼt help but put that as your objective opinion based on what you see from me. Tell me seriously this time. Use your subjective point of view. Iʼm stuck in a rut, thinking Iʼm not attractive enough. What do you think?”

I see. So, she thought I was only being objective earlier. If she knew I often rely on my subjective view of any situation or person, sheʼd probably stare at me with an incredulous expression and wonder if I was an idiot. Which wasnʼt wrong in the slightest.

In any case, if this was the matter troubling her then... this should be easy.

”Wanna hear a short or long answer?”

”Short. Be direct about it.”

Using my observation skills, I could sense this girlʼs uneasiness. Itʼs like my answer might be the key she needed to hear to accept her situation.

If Iʼm not wrong, this isnʼt the exact question she asked Akane or the other girls. Thereʼs something more specific hidden beneath it.

But for now, she wants to hear my honest and unfiltered opinion about her first.

”Alright. Short answer, youʼre attractive to me.”

Her eyes lit up for a split second. That came from neither joy nor excitement but the

recognition that I didnʼt beat around the bush.

Following that she closed in and said in a serious tone, ”Prove it.”

”Prove what?”

”Prove that Iʼm attractive to you. Show me what you want to do with me.”

”Wait. Wait. Wait. Eri, youʼre probably misunderstanding something here but thatʼs not how attraction works. What do you want me to show you? Do you want to see me push you down and ravage your body? Isnʼt that just straight-up assault? Spare me with that.” Alright. This was getting out of hand so, I should steer her back a little, right? Sheʼs here to be enlightened about something and Iʼm only expected to give her the answer.

I may be a pervert and someone who has taken advantage of girls before but this situation is just wrong for that.

Perhaps she was hit with a whiplash, Eri facepalmed, ”Ugh. Youʼre right. Sorry. Forget about it. I... believe you.”

The girl then slid away from me. Even without looking at her, I could feel the heat of her embarrassment.

”Hey, Eri. Correct me if Iʼm wrong. This question. Does this have to do with your

relationship?”

Right. This should be the root of her problems, right? It all stemmed from her relationship. She wouldnʼt suddenly ask me if she was attractive when she could ask her boyfriend for that.

Thereʼs more to it than that.

And somehow, I think I can already guess what it is.

”Yes. Kind of. There is not much progress with our relationship so I thought I may not be attractive enough for him.”

”Progressing with what?” Although itʼs already obvious, I still pressed her for it. This way, she could voice out her problem properly.

”You know... With what couples do. We keep hearing from Akane that you two have long

crossed that line... Uh... You live together and sleep in the same bed. You do it day and night, early morning and before sleeping. Sometimes in the other parts of the house too! While me and my boyfriend, weʼre still in the cuddling stage!”

... If I was drinking something at the moment, I wouldʼve choked and sprayed it in front of me from what this girl revealed. That Akane, what kind of stories is she telling her friends? Does Fuyu know about it as well?

No wonder, she sent this girl to me... Akane trusts me enough to clear her friendʼs head

regarding that topic. She knew I wouldnʼt just lay a hand on her and help her out sincerely.

Haa... I donʼt know if I should praise or scold my silly wife for this. But well, letʼs take a step back and focus on the matter at hand first.

”Eri, first off. You shouldnʼt compare yourself to us. Weʼre a couple of perverts.”