Stealing Spree

Chapter 2175: Another Memorable Bus Ride

The bus ride was more than peaceful as I comfortably rested while cuddled by Arisa and Izumi once they got enough of using my shoulder to rest.

Izumi, always trying to maintain her ʼcoolʼ delinquent facade, pretended to be indifferent yet failed miserably because it all came across as affectionate to me. The tension of her grip on my hand and the subtle movements of her head seeking the most comfortable position on my shoulder melted away that mask. She may have been acting like she was forced into this by Arisa, but I knew better. No, I could already read her like a book whenever weʼre this close.

Sheʼs more than just a sweet darling who would be so open about her affection but also, she always tried to match my pace - albeit unsuccessful most of the time because of my unmatched shamelessness.

Every now and then, Iʼd catch her sneaking glances up at me, her lips quivering slightly as though she wanted to smile but was trying to suppress it. Whenever that would happen, Iʼd lower my head to immortalize that moment with a romantic kiss.

That couldnʼt be hidden from Arisaʼs notice though. After I kissed Izumi, she would tug at my sleeve or collar, asking for the same treatment.

No matter how considerate she was, she could also feel a little competitive in cases like this. And just like with Izumi, I wouldnʼt hold back conveying my desire and affection to her. As the bus moved from station to station, the gentle rumble of the engine and the swaying motion from the road worked their magic, easing us into a comfortable silence.

It didnʼt take long for Arisa to snuggle in closer, practically curling up against my side. Her fingers intertwined with mine and her thumb absentmindedly stroking my knuckles.

Meanwhile, Izumi shifted slightly, adjusting her position so that her head rested more comfortably against my shoulder. Not long after that, she pulled my head down to her chest, giving me the privilege of using her modest mound as my comfortable pillow.

Although I was tempted to tease her, I held back a little and just enjoyed her gentle caresses while my face rubbed against her and my arms firmly wrapped around her hips.

And not long after that, I also sought the same treatment from Arisa who was more than ready to receive me.

Just like this, we thoroughly enjoyed our moment. It starkly contrasted the usual noise and chaos surrounding us, making this intimate moment something weʼd cherished for a long time.

After a few minutes, I lifted my head and looked up to Arisa, my expression softening.

She chuckled quietly then pinched my cheek, ”Cheeky junior. Are you going to complain?” ”Complain about what? I just wanted to get a glimpse of my Arisa. I was getting special treatment, I should at least show my gratitude, right?” ”There you go again. Just enjoy the moment, Ruki... In the future, Iʼd be cuddling you like this in bed.” ”Thatʼs a great future to look forward to. Iʼll do the same then... And also... you know?” ”Alright. Pervert. Donʼt bring it up or... I wouldnʼt be able to hold back again.”

I grinned at Arisaʼs playful scolding before diving back down to her pleasant softness. On my other side, Izumi reached for my head as she closed in further.

With this, my head became sandwiched in between them, the warmth of both girls radiating against me.

The bus continued to roll along, a few street lights flashing past the windows, casting fleeting shadows on their faces. The other girls not far from us couldnʼt help but glance at us with envious expressions. Most likely, hoping to give me the same treatment.𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

With her fingers brushing my hair, Arisa tilted her head slightly, her soft breath grazing my ear. ”You know, you keep getting better at this. Most guys will falter handling all of us. Yet you... youʼre always this inexhaustible.”

As always, her voice carried a hint of amusement. ”Iʼd like to think Iʼm just getting used to being surrounded by amazing girls,” I replied, putting on my usual shameless smile.

Arisa rolled her eyes followed by her impish smile peeking from her lips. ”There goes your glib tongue. Itʼs always working on us though, so keep it up.”

Izumi, who had remained silent for a bit, decided to chime in, her voice a mix of her usual indifference and reluctant affection. ”Tch. Donʼt let it go to your head, idiot.”

Look at this tsundere.

I glanced over at her, my cheek still resting lightly against her chest, and raised an eyebrow. ”Too late. My head was already inflated by all your praises. Isnʼt that why Iʼve grown to be this shameless?”

Izumiʼs lips twitched, and she gave me a light smack on the back of my head, not hard enough to hurt, just enough to express her mock irritation. ”No. Youʼre a natural at being shameless. Thatʼs impossible.” ”Ah. You got it right,” I admitted, turning my head slightly to give her a teasing grin. ”But you love me anyway.”

For a brief second, Izumiʼs tough-girl act faltered, and I saw her cheeks reddened once again before she quickly averted her gaze, muttering something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like, ”Yeah, yeah... I love you like a fool.”

Isnʼt she adorable?

Shortly after, the bus hit a small bump, causing Arisa to shift closer, her legs pressing against mine as she sighed contentedly. ”I couldnʼt get enough of this moment, Ruki...”

Her words hung in the air, resonating with me. It was a simple wish, but one that I shared wholeheartedly.

The peace of these stolen moments, away from the chaos of our daily lives, was something we all needed. And despite everything, it felt like a preview of what could be, of what we were building together.

I gently stroked and caressed Arisaʼs back, nodding in agreement. ”Yeah. Moments like this are rare, but thatʼs what makes them special.”

Izumi shifted again, this time resting her chin on top of my head, and I felt her fingers gently threading through my hair. ”Donʼt get too sentimental on us, Ruki. Iʼm still not used to this... mushy stuff.” ”I wouldnʼt dream of it, Izumi. But you know, youʼre a lot mushier than you think.”

I chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to the middle of her chest, near the collarbone. It made her quiver slightly before glaring at me in silent reprimand.

Izumi hummed in mild frustration, though I could feel the affection in her touch as her embrace tightened further around me. ”Only for you, dummy.”

Arisa giggled at our exchange, her thumb now curling the strands of my hair, ”You two are so cute together. It makes me want to squeeze in a little more.”

Without warning, she copied Izumi, squeezing my head further in between them. Then while cupping my cheeks, she dropped her lips, giving me more of her irresistible kisses. Her breath tickled my skin as she whispered, ”Iʼm not letting either of you hog all the affection.”

Izumi, always quick to retaliate when it came to Arisaʼs playful jabs, shot her a sidelong glance. ”Fine. Weʼll share, but only because Iʼm feeling generous.”

I couldnʼt help but laugh softly, shaking my head at the two of them. ”Looks like Iʼm in good hands, huh?” ”Very good hands,” Arisa teased, her lips brushing against my neck as she spoke.

For the rest of the ride, the three of us remained in that blissful state of quiet intimacy. Arisa occasionally hummed softly under her breath, her fingers still tangled with mine, while Izumi shifted slightly now and then, her hand occasionally brushing through my hair.

As we neared our stop, I felt a slight pang of reluctance. It was hard to let go of this peaceful bubble weʼd created, but I knew that this wasnʼt the last time. These moments were becoming more frequent, more precious, and I intended to make the most of them.

As the bus slowed down, Arisa sat up slightly, stretching her arms above her head before giving me a satisfied smile. ”Well, that was nice. Iʼd say we should do this more often.”

Izumi, still trying to maintain her ”cool” demeanor, let out a small huff but didnʼt move to separate herself from me just yet. ”Donʼt get used to it. This is a one-time thing.”

Arisa raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced as she teased her friend. ”Uh-huh. Sure, Izumi. Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

I gave Izumi a gentle nudge with my shoulder, grinning at her. ”Donʼt worry, I know youʼll miss me more after this.”

Izumi groaned, finally detaching herself from me, though she couldnʼt completely hide the small smile playing at her lips. ”Youʼre impossible, Ruki. But maybe... just maybe, I will.”

As the bus doors opened and we prepared to step off, I gave both girls a lingering look, feeling grateful for them. These small, quiet moments we shared were what kept me grounded, what made everything else in my life feel a little more manageable.

Arisa, ever the teasing one, leaned in close before we exited the bus, her voice low and playful. ”Just so you know, Ruki... next time we cuddle like that, Iʼm calling dibs on your lap.”

I chuckled, giving her hand a final squeeze as we stepped off the bus. ”Iʼll be looking forward to it.”

But before Izumi could also say something, the other girls who remained seated separated from us throughout the bus ride charged at me, taking me away from her.

Just like this, we made quite a commotion, making the bus driver and the other passengers look at us in contempt for being so flirty.

Nonetheless, we made our way toward the next part of the night, leaving behind the peaceful bus ride but carrying the warmth and affection of the moment with us.

A few minutes later, we reached Namiʼs house, dropping the three girls there after greeting

Auntie Kasumi. She welcomed Chii and Hana warmly, before making a suspicious comment that I was getting lousy at escorting Nami home or picking her up in the morning.

Nami defended me with that though, even highlighting last night when I also dropped her off, just that I didnʼt get to greet Auntie Kasumi.

Anyway, with Shizu and the other girls with us, we soon moved along as soon as they disappeared into the house.

On the next house over, I noticed Tadano peeking from his window. I smilingly waved at him which made the guy immediately close his window blinds.

Look at him, isnʼt he rude?