Stealing Spree

Chapter 2181: Ogawaʼs Sincerity?

Kazuha-nee didnʼt respond right away and the silence that followed felt a little heavy which stretched the tension in the room.

Although I couldnʼt see exactly what was happening from my hiding spot, I knew her well enough to imagine her reaction. Kazuha-nee was probably scrutinizing Ogawaʼs words, trying to gauge how sincere he really was.

Despite how much she loves playfully tormenting her little brother, she also genuinely cares for his well-being.

She wouldnʼt let him stumble through life acting like a fool, especially when it came to matters of the heart.

He wasnʼt like me, after all. Though she often teased him, she expected more from him. And unlike me, Ogawa had always been more naive, more transparent in his emotions.

Thatʼs why she also set aside her reluctance to meet me again last night to figure out if there was really a standing grudge between us. Of course, I managed to talk myself out of it but that didnʼt discount the fact she could hate me for real if itʼs to protect her little brother from

another tormentor.

Anyway, while it was true that Kazuha-nee wished Ogawa to take a page or two from me, it wasnʼt like this. If he was just using Mami as a way to ease his own guilt or to reassure her that he was ʼdoing okayʼ, then heʼd be in for a sharp rebuke. She wouldnʼt tolerate her brother playing with someone elseʼs feelings just to placate his own.

Finally, after a few seconds of tension, Kazuha-nee broke the silence. ”I see. So, you two are official now, huh? Well, Iʼm happy for both of you.” Her tone was neutral but I could hear the slight edge to it. She wasnʼt fully convinced yet. Also, thereʼs a subtle undertone of formality in her words. Itʼs like she was keeping a facade to prevent the two from figuring out that we were just in an intimate moment a few moments ago.

”Mami-chan, make sure to let me know if this idiot messes up, okay?” She continued, her voice softening a little as she addressed the girl.

Mamiʼs response was as timid as I expected. ”Thank you, Kazuha-nee... I-Iʼll take care of Kazuo-senpai. Please... rest assured.”

Her voice was so soft and almost meek in comparison to Ogawaʼs earlier excitement. Somehow, it was painting a picture of uncertainty in my head. I couldnʼt help but wonder... Was Mami truly comfortable with this, or was she trying to be polite and dutiful, fulfilling the role of a supportive girlfriend without fully understanding the weight of her words?

Of course, she could just be like the other girls who are overwhelmed by her strong presence. She also sounded nervous, after all.

Before I could dwell on it further, Ogawa interjected, clearly feeling the need to affirm his seriousness. ”I... I should be the one saying that. I mean, I want to show that Iʼm serious. Not just to Mami but also to you, Aneki.”

His voice was filled with determination, but there was something else in it. A hint of desperation, perhaps?

Was he really doing this for the right reasons, or was he just trying to prove something - to his sister, to Mami, and maybe even to himself?

I donʼt know. And itʼs not good to jump to a conclusion right away.

Even from my hiding spot, I heard Kazuha-nee letting out a small sigh. Partly relieved and partly worried.

”Well, you better be serious, Kazu-kun. Because if youʼre not, and you hurt Mami-chan...”

She let the unspoken threat hang in the air, her voice trailing off into a knowing silence. The message was clear: she wouldnʼt tolerate any games. Not from him, not when someone elseʼs heart was on the line.

Somehow, I was starting to be afraid that she might get stumped when the time came for her to confront her own feelings regarding me. What we had right now wasnʼt solid yet. It was the mix of our desire and attraction for each other that was built throughout our interactions. She probably had no idea yet regarding what she was going to do with me after today. And thereʼs no way I could just spring it up to her later... Things like this were better realized than told.

Perhaps sensing the weight of her words, Ogawa didnʼt respond immediately. Instead, there was a soft shuffling sound, as if he was shifting awkwardly in his seat.

”I wonʼt, Aneki. I... I care about her.”

His voice was quieter now or rather, subdued. Maybe it was the gravity of the moment sinking in the pressure of Kazuha-neeʼs expectation weighing down on him. Either way, it was clear that her words had struck a chord.

Kazuha-nee finally offered a small chuckle, breaking the heavy tension hanging in the air. ”Good. Thatʼs all I wanted to hear. I wonʼt keep you two locked in here with me any longer. You should probably talk more in your room, Kazu-kun. And donʼt forget to walk Mami-chan home. Itʼs getting late.”

Not gonna lie, that was smooth coming from her. She was wrapping things up, sending them off without a fuss. But she had a point. The introduction was over, and sheʼd already shared her thoughts. Giving the two of them space to solidify their new relationship while reminding Ogawa to escort Mami home was the right move.

Mhm. It couldnʼt just be because she wanted to get back to me, right? To resume what we had started before they barged in.

Shortly after Ogawa acknowledged Kazuha-neeʼs hint, I heard the shuffling of feet as they stood up. Mamiʼs voice, sounding more relieved, echoed softly as both of them thanked Kazuha-nee.

However, just as I thought they were about to leave, Ogawa suddenly spoke again, his tone laced with curiosity.

”Wait. Aneki, Iʼve been meaning to ask... Are you alright? You seem a little... off.”

Hearing that, my heart skipped a beat. Did he notice? No, it was probably because Kazuha-nee looked flustered. Even in the dim light, Ogawa and Mami would easily notice her flushed face and the slight sheen of sweat from our earlier... activities.𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

To her credit, Kazuha-nee responded rather smoothly. ”Iʼm fine, Kazuo. Just a little tired. Itʼs been a long day.”

”You sure? Youʼre kinda red, like youʼve been running or something.” Ogawaʼs tone grew more concerned.

Mami chimed in, her tone softer but equally worried. ”Kazuo-senpai, maybe Kazuha-neeʼs just tired like she said. We shouldnʼt bother her too much.”

Heh. I couldnʼt help but give the girl a thumbs-up in my head. What a thoughtful girl.

Anyway, Kazuha-nee couldnʼt afford to let this slip now, not after we had come so close

without getting caught.

”Donʼt worry too much. Iʼm fine,” Kazuha-nee repeated, more firmly this time. I heard a light slap after that. Most likely, Kazuha-nee tapped her brotherʼs shoulder in reassurance.

”Now go and treat Mami-chan like a princess. Just... donʼt scare her, alright?”

There was a brief moment of silence before Ogawa finally sighed, letting go of his concern. ”Alright, Aneki. But if you need anything, just call me, okay?”

After that, there was the unmistakable sound of retreating footsteps as they made their way back toward the door.

”Goodnight, Kazuha-nee,” Mami added softly, her voice fading as they exited the room.