Stealing Spree

Chapter 2277: End of our date

As I promised we returned to the arcade playing everything that caught her eye. Eventually, we arrived at the rows of crane games as she browsed what she wanted to get among the stuffed toys. Her eyes stopped on a bear that looked like a mini-me version of her.

”Alright. Letʼs get that one.” I said as I pulled her over to it.

I inspected the machine first to get an angle on how to get one before inserting the coin token into the crane machine. The same as when I got Otohaʼs stuffed toys, I was pretty confident in my skill in taking a prize within only a few tries.

I had Misaki point at the one she wanted before carefully maneuvering the crane. The clanking of metal echoed through the arcade as I directed the claw, making sure it didnʼt miss by much. After a few tries, the bear looked like it was in a bear hug from the claw.

Misaki was overjoyed upon seeing it and she even jumped as we watched the bear drop to the prize hatch.

She hurriedly picked it up and hugged it to her chest.

”Thank you, Ruki! Iʼll treasure this guy!” Misaki exclaimed with pure excitement as her eyes sparkled in joy. Her innocence was really a charm that would never cease to amaze me. She looked so adorable holding onto the bear tightly like it was her child.

”Mhm. But donʼt hug it too much. Iʼll get jealous.” I playfully answered as we stepped out of the arcade.

Misaki giggled and leaned into me, ”Iʼll make sure to hug you more, Ruki. This little guy is just your substitute while youʼre not by my side.”

”I see. Thatʼs good then. Maybe Iʼll learn some doll possession techniques and possess that bear when I am sleeping.”

”Pfft. As if thatʼs possible.” Misaki laughed before hugging my arm tightly. The bear went to her bag.

We walked around the shopping mall for a bit more before we decided to call it a day. I had to bring her back home before her parents arrived. I shouldnʼt get her in trouble, right? Besides, with our time here, Misaki had enough material to digest before her excitement would die down.

As we approached the exit, Misaki glanced behind her as though making sure to remember every detail of our date. From the phone store where I bought her phone. To the cafe where we called Akane, Maaya and Himeko. Then to the arcade where we got our private time inside the karaoke boot before we went around playing, ending it with the crane game to win her the bear stuffed toy.

And since this should be her first time going out on a weekend like this, it became another reason for her to cherish the day.

We rode the bus home and while we were inside it, the girl who was full of energy finally had a moment to wind down. She leaned her head on my shoulder, her breathing slow and rhythmic, as she enjoyed the quietness of our time together. Before long, she fell asleep with our hands entwined and the bear toy in her lap.

I watched over her for the rest of the trip, making sure she was comfortable while I took my time admiring her innocent beauty.

It was a peaceful sight that filled me with a sense of contentment. No matter what, Iʼd always take care of her and protect her from any harm.

As the bus pulled into the neighborhood, I gently nudged her awake. She blinked up at me with sleepy eyes with a soft smile playing on her lips. But upon realizing that she missed the opportunity to cling to me more, she pouted.

”Come on. You needed that rest after exuding all that energy.” I flicked her forehead lightly before helping her off the bus.

Misaki rubbed the spot and looked around, realizing we were near her place. She perked up immediately, eager to show off her prize. ”Ruki, can I tell Sister Akane and the others about the bear when we get home?”

”Of course. Feel free to brag about it to them.” I mean, Iʼm the one whoʼll be bugged by them anyway, so itʼs totally fine for Misaki to show off.

Overjoyed. She started taking more photos as we walked, not just the bear but us too.

No matter from what angle we looked at it, weʼd never be mistaken as anything other than a couple who had just returned from a wonderful date.

After a while, she handed me the bag containing the box and the accessories of the phone. Like we planned, we would keep it hidden from her parents. For now, at least. When the time comes, Iʼd be helping her persuade them to keep that on her at all times.

As we reached their gates, Misaki appeared reluctant to separate from me. She squeezed my hand as though silently telling me to come inside with her. However, she still let go after a while, understanding that it was time for us to part for the day.

”Iʼll see you tomorrow at school. Behave, alright? By the way, is there a name for that little guy?” I kept the excitement in my voice to dispel the gloominess that was trying to settle over our parting.

Misaki nodded and whispered, ”Iʼll think of one tonight. Tomorrow, Iʼll tell you.”

She giggled before leaning in for one last kiss. Naturally, I caught her lips, making that last kiss as memorable for us as possible.

After that, my lovely forehead girl reluctantly took a step back, slipping through the gates and gradually disappearing inside.

But before I could turn around, I saw her peeking back as she said, ”Ruki, take care. And memorize the script for our play! I want to practice with you soon!”

I smiled and nodded, ”Got it, director.”

With another giggle, Misaki sweetly murmured, ”I love you... Thank you for today.”

Those words resonated in my chest like a gentle melody as I watched her vanish inside before the gates closed with a clink.

She didnʼt even let me reply to it. What a cheeky girl.

In any case, I stayed for a few seconds, just making sure that she was safe inside and the gates properly locked. Thankfully, her parents werenʼt home yet. She wouldnʼt be alone in that house since her family was on the wealthier side. Maids or servants were pretty common for

her.

On my way back to the bus stop, I sent a message to Sena, Ayu and Marika.

Itʼs time for my part-time. And later, weʼll see if the Ichihara had something prepared for me.