Stealing Spree

Chapter 2380: It makes sense

Upon arriving home, I was greeted by Fuyu at the door. Akane was already asleep on the sofa while Miwa-nee and Minoru had already gone upstairs. Eri was also in the living room but sheʼs fiddling with her phone, probably messaging her boyfriend or Futaba who werenʼt with them today. ”Have you eaten yet?” I asked Fuyu who was already taking her chance to cling to me. She wouldnʼt be able to stay here tonight so sheʼs not making full use of this opportunity while Akane was asleep. ”Not yet. Minoru-kun became sleepy earlier and Akane was tossing and turning on that sofa and tired herself out. Her period is almost over so... sheʼll be fine soon.” Fuyu answered as she pointed at the silly girl who was hugging the cushion while curled up like a cat. ”I see. Thanks for looking after her, Fuyu. Should I pamper you first before waking her up?” ”In front of Eri?” ”Well, you wouldnʼt mind, right?” A mischievous smile flitted across my lips as I turned my gaze to the girl on the single sofa. We already caught her attention so sheʼs just waiting for an opening to chime in.

Eri looked up from her phone, raising an eyebrow before slowly curling her lips in the same mischievous sense, ”Ruki, you donʼt have to mind your girl best friend. Iʼm used to seeing you flirt with everyone. Hehe. And I heard what happened... Futaba asked that from you, huh? Iʼm envious.”

With the mention of Futaba, I couldnʼt help but gulp down.

As expected, they wouldnʼt let her out of the loop. I mean, it would be cruel if sheʼs the only one who didnʼt know while we all keep it a secret. ”You... Eri, are you not going to tell me how absurd it is?” I said before turning to Fuyu who only shrugged. She also had a lot to say about it but since we already talked about that yesterday, sheʼs keeping it low for now.

In any case, Eri just giggled as she pocketed her phone. Her eyes focused on me. Her usual playful innocence is seemingly nonexistent tonight, ”Itʼs Futaba. I can understand why she did that but youʼre right, it is absurd in a normal sense.”

Concern was apparent in her voice. Rather than outright blame Futaba or call her out for it, she probably wanted to understand it better before judging. And it wouldnʼt happen without talking to Futaba directly.𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

They probably failed to contact her today. I did receive a reply from that girl earlier but itʼs only a short one saying sheʼs fine and I donʼt have to worry about her. ”Mhm. I believe she will be. Letʼs just wait for her. Do you remember my reminder last week?” ”You mean that one when you warned me about getting close to another guy whoʼs not my boyfriend?” ”Yep, that one. I did warn her as well but Futaba was determined to go through with it. In a way, I also consented to doing it for her. I will carry half of the blame if something happens.”

Sheʼs also trying to understand my position here. So rather than let her speculate, I should just come clean with how I viewed it from my side. ”I understand, Ruki. Iʼm not going to blame you. Itʼs just weird... she reminded me not to get too close to you but then she did that. Whatʼs going on in that girlʼs head?” Eri sighed, clearly confused at the choice her friend made. But she quickly put back the smile on her lips. ”You know, if you think what sheʼs doing is wrong, you can still talk to her about it. Maybe, you can convince her. All of you. Of course, Iʼll do the same.” ”Un. Weʼre on it. Akane and I will also talk to her when she shows up tomorrow. Figure out whatʼs really in her head” Fuyu also spoke up, showing that she too was concerned. ”Yes. Thatʼs the best course of action,” Eri nodded, a thoughtful look on her face before grinning wildly as she jumped up from her seat to cling to my other side, ”Now then, can I also ask for you to pamper me, Ruki?”

This girl... after all was said and done, she was still like this. She knows what sheʼs doing, right?

I pinched her cheek before she could hide it by burying her face on my side. And because of that, with a hint of her jealousy, Fuyu pulled on my arm, bringing me down on the soft where she immediately took my lap. She curled into my embrace before Eri could even try to share the space.

After we shared a few lighthearted laughs that dispelled the awkwardness from talking about Futaba, we waited for a while until Akane woke up preparing the table for dinner.

Eventually, Miwa-nee also came down from upstairs, making it another sumptuous dinner for all of us.

Once we finished eating, I changed out of my uniform and set off with Futaba and Eri, escorting them home.

Nothing much happened along the way and Eri behaved given that we took the train instead of the bus.

When we reached the Yuuki Household, Fubuki-chan and Auntie were waiting. Somehow, instead of her usual wicked playfulness towards her older sister, the little girl immediately jumped to her, expressing how much she missed Fuyu.

After that, she turned to me and pouted, ”Nii-chan, are you trying to take onee-chan from us?”

Hearing that, even their mother laughed. ”I apologize, Onoda-kun. Fubuki has been missing her onee-chan these days. Thanks for always escorting her home.” ”Itʼs nothing, Auntie. Fuyu has been a great help to Akane and me. Also, sheʼs as important to me.” I replied with a warm smile, watching the siblings playfully argue as Fuyu tried to scold her little sister. It was a heartwarming sight. ”Heh, so sheʼs also important now. Onoda-kun, are you admitting that youʼre also dating my daughter?” With a hint of playful curiosity in her eyes, Auntie leaned closer and whispered that question to me. Clearly, she had long picked up on the subtle dynamics between Fuyu and me. Sheʼs just confirming at this point.

I didnʼt answer verbally since Fuyu didnʼt want to reveal it yet. She still had her considerations. After all, itʼs not a normal situation.

I only nodded, giving her a silent affirmation that Fuyu is indeed important to me.

Auntie didnʼt push that as well and just nodded before they eventually disappeared inside their house.

However, before going, Fubuki once again confronted me as she tried to appear quite intimidating by crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes. ”Nii-chan, I will write your name in the baddy list if you make onee-chan cry. Remember that.”

I chuckled as I patted her head. ”Iʼll keep that in mind, Fubuki-chan.”

Fuyu, Eri and Auntie were all giggling while shaking their heads at Fubuki-chanʼs antics. With a final wave, we parted ways.

Eri and I watched until they disappeared before turning back to the way we came from.

As we started our walk back to the station, Eri suggested not taking the train anymore. Although it would take a bit longer, their house was already within walking distance.

Of course, this was also her way to have a chance to talk privately with me. Perhaps to clear the doubts and confusion running in her head. ”Alright. Letʼs do that. Will your legs hold?” I nodded as we turned our heels in the direction of her house. ”Hehe. Who do you think I am, Ruki? Iʼm also athletic like Fuyu! Besides, I have you if I feel tired.” She flaunted by dashing back and forth before returning to my side. ”Ah. Right. I will become your personal walking stick when you get tired, is that it?” ”Yes! I can do that, right?” ”Well, will I be able to say no to you?” ”Probably not. But you donʼt have to worry. I wonʼt ask the same thing as Futaba to you, Onoda-kun. It must be a difficult decision for both of you, right?”

Eriʼs voice was like the chime of the bell, reminding me that she was still insightful of the things happening around her. I could tell she had her own opinion about it but she was choosing not to say anything yet until she heard from Futaba.

But as always, I kept a state of calmness as I answered her with full honesty, ”It must be difficult for Futaba but for me, I kind of expected it from her so I already had my answer before she could even bring it up.” ”You mean...” ”Yes, Eri. I was willing to help her with her troubles even before she asked. Of course, I still tried to dissuade her when she brought it up. Unfortunately, I failed so... that happened.” As I said that, Eriʼs footsteps abruptly paused as she looked up at me. Her expression was a mixture of shock and confusion, ”Ruki, youʼre really different. You never hesitate to tell the truth even if you can lie. Itʼs not as if I can confirm your words...” ”Letʼs see. You can take that as my admission that I truly consider you someone close to me now.” I said with a smirk that was probably not as calming as I thought it would be. With a smile that seemed to be that of understanding and acceptance, Eri shook her head before resuming her steps and firmly hugging my arm, ”Ruki, the more I interact with you, the more it makes more sense why a lot of girls keep getting drawn to you.”