Stealing Spree

Chapter 2407: Sleepover Plans

The night passed peacefully and the next day dawned bright and early. Akane and I do our early morning routines before preparing for school.

On the train, it was still a little awkward when we met up with Futaba and Eri. They had already talked yesterday about what happened but while nothing changed regarding her determination to continue with our arrangement, her guilt had at least lessened to the point that she could already face me without averting her gaze.

Obviously, things were still not fine. Even though she’s technically not cheating on her boyfriend with me, that’s still how it looks to other people. That’s not going to change no matter how we spin the story.

I asked Fuyu and Akane about their opinion on the situation with Futaba. They had differing opinions.

Akane wasn’t that supportive of Futaba asking me for help in that regard, but she understood where she was coming from. That in Futaba’s eyes, only I could help her with her problem.

Fuyu, on the other hand, was partly supportive but she told me it’s too much to make it physical. For her, Futaba asking me to intimately touch her was crossing the line.

There’s one thing they agree on though... It’s better that I help her than leave Futaba suffering. On that part, even Eri couldn’t argue with it.

Still, as things stand, Futaba’s relationship will truly be doomed.

”Husband, I know what you’re thinking... If... If Futaba’s relationship fails because of her deal with you, don’t blame yourself. You’ve warned her enough.”

That was Akane’s reminder when she saw my expression before separating from them at the gate of their school.

---

After meeting up with Yae, Ririka and Miho, I continued on my way to school.

Yae and Ririka were planning to sleep over tonight but because I might not be at home tonight due to the dinner with Otoha’s family, they pushed back for tomorrow instead.

On the train, I spent my time messaging my girls, in particular, I kinda got glued on exchanging messages with the girls at Third High School.

Because they’re also planning a sleepover soon, Nao created a group chat between the three of them and they added me to it.

It’s quite refreshing to hear them discuss things when the three of them had different personalities from each other.

Or are they really discussing things? I don’t think so.

I read through their messages and the deeper I went, the more I could feel my lips twitching in amusement.

There was the goofball Hanabi who was too lazy to think of ideas. She just said she’ll bring her pajamas and sleep next to me.

Then there was the egotistic Azusa who couldn’t stand the thought of not being the center of attention and was already planning her outfits. She specifically told me to look forward to it and I better prepare myself.

And lastly, there was Nao who used the group chat as her notepad to list her pastry ingredients, asking me to buy them in preparation. She’s planning to bake a cake during the sleepover.

Anyway, when they noticed that I already opened the group chat, the first one who sent a message was Azusa. She even tagged my name to make sure I would be able to read it.

”Shameless junior, you better be taking notes! I’m going to this sleepover because you asked me to, and I won’t accept anything less than your undivided attention. Got it?”

Her message was accompanied by a string of emojis: a sparkle, a dress, and, surprisingly, a devil horn, as though she intended to emphasize her commanding nature.

After that, Hanabi also typed in, responding to Azusa.

”Lol, Azusa, you’re acting like Ruki only has eyes on you. Besides, we’re just crashing at his place. I doubt you’ll have space in your bed.”

”Crashing? How dare you reduce my perfectly curated sleepover to ”crashing”? You’re lucky I tolerate you, Hanabi.”

”Hehe, love you too, Azusa. Anyway, Ruki, I’m serious about sleeping next to you. Make some space on your bed. Or do you prefer the couch?”

Look at that goofball. Does she think she can act like that here? Should I tease her again?

I thought for a moment before typing in my reply, ”I don’t mind sleeping next to you, babe. And Saionji-senpai. I’m looking forward to seeing you in your nightwear. I can be shameless right?”

The group chat exploded instantly with the two girls typing in quick succession.

”Ruki! I told you not to call me like that again!”

”You pervert! All you can think of is see my perfectly curated lingerie! Are you imagining me without it?!”

My reply was a string of emojis, one with a whistling emoji and the other with a wink. I knew that would get their attention.

After that, I typed my proper response, ”Babe, we never agreed to stop. I’m just bringing it up again. And senpai, I’d rather see it myself than imagine it. By the way, I’m glad you made up your mind to join. I’ll pamper you lots.”

Hanabi’s reply came swiftly, a mix of blush and laughter evident in her text: ”Okay babe! I’ll also call you like that when I bring you to Matsuri.”

Azusa also sent her response a few seconds later, ”You’re so shameless, Onoda-kun. But fine. Just don’t disappoint me with your choice of pajamas. I expect something that complements my attire.”

Even though she’s probably blushing profusely at the moment, that girl still had the time to be pretentious.

At this point, Nao who was only reading the exchange, finally decided to chime in. ”You guys are so noisy. Can we focus on what’s important? Ruki, you promised. We’ll bake it together. I can’t wait for that day.”

”Of course, Nao. By the way, I didn’t see any date. When will that sleepover happen?”

Nao replied with a smirking emoji. ”We’re keeping it a surprise for you, Ruki.”

That girl... I don’t hate surprises but what if I’m not home at that time? Won’t it be a failure? Ugh...

In the end, I could only reply with, ”Hopefully it’s not tomorrow, right? I might not be home.”

The group chat fell silent for a moment after my message, and I could almost imagine the three of them exchanging conspiratorial glances through their screens.