Stealing Spree

Chapter 2533 Running into Mei-chan

Surprisingly, there was no annoying Ichihara Jun when I arrived at Marikaʼs place. It saved me the time of dealing with him.

Kagura-san also didnʼt make it difficult for me to bring Marika with me. I guess it has to do with our previous conversation but I doubt weʼre just in a lull until a clear directive comes down from the Kujou Family.

As we made ourselves comfortable in the bus, Marika shared that Kagura-san has started coaching her not just in the kitchen but also in all things relevant to an independent woman. Sheʼs also quite a storyteller, narrating her adventures outside the country.

Due to that, Marika developed some kind of admiration for her second aunt. Her eyes lit up as she recounted a tale of Kagura-san navigating a bustling foreign market with nothing but a phrasebook and sheer determination.

It was clear the older womanʼs experience was such a huge bowl of wisdom, giving Marika a glimpse of a world beyond the sheltered life sheʼd known.

I listened to her, joking at times, which weʼd both laugh at, making our bus ride comfortable.

The bus rolled from stop to stop as more seats got occupied by other passengers. Like always, even though weʼre on a two-seater, the way Marika clung to me made it possible for us to squeeze on a single seat by the window, our bags sitting on the open space, acting like a privacy wall for us.

Because of the time, fewer students were riding the bus. Thatʼs why itʼs such a surprise when I saw a familiar face climbing up on one of the stops.

Who was it?

Tadanoʼs little sister, Yumei.

Sheʼs also running late. Yet, the way she moved was so carefree while fiddling with her phone. Itʼs like she didnʼt really care about the fact that she might have to run in order to get in time before their school gates closed.

In any case, the moment I recognized her, I tried my best to hide from her gaze, which wasnʼt that difficult considering her eyes never left her phone. Sheʼs too absorbed with browsing her social media, I guess?

However, as luck would have it, she continued walking further down the aisle, not taking the empty seats at the front. And eventually, she picked the one across from us.

When Marika noticed how I was trying to hide by burying my head in the nook of her neck, she happily hugged my head and gently combed my hair.

”Ruki-kun, are you hiding from someone?”

As I expected, she didnʼt miss that, even though sheʼd been so lost in snuggling to my chest just a few seconds ago.

”Well, I wonʼt deny it. It may be troublesome if she recognizes me.”

”Oh...” Marika nodded in understanding before giggling softly.

I raised my gaze and saw her staring in Mei-chanʼs direction.

”Sheʼs cute, Ruki-kun. But sheʼs so busy with her phone. I doubt sheʼll recognize you,” ”She will. That girl is... uh.”

”I get it! Sheʼs aware of your charms. Hehe.”

”Alright. Stop staring already-”

”Hmm? Is that you, Onoda-senpai?”

Me and my loudmouth. Although I tried my best to answer Marika in a whisper, my voice mustʼve been carried over to her side.

And with that, she recognized me through it.

I could deny it, but I could already sense her eyes drilling into my back. It would be possible if it was another person but to Mei-chan... thereʼs no wriggling out of this situation.

After all, sheʼs one of my most active followers on the social media account where my cosplay photos are being shared. Even my random status updates were liked and shared by her.

Slowly, I straightened my back, unlatching my head from the comfort of Marikaʼs neck.

”Hey, Mei-chan. Youʼre here.” I awkwardly greeted her, which immediately made. Marika laugh.

”I knew it!” Mei-chan sprang up to her feet, excitement filtering through her eyes as she grinned.

She snapped her phone to me, easily capturing a photo before she slid to the corner of her seat. If not for the armrest or the lack of seat on our side, she mightʼve come over

right away.

To salvage the situation, I hurriedly put my index finger on my lips, signaling for her to be quiet.

At least, the girl was obedient but her shoulders were already jumpily excited. She couldnʼt miss this rare chance of running into me during the morning commute.

”I finally ran into you, senpai. Did you miss me?”

Leaning forward slightly, Mei-chan asked.

I donʼt know if sheʼs intentionally ignoring Marika, whoʼs still clinging to me, or if she just doesnʼt care but Mei-chan only focused on me. She wonʼt even address the fact that I am with another girl...

”Mhm. It has been a while, Mei-chan. How are you? Are you still troubling your brother?”

”Eh? Letʼs not talk about Onii-chan, senpai.”

I glanced at Mei-chan, her bright eyes locked on me with that familiar spark of enthusiasm. I couldnʼt help but chuckle at her blatant dodge. Poor Tadano. ”Alright, no brother talk. But youʼre dodging the question, Mei-chan. How have you been?”

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she leaned closer over the armrest, her phone still clutched in her hand like a prized trophy while sporting a sheepish grin, ”Iʼve been great, senpai! Better than someone who tried to hide from me.”

My lips twitched a bit as I replied, ”Iʼm not hiding though.”

”Sure, youʼre not. If I didnʼt call you, you wouldnʼt even look at me. But itʼs fine. I understand, senpai. Anyways, Iʼm super busy with school and stalking your posts, obviously. Youʼve been slacking on updates lately, you know? Your fans are starving out here.”

With how quickly she spoke, there was no time for me to refute her anymore.

Marika giggled beside me, her fingers still combing through my hair as she tilted her head to peek at Mei-chan. ”Ruki-kunʼs been quite occupied, Iʼm afraid. Heʼs got a lot of responsibilities to juggle.”

With that, Mei-chanʼs gaze finally shifted to Marika, acknowledging her presence. The way her curiosity settled was by following Marikaʼs gesture and eventually taking in the way Marika clung to me with her arm looped possessively through mine.𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

I thought sheʼd react the same way as Mami did, but thatʼs not what happened. She wasnʼt even bothered to see Marika hugging me. Her grin only grew, like sheʼd just stumbled onto some exciting secret.

”Ohhh, I see! You must be one of senpaiʼs special people, huh? I heard from Nanami-onee-chan.” Her eyebrows playfully wriggled as she waved her hand dismissively before Marika could respond. ”Donʼt worry, senpai. Your secret is safe with me. Iʼm just a loyal fan! Well, maybe a little more than that, but still! Iʼm charmed!”

I raised an eyebrow, shifting slightly in my seat to face her better while keeping Marika tucked against me. ”A little more than that? Should I be worried, Mei-chan?” She laughed, a bright, carefree sound that drew a couple of curious glances from other passengers. ”Only if youʼre scared of me begging for a selfie right now! Come on, senpai, just one? Iʼve been dying to get a candid shot of you after the ones weʼve taken

back then!”

”Well, I donʼt mind you taking a selfie with me but you know what will happen if you post that on your Insta, right?”

Mei-chan grinned, ”Itʼll garner a lot of likes! Are you worried your fans will be able to

find you at your school, senpai?”

”Well, not exactly. I can just deny being that cosplayer. My face is quite different

because of the makeup, right?”

”Yes! Youʼre more handsome naturally!”

This girl, where did she learn this? Ah no. Sheʼs natural at this game.

Even back when we first met, she even kicked Tadano just to get my name.

I couldnʼt help but laugh at her enthusiasm. Sheʼs relentless and honestly, it was hard

not to get swept up in her excitement.

Even Marika was affected. Her soft giggle beside me only added to the moment. ”Handsome naturally, huh? Youʼre laying it on thick, Mei-chan.” I shook my head and pretended to contemplate before saying. ”Alright, one selfie. Make sure it wonʼt be linked to my cosplay account, alright?”

Mei-chanʼs eyes lit up like Iʼd just handed her a winning lottery ticket. She scrambled to adjust her phone, flipping it to selfie mode with a speed that suggested sheʼd been preparing for this exact moment.

”Deal! Iʼll take full responsibility, senpai. Now, scoot over. Let me join you there. Letʼs make it a good one!”