Stealing Spree

Chapter 2664: To Chii’s House

Half an hour later, Nami and Auntie Kasumi stood by the entrance, bidding us farewell as we lingered by their front door. The evening had been a delightful experience. The dinner was filled with laughter that rang through the air, playful teasing and a warmth that only a lovingly prepared home-cooked meal could evoke.

As we approached the gate, Nami hesitated, her grip still on my arm, but upon reaching the threshold, she reluctantly released me. Turning around, I leaned in and planted a soft goodnight kiss on her lips, a gesture that felt sweetly innocent, especially with her mother watching just a step away.

Nami’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson while the other girls pretended not to react to it, well, except An-rin, who whistled playfully as though she was watching a live show.

Auntie Kasumi just chuckled, waving us off with a knowing smile, clearly unfazed by the display of affection. “Take care of my Nanami’s friends, Onoda-kun. And don’t stay out too late, all of you!”

With that, we began the walk to the station, the cool evening air wrapping around us like a gentle embrace.

Once we were on the move, the dynamic of our group began to shift. Edel quickly claimed her territory, sidling closer and clinging tightly to my left arm. Her silver hair shimmered under the amber glow of the streetlights, framing her delicate features as she leaned in, clearly reveling in our close contact. Haruko walked on her left. Her calm presence seemed to promise something more intense later. Hana trailed slightly behind Chii, who took her place on my right. Her pout had already eased up, but I could tell she was just biding her time for when I would escort her home later.

Kushii and An-rin brought up our rear, their chatter a constant buzz of energy. An-rin would occasionally sprint ahead to spin around a streetlamp or poke fun at me. She really recovered her gremlin energy or so that’s what I want to believe. If given the chance to be alone with me again, I doubt she could maintain her composure. As for Kushii... well, there’s a radiant and refreshing smile that lit up her face whenever our eyes met. It’s like she’s satisfied with the way things went down between us.

After taking the train to the next station, Hana, Haruko, and Edel decided to stay at the lounge area and wait for my return there. I exchanged a glance with them before turning to escort Chii and the two gyarus out of the station.

The walk to Chii’s house wasn’t long, but it was lively, with An-rin and Chii bouncing off each other’s energy like a chaotic comedy duo. I kept pace, letting their banter wash over me while occasionally tossing in a quip to keep them on their toes. By the time we approached the street where their house was located, Chii looked up at me and released a soft sigh.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Nothing. I just thought I missed the opportunity to invite you to dinner tonight.” Chii forced a smile and then masked it with her gyaru flair, acting like she didn’t want me to worry about it too much.

“Well, I can still–”

“Alright, stop there, Mr. Super Considerate. I can’t have you feeling sick from overeating. It’s not as if I cannot invite you next time, right? An-rin and Kushii agree with me.” Chii cut me off before turning to her friends, seeking their backup.

An-rin grinned widely and slung an arm around Chii’s shoulders, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Yeah, perv lord, don’t go breaking your stomach for us. Like, seriously.”

Kushii, standing a step behind, nodded with a softer smile. “She’s right, Onoda-kun. We’ll have plenty of chances. No need to rush.”

I chuckled, shaking my head at their antics. “Fine, fine. I’ll hold you to that. Next time, I’m expecting a feast to rival Auntie Kasumi’s.”

Chii’s forced smile softened into something more real, her eyes lingering on me for a moment before she turned to unlock her gate. “Tell that to my mom, idiot Kii.”

And right at that moment, their front door swung open and out stepped Chii’s mother. She gave off a welcoming aura, with features that provided a glimpse into how Chii might look in the years to come. Her warm smile instantly made me feel at home.

“Kii-kun! You’re here! Thank you for escorting Chizuru and her friends. It’s always nice to see you.” She exclaimed with her voice bright and genuine.

I couldn’t help but feel my cheeks warming up slightly under her gaze, “Good evening, Auntie. It’s no trouble at all. I consider it my duty as her boyfriend.”

“Is that so? Alright then, good job. Looks like my Chizuru experienced a glow up. What exactly happened in that sleepover?”

“Mom, what glow up are you talking about?”

“I don’t know, Chizuru. You tell me. You look way more womanly than you did a few days ago. Something’s different, and I’m not blind.” Chii’s mom tilted her head, her eyes twinkling with a mix of curiosity and teasing, clearly fishing for details.

Of course, she’d notice it. Chii had been blooming since this morning. It truly had to do with us finally crossing that line. Her pent-up desire to be one with me finally found release. In any case, that’s something we shouldn’t tell her mom.

Chii’s face flushed a bright red as she crumbled under her mother’s scrutiny. “M-Mom! Stop it! Nothing happened, okay? Just... girl stuff!”

She waved her hands frantically, trying to deflect, but her voice cracked just enough to betray her embarrassment.

An-rin cackled and leaned in, poking Chii’s side. “Oh, come on, Chizuru. Don’t be shy. It’s not embarrassing to tell your mom how happy you are with Onoda-han.”

Sending a wink directed at me, the chaotic gremlin continued, “Should we tell her about how he came by early this morning to cook breakfast and escort us to school?”

Alright. That’s a clever way to hide that I was with them last night. That’s praiseworthy for a playful gremlin.

Chii’s mom raised her eyebrows, clearly intrigued at that title, before putting her hands together, smiling pleasantly, “Oh? You did that, Kii-kun? How wonderful.”

Kushii stepped forward with a gentle laugh. “Auntie, don’t mind them. They’re just being silly. But it’s true. Onoda-kun is such a gentleman. He not only made sure we all got home safe, but he was also there to wake us up and make us breakfast. Without him, we’d all be late.”

Now, even Kushii was trying to glaze me. I could only play along while continuing to act humbly.

I gave a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of my neck as I tried to deflect the sudden spotlight. “Auntie, they’re exaggerating. I just did what any decent guy would do for his girlfriend and her friends. No big deal.”

Chii’s mom wasn’t buying my humility, though. Her eyes sparkled with that same knowing mischief I’d seen from Auntie Kasumi earlier, like she could sense there was more to the story than we were letting on. “Oh, don’t be so modest, Kii-kun. A boy who takes care of my Chizuru and her friends like that? You’re a keeper.”

“Thank you. I’ll also do my best for her. You can count on me for that.”

“That’s great to hear. Well then, will you stay for a while? I can prepare something real quick. I heard you already had dinner, so... I won’t force you to dine in tonight.”

“Well, I appreciate the invitation, Auntie, but it’s getting late. Maybe next time I can stay longer?” I replied, keeping my tone respectful.

Her warm smile didn’t waver but I could tell she’s also not someone who’d easily give up. I guess I should prepare for a proper visit the next time I escort Chii home.

“Okay. I’ll hold you to that, Kii-kun. Take care on your way home.”

“Yes, Auntie.” I bowed before turning to check on Chii, who’s still embarrassed and the two gyarus.

The moment Chii’s mom turned around to step back inside, I pulled Chii, giving her a quick goodnight kiss like what I did with Nami earlier. When I turned to face the other two, An-rin quickly covered her face, probably thinking I’d do the same for them. As for Kushii, she looked rather expectant. Of course, she also understood I wouldn’t act that brazenly, especially when Chii’s mom could turn around at any moment.

“You two. How will you go home later? Or is Chii gonna host the sleepover this time?” I asked as I sneakily reached for their hands, giving them a tight squeeze.

“I’ll have them stay the night, Kii. My room is... bigger for the three of us.” Chii chimed in, answering on their behalf.

“Alright then. See you three tomorrow.” With that, I gave the two gyarus one last reassuring squeeze before letting go. “Have a good night. Message me whenever.”

An-rin stuck out her tongue, “No promises, perv lord! We might just have a pillow fight and talk about you all night.”

Kushii giggled. “Don’t worry, Onoda-kun. I’ll keep these two in check. Maybe.”

Chii rolled her eyes as she nudged me toward the gate. “Go on, Kii. Don’t keep Hana and the others waiting. I’ll be fine with these two.”

With a final wave, I turned and headed back toward the station.