Stealing Spree

For the next two hours after I separated from Sumire, I spent my time just going around the city, visiting my girls who were free. I got to spend time with Hifumi and Miyako too who were both lingering at their houses. The former once again busied herself with studying for the next lessons while the latter was lazing in their backyard, finding more inspiration for her next art. I ended up studying alongside Hifumi - whatever the lesson she was studying was - and presented ideas to Miyako while we enjoyed afternoon coffee.

Before I left, I prepared snacks for Hifumi in their kitchen. Yep, her parents were away and that should be my first time coming into their house but the girl was so cautious she snuck me into her room upstairs. As for how I got to use their kitchen... I naturally had to come up with an excuse to sneak there. When I showed up with the plate, the girl took a while to realize that I hadn't gone out to take a leak. She scolded me but overall, she loved it. It was her favorite, after all.

As for my time with Miyako, the girl found her inspiration in my empty cup, saying she'd make something out of it and told me to look forward to her new craft soon.

Really, she's mellowed out a lot now that she's starting to draw and paint again. Her gloom had reduced a lot which allowed her to smile more. And I see that as a good thing. Still, she'd never grow out of saying she hates and loves me. That's already like her form of endearment and also a reminder for both of us that what we have now is a product of our past. We may have decided to move past it but it'll remain in our memories.

I vowed not to see her so gloomy anymore and Miyako vowed to correct me if I ever do something that the girls will hate me for.

Maybe if not for my promise with Rumi, I will bring her home or stay with her for the night. Well, Haruko and Yae passed on coming this week because of Miwa-nee's return tomorrow.

Right. My day is already packed for tomorrow and I'll start my day in Rumi's house. It'll be fine though. I already know the order of things to efficiently accomplish everything. I just have to be quiet so as not to clue them in that I may not have downtime for myself. But hey... being at their side is also rejuvenating for me.

Sometime later, as the sky was about to turn dark, I arrived at the area where the boxing gym was.

I met up with Akane who went out with Fuyu, Futaba, and Eri along with Machida. Akane truly brought her and from what I gathered, it looked like they also managed to straighten the wrinkle that was Machida's conflict with Futaba and Eri.

Upon seeing me, Akane and Fuyu smiled pleasantly. They both wore dresses that fit the occasion, looking like they were enjoying themselves despite the weariness of the day. Akane took huge strides to jump in my arms, flaunting our relationship without a care in the world. Fuyu looked like she wanted to do the same but held herself back because of the setting and the fact that someone who was not in the loop was with us.

Machida couldn't look at me straight, most likely remembering what she witnessed last week.

"Onoda-kun," she managed to greet me stiffly, her eyes darting away from our direction.

"Machida-san," I greeted her with a nod, acting nonchalant as though I hadn't picked up on her reaction. "So, you're part of this group now, huh?" I added it as a tease.

And sure enough, Eri and Futaba were the ones who reacted to it.

"No, Ruki. She's not."

"She's a tag-along of Akane."

The two girls' quick retort brought an uncomfortable laugh from Machida, her cheeks flushed as though she wanted to find a place to hide her face. Maybe she also wanted to run away but with Akane bringing her here, she couldn't do so.

I looked at Eri and Futaba who acted like they didn't do anything wrong.

Looks like my assumption earlier was incorrect. It hasn't truly smoothened up completely.

"I see. I guess I have to apologize for my careless remark." I put on a wry smile as I picked up Akane, carrying her as I walked to their group.

"What remark?" Akane looked up at me, her eyes sparkling with innocence before whispering "Don't sweat it, husband. They already talked so... that's just a lingering resentment. It'll ease up soon." ṚÃＮ𝙤ВЕs̩

Her words didn't escape Machida's ears, and she gave me a look that said she knew what I was referring to.

"Well, if you say so," I said before putting on a smile and moving close to Fuyu who failed to dodge my hand sneakily catching hers. "Let's change the topic since you're all here, are you about to go home? Or do you still have another destination?"

Futaba looked at her watch, "Actually, we're heading to the karaoke place. Wanna come?"

"Yeah. Ruki, join us!" Eri chimed in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's going to be so much fun! We're all going to sing our hearts out!"

I glanced at Akane and Fuyu. They both nodded. As for Machida, she seemed hesitant, but the excitement of Eri and Futaba was contagious.

"Mhm. That sounds fun. Unfortunately..." Sounding a little disappointed, I trailed my voice there as I put down Akane and then showed them my current attire as well as the bag slung around me. "Part-time."

Well, even without asking, I think I already understood why I ran into them here. But I'd let them fill me in about it.

And with that, Akane and Fuyu pinched me at different parts of my body before saying, "Don't sound like you're turning us down, husband. I intentionally had us wait here so that we could catch you."

"Un. What she said." Fuyu affirmed with a giggle before squeezing my hand as she whispered, "It's fine, Ruki. We can sing next time. Let me ask you something else, you didn't forget your 1000 swings a day, right?"

"Yes, Ma'am. It's now part of my morning routine. What do you think? Is your student diligent?" I playfully answered, making Fuyu giggle more.

After this, the five girls and I talked for a bit more but Machida continued to evade my gaze. She's surprisingly timid when it comes to that. Or maybe, it was such a shock for her that it became difficult for her to forget.

To make up for not joining them, I escorted them to the karaoke place. Asked the employees to take care of them properly and not let them be disturbed by other customers before paying extra for that. Well, money makes the world go round. They'll be more eager to do something if it's with benefit than simply intimidating them.

As soon as they settled in their designated room, I excused myself but not after kissing Akane openly and pulling Fuyu outside to do the same.

I could tell that Futaba and Eri understood what happened. Futaba, in particular, still kept glancing at me.

I pretended not to notice that.

Ah. Right. My self-proclaimed girl best friend gave me an update with her Toshi. Looks like it'll take a long time before she can try my advice to her. Her boyfriend was trying his hardest not to act too desperate.

Anyway, I told her that it was a good sign. Because if it was any other guy. They'd be too hasty just to graduate from their virginity.

After making sure that no problem would turn up, I stepped out of the establishment and continued my walk to the Boxing Gym.

I got a feeling that nothing special would happen for the rest of them. Unless I jinx it by saying that previous sentence.

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