STEALING SPREE

I glanced down at Nina, her arms wrapped tightly around mine in a mimicry of Umi’s hold. Her wide eyes shining with the usual mix of theatrics and genuine eagerness.

Her grip was surprisingly firm for someone who’d spent the train ride balancing herself precariously on my knees, and the way she pressed herself on my side made it clear she wasn’t planning to let go anytime soon.

“Nina, you’re really pushing your luck tonight, huh? First the lap, now this?”

She tilted her head back dramatically, her eyeliner-heavy gaze locking onto mine as she put on a pitiful smile that instantly turned into a delightful one. “Oh, Night Prince, your humble minion only seeks the honor of your escort! The streets are dark and treacherous, and who better to guide me than my noble lord?”

… I should call Elizabeth later and subject myself to her chuunibyou antics.

Chii snickered behind me, “Kii, she’s relentless. You’ve created another Elizabeth. You have to own that.”

Right. What else can I do but own this? If I had been adamant about playing along with her fantasy, this wouldn’t have happened. Or was it? I mean, she’s so persistent that she even figured out my relationship with the other girls on her own.

Mami, now trailing a step behind Nina, let out an exasperated sigh, her hands fidgeting with her bag strap again. “Nina, seriously, let go of him. You’re making this weird for everyone.”

Unfortunately, Nina ignored her. She even tightened her hold on my arm. “Senpai, you wouldn’t abandon your loyal shadow to the perils of the night, would you? I swear I’ll be good. Just a quick walk and I’ll vanish into the mist like a proper minion! Oh. Let’s not forget about Mami too. Her house is close to mine.”

Umi giggled softly on my other side, her gentle grip on my sleeve was so different from Nina’s dramatic clinging. “Senpai… I don’t mind if you walk them too. And I know you will. That’s the Onoda-senpai I know.”

This girl… No matter how soft-spoken, she knew how to tug at my heartstrings.

I shot Umi a grateful smile, her quiet support easing the balancing act I was juggling. Then I turned back to Nina, raising an eyebrow as I considered her request.

“Alright, minion. I’ll walk you home. But stop being dramatic. We’ve already gotten a lot of attention on the train. Let’s not add to that.”

Nina’s grin widened triumphantly and she released my arm with an exaggerated flourish, stepping back to give me a curtsy. “As you command, Night Prince! I shall walk beside you in silent reverence. Well, mostly silent.”

“Mostly?” I echoed her words but I didn’t have the energy to tackle it further with her. Her boundless energy seemed to be drawing from mine. Still, I pinched her cheek before we continued on our walk.

Mami muttered softly. “Thanks, Onoda-senpai. You don’t have to, but… I appreciate it.”

“No trouble at all. It’s my duty as a responsible senior. I’ll make sure you both get home safe.”

Mami hesitated, her lips parting as if she wanted to protest, but she closed them again and gave a small nod. “Yeah… okay. Thanks.”

With that settled, we continued down the street, the group shifting slightly to accommodate the new arrangement. Umi stayed close on my right, her head resting lightly against my arm as we walked, while Nina skipped ahead a few steps, her energy barely contained. Mami kept pace beside her, casting occasional glances back at me, her expression still a mix of reluctance and curiosity.

Is she already having trouble with Ogawa? Honestly, I don’t know. But if that guy messes this up, he’ll get a lot of flack from the girls. From Kazuha-nee too. He has one job. To take care of his girlfriend.

The walk to Umi’s house was short, just a few more turns through the quiet residential streets. The houses here were small and neatly kept, their windows glowing with warm light as families settled in for the night.

Umi slowed as we approached her gate, her fingers tightening briefly on my sleeve before she let go.

“Thank you for walking me and keeping me next to you, senpai. I wish I could spend more time with you.” The girl’s voice was almost a whisper. Then, she lifted her head, her shy smile that I’d come to adore peeked from her lips.

I reached out, gently ruffling her hair and caressing her cheek one last time. “Anytime, Umi. Get some rest, okay? I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She nodded, her cheeks tinting pink as she stepped closer, hesitating for a moment before standing on her tiptoes to press a quick, featherlight kiss to my cheek. “Good night, senpai.”

Before I could respond, she darted through her gate, disappearing into the house with a soft wave.

The sound of the door clicking shut echoed behind her, leaving me standing there with a grin I couldn’t suppress.

Alright. That’s unexpected but a welcome one. I never thought she’d be that bold.

When I glanced to my side and behind me, there was the expected reaction from the girls.

Nina let out a dramatic gasp, clutching her chest as if she’d witnessed a grand romance. “A kiss bestowed under the twilight sky. How enviable! It would’ve been perfect with a bite, senpai.”

Chii laughed, nudging Nina with her elbow. “Tone it down, Nina-chi. You’re gonna scare the neighbors.”

Mami just shook her head, though a faint smile tugged at her lips despite her obvious discomfort. “She’s hopeless.”

“Completely,” I agreed, turning to the group. “Alright, who’s next? Nina, Mami, lead the way.”

Nina bounced forward, pointing down the street with a flourish. “This way, senpai! My humble abode lies just beyond a few streets. A sanctuary of shadows awaiting your noble presence!”

Mami sighed again but fell into step beside her, gesturing vaguely in the same direction. “It’s not far. We live a block apart.”

The walk to Nina’s house was predictably lively, with her chattering about vampire lore and other fantasy elements connected to it while tossing out exaggerated compliments about my ‘dark charisma.’

I played along where I could, keeping the mood light while Mami stayed mostly silent, her eyes fixed ahead as if lost in thought.

When we reached Nina’s place, a small house with a slightly overgrown garden, she spun around to face me, bowing deeply with her arms outstretched. “Night Prince, may I ask for a bite now? Just once. You can hold back from sinking your fangs into my skin…”

She’s really relentless. I guess it won’t hurt to give her what she’s asking for.

I focused my gaze on her and tried to put on a cold expression, just enough to match her description of the Noble of the Night.

As soon as I did that, the girl became ecstatic as she stepped forward, pulling down her collar to expose her flawless neck to me.

“Only this time, alright?” I said as I lowered my head, brushing my lips lightly against the exposed skin of Nina’s neck, stopping just short of actually biting her.

For a moment, Nina’s theatrical facade wavered, replaced by a genuine flush of excitement that spread across her face.

I pulled back quickly, keeping my expression stern but playful, the cold mask of the “Night Prince” intact.

“There. Consider yourself baptized, minion. No fangs required.”

Nina’s hands flew to her neck, her eyes wide and sparkling as she clutched the spot where my lips had grazed her. “The Night Prince’s blessing! I… I am truly honored, senpai! My loyalty is sealed forever!”

She spun on her heel, practically vibrating with glee, before darting toward her front door. “Good night, my lord! Dream of shadows and blood!”

The door slammed shut behind her, leaving the rest of us standing in the quiet street.

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