Stealing Spree

Chapter 1030 Reestablish my image

　　Thursday morning arrived. Having stayed up later than the two girls at my side, I woke up feeling sluggish… Nonetheless, with their moods returning to normal as I expected, being graced by their beautiful smiles as soon as I opened my eyes effectively revitalized my depleted energy.

　　After a while, the two girls went downstairs to prepare our breakfast. They’re oddly motivated today. Most likely, it’s just their way to make up for last night.

　　I sent them off while beaming an excited smile. I acted as though I was never bothered at all. In the first place, Hana’s fixation on me was none of their faults.

　　“Now then…” I groaned a bit as I lifted my body off the bed.

　　Alone in the room, my eyes instantly went to my phone.

　　As always, I would never forget greeting my girls in the morning. Likewise, they’re the same. While some settled on just a chat message, most of them were always eager for a video call, seeing me first thing in the morning.

　　After that was done, I called the girl who stayed up late and listened to my ramblings last night, waking her up for school.

　　“Rise and shine, here’s your man fulfilling his promise,” I said as soon as the girl’s face showed up on my screen. Her forehead was creased and her eyes half-opened.

　　Surely, she’s still feeling really sleepy but forced herself to answer the call to not miss me.

　　As soon as her consciousness fully awakened, the girl’s expression relaxed as a bright smile dropped on her lips, “G-good morning, Ruu.”

　　“Mhm… Good morning. As I promised, I’ll come and pick you up there. Wait for me in around an hour.”

　　“E-eh?”

　　“Do you think I’m joking earlier? Once in a while is fine, right? I mean, your mother must be wondering why I’m not visiting you after that night.”

　　Right. Even though I couldn’t be a diligent boyfriend who would pick them up everyday to school, the idea sprouted in my mind before we ended our call.

　　And coincidentally, it's also a great chance to reestablish my image in her mother’s mind. Better not let myself be branded as a rogue who’s only after her daughter’s virginity, right?

　　Well, next time, I’ll also do it for the other girls… For Hina, Saki, or even Shizu too. I have to be careful when it’s Saki and Shizu’s turn though.

　　“I… I’ll prepare right away!” Realizing that I was serious about it, Nami’s remaining drowsiness vanished as she hurriedly jumped out of her bed. Her whole body radiates her excitement for what’s to come.

　　After watching her for a while, we ended the call and I went downstairs to join Miho and Akane.

　　For the next hour or so… we did our morning routine, ate breakfast, and also took another lesson from Miho. Mizuki also sent me another lesson on her field of expertise, gaining me more experience points for it.

　　Music and Business, huh? Even now, I have no desired path. I was trying everything and anything… I might become the jack of all trades and master of none if I continue like this…

　　-

　　-

　　When I arrived in front of their gate, the first thing I noticed was Nami’s mother, Andou Kasumi sweeping the few fallen leaves in their front yard. It’s still the spring season so there’s only scattered around it.

　　Since meeting her was also included in my to-do list for coming here to pick up Nami, I took a deep breath to gather my courage before greeting her.

　　“Good morning, Auntie. It’s been a while.

　　Turning around in my direction, Auntie Kasumi stopped what she was doing and instantly walked over. Noticing the gentle expression on her face that slowly changed to an unamused one, I couldn’t help but gulp down and brace myself for whatever was going to happen.

　　“Yes, it is. How long has it been since that day?”

　　Although her sentence sounded normal, the tone of her voice was nothing less than chilly. It instantly made me feel cold as it ran through my skin.

　　If I wasn’t used to it, I would probably instantly cower in front of her.

　　In any case, I had to act unbothered lest she also became uncomfortable because of me.

　　“Uhm… Two weeks? I apologize for not showing up frequently.” I respectfully bowed my head.

　　It’s a little effective. The cold countenance that she probably put on to intimidate me melted a bit as she released a soft sigh, “You don’t have to apologize, Onoda-kun. That aside, I’m glad you now have the humility. Not just the shameless braggart that night.”

　　Remembering what she was talking about, I put on an embarrassed smile as I scratched my cheek. “Uhm… I learned my lesson, Auntie. I may be shameless but I, at least, don’t want to offend my girl’s mother.”

　　“Great. Be sure to remember that.” Nodding her head in approval, Auntie Kasumi’s gentle expression returned. “Oh. By the way, you got a haircut. You look a lot better than I remembered. I thought you were a stranger at first.”

　　“Thank you, Auntie. I get that a lot.”

　　Ending our conversation there, Auntie Kasumi soon returned to sweep their yard while I waited for Nami to come out.

　　From how that conversation went, I successfully reestablished my image. However, once in a while, I could still feel Auntie Kasumi’s gaze even from a distance. But when I would look at her, she’d instantly turn around and pretend she was busy sweeping those leaves.

　　Looks like my new appearance is still going strong… It even affects Nami’s mother. Not that she’s going to be like those other girls. It’s probably just pure admiration or curiosity on her part, right?

　　Anyway, Nami was sure taking her time… When I separated from Akane and Miho, I checked on the girl and she was still just finishing her breakfast. And before I arrived here, the girl was still taking her time in the bath. She even called me to show how she’s dipping herself in the tub…

　　Uh… That’s a blessed sight. But where did her excitement go? Could it be that she's waiting for me to enter?

　　Auntie Kasumi didn’t invite me in so… It’s rude to come in, right?

　　While I was mulling over that, the gate of the house next door creaked open.

　　I instantly turned my head to it and… unsurprisingly, Tadano stepped outside of it. Our eyes met and he stopped in his steps as though he had seen a ghost.

　　Moments later, he addressed me, “Huh? What are you doing there?”

　　Is he seriously asking me this?

　　“Is it not obvious? I’m waiting for my girlfriend.” I shrugged.

　　I thought of ignoring him after answering that. However, the guy was suddenly pushed by someone from the back.

　　No. He wasn’t pushed. He was kicked.

　　And at the same time as that, a voice of a young girl nagged at him. “Onii-chan, stop blocking the gate!”

　　Stepping out of their gate, the owner of that voice showed up with her hands on her hips. Based on her appearance, she’s wearing the same uniform as Sumire and perhaps, the same age too.

　　Wait. Before all that, this is news… Onii-chan? Tadano has a younger sister?

　　While I was thinking that, the girl who looked like she was about to fight her brother to a deathmatch for blocking her way, turned in my direction.

　　As soon as her eyes landed on me, the girl froze for a moment before her eyes widened as they glittered brightly. And while stuttering, she asked with a mix of excitement, “E-excuse me, senpai. Can I ask for your name?”

　　Alright. This is unexpected… But first, can someone tell Tadano to stop looking daggers at me? I didn’t do anything.

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