Stealing Spree

Naturally, the two girls were confused from what I said, their eyes both turned towards me and to answer them, I gestured to the two moving in our direction.

Upon seeing them, Himeko held onto the sleeve of my shirt, indicating that she’s somewhat intimidated by them. As for Itou, she had her eyebrows lifted as she appeared ready to duke it out with the two. She’s already used to dealing with boys her age and perhaps adult men due to how she’s already managing that big hotel.

That’s why this level of men wasn’t enough to intimidate her. And that’s why she’s openly showing me her hatred to me. She's thinking that it would be enough to make me take a step back.

Unfortunately, that kind of reaction was easily deflected by the two. Since I guessed that they’re more or less a host from a host club that catered to lonely women, they had their experience with girls.

But really? They’re also going after a high schooler, huh? Or is it just a game for them?

What do they treat this as? A past time before going to work?

I’m not against their line of work but of course, they should keep this attitude inside those host clubs.

Either way, as soon as they eyed my Himeko, there’s no way I would stay at my seat and watch them make my girl uncomfortable.

Nonetheless, it’s not like I would get violent here. This was a public place and most importantly, I was currently with these girls.

There’s no point to show off when there was a risk that they would be implicated. If I could settle this without raising a fist then I would do so.

That’s why before they could reach the backseats and approach Itou, I already stood up from my seat and walked up to block their way to the empty seats on her left.

Without making eye contact with them, I turned my back to the two to gesture for Himeko to move to my seat.

Understanding my intention, Himeko moved and pulled her sister with her. Itou was still ready to verbally spar with the two to send them away but when her sister pulled her, her expression instantly relaxed as she smilingly let herself be pulled to that side, snuggling close to her beloved sister.

Although I was a bit jealous of how close they were. I was already used to this sight. Once I was alone with Himeko again, I would ask her to spoil me.

When they settled themselves on their seats, I promptly sat down next to Itou with my arms crossed as my gaze climbed upwards to meet the two men’s gaze.

As soon as our gazes met, the blonde guy who first noticed Itou and Himeko clicked his tongue as he appeared to have lost interest. He then settled himself on an empty seat two rows from the backseat.

However, the guy behind the blonde guy didn’t follow him. Instead, he stepped forward and blocked my view.

Although he was grinning earlier like that blonde guy, he now has a serious expression on his face. This guy was taller and perhaps more muscular than that blonde guy. The way he stood was also a bit more manly. It’s probably appropriate to categorize him as a cool guy. Nonetheless, he still exuded the vibes of someone whose line of work involved him using his glib tongue to beguile his customers.

“Nii-san, are you with them?”

Isn’t it obvious? Do you really need to ask that?

His voice was kind of husky. Nonetheless, it was manly which was probably totally suited to his line of work.

Looking him up and down first, I calmly answered. “Hmm? Isn’t it obvious? If you want to sit here then feel free to do so.”

I gestured to the empty seats to my left.

“As I thought, you have the guts. Aren’t you the least bit afraid of me?”

At this point, the bus had begun moving again but this guy was still firmly standing in front with his arms crossed.

Truthfully, I didn’t sense any hostility from him, he’s even smiling slightly as if he found a potential recruit.

Wait, that’s not what he’s thinking, right?

“Why will I be? Isn’t it you who should be afraid because you’re about to harass someone? Is it not enough to see someone with them, you even moved here specifically?” Throwing out his question back to him, I then bluntly told him what they were about to do. “You two appeared to have a lot of experience with women but… can you not take that out of your workplace?”

“Oh? You even guessed our line of work. Good lad. Keep that up. I mean. With how smooth you blocked us and made these ladies feel safe… you successfully amazed me.” The guy laughed out loud before turning to his companion. “Oi Ken, come here and apologize.”

Apologize? I guess I misjudged these guys. Or I was right with my earlier guess. They thought of hitting on Itou and Himeko as a pastime or perhaps practice.

“Eh? Aniki, isn’t it fine already? He prevented my practice and no harm was done.” The blonde guy answered. He seemed uninterested in apologizing like his companion told him.

It appears that this guy in front of me was the superior among them.

“Because you’re an idiot who will pick on someone accompanied by another guy. You know the basic rule of our club. Respect. You can’t just go and steal someone else’s customer.”

What kind of host club do they work at? Respect, huh? From what I read from the articles, those places were free for all. The more patrons and customers you have, the higher your standing in the club. If they have that kind of rule about not stealing another host’s customer then… whoever’s managing it was either great at handling them or didn’t want chaos in their business.

“He’s alone. I am only aiming for the girl in the hoodie since she’s clearly not his date. You see. He even protected that.”

“You insufferable fool. Haven’t you noticed? The two girls are siblings. Your observation skill is too poor! You need more practice. Go on and apologize.” As if he couldn’t stand his companion's answer, the guy in front of me turned around and went to his companion and began nagging at him.

“Uhm, what’s happening? Why are they shouting at each other?” Curious at how the talk suddenly turned to the two guys shouting at each other, Himeko and Itou peeked their heads to look at what’s happening.

“I don’t know either. But let’s just say, everything was resolved. You both can relax now.”

I answered as I watched the two guys arguing. The blonde continued giving his excuses not to apologize while the other guy was forcing him to.

In any case, it’s not like I needed an apology. Like he said, there’s no harm done and even if he apologized, that wouldn’t be sincere.

Two minutes later, their voices toned down as the other guy managed to convince the blonde guy to apologize.

Since it’s turning awkward and the other passengers at the front were now looking in our direction, I accepted that forced apology just to disperse this situation.

However, even if the blonde guy returned to his seat, the other guy remained.

“Now then, Nii-san. Although I can guess that you have a nice girlfriend here. If you ever find yourself in a tight spot and in need of a job that you can easily accomplish, don’t hesitate to call me.”

After saying all that, he handed his calling card to me that was colored red.

This…

Am I getting recruited to a host club? Here? With Himeko watching at the sides?