Stealing Spree

Being the last isn’t necessarily bad and on the same note, being the first isn’t always great. Accordingly, Eimi could be said to be the first girl except Akane to truly develop an interest in me without me doing anything else. Unfortunately, she never confessed or even if she tried to get close to me, I probably ignored all her approaches at that time.

And this time, as the last one to be introduced, she properly witnessed the girls’ level of affection towards me. Even though some found it difficult to face my parents, they all respectfully presented themselves. On top of that, she also saw how I poured my affection into all of them.

Because of that, she steeled herself to do something that would leave a lasting impression on my parents.

It could be interpreted that she forced this situation but upon seeing through her intention, I played along with her, hugging her tightly like she wished.

Actually, I hate to admit it but I’m relieved that she had already adjusted to our situation. I’m relieved but at the same time, the guilt in me over the sacrifice she also made would always be etched in me. She could’ve lived her life as normally as possible but because of that one encounter at the supermarket, she spiraled down to this abnormal situation with me.

In any case, although I felt guilty, I wouldn’t show it on my face. That could demean all her efforts and sacrifice if she catches it and begins to think that I am not happy with her choice. Which is untrue. Furthermore, our relationship wasn’t abrupt. I gave her chances to think otherwise. And now, there’s no more turning back, she successfully wooed me.

“Shouldn’t you be appalled when you found out that he’s already living with Akane?”

Or so my mom asked after Eimi introduced herself.

I already asked that question to her before but… as it turned out, the girl’s interest in me wasn’t as simple as she told me.

“… Un. I was disappointed. After pushing her away for years, Ruki still ends up with her. I thought at first that he’s just a tsundere who pretends he doesn’t care about her while secretly protecting her so that no other problematic guys buzz around her.”

Me, a tsundere? But she got that last part correct.

“But then, someone openly kissed him in the supermarket. And then another girl jumped at him. I was surprised because he acknowledged both…” Eimi then looked behind, her eyes rested on Ria and Aoi who also remembered that incident.

“Ara~ And that made you more interested in him.”

“Un… T-that’s exactly what happened. I thought I wouldn’t see him again so I took the chance to know more about his situation... As you can see, I successfully caught his attention and now his affection. Whatever happened before, I’m more than glad that I’m by his side at this moment…”

If this was an anime, Eimi would be shining at this moment with that positiveness she just showed.

After a few more questions and a rather relaxed conversation with my mom, Eimi soon relaxed in front of them and her positivity somewhat amazed the two.

However, she’s clearly avoiding any talk about the negative repercussions of our relationship in her life.

For her, fulfilling her wish to be with me was more than enough to look at tomorrow in a positive light.

Like my other girls, she’s now fully invested in our relationship and how she could contribute to it like what the other girls were doing.

Before letting her go back to her seat, I whispered in a voice that only Eimi could hear, “Thank you for not giving up on me, Eimi…”

I discouraged her not just once but she held onto her feelings for me. Her affection for me might appear absurd and baseless for some but after that brief stay inside her room, I became aware of how long I had been in her eyes.

That’s why that ‘thank you’ I just uttered also extends to our entire history as classmates and seatmates.

Our future together can still be considered blank so… it’s not too late to slowly fill it with more memories that will deepen our bond.

And that’s the same for the other girls…

Introducing them to my parents can’t even be called a hurdle since I already planned to go through with my chosen path with or without their blessings. The real hurdle will come from how their parents will accept this situation with me.

Perhaps, impressing them is possible if we let them believe that their daughter is my only one – just like last night with Nami’s mother. However, the truth will eventually come out. And it will be a huge mess.

I’m sure some or even all of them will also be like me – will push on their chosen path with me despite the objection by their parents.

A glib tongue will not cut it. And even if I don’t ask, a lot of them are aware of it.

In fact, if I let them choose what they want to happen, they’ll definitely pick the one where we’ll hide the fact that they’re not my only girlfriend.

To avoid complicating things.

That’s the ideal way.

And I’m actually the only one insisting on being completely honest to their parents.

They’re not like my or Akane’s parents who are aware of everything I’ve done for the past five years.

I definitely want to also get their approval but with today’s morality and with nothing to show for that can let them be at ease about their child’s future, it’s impossible.

Haa… Now that I’m in this line of thought… I badly have to rethink my plans about revealing the abnormality of our relationship to their unaware parents. And… I shouldn’t think about this alone… I better raise this to my girls and get their own opinion before proceeding.

… I’m once again neglecting the fact that I’m not alone in regards to our future, huh?

“Son, if you want to talk about it, we’re here.”

My old man’s voice took me out of my trance. Both of them were now looking at me interestingly as if they’re waiting for me to spill out what got me into that state.

“Thank you, dad. But no. It’s better for me to talk to them instead. But… I will surely ask for your advice on other things…” I already understood where I was wrong so… there’s no point talking to them about it.

“Alright then. You should stand up now and return to them.”

“I’m actually waiting if you’re going to say something now that you got to know my girlfriends…”

“If I have to be honest, they’re all lovely girls who don’t deserve to be tied in this mess you call ‘abnormal relationship’. Won’t you release them and just choose between Akane or Miwa?”

“Mhm, an expected answer, dad. But no. I love all of them.” I answered without blinking an eye. I’d always drop that idea. Call me a shameless and ignorant bastard but that’s something I will never do.

“And your answer is also as expected. What do you think, dear?”

My old man sighed in defeat. He clearly knew that my answer would just remain the same so he passed the baton to my mom.

“Hmm… If our son says he’s aware of the responsibility and is willing to carry all of it, why not?”

And another expected answer. I really want to know her reasoning but just looking at that teasing smile hanging on her lips, I won’t get a straight answer.