Stealing Spree

Being woken up to the notion that I was being stubborn to resolve Hiyori’s current situation by just giving her money from what I earned, I fully surrendered and turned to the other girls in the room. Pretty much like what Hiyori did.

In the end, Mizuki and Akane stepped up to straighten whatever cognition we were having.

In my case, I wanted to help Hiyori upon hearing her current predicament. I was even willing to buy what she wanted to sell to her friend. That way it’s not going to be me one-sidedly giving it to her. Because I’m sure, at this point, they wouldn’t like it too much if I simply hand them money. Taking them to dates or treating them to something was acceptable though.

In Hiyori’s case, it was her sense of responsibility to own up to what she did. It’s like she’s going to punish herself for falling back to her habit that I tried to correct before. That’s why she’s adamant not to rely on me.

“This is easily the case of who will give in first. Don’t you think so, Mizuki? Both are at fault and so was I… For mentioning what I chanced upon to Ruki. I should’ve kept it in me.”

“Yes, they’re both at fault but let’s stop the blame game…” Mizuki crossed her arms and focused her gaze on Hiyori.

Since I was a little guilty that this simple issue had to devolve in this way, I kept holding her. No, it’s more of ‘I didn’t want her to run away from me’. We’re going to solve this right here then move on and be better.

“If Hiyori doesn’t want to take Ruki’s ‘kindness’, how will you be able to stay with him in the future? We’re all aware of how much of a worrywart he is. Especially if it involves us. It’s acceptable to own up to one’s shortcomings but apart from selling some of what you bought, there’s no other solution. So why not take Ruki’s suggestion?” Mizuki said her piece. Just with that first part alone, Hiyori already flinched. She bit her lips as she raised her gaze while wearing an apologetic expression.

Her grip on my uniform tightened, a clear indication of her guilt.

But before she could even open her mouth to say something. Mizuki continued. This time, I was the one subjected to her cold yet full of concerned gaze.

“As for you, mister who-thinks-you-have-to-shoulder-everyone’s-problem, this is why she doesn’t want you to know. Because she’s aware of how you will act on it. It’s not just about you scolding her because of what she did but also because you’re going to help her unconditionally without letting her say no. No, even if you did let her say no, you’re probably saying something that will make her really guilty for not taking up your help.”

… This girl. She’s too accurate on what I was going to do in case Hiyori vehemently rejects my help.

“Here, here. Can I also say something?” Aika suddenly jumped out from behind, she’s standing straight while raising her right hand high up in the air. The girl was smiling mischievously but at the same time, she’s just like all of them, she’s bearing the gaze full of affection towards me as well as concern for her fellow sister.

“Sure, go ahead. It’s not like you’re unrelated. We’re all this guy’s woman or in everyone’s perception, her girlfriends.” Mizuki shrugged and let Aika take the floor.

“Un. I’m not really that good with all the serious fluff. Ruki even stole me with due diligence by always showing up when I most needed him. But in this case, why not do it like this? Hiyorin will soon use up all her allowance, right?” Aika paused for a while to seek confirmation from the girl in my arms.

“H-hiyorin?!” Hiyori jumped at the unexpected nickname Aika gave her. Nonetheless, she instantly folded and answered honestly while looking up at me, her eyes still filled with guilt, “Y-yes. It will only be enough for five days. That’s including my commuting expenses. My rail pass is also about to run out.”

“Five days. Then, Hiyorin can use that to refill your pass. Starting today, I’ll pick you up during lunchbreak. Let’s go eat together.” Aika then ran towards where we placed our bags. A while later, she returned with a cloth-wrapped lunchbox. It’s at least half-a-foot high of stacked lunch boxes.

Now I remember… She’s an athlete. Her energy consumption was higher than most girls her age. That’s why…

Aika finished what’s on my mind, “Here, I can share some with you. My mom always packed a lot for me. You know to keep me energized throughout the day.”

Akane and Mizuki both nodded upon seeing that. However, their eyes looked as if they were drowning from how tall her lunchbox was. Mizuki even gulped down her saliva before averting her gaze. Well, she’s also someone who can eat a lot especially if they were food she truly loves. Like those meatbuns.

Her straight expression twisted into an ashamed one upon noticing me catching her. But then she glared at me and gestured to zip my mouth.

If not for the situation, I might’ve gotten the urge to tease her. Fortunately.

“C-can I?” Hiyori was at a loss as she alternated her gaze from Aika, the lunchbox and to me. Well, she’s trying to check my reaction to it.

That’s why to make it easy for her, I gently smiled and nodded before patting her head once more.

“Mhm. You can. I can attest to the great cooking of Aika’s mom.”

Of course, when I was in the midst of stealing her and after that, I got the chance to feast with her.

It’s clearly a feast because as far as I could remember, there are at least six layers of lunch boxes filled to the brim.

And Aika could finish it all.

“… I’ll be in your care, Aika-senpai.” Hiyori stood up and bowed at her respectfully.

“Eh? Stop with the ‘senpai’, Hiyorin. Call me sister Aika.” Aika grinned in satisfaction as she stepped forward and hugged the girl. She then focused her gaze on me while donning an expectant expression.

“Thank you, Aika. You saved the day this time.”

“Praise me more!”

“Come here. I’m not just going to praise you.”

Aika happily jumped in my embrace, taking up Hiyori’s place from earlier. And without waiting for me to initiate it, Aika pulled on my collar to reach my lips.

In time, Hiyori also returned to my side and apologized for what she did.

As it was already a resolved issue, I just shook my head before kissing her as well.

Akane and Mizuki, who were watching what was happening, both shook their heads in resignation.

I naturally didn’t forget about them. Before continuing to hear about the plan they finalized, I thanked the two for mediating and also pointing out our faults.

For Akane, it was for her to tell me about Hiyori’s situation and also to stop her from blaming herself. She only had good intentions for telling me about it after all.

For Mizuki, it was for her excellent discernment of our train of thoughts… She clearly laid out our flaws in front of us.

Without them, I doubt I would change this much in a short time. They’re my girlfriends as well as advisors on things I was ignorant about. Once again, I was reminded how lucky of a guy I am.