Stealing Spree

My mother getting angry? Now that’s a first. Even for me, I have yet to see her become really furious about something.

Not counting the ones where she’s just menacingly smiling, she’s clearly the type who seldom shows what’s on her mind. Most of the time, one could only guess what she was thinking.

Even in my situation, I could only try and guess why she’s allowing me to do this ‘madness’ from a normal perspective.

But considering what Miwa-nee confessed that day, it could be a normal reaction, right?

Or so I was hoping it would be.

Miwa-nee has yet to finish retelling that story.

“You see… I thought she was angry because I did that to you. I was wrong.” Miwa-nee paused here and grabbed my hand tightly. Her eyes looked at me with definite concern. “The reason why she’s furious was that I chose to marry that guy instead of waiting for you. Even back then, she must have thought that it would be fine for you to take as many girls as you want.”

Is that really the case? I don’t know. But looking at the sincerity of Miwa-nee to tell me this, she most likely saw it as a point of concern. It’s more like she’s telling me in a roundabout way to be wary of my mother. However, it’s not in the sense of her being dangerous to us. More of, we don’t know what she’s going to do next or if she’s planning something.

“I’m not telling you to place distrust on your mother. I just… want you to know that if someone is your ally, it’s definitely your mother. This situation is something she probably wants to see. And so, whatever happens, she’ll be behind you.”

That certainly is the case. Even if I’m not looking, there’s also a shadow of her behind everything. Starting from Aunt Akemi and then the knowledge about the girls. Dealing with Nobuo. Being owed by Otoha’s grandfather. And a lot more.

There’s also the mysterious retreat of the yakuza wannabes whose members were hired by that man who ordered Auntie Yayoi to be kidnapped just for him to play as a hero.

I couldn’t wrap my head around it when normally, they should be those rough bastards who would retaliate at any slight. Since everything was somehow connected to my parents, I couldn’t help but suspect them to be responsible for it.

“I understand, Miwa-nee. I’m sure she’ll also be protecting you when you return. You are Minoru’s mother and… most likely, she’s aware that if something happens to you, I’ll drop everything here and come to your side.”

“Hmm… Yes. That is a possibility. But you, I told you not to worry. I can do this.”

“Yes, I know that. It’s just my personality that you’re already aware of. Miwa-nee is someone special to me. No way I’ll sit back if something happened to you.”

“Worrywart. Anyhow… Nee-san seldom gets angry. And if she did, it’s probably related to you. I’ll be leaving Minoru to them so… check on him whenever you can, alright?”

I see. So that’s also why she brought up my mom getting angry. She’s worried for the boy… That’s totally understandable. That will be the first time she will be separated from him ever since she gave birth to him… It must be hard not just for the boy but most importantly, for Miwa-nee.

“That’s a given. He’s our Minoru. I’ll make sure to come and get him from mom and dad. Akane and the other girls all dote on him so… Miwa-nee can rest assured that he will be loved.”

“Yes, he is. And I love you two a lot.”

“Mhm… Me too, Miwa-nee.”

At this point, Miwa-nee let her body fall on the bed, pulling me down on her. As we climbed up and settled properly on it, never letting go of each other, we both looked at the boy who was peacefully sleeping on our other side.

“He’s looking more and more like you.”

“Hopefully, that’s the only trait he gets from me.”

“Aside from your desire to steal, everything about you is perfect. Isn’t that why girls willingly stay by your side?”

“Stop the flattery, Miwa-nee. I, at least, know myself… I have a lot of negative traits aside from that.”

“There you go. Mr. Self Deprecation. But there’s no denying how amazing you are…”

“Miwa-nee, you’re also someone who doesn't want to lose, huh?”

“Only at this moment.”

Miwa-nee laughed and pinched my cheeks. And in defense, I tickled her which produced more laughter from the woman. She’s so lovely…

And just like that, we spent more time affectionately playing with each other than talking about our plans for tomorrow; all the while making sure that the boy’s sleep won’t be disturbed.

Spoiling her and getting spoiled by her… That’s something I will want to repeat over and over.

Anyway, we’ll have an exciting day tomorrow… I’m going to see her enjoying herself again. For the first time in the last five years…

-

-

After leaving Miwa-nee’s room, my feet led me to the living room where Akane and Kana were waiting.

The TV was on but their attention was on each other.

Even now, their conversation about me hasn’t ended yet.

Before I approached them, I tried eavesdropping on it. But for sure, Akane’s radar already noticed me.

In any case, I hid from a distance and listened to their conversation for a while. To hear Kana talking a lot like that is always bliss. Most of them she’s just a bundle of sweetness, after all. Or if not that, she’ll be the older sister who has a lot of wisdom.

“Uhm, It’s also hard to see Ruki in school. We mostly see each other in the clubroom. But each time he’s there, he always acts like glue. Sticking to me or us as much as possible. Rumi always scolds him for that.”

“Typical of husband… And he thinks he’s not being obvious, is he?”

Well, I’m aware of that, you know? I just don’t care. Uh. Why am I replying?

“Y-yeah… If we’re seen in public like that, I’ll be extremely embarrassed but at the same time I love it whenever he’s coming to the cafeteria to eat with me.”

“How enviable…”

“Eh? You’re more enviable, Akane-chan, you’re living here with him.”

“I suppose that’s true.” Akane laughed silly and the cute and shy girl was easily infected. Their laughter filled our living room. It’s too soothing to my ears. “Kana-chan-senpai will also live here, right? Next year?”

“Y-yes! I’m preparing for it…”

“Yeah. You better be prepared for it. Husband is an animal in bed. He’ll always pounce on you.”

“I didn’t mean… that.”

Even without seeing Kana’s face clearly from where I was hiding, her red ears and the steam coming out of her head was an indication that she’s profusely blushing right now.

And that Akane… She purposely said that to tease me. Or both of us.

She’s even looking at me right now with a smug expression…

I should punish her later…

Anyway, about time for me to come out of hiding.

“Girls, what are you talking about?” Acting as though I had just arrived from upstairs, I innocently strode forward and sat down in between the two girls.

“We’re talking about you, you beast~”

“T-that… Nothing!”

While Akane pinched my side playfully before allowing my hand to slip around her waist, Kana’s blush turned even redder. The girl instantly buried her face in my chest, hiding her cuteness from me.

Well, the night is still young… If Akane already teased Kana this much… I’ll make sure to double that up later. No way I’ll pass up that chance.