Stealing Spree

Unknowingly, I sighed in relief after I finished reading Hana’s message. There’s the fear that what happened a few nights ago would discourage her.

Even if I actually participated in that with the intention to make her give up, I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty right afterward. Especially after we opened the gift that she sent me.

The photos past our grade school memories weren’t as colorful. Perhaps, it’s because she’s mostly alone in those photos. And even if there’s another person; a classmate, a teacher or anyone else, the sense of distance was too clear for us to see.

If she didn’t stage all that… then there’s a high chance that she succumbed to her role as the brightest girl there is with her usual angelic smile. While she’s playing that persona, none of those who crowded around her could be considered her friends.

Damn it. As much as I wanted to deny it… I’m really looking forward to what method she’s going to use to steal me.

Not that I’m going to let her do that, obviously. As long as it won’t result in my girls getting hurt or affected, I will welcome whatever challenge she’s going to bring.

Since Chii and Hifumi would be together later, I’ll also use that time to find out what exactly happened to them years ago. For sure, I’d be able to know more about the girl from them; other than what they already told me.

I contemplated whether to reply to Hana or not… A minute later, I came to a decision.

“That postscript. Do you really have to use a line from that song? It lessened the seriousness of this email.

Well, forget about that. If you’re truly coming here, I also have to be honest, right?

Don’t call me after reading this…

I’m also looking forward to seeing you, Hana. There must be a lot of things we will have to catch up on about each other. Let’s sit down and talk one day, alright?

Stealing me is still off the table but I don’t mind reconnecting with you. That is if you’re serious about it.

What happened years ago must be a memory you treasured but unfortunately, I’m someone who forgets it… I’ll be relying on you to make me remember every experience we shared.

PS. I love seeing your genuine smile. Hopefully, I can see it again.”

Taking at least a few minutes to review what I wrote a few times, making sure that I said everything that I wanted to say, I hit send and closed it immediately.

Before going downstairs to wait for Shio’s arrival, I also didn’t forget to reply to Ayu, thanking her for the treat.

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“Now this looks more like a haunted house from how unkempt it became.” Arriving in the vicinity of the house she lived at recently, Shio commented as she gradually slowed down to enter the parking space.

Like she said, compared to how clean it was when I first arrived here, the wide yard and everything unpaved on the ground had been overtaken by grass, tall enough to reach one’s ankle. With the previous occupants gone, it’s only natural for this place to turn like that.

“Do you have a grasscutter? I can help you trim it.” I suggested. But thinking about it, it’s probably unnecessary. She’s not going to stay here, after all.

“There’s one in the garage. But not now, Ruru. You have a busy day. It’s best if we get what we’re here for first and return… Come with me.”

Shio got out of the car and I followed her to their two-story, modern-styled house.

Scanning our surroundings, apart from the faint car noises that were probably from a distant street as well as the chirping of the birds nesting on a tall, lush tree at the corner of their backyard, everything’s too quiet.

In any case, this was normal. They live in a subdivision and the lot where the house stood lacks any close neighbors, making this place feel a little isolated.

For some, this was ideal but for others, this would really feel like a prison. Indeed, there’s a reason why that guy picked this one…

It’s away from prying eyes. No one will be able to know that he’s always bringing a student home.

I want to say ‘What a bastard’ but not like I’m one to talk.

That’s right. Before Nao, there’s another girl who fell into his clutches while Shio was still in college. From what I recalled, that girl was the reason he got caught. Even after graduating from high school, he’s still meeting the girl; paying her college tuition and the place she’s staying at.

That girl thought that Nobuo was still a single guy, maintaining her relationship with him. But when my parents or those they asked to approach her told the girl the truth, she so easily sold him off.

She didn’t even warn him that he was going to be entrapped

Most likely she’s just the same as the guy, using him for her selfish purposes. Nonetheless, she deserved to do that. She got preyed upon. Making use of the situation was one of the primal instincts of humans. That’s how we survived into modern times.

Anyway, those two were irrelevant now. Nao and Shio are already out of that guy’s influence. What I had to prevent this time was Shio getting depressed if the buried memory of what happened to her in this house returned to her. Aside from helping her move her collection, that’s the other reason why I came with her here.

When we reached the front door, Shio looked under the rug for the key and used it to open it. Stepping inside the house, I followed after her and without changing to indoor slippers we quickly arrived at the living room.

It’s still as wide as I remembered, obviously. Nonetheless, despite the place seemingly unchanged, the dust had already started accumulating—the same as what’s happening outside. Without someone maintaining the place, it will become like this.

Anyway, what really came to my mind was the memories I had in this particular room.

Near the window where we could see her car, I made out with Shio in front of that guy. And minutes after that, I reconnected with Nao who was mad at me for ignoring all of her emails.

A lot happened that day which resulted in the eventual downfall of Nobuo.

“What are you looking at, Ruru?” noticing that I stopped in place as I looked around us, Shio glanced back to check on me.

There’s no change in her expression. In fact, I could even see hints of excitement. Her collection was that important for her.

That’s a great sign. I don’t have to worry about her becoming depressed about the sad memories she had inside these walls.

I put on a smile and replied, “Nothing. I’m just being hit by nostalgia. This is where I meet Nao again. And also, this is where I defended you from his attempt to slap you.”

After saying that, I closed our distance, my hand settling on her cheek. “You’re so brave back then but at the same time, you’re too scared to do something… It’s probably destiny that you invited me that day. It closed a dark chapter in your book.”

“Geez… Ruru, why are you being poetic this time? Has your club finally influenced you with stuff you’re reading? Let’s reminisce the next time we’re here… I’m worried about my collection!” Grabbing my hand, Shio started dragging me to that room.

Well, this is better too.

“Alright. I can’t wait to see you in that maid outfit.” Looking at how frantic Shio acted, my mind whirled into teasing mode, remembering that costume I saw inside that room.

“What the? Of all things you can remember… No, I won’t wear that.”

“Then the sailor uniform?”

“… Ruru. Are you trying to kill me through embarrassment?” Shio facepalmed as she almost shuddered from imagining herself in those clothes.

Well, it’s not bad, right?

“Not really. I just thought that you’re going to look great in them… Also, it’s a great way to tease my Shio.”

“You idiot… I will wear them for you. But that is if they still fit me. I bought those during high school.”

“I don’t mind. As long as it’s my Shio, I will surely love it.”

“You and your tongue…” Giving up to utter a retort, Shio helplessly sighed and just continued to drag me with her.

It’s a full room of her collection. I wonder if I can discover new things about Shio through them. Mhm… I’m getting excited.