Stealing Spree

From Hifumi’s question, I could infer that what Hana wrote carried some truth. Apart from the mystery girl who provided her information about my change, she’s not making contact with anyone else. The only reason she got to talk to Miho, Akane and the girls at my school were because she called on my phone. It just so happened that those girls were next to me.

That just showed Hana’s focus lies solely on me. Anything or anyone else was irrelevant to her…

Hopefully, that’s just my assumption… Because if I’m going to trust my memory, Hana is just a pitiful loner, longing for someone to understand her. I’m a guy so… rather than friendship, romance was a lot better. On the other hand, she got the chance to befriend these two girls, but she didn’t open up completely to them.

And if I can put out a guess… It’s because, in her eyes, they’re rivals and not someone to befriend. She wants me for herself and not someone she will share with another girl.

… She’s quite a difficult girl. But who am I if not someone expert at handling them? I got Miho to lower her pride and Mizuki to change her views of her future.

Hana will provide a challenge if anything. But that’s all… Even if she fails to steal me or I fail to convince her, I’ll think of a way for her to finally get a true friend in the form of these two.

Well, these two were also a little problematic when they wanted to cheer for her. Even if their confidence in me was still high, they should at least carry the same caution as Akane and the others, right?

Anyway, seeing that I couldn’t answer right away, Hifumi’s eyebrows curled further. She also pushed closer to the point that she was already pressing on me.

She’s unaware of that though as her eyes clearly showed how much she wanted to find an answer to that question.

Now, my choice is either to tell her what I heard from Hana, or keep it and tell her something else to keep her optimistic.

Usually, I would go on the first choice of being honest with her but… I really feel like I should let that girl say that to their faces rather than use me. She’s trying to cut them off through me. What a cruel girl… But I guess, that’s also my influence…

And so, I gathered my thoughts and answered the girl without touching the ‘they’re only used by Hana’ part.

“I’m not Hana. But if I can put out a guess. She’s trying to prepare herself for what she’s going to do. And that includes antagonizing all of you who are close to me.”

“What kind of reason is that?” Hifumi released a sigh as she weakly deflated.

Considering she’s the one who first brought up Hana’s name to me, this girl was most likely the same. The friends she could call genuine are only Chii and Hana.

Seeing her mood plummet down, I made my move. Thankfully, she’s already so close to me that I only had to stretch my arm across her back and firmly hold onto her waist.

When she felt that, the girl’s expression instantly changed from being slightly depressed to an appalled one. Even without words, I could somehow hear how she was scolding me in her head for taking advantage of her in public. Furthermore, the fact that she didn’t dress up beautifully for this occasion added to it.

In any case, she’s already beautiful enough in my eyes.

“Let’s just wait for her return, alright? I’ll take you to meet her if you want to. That’s why for now, enough about Hana.”

Although she felt a little conflicted, the girl eventually accepted. But that didn’t mean she’d suddenly be affectionate to me. After releasing another sigh, Hifumi pried my fingers off of her waist and hauled my arm back to me. “You’re right. Enough about her. Let’s return to why you’re here and what you’re trying to do in public.”

“I already told you the reason why I’m here. Besides, I’m leaving soon. You two can return to your date.”

“Huh? I thought you’re going to…” Hifumi was clearly surprised upon knowing that my stay here with them wasn’t until they decided to go home. Nonetheless, she quickly shook her head, not finishing what she was about to say, “… Oh, is that so? Take care then.”

Yep. She still couldn’t make up her mind about what to do about her feelings for me. Or she’s just trying to deny it in front of me even if it’s already too obvious.

“Mhm. I will. You two as well.” After saying that I thought of standing up to act like I was about to leave. However, Chii beat me with what she said next.

“Uhm. If Fumin doesn’t want to be by Kii’s side, can I take your place?”

Upon hearing that, Hifumi, who had already steeled herself to send me away, was alerted. She alternately looked at us before shuddering visibly.

After taking a few short breaths, the girl replied in difficulty, “I… I didn’t say that… B-but if you want to, Chizuru. T-then go ahead.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“You don’t mind?”

“Yes.”

“Last chance, I’ll really stick to his side if you don’t want to. You do know that what he did earlier won’t be viable again. Since I’m going to meet him at school anyway, I’m willing to concede for today. Only today, the next time, I won’t be so generous whether in school or outside it.”

Chii leaned forward to stare at Hifumi closely. And when the girl averted her gaze because she still couldn’t decide, the fake gyaru winked at me.

As expected, she’s doing this to somehow push her friend to become honest with herself.

Well, if she’s going this far for Hifumi, I better provide assistance. Besides, what I was about to do was somewhat similar. And it’s already been overused. It might even fail if the girl just watches me leave.

“Hey, if you’re really uncomfortable there’s no need to force yourself. And like I said I’m going to—”

Even before I could finish my words, Hifumi turned to my side but she had her head down. Following that, the girl grabbed my arm tightly as her almost inaudible voice reached my ears… “S-stay here for a bit… Don’t go yet.”

“Sure,” I replied before settling my butt down again. And while she still had her head down, I stretched my arm and grabbed her shoulder to pull her closer to me.

Without providing any resistance, Hifumi eventually leaned close to my chest. I looked down to check on her expression and sure enough, even if she wanted to hide it completely, the girl’s satisfied smile involuntarily showed up.

As for the girl sitting across us, she still looked on enviously but at the same time, she had her thumbs up before mouthing silently, “My turn later.”

And with this, our short date was just beginning.

After we finished our milktea, the three of us left the establishment and started wandering around various shops. We even returned to the bookstore where I bought Hifumi a present.

I asked her what she wanted and instead of clothes or accessories, she pointed us back there. And what kind of book do you think she bought?

‘Practice Questions for College Admission Test Vol. 1’

The girl still preferred to always be on top of her class. To even start studying for college exams, Chii and I could only salute her dedication.