Stealing Spree

As we extend our time as much as possible using the time allowance between the PE Class and the Mentor Program, Rae relayed her findings to me. Or what she found out by herself.

Apparently, there’s a prefecture in the south of the country where the Onoda name could be akin to the local superpower. They controlled not only the political scene, taking up most of the governmental positions, but also the industrial and economical scene, owning businesses that could be said to be the machinery to keep that province a place that the citizens are extremely satisfied with. However, that prefecture was one of the smallest and clearly not that important in the grand scheme of things. It won’t affect the whole country if it suddenly dips.

I tried to recall my father's hometown. It’s been so long since we returned there. It’s even before Miwa-nee started living with us. And that means I was far too young to even remember the faces of our relatives or the place where my father was supposed to have grown up. I couldn’t recall a single impression of how life was there.

Nonetheless, given that her mother managed to name me, their connection was probably more direct with my parents rather than those from that province.

According to what she managed to dig up from her parents who were seemingly interested in me, they hired my father once on a defense case and most likely won. And from there, they started holding him to high standards.

“My mother won’t tell me more details but she told me that if I can bring you home someday to meet them, they’ll be delighted,” Rae said after she exhausted her findings. The girl smiled bitterly again which made me a little worried.

That’s why before I replied to her, I pampered Rae thoroughly, enough to remove that bitter smile. Although that’s a band-aid solution, it’s better than seeing her get bitter by the second just because her parents were seemingly more interested in me than tending to their daughter who probably just wanted them to notice and praise her.

“Let’s see. Why don’t I bring you to meet my parents first? You opted out before. Was it because of this?”

“Un. Partly because of this but it’s also because I’m afraid.”

“Afraid to see me and my parents get along well?”

“… Yes. Is it a bad reason? I think I will be comparing yours to mine if that ever happens.”

“Not really, it’s totally understandable.”

“Thank you, Ruki.”

After saying that Rae snuggled to my chest, resting in the comfort until it was time for us to go.

She didn’t say yes to my suggestion yet but it’s already understandable. Rae still needed a bit of time.

That aside, I’m glad she managed to tell me what’s bothering her. It feels like she has grown even closer to me. As much as I want to comfort her for the lack of attention her parents are giving her, it won’t be enough for the girl. That’s why all I can do at the moment is to be here and become her emotional support.

“I really want to go on a date and stay with you for more than a day. No, I want to wake up with you next to me.”

“Mhm… Me too. Let’s do that soon.” I smiled and reached for her hand, entwining it as we started walking back to the School Building. Likewise, Rae showed a cheerful smile as she stood closer to me.

It’s kind of risky and it’s like we’re announcing our relationship for everyone to see. Luckily, it’s already minutes past the start of the Mentor Program. Only a few pairs of Mentors and Mentees were walking outside. Most of them have already settled somewhere.

Because Rae’s Mentor was going to meet her inside the School Building, we separated right at the entrance.

A few minutes later, I showed up in the abandoned club where a grumpy Izumi-senpai was waiting.

Yeah. She’s grumpy again. Most likely because I was late or if there’s another reason then it’s definitely what happened to us earlier. Knowing her thought process, the girl was probably ashamed that she let herself loose there. Accepting my kisses as well as how she let me push her down on that bed.

If not for the idiot at the next bed, there’s no telling how far we could go at that moment.

“Sorry I’m late, senpai,” I said as I closed our distance.

Since she was sitting on her usual chair with her arms crossed and eyebrows raised, I cautiously reached for her hand before lowering my body to level my face with her.

Izumi-senpai didn’t evade it and let her tucked hand under her armpit to be grasped by me. However, her expression didn’t show an improvement. She’s still as grumpy as ever.

In any case, compared to the previous times she was this grumpy, she's more adorable than annoying this time.

As I slowly lifted her hand to my lips, Izumi-senpai looked on expectantly. "First time I see someone saying sorry to be this shameless."

"Really? But shamelessness is a default trait of me, senpai. With this open chance, no way I will waste it by only saying a superficial apology that may or may not appease you."

To answer that expectant expression, I kissed the back of Izumi-senpai’s hand before releasing it. And while she was gently rubbing the part that I kissed, I turned to where my chair was, picked it up and placed it in front of her.

Upon sitting down, I leaned forward to reach for her hand again. However, this time, she evaded it and hid her hands behind her.

Following that, while sporting an amused smile on her lips, the grumpy girl stretched her legs out and comfortably rested them on my lap.

Looking at how she already had her shoes off, this was pre-planned. In any case, the white socks were thin enough to see the outline of her beautiful feet. It’s kinda tempting to hold and caress it.

I stared at her with a questioning gaze.

Izumi-senpai ignored it and instead, chuckled in satisfaction as she slid her butt forward, making the tips of her toes touch my stomach. Naturally, she pressed on her skirt to not let me take a peek at it.

Anyway, her posture looked totally uncomfortable. There was no cushion behind her and the chair didn't have any armrest.

I honestly don't know what's her deal with this. Is she acting playful? Is this Izumi-senpai when she's comfortable with her companion?

One way to find that out.

"Uhm. Senpai, what's with this?" I pointed down before placing my hands on her feet, feeling the soft fabric of her socks and tracing her feet’s bone structure.

Surprisingly, her feet were small compared to her build. It’s also a little squishy. It’s not bone and skin.

I thought of tickling her but with the soles pressed firmly on my stomach, that's impossible.

"What is what? You said you're going to take care of me, shameless junior. Why not start now? Let me use this shameless lap of yours as my footrest." Izumi-senpai answered with the same playful smile before sliding even further. At this point, her body was already bent irregularly. I couldn’t help but fear for her neck and spine.

Uh… Is it just me or is her sense of humor a little skewed?