Stealing Spree

Review. That’s what Mizuki said. However, in the short duration that the girl tried to test me, I couldn’t help but suffer a mild headache. She’s like those teachers who would give a simple example and when the exam came, oh how complex it was that everyone from the class would inevitably fail or get a low mark.

For example, Mizuki taught me how to gauge one’s comfortable bid. Not too expensive and not too cheap. But her question came like this, “If Mr. A bought land in the year XXXX and let Mr. B lease it for XX years. When do you think it will be fine for Mr. B to offer to buy it from Mr. A? And how much will it be after considering the appreciation of the land’s value?”

Well, something like that.

I understood that it didn’t need to have an exact answer, what she was asking me was to explain the process of how it would happen if it’s ever a real scenario.

But since I have only started on it, I got barely passing marks from her which provided enjoyment for the girl.

Halfway through it, Akane who returned after showing Suzuki-san her room, joined me in answering, filling the living room with Akane’s groans and Mizuki amused laughter.

Suzuki-san remained seated from a distance though, munching on Akane’s prepared snack. She’s neither joining in the jovial mood nor disturbing us. She’s basically still acting according to her job.

Well, that’s fine. She’s like that even back then anyway.

“Un. You’re really too great at this, Ruki. I expect you to not know how to tackle each problem I threw at you. Next time, it will be a real problem.”

Mizuki said after concluding her ‘review session’. Her amused smile got replaced by a proud one as she stared at me in utter appreciation. Perhaps if she was not curled up in my arms, she’d reach for my head and pat it to praise me.

As for Akane, the girl went to our side while pouting and waited for me to praise her instead.

“If the real problem is easier than your hypothetical ones then I’m all up for it. As for you, silly girl. You also did well.” I replied before reaching my hand to the pouting girl, giving her sought praise.

“Yes!” Akane cheered.

Really, even though a little childish, she’s adorable so that’s fine.

“Akane, aren’t you the most mature among us? How come you’re turning this childish around Ruki?” Mizuki glanced at the girl and similarly pouted as though she was envious that Akane was being praised for no reason.

Upon hearing that, Akane also turned to her, putting on a smug expression. “You tell me, Miss Prodigy who’s snuggled up to husband like a little kid clinging to her father because it’s scary at night.”

As if time stopped, Mizuki’s body flinched and a vein popped up on her forehead as she forced a smile. “Oh, is that so?”

And as if finding a chance to tease the girl, Akane who was already influenced by me pressed on, “Un. But don’t worry. It's husband. He doesn’t care if we all became childish. He’s still going to pamper all of us regardless. But really, Mizuki. This is an eye-opener.”

“Only to Ruki will I act like this!”

“Sure, if you say so.”

Watching their exchange this close, I could only subtly shake my head. Akane’s teasing game was still weak yet it was enough to trigger Mizuki.

I wonder… Is it because Mizuki isn’t used to being teased by other people apart from me or because it’s Akane who’s teasing her?

Well, the answer to that would be for next time.

While they kept on bantering with each other, I noticed Suzuki standing up from her seat. She put down what she was munching on and picked up something from the nearby table.

Mizuki’s phone.

It’s vibrating and playing an all too familiar voice; my singing voice…

Ugh. And that’s supposed to be a video. The video that Hiyori took when I acted like an idol for her… That girl, did she distribute it to others or…?

Perhaps understanding what expression I had at the moment, Mizuki bit her lips guiltily before whispering, “I bribed Hiyori to give it to me.”

That girl… she could be bribed?!

“No. Let me rephrase it before you doubt her. I forced the bribe on her and you know the kind of girl she is. She reluctantly gave it to me, reminding me not to let you find out. I got careless.” Mizuki knocked her head and stuck her tongue out cutely.

Alright. I’m not really mad about it anyway. Knowing these girls and how they slowly grew closer to each other, sooner or later, all my embarrassing stories would be exposed to all them.

Seeing Mizuki acting cutely like that was a surprising treat though.

On the other hand, Akane, who's only hearing that now, looked extremely puzzled. Her inquisitive eyes quickly focused on me.

“Husband, that ringtone… When did you sing like that?”

“A long time ago? That aside… Mizuki, don’t you need to answer this?”

I grabbed the phone and covered the small speaker to muffle the sound before handing it to Mizuki.

Akane laughed at how I acted and Mizuki did the same. I guess I looked a little panicky but that’s not what we have to focus on at the moment!

Fortunately, before my patience ran thin, Mizuki took the phone and answered it. As for Akane, she joined Suzuki-san on the side as she quietly snickered. She still couldn’t move on from it.

Anyway, I simply ignored how I became their source of entertainment in the end and waited for this… over-the-call meeting with Mizuki’s mother.

As we both got up and sat down properly on the sofa, Mizuki raised the phone to properly capture us both in the camera.

Seconds after she tapped the ‘answer’ button, a mature pretty lady that’s probably in her early 40s, who almost looked like Mizuki’s future appearance popped on her screen.

However, compared to Mizuki who seldom smiles because of how much she delved into thinking about various problems, theories or solutions, the woman on the screen had a bright grin as she greeted me.

“Ara? No wonder my daughter’s dream changed. What a dashing young man!” She exclaimed before her lips relaxed to a soft smile. Hello and good evening to you, Onoda Ruki-kun, I’m Mizuki’s mother, Kokonoe Azumi.”

Before I could return the greeting, Mizuki interjected, focusing the camera on her, “Mother, how can you introduce yourself like that? Act naturally!”

Oh, that’s not her natural act?

“Why must I, dear? You stay silent while I converse with the boy who changed you. Let me see how much of an influence he has to change my stubborn and rebellious daughter. What do you think, Onoda-kun? Show me your mettle.”

After easily deflecting her daughter’s words and silencing her completely, Mizuki’s mother, Azumi refocused on me. And this time, her soft smile grew wilder and a little intimidating.

With her eyes half-open, she somehow resembled those mothers in shows, movies or anime that were dubbed ‘hidden bosses’. Or for the nearest reference, she’s like my mother.

Or is she?

Anyway… having prepared for every scenario, I coolly answered her while also putting my arm around Mizuki, showcasing more of our relationship, “I understand, Auntie. It’s nice meeting you. And I think I have to apologize for not meeting you in person.”