Stealing Spree

The following periods passed uneventfully. Perhaps still shaken by everything I told her, Hana held herself back from approaching me every break; even during the lunch break. She simply watched on from her seat at the back, stealing glances at us.

In any case, we remained the topic of everyone’s gossip. Furthermore, Hana’s standing in class snowballed into more than just being a transfer student. She’s now being compared to Nami when it comes to presence.

Somehow, the girl becoming accepted by our classmates progressed faster than I thought.

There was also that one baffling scenario where someone promised to exchange seats with her. While it’s not significant since she would only be put in the fifth row, others also offered to exchange until she ended up getting the promise of having the seat directly in front of Aya.

I wasn’t that familiar with the girl originally sitting there. She’s one of those quiet or someone that didn’t want anything to do with the popular kids – yeah, I was now considered among that category. Yet there she was, taken in by the magnificent glow of the black-haired angel. She easily offered Hana her seat just so the girl could be closer to me.

The girl even moved so quickly that they went out to look for Shio during lunch break to request if it was possible.

Although Shio didn’t give an immediate okay since they also needed to inform our other teachers, there’s a huge possibility that it would be accepted. The only inconvenience that would be brought about by that request was the switching of their names in the teachers’ printed seating arrangement table. Although some would probably find it a hassle, Hana’s face alone would bring a huge persuasion power.

With that, not only Hana might be closer to us starting tomorrow, but she would also become Nami’s desk neighbor.

I wonder. Will they start bickering with each other at every chance they get?

Anyway, that’s about it for Hana.

As someone truly busy with tasks left and right, I also couldn’t stay that long in the classroom after eating lunch.

Apart from checking in with my girls, within and outside our school, I also went to see Komoe. To check if she followed through with what she decided earlier. It’s just next door, anyway.

Thankfully, she’s behaving as she mentioned. Furthermore, Watanabe was with her. That girl sure was obedient. Maybe I should give her my thanks later.

To not make a scene, I opted not to show myself to her and walked past their classroom.

In the neighboring class, I got spotted by Misaki who immediately ran outside. Itou who had her eyebrows raised soon followed behind her.

Linking arms with me, the innocent forehead girl dragged me with her outside the School Building.

With our path really familiar, it didn’t take long for us to reach the Theater House. Still followed by Itou.

I kept glancing back at the girl but she remained expressionless. Neither angry nor irritated. In fact, I could see a hint of amusement peeking out from time to time. Perhaps, watching me being dragged by Misaki was laughable for her.

Well, looking at how excited the forehead girl was to see me, I couldn’t muster the words of refusal to her. Besides, she’s too adorable. Just being next to her, I could feel the same sense of comfort whenever I was with any of my girls. And obviously, there’s some little distinction with each girl.

With Misaki, I had this notion to just go along with her wishes. As long as it was not something that would bring her harm, I was ready to accommodate her whenever I have time.

As for Itou. What should I say? Ever since that day she confessed to me and I accepted her, we have yet to spend time alone together for an extended period. And most of the time, it was like this. Along with Misaki.

I waited until we were out of the public eye – or specifically, after entering the Theater House – before I turned around and reached my free hand to her.

Although a little reluctant, Itou took it while she mindfully watched what kind of reaction Misaki would make.

She’s overthinking for sure. Because instead of pouting her lips and acting jealous, Misaki giggled happily before saying, “Finally, Maaya-sama. You should not hold yourself back. Ruki also adores you just as much.”

Shaking her head in defeat, Itou silently muttered in a voice that’s only audible to me, “That girl. She believes that I’m the same as her… A close friend to you. Can we keep that up whenever she’s with us?”

“Are you sure?”

“… I have no choice. Do you want me to peel you off of her?”

“That would be cruel.”

“Exactly. She’s too innocent anyway. With the way you handled her, I doubt you’ll take advantage of her.” Itou gave Misaki a sidelong glance before focusing her eyes on me. With a hint of incredulity, she continued, “Really, I don’t know if you’re a pervert or a gentleman.”

“Can I not be both?”

Itou rolled her eyes and pinched my side. “That’s worse.”

Ignoring the almost tickling pain brought by it, I locked her fingers with mine and kept her as close to me as possible. It’s rare to get this chance with her, after all. I’d get the best of it today. It’s not planned but I guess I have Misaki to thank for this.

At this point, the innocent girl finally noticed what we were doing.

With the same innocent expression, the adorable forehead girl tilted her head to the side, “Hmm? What are you and Maaya-sama whispering about? It’s not something bad, I hope.”

“Of course not. We’re debating whether you’re cute or adorable.” I made up an answer.

Well, that’s a topic that would probably be brought up if Itou and I finally got the chance to be alone. She’s not that vocal about it but she’s just the same as me. Misaki is too precious in her eyes.

“Eh? That’s the same, is it not?” Although puzzled at my answer, the girl’s interest was certainly piqued. She edged closer and started blinking her twinkling eyes.

“Sure. They almost have the same meaning but being adorable was different from being cute.”

“Oh! Then what’s the difference?”

Pushing onto that made-up reason, I somehow found myself in a bit of a bind.

How should I explain that to her? I could try expounding on it but… I doubt it would be convincing.

“Misa, you’re adorable with the way you act really clingy to Ruki. And your cuteness could be attributed to that innocent face of yours. If his hands are freed, he will have your cheeks pinched a few times by now.”

I acted like I was trying to gather my thoughts. But then, someone saved me from it. Who else it was but Himeko’s little sister?

Ah. Wait. I should stop calling her that, right?

Anyway, Misaki unquestioningly accepted that answer. The shine in her eyes brightened even further as she exclaimed. “Ah! That’s amazing, Maaya-sama! And Ruki, not my cheeks. I prefer it more if you hug me but… my cheeks can be swollen. I have received many a pinch from Maaya-sama earlier.”

Misaki even held her somewhat puffy right cheek and cutely massaged it.

So, Itou also has the habit of pinching Misaki’s cheeks, huh? Maybe it’s just that impossible to resist when she’s this cute.

“Don’t worry. If I’m going to pinch someone’s cheek, it would be Itou’s. As for you… I guess I’ll settle in embracing you.” Teasing the girl at my other side before opting to give the forehead girl what she preferred, I quickly moved to accomplish it.

However, before that…

“I like that! Let’s go in first!”

Right. We’re still outside their clubroom… There’s still a chance for us to be seen here.

I readily agreed to it and let the girl open the door for us.

A few seconds later, the three of us stepped inside and… the same as before, headed toward the long couch.

As soon as we sat down, Misaki snuggled to my side and used my chest as her pillow right away. On the other hand, Itou stared at her friend first.

After making sure that Misaki wasn’t looking, she reached for my chin and raised my head a bit. Understanding what she wanted to accomplish, I couldn’t help but feel the urge to tease her.

“Shall we share our first kiss in this instance?”