Stealing Spree



With Setsuna-nee occupied by Sakuma who was acting like a rigid robot whose joints hadn’t been oiled for years, Juri successfully got away in her affectionate gesture.

Of course, she probably had a prepared excuse for it even if Setsuna-nee caught her. Despite how she seemed to throw her propriety away when it comes to me, the girl still had proper control of herself.

Last night was an example. Instead of losing it and taking that moment as a chance, she held back. If I have to guess, she took precautions because we were out in the open. There’s a probability that it might not end up favorable for us or my relationship with Satsuki if someone saw us getting intimate there.

Taking note of that, I somehow started wishing to learn her unique take on exercising restraint. Sometimes, I was too impulsive despite my attempts not to be one.

A few seconds after fixing my fringe to her preference, Juri put on a satisfactory smile before moving her chair closer. It was so she could see my face clearer without having to bend forward.

Watching her do that made it feel like I was the one getting courted by her and not the other way around. She’s really not pulling any stops when it comes to expressing her overflowing interest in me. It feels nice and I certainly appreciate it a lot.

Juri’s affectionate gesture didn’t stop at that. Eventually, she reached for my face, caressing my cheek and ear. And while doing so, she opened her mouth.

"Ruki, did you know? Even when I first saw you, I got the feeling that you have this handsome face beneath your scrawny hairdo. And it’s better than I expected."

Uh… What’s this? Am I the one being taken in by her glib tongue? It’s kinda weird but at the same time, fulfilling.

I chuckled a little. “Uh… Juri, if you're going to flatter me like that, I'll answer in kind…” I paused for a moment to add some suspense before delivering my next words in an endearing tone, “Me too. I did find you interesting right away. That was solidified when I opened a can for you. Do you still remember it?"

Our first time conversing with each other. It’s not that long so the memory was still vivid. Besides, we also talked about it when we were passing the time in the cabin.

"Oh. The can again, huh?… Didn’t you find me weird back then?"

"Weird is kind of off. You caught my interest. I was impressed by your concentration on finishing your work back then. And when I saw you struggling to open that can, a nagging thought urged me to help you out. I guess I have to be thankful for Sakuma picking that canned juice."

"You should… I wouldn't talk to you otherwise. We were pressed on time and Setsu was too occupied with dealing with him."

Perhaps remembering that night again, Juri giggled as her cheek took on a pink hue. Her eyes then wandered to the guy I just mentioned.

And because of our back-to-back chuckling, we caught the attention of the awkward duo across the table.

I called it awkward because they just kept staring at each other. No. Setsuna-nee was looking a little irritated though. The idiot still couldn’t muster up his courage to be more proactive.

Anyway, Setsuna-nee's eyebrows slanted upon registering our current closeness. Not to mention, our hands remained intertwined outside their vision.

On the other hand, Sakuma looked like he was saved from the pit of falling into his own tomfoolery. He heaved a sigh of relief and looked like he was trying to restart his mind.

Well, good luck with that.

"Onoda-kun, aren't you getting too close to Juri? And Juri, is it just me? You're acting too fond of him. This has never happened before." Setsuna-nee’s eyes alternated between us.

However, even when she focused on the hand comfortably settled on my cheek, Juri kept it on, looking more amused by the second.

“Am I? Uh… I don’t see any problem with it.” I answered without really entertaining what she was trying to imply. Maybe even if we’re caught red-handed kissing each other, I’ll act like it’s no big deal just to mess with Setsuna-nee’s head.

In any case, I expected this reaction from her. She’s not stupid. Figuring out our unusual closeness was an inevitability. Add to that, the two were together almost everyday. It would be weirder if she failed to pick up on that.

Nonetheless, like I previously guessed, Juri wasn’t that bothered about Setsuna-nee veering towards suspicion. Her giggling stopped but the smile on her face remained. She’s prepared to deal with this eventuality.

“Know what? You’re correct, Setsu. Out of all the juniors we’ve met and encountered, Ruki is the most fun to be with. Look at him. I’m envious of Satsu-chan.”

Upon saying that, Juri turned her head to me and winked. A second later, she pinched my cheek before caressing it with her thumb and sliding her longer fingers to my nape. A little nudge and she could pull my head down for a kiss.

However, while it’s definitely a form of her endearment in my perspective, it probably looked like I was only being doted upon by her in theirs.

Thanks to that, Setsuna-nee couldn’t really refute it completely. She sighed and addressed me instead. She stretched her arm and smirked.

“Jeez. You’re looking happy there, Onoda-kun. Why don’t you come here and let me pinch your cheek too? That looks fun. Let me be the judge if you’re worthy of being a junior Juri is fond of.”

What are you? Her manager? Wanna gatekeep me? I couldn’t help but blurt that out in my head.

But then again, upon getting a read on her, her voice sounded very cautious as if she was afraid to make me feel like she was unreasonably targeting me again. It’s softer and clearly not something she would say to annoy me. It’s more playful, even.

Furthermore, her expression went from being exasperated at Juri’s words to finding her own words amusing.

I could honestly interpret that as her attempt not to lose out on their conversation. And if my observation skills had yet to fail me, there’s also a subtle hint that she’s most likely avoiding criticizing Sakuma’s lame performance.

Really, even when I riled him up to action, he’s proving to be a disappointment once again. I might be giving him more credit than what he’s truly worth.

“Sorry, Setsuna-nee-san, let me pass on that. I don’t want to watch Satsuki’s match later with both of my cheeks swollen… Spare me from that.”

I immediately covered up my open cheek which caused Setsuna-nee’s eyebrows to twitch. As for Juri… she burst into a peal of triumphant laughter.

Setsuna-nee pouted upon seeing that or maybe she’s also weirded that her friend was enjoying this situation too much.

In any case, after her voice died down, Juri leaned over, sliding her hand to the back of my hand and eventually pulled my head down.

I didn’t resist it and soon enough, my vision was blocked as her wonderful fragrance filled my nostrils. She might not be in the bigger category like Setsuna-nee but it’s ample enough to be considered a comfortable pillow to bury my face in.

A few seconds later, I heard Juri’s playful voice, “Setsu, try again next time. I declare thus; Ruki is mine to dote on today.”

And with that, the girl once again successfully misled whatever suspicion was brooding in Setsuna-nee’s head. She’s rolling on fire today…