Stealing Spree

Nami supported Mami for a little bit longer and their conversation continued. In consideration of her junior, I stepped away further to make the girl feel comfortable. Nami would tell me about it later anyway.

After a while, the two girls finished their conversation. Still guiding, Mami, Nami returned to my side. I could still sense Mami’s wariness so I didn’t say anything but Nami opened up a topic. Something she wanted me to hear.

“Are you sure you’re fine going back? Why don’t you sit with us? There are still empty seats we can give to you and Nina-chan.”

As always, my girl cared a lot for those she was close with. And this time, it’s now even influenced the consideration she picked up from me. She even winked at me as though she was trying to rate how she was doing. I could only smile furtively so as not to make Mami uncomfortable.

In any case, even though she looked like she was close to bawling her eyes out, Mami’s eyes glinted with determination.

“Uh... No. It’s fine, Nanami-senpai. I’ll return to Kazuo-senpai’s side. I still like him. He may not be sincere today but I will change his mind someday.”

“I see. You know you’re not the only one who walked that road before. But I won’t stop you. I’ll cheer for you too.”

Right... Hina and Izumi failed to do that but thinking about it, I dipped my hand way earlier and I managed to change their minds little by little.

In the case of Mami, we only had one conversation to date and that’s when she introduced herself to me. Earlier, even if she saw me with Nami, her focus was on my girl.

Most likely, she also picked up Ogawa’s misgivings about me. And to make sure that he’ll think that she’s on his side, she will do her utmost not to interact with me.

That’s fair. It’s not like I’m also required to get her approval. Besides, her friend was more interesting than her. She’s lucky my desire stopped getting triggered by circumstances similar to hers.

Feeling Nami’s sincerity, Mami looked like she was about to cry again as she lunged herself into Nami’s embrace. And even though muffled, she mustered to utter a sincere apology, “Nanami-senpai. You’re so good to me. I’m sorry for being rude to you before... I... I was seeing you as my rival.”

Nami giggled as she patted her junior’s head, “Come on, that’s all in the past. And I understand that you also like him. Even if that’s the case, you’re still my adorable junior. Look, if you cry right now, Kazuo might think we bullied you.”

“Yes...” Mami gently shook her head, her twintails also swaying in solemnity as though it was channeling what she was feeling inside.

“Okay. Let’s go back. We’ll be late for the game. That’s what we’re here for.”

Thinking that it was finally settled, Nami reached for my hand and put on a meaningful smile. The way she looked at me was like a puppy who wanted to be patted for a job well done.

And she dared to call Hanabi a little puppy earlier... Look who’s the puppy now?

Obviously, I still gave in and silently praised her after patting her head and ruffling her silky hair. Nami giggled in satisfaction and with Mami still in her embrace, the girl didn’t see it.

Following that, I held her hand so that we could start walking back to our original destination.

Mami followed silently and although she took a step back, she maintained a close distance from Nami. Well, they got closer with this, after all.

It should be over but before we could take a step, Mami seemingly had one last concern. And after spilling her heart and mind to Nami, she knew that her senior would be able to answer her.

“Nanami-senpai. I know this is too much to ask but... can you give me advice on how to get closer to Kazuo-senpai?”

Nami didn’t respond immediately, she first looked at the girl and gauged her determination. Then she looked at me, perhaps also gauging my reaction.

I shrugged, conveying I didn’t care about it. If Mami successfully changed that idiot, it’ll be one less concern for us. Who knows? He might also change his mind about how I approach his older sister... Kazuha-nee is still fun to tease and after what happened between us, I’m looking forward to encountering her again.

“Let’s see... Since you said you’ll change his mind, the first advice I can give you is to stay by his side. However, do remember not to always agree with him. You should show him that you’re not there to spoil or consent him. You have to voice your opinion too. Otherwise, you will be nothing but his source of validation. He will keep looking back at me or what happened between us. That’s why I would like to believe that you can be his best shot in truly moving forward.”

After saying that, Nami didn’t just pat the girl’s head, she also cheered Mami on as though she was putting her up as a champion to challenge the boss of the dungeon; Ogawa.

“Oh, Ruu. Why don’t you also help out? You’re great at giving advice too.”

I thought it was over and I didn’t need to meddle anymore but Nami thinks otherwise.

With her meaningful smile transforming into a mischievous grin, she turned to me and used her elbow to nudge my side.

Helpless at her request, I looked at Mami who was still digesting Nami’s advice.

When the girl realized that I was looking at her, she meekly hid herself behind Nami again. Unfortunately for her, my girl pushed her out and urged her to face me.

“Relax. I know you don’t like me and I understand why.” I started. I didn’t smile or anything. I simply acted like usual around her.

Maybe my presence was intimidating for her so she immediately trembled. It took her a few seconds before she could gather her courage to stand straight before me.

Really, she’s so different from her friend who doesn’t hesitate in charging inside a storm. This girl took shelter instead to wait it out.

I inwardly chuckled before continuing, “You can ignore my words and I don’t think this will count as advice but if it’s about that guy, I think I know what’s in his head. So for you to get his attention and keep it, you only have to follow what Nami said. I’ll just supplement it with this...”

I paused for a moment to check whether she was willing to listen to me. Although she was still a little skeptical, her ears were already bopping as though they couldn’t wait to hear what I was going to say.

Looking at Nami, my girl had her thumb up, signaling that I was doing a good job at building up anticipation. Well, I already did it a lot of times before so... it’s not something that could make me break a sweat.

“... Alright. Listen well. That guy won’t appreciate your presence if you’re always there for him. Limit yourself from contacting him first. Make it so that he’ll look for you even if it’s just once or twice. Prevent it from being one-sided. He will take you for granted if you let it happen. Good thing that you’re still in another school. You can easily accomplish it.”

“I... I see. Thank you, Onoda-senpai.” Enlightened by it, Mami immediately bowed to me, her eyes shining brilliantly. Her previous wariness was swept away.

I waved my hand, stopping her from doing that. Then, I put a finger to my lips and winked, “Mhm. Don’t mention it. Keep what you saw a secret, alright?”

“Eh?” The girl didn’t understand it right away but after realizing what I meant with it, she immediately became flustered.

And before we started walking, the girl timidly said, “Y-yes. I won’t tell anyone about it.”