Stealing Spree

Not coming as a surprise, the guy in front of me had a vein popped out of his forehead upon hearing my supposed ‘apology’. His face twisted in such an ugly fashion that he could probably scare a cat with his frown.

He gnashed his teeth and almost swung his fist at me. However, he stopped halfway as the same fear as before settled in his eyes. He remembered how I easily caught his swing before. If he went through it, he’d be the one lying on the ground, not me.

“... That’s not the apology I wanted from you.”

With difficulty, Ichihara Jun replied. I could sense his indignance through his voice, not to mention, he was trembling from anger.

After all the losses he suffered against me, he’s really not learning any of his lessons.

I glanced past his shoulder, checking out if any of those in the vehicle had poised themselves to make a move. However, nothing changed. They remained inside, only looking on menacingly and radiating their intimidating aura.

Thinking about it, even if this guy could mobilize those delinquents with money, he shouldn’t have enough authority to hire these people.

Looks like all of this was just for posturing. Someone else sent them to him.

Ichihara-san’s husband, maybe?

Well, if he’s not this easy to provoke, I probably won’t even think about this possibility. However, with every second that passed without them doing anything, the likelihood that my suspicion was correct started to increase.

In any case, I can't say for certain…

I better confirm it directly.

“It’s still an apology. Senpai, you didn’t specify what kind of apology you wanted.” I replied as I looked down at him. I even shrugged and raised my voice to let those four hear me clearly.

“Oh. Is it because I punched you a few days ago? Or is it because I knocked you out in front of Marika-senpai? But you know what? Aren’t all of those your fault? I don’t see why I have to apologize when all I did was defend myself and stand up for my girl?”

And as I expected, they did not move. On top of that, Ichihara Jun wasn’t doing anything like calling for them to back him up.

Still, this wasn’t enough for confirmation.

“Your girl?! How dare you claim–”

“Oh. You misunderstood me, senpai. I may call her ‘my girl’ but I’m not like you. I don’t see her as an object to own. It’s just a form of endearment between us. She’s my woman and I’m her man, get it?”

I cut him off before he could completely scream that cliched line where he was going to claim Marika as his possession.

I then smirked and looked behind me. Or specifically, to the house where she’s staying. Then, I faced him again, my smile stretching further into a meaningful grin.

“Oh right. Let me tell you something interesting, senpai. Marika-senpai’s room smells like daisies. It’s fragrant and refreshing. Her bed was so soft that we almost sank in it when she crawled on top of me. Also, her pillow and blanket were so comfortable I almost fell asleep next to her.”

Hearing me describe the room that he probably had yet to see before, Ichihara Jun’s rage continued to bubble up and this time, he was more envious than angry.

Mhm. I heard that from Marika herself. When she first arrived here and got introduced to be his fiancee, this guy attempted multiple times to get into her room before but the girl kept on refusing him.

I mean, they’re basically strangers at first. Even if she was willing to cultivate her feelings for him and even tried to save her first kiss until their marriage, she wouldn’t just let him into her sanctuary.

However, instead of becoming better for her, this guy chose to turn his attention to other girls.

True. He must be frustrated for not being able to capitalize his advantage of being her fiancee but that’s not a valid reason to turn his back and neglect her. His decision was truly too idiotic or maybe reflective of his personality as a spoiled brat who considers everyone to be beneath him just by being an heir of a mere construction company.

Of course, one can argue that Marika easily succumbed to me but that’s another issue altogether. She’s also aware of her change in mindset. My sincerity got to her while Ichihara Jun never even tried. For him, Marika is just another girl. If I’m not wrong, he considers Marika as nothing more than a gift from his father.

Too bad for him, there’s no way one can own a person. Not in this day and age, at least.

Perhaps if he just attempted to sincerely win Marika over rather than treat her as an object to possess, I wouldn’t have any chance of swaying her to my side.

In any case, what’s done is done. There’s no rewind or restart button available for him.

“This bastard! You will regret making me your enemy, Onoda.”

I shook my head and picked my ear, acting totally unconcerned.

He’s spouting threats again but that’s all he could do. Threaten me.

He’s all talk but no action.

Oh. Wait. He already did try to act but he got pummeled right away so I guess he can only rely on his words and influence now.

“I know I won’t. Senpai, let’s get real. Your threats are nothing to me. Also…”

As I trailed my voice there, I took a step forward.

Following that, the same as what happened in Marika’s clubroom, I reached for his shoulder.

Ichihara Jun instinctively tried to dodge but with my reach and how slow his reaction was, I still managed to grasp it.

As I started putting strength on my grip, Ichihara Jun’s frown started to deepen.

“Unhand me, you bastard! Are you really hell-bent on opposing me?!”

“I am. Isn’t that clear by now, senpai? Like I said, I’m neither afraid of you nor those men in that van. More importantly, I’m not afraid of your family name. If it’s not clear to you yet, should I add that I’m not afraid of the consequences of breaking off your engagement? Kujou Family? I’ll go there myself to ask for Marika’s hand. It doesn’t matter if they agree or not, I’ll steal her from the fate of being a bargaining chip.”

“You’re too arrogant! You’re nothing but an ordinary high schooler! You have no power in your name. Do you think it’s child’s play to oppose our families? Dream on!”

“Ah. I’m well aware that I still have insufficient power. But you see, senpai. I’m also shameless enough to rely on a backing of my own. I’m sure you’ll hear about it soon. In the meantime… Let’s end this here. Go back and drink your milk. Your knees keep on rattling. It must be calcium deficiency.”

Upon saying that, I let go of his shoulder and turned around. I pretended to start walking away.

However, true to my expectations, Ichihara Jun wouldn’t just let me go.

He reached for my shoulder which I dodged by hopping to the side. He almost tumbled on the ground but managed to save himself at the last second.

Looking mad and full of rage, Ichihara Jun then unleashed his specialty once again, “You! You won’t be able to run away from them! I’ll have them beat you up until you become unrecognizable. Let’s see how Marika can still come with you!”