Stealing Spree

Since festivals were held during special occasions, they would always draw a crowd from the surrounding neighborhood. And with its location being the capital of the country, turnout was more than double or triple compared to the festivals held in our city.

Just by that fact alone, blending into the crowd wouldn't be hard for a celebrity. Of course, as long as no one recognized them, they could enjoy the festive atmosphere all they wanted.

And that's another point that I raised to Kaoru-san to convince her to allow Yue to walk around it tonight.

Faced with five pairs of eyes eagerly awaiting her agreement, the capable manager could only give in.

However, she placed some conditions that we have to follow.

First, I shouldn't leave Yue's side.

Well, even without that condition, there's no way I would leave my girl's side. I promised to bring her to a festival so my priority is to ensure she'll enjoy it.

Besides, Akane and the other three will also be with us. Even if Miho is still not fond of being in a crowd, my presence alone is enough to give her a sense of comfort and security.

Second, we should go to the woods surrounding the venue.

Kaoru-san didn't give a reason but from the way she appeared a little flustered, she was probably worried that we could run into a couple doing something in the dark. Or if not that, we're the ones who would do those things outdoors.

... Well, I may not have a plan to do that but if my girls hinted to me, how can I refuse?

Uh. But thinking about it, it will really be dangerous. Even if it will be thrilling for most, I still won't put them in a situation where they could be seen by strangers.

I ought to protect their dignity, not spoil it.

Well, we could try it on other special occasions but not if the risk was too high.

And third, we have to be back in an hour.

Yep. Although it's still a little early, a few minutes past 8 o'clock to be exact, we can't really stay for too long, or else, the risk of being exposed will just continue to rise.

Furthermore, the fireworks display that Yue and the other girls are looking forward to will start at 9.

We promised to return after it ended.

"Then, we'll get going Kaoru-san. Are you sure you don't want to come with us?"

I asked her after helping the four girls out of the car. Although they probably wanted to wear a kimono, they decided not to in the end since it would take a long time to change and to avoid standing out. Instead, they changed into a more comfortable outfit that could protect them from the cold.

They all still looked gorgeous though. I could already imagine how many eyes they would catch as we walked around the stalls and paid our respects at the shrine.

Nonetheless, it doesn't bother me at all. Looking at their eyes blazing with their trust in me to protect them, no one would even be able to touch them -- even accidentally.

Kaoru-san, still inside the car, looked up at me and then stared at the stream of people walking into the venue a few blocks away.

After contemplating for a while, she shook her head and said, "It's fine. Since you promised to look after Asahi, I can comfortably deal with the other things I pushed behind."

I was about to nod and just let it go. But I remembered something.

I leaned down the car window to look at the woman directly, "Kaoru-san, you know you should also unwind sometimes. It feels like you're always keeping yourself busy. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if that's your method to deal with your criticality then it won't really work since you're just giving yourself more reasons to nitpick about what you do."

Is she even giving herself time to relax? I don't know. She seems like someone always busy.

Kaoru-san's cheek twitched a little upon hearing that. But she maintained her expression and replied, "Thanks for the concern, Onoda-kun but it's not like that. See this."

She lifted her phone, showing me her scheduler app for today. And looking at the things listed there, she's really busy. Or rather, she filled in everything down to the last minute.

Although her words seemed to deny that I was wrong, just the existence of that schedule already spoke the truth behind it.

She's not giving herself time to relax.

Before I could say anything more, Yue tugged at my sleeve. I glanced back at her. Understanding what she was trying to convey, I swallowed my words and didn't say anything much to Kaoru-san.

"Alright. Then good luck, Kaoru-san. What do you want? We'll buy you something from the festival."

"You don't have to. Just go back here in time."

"Candied apple then?Yakisoba? Takoyaki? Or maybe we could catch some goldfish for you."

"I told you. You don't have to."

With my insistence, Kaoru-san's voice became a little stern. But I already expected that.

So I ignored it and drew an arc on my lips. Behind me, apart from Yue, the other girls were probably guessing why I was being insistent. I'll let them find that out on their own.

"Mhm. I heard you but still, look forward to it. In the meantime, let me..."

As my words trailed there, I reached for her phone and then erased one item on her schedule.

8:30 - Ironing some details with the Producer.

"Wait? Why did you do that?" Kaoru-san said upon retaking her phone from me.

I ignored her. Pulled out my phone and dialed the newly added number on my contacts.

A single ringtone later, the other side immediately picked up.

"Ruki! So? Are you coming? I can reserve the restaurant now."

From the other side, the anxious yet thrilled voice of Chisato- nee-san rang out.

I put it on the loudspeaker so everyone, even Kaoru-san, heard it.

"No. Don't reserve it. I'll look for you later. Cancel all your schedule today."

"Eh? Are you? Are you going to stay with me tonight?"

This... What is she expecting? Akane stifled her laughter after hearing that while the other three either raised an eyebrow or rolled their eyes.

As for Kaoru-san, she's more puzzled than anyone else.

"Of course not but I'll eat dinner with you. With everyone."

"Oh..." Somehow, Chisato-nee-san's excitement immediately deflated. Really, she's not thinking of doting on me all night, right? Yeah, right.

As someone who already fell in love with a lot of girls, I could sense that this cousin of mine had this strange attachment to me. I wouldn't call it love or anything but I guess, she really missed me a lot.

"Chisato-nee-san, if you act like that, Yue will think you're in love with me. She's listening, you know?"

"Huh? What? No. No. I'm not! Alright. I'll cancel my schedule tonight and wait for you. Bye!"

Without waiting for my reply, my dear cousin ended the call right away as though she was escaping.

Judging from her voice, she became flustered upon knowing that Yue was listening...

Wait. I don't remember her to be someone who's easily flustered. Did she really escape because of Yue or because of my words?

Ah. Forget it.

I'll figure that out later. I pocketed my phone back and then looked at Kaoru-san again.

"And there you have it. Kaoru-san, try to relax during that time. We'll bring you something to eat."

Upon saying that, I turned around and led my girls away, leaving the woman dumbfounded.

Sure. I might've been a little forceful there. But Kaoru-san needed to balance some things in her life. I appreciate her working hard for Yue but shouldn't she relax once in a while? Even if that's not going to really help her with her unstoppable desire for perfection, it should at least take a load off of her shoulders.