Stealing Spree

More or less, my relationship with my girls could be considered stable at the moment. I wasn’t not neglecting any of them and we’re giving each other the attention and care. Just that, the time constriction became our greatest enemy. That’s why I even thought of that idea to draw up my schedule which clearly backfired on me.

Of course, I want to see all of them, spend time with them and stay with them at all times. They’re always the reason why I began doing things I’ve never paid attention to before. Studies, my career path and anything that can influence our future.

Apart from those, I wouldn’t mind it if my days became filled with only moments to spend with all of them.

Unfortunately, it’s impossible physically. Digitally, however, we could see each other through a simple tap on videocall.

Nonetheless, that’s clearly not enough. That would never be enough. Not just for me but everyone as well.

In a way, my days were already like that. However, it’s kinda one-sided. Most of it was spent in the company of the girls from my school.

The only time I could check on those from the other schools was during lunch break or when I got the free time to do so.

Even this weekend, Aoi and Ria’s plan to visit and stay for the night was moved to next week because of my prior plans. The two changed it readily while showing a reassuring smile. Instead of going on a weekend, they planned to visit and stay the night on a weekday. There’s also my promise to stay the night in Shio’s apartment. Furthermore, I also promised to help her carry all her belongings from that house.

All of those were pushed back.

Every time I would think of it, I couldn’t help but feel like I was doing them wrong. And that’s even if they told me not to burden my mind over it.

Aren’t they too understanding for a bastard like me?

Not only that. Even if I felt that way, I didn’t have it in me to just cancel the upcoming meetup with Mina today and Ishida-senpai tomorrow.

Haa... here I am again overthinking things. If any of them see me like this, it will only worry them again.

“Alright. I better stop before this train reaches my destination.�

I exhaled a depressing sigh and looked at the clock on my phone. A few minutes left to my destination.

As it was still early, the train car wasn’t crowded yet. Nonetheless, those who have plans this weekend were already up and about. Some of them are going on a date. Some are going to unwind somewhere.

From how I was dressed, I caught the eyes of some women or girls, whispering amongst them or just expressing their interest. But as expected, no one approached to talk to me or had their eyes linger on me.

That’s normal.

I also wouldn’t normally talk to strangers even if that someone caught my eye. It was really that fanatic who was weird.

Either way, sitting on a train like this was slowly becoming a place for me to overthink. And that’s even if I always had my phone to chat with my girls. A few seconds of waiting for their replies could still bring me to that state... I guess I should start listening to music.

However, that girl’s face kept on surfacing in my mind whenever I thought of music.

Do I really miss Yue this much? I have no idea. Remembering her and hearing her song that tells her side of our story put me in this state when it comes to her.

Minutes later, I finally arrived at my destination. Compared to the other girls whose station was just on a straight line, I had to transfer to another route once to reach Mina’s neighborhood.

Just like she told me, the girl was waiting for me right outside the station. She’s sitting pretty on a waiting shed, her eyebrows furrowed and arms crossed.

Anyone who passed by and glanced at her always had the same reaction. Confusion.

They’re most likely wondering who made her angry or who’s she waiting to be that grumpy.

The girl still had her usual ponytail hairstyle. It’s tied a bit higher this time but overall it’s still great on her. It would surely sway much more when we began walking. She’s lightly biting her lips and that somehow highlighted that beauty mark below her lips.

When her eyes finally caught me, the girl shook her head and gave out a small laugh.

I was naturally confused by that reaction. However, her expression relaxed and I simply loved seeing her laugh.

“Do I look weird or something?� I asked her as soon as I reached her position.

Without standing up from her seat, the girl scanned me from head to toe before laughing once more.

She then stood up and raised her hand to my face.

No. She didn’t caress my face. Instead, she waved the fringes covering my forehead to the side before nodding.

“Not really. I just almost couldn’t recognize you. You pass.�

“Do I look that different?�

Looking down, I was wearing a light-colored polo shirt and a blazer on top of it. Below, fitting black jeans and a pair of breathable shoes.

“Of course. I should thank whoever helped dress you like this and gave you a better hairstyle.�

That would be Akane and some of the girls she called to become the judge.

On the other hand, Mina was also dressed differently. Well, I only saw her in our school uniform before. She’s wearing a short-sleeved blouse, pleated skirt and a pair of heeled sandals. Now that she’s standing in front of me, I got to admire her mesmerizing figure. If not for the place, I probably would’ve slipped my arms around her waist and held her.

“Likewise, thank you for blessing my eyes, Mina.�

“Y-you! I don’t need your compliment!� The girl was instantly flustered as she pushed her finger on my forehead.

Following that, now that I passed her screening. The girl coughed once, turned sideways and began walking away.

Although there’s a lot of pedestrians walking by, my entire focus was already on her. Like I thought, her ponytail swayed at every step she took, the way she walked was also mesmerizing despite her small stature... I think I could watch her all day.

Perhaps noticing that I was stuck standing while looking at her back, Mina facepalmed and returned to me.

“Shameless guy, how long are you going to stand here?�

“After I got my fill of admiring your style and beauty,� I answered playfully. And before she could even get more flustered, I reached for her hand. “So, can my beautiful Tea Girl guide me to your abode?�

“Don’t call me Tea Girl!�

“Then Mina.�

I put on a smile and stared into her eyes. We’re slowly becoming a spectacle for others. Nonetheless, I just couldn’t get enough to tease this girl.

In the end, after a few more banter where she always lost, Mina gave up and began walking again. With my hand clasping hers tightly, she succumbed to that fate and dragged me with her.

Our destination. Their house.

Along the way, while ignoring the stares we’re getting, Mina sighed. “... Haa, I think I will lose five years of my lifespan if I continue being embarrassed and flustered because of you.�

“That much, huh? I better stop then. I mean, I still want to grow old with you.� I casually replied. However, that served as the last string.

Seconds later, Mina snapped.