Stealing Spree

Disturbed by the noise, I looked at Mina and saw that she’s as confused as me.

“You’re expecting a guest?�

“Not that I know of...� She shook her head.

After the initial banging noise, it rang out once more a few seconds later. This time, it was louder than before and accompanied by a faint voice.

It’s outside. With her room located at the backside of the house and the door shut closed, only a muffled incoherent voice reached us.

There’s her mother outside but just in case everything was fine, Mina and I stood up.

I held her hand in mine as we approached her door. There’s no reason to do so but still, just in case something was happening, I could easily defend my girl.

On the same note, I could also feel a certain fear welling up inside her. Fear for her mother’s safety.

We’re inside her room so the one attending the front door should be Auntie Yayoi. With two violent bangs and a voice that seemed to be shouting, it’s definitely not a simple angry neighbor.

Whoever was that, he or she didn’t bear any goodwill.

Judging from Mina’s reaction, this was the first time it happened or she wasn’t here when it happened before.

This is still in the same city wherein it’s relatively peaceful, save from those delinquents that could be found in crowded, obscured or lawless places such as shopping districts or arcades. That’s why unless someone had a reasonable grudge or anger to anyone, it wouldn’t reach this point of banging into someone else’s door.

“Mina, do you mind if I step in? If it’s as we guessed, I don’t want to get ahead of myself without consulting you or your mother. I’m still an outsider, after all.�

Getting her opinion was first and foremost. I mean, I was also somewhat impulsive. If my intervention could make it worse then it’s better to stay silent and observe.

Mina gently shook her head. “I don’t mind... I trust you.�

“Well then, let’s go and check it.�

Having decided that, we left the room in a slight hurry.

We have yet to reach the curtain separating this side of the room when another loud banging was heard followed by curses. “Damn woman! Open this door at once if you still want your shop to open!�

“What do you want?! Who sent you here?! I’m calling the police!�

“Huh?! Police? Let’s see if this door of yours can still stand before they arrive. Men, kick this damn door open!�

“W-wait! I’ll open it! Don’t break my door!�

Hearing all of that, Mina had a rather strong reaction. If I wasn’t holding her hand and taking the lead, she’d already run out to her mother.

I looked at her and reassured her. “Mina, can you stay here? Beyond the curtain. Let me go and check instead.�

“But mom...�

“Leave it to me. I won’t let her get hurt. We don’t know who they are so it’s a lot better if you keep yourself hidden... Also, call the police right away and once you’re done. Record everything from here.�

“A-alright. Don’t overreach yourself...�

“I know. Who am I? You probably already heard about me from Haruko anyway. Though I can’t boast that I can win if it comes to a fight... I’m not someone easily scared.�

I put my hand on top of her head, patted it gently before planting my lips on her forehead.

After reminding her once more of what she had to do, I strode off the curtained part of the house, just in time when Auntie Yayoi opened the door. She hurriedly stepped back to put a distance away from those strangers outside.

From where I was, I spotted one man in suit and two men that looked like a thug, complete with their unbearable faces.

The man in suit had sunglasses on and a pompadour hairstyle. He’s close to how yakuza were often depicted. On the side of his neck, there’s a black patch that was possibly a part of a bigger tattoo.

Moments later, the man in suit entered the house while the two thugs followed behind him, taking both of his sides. The two took an imposing pose as they tried to intimidate Auntie Yayoi. On the other hand, the man in suit pulled out a cigarette and lit it before climbing out of the front door area with his shoes still on.

To everyone, that’s an extremely rude gesture. But then, they’re already rude since the start so it’s not surprising.

Auntie Yayoi was slightly trembling from where she was but she’s not succumbing to the intimidation. She only opened the door just to prevent them from breaking it open. Confronting them was still her stand.

At this point, I walked over to her back and asked, “Auntie, what’s happening?�

Surprised, she flinched and looked at me before glancing in the curtained area’s direction. Seeing that Mina wasn’t with me, she lightly sighed in relief.

“What are you doing here? Go back. This doesn’t involve you.�

As expected, she’s going to send me away. But this was a moment where I could act like a fool who didn’t know what’s better for me.

“I see unfamiliar faces here. Are they your guests?� I stared at her and winked, hoping that she’d catch on to what I wanted to do. However, she’s not like Nami, Shizu or any of my girls who could read me even without saying anything.

“N-no. I told you. Go back there.�

She tried pushing me back but I just didn’t budge.

Perhaps thinking that we’re taking too long to talk, the man in suit loudly grumbled. “Who’s that pipsqueak? I heard you only have a daughter. Another family member we haven’t heard of?�

“He’s unrelated to this! And whatever your purpose in coming here, state it now!�

Auntie Yayoi dragged me behind her, covering me from their eyes.

That’s the normal response, it’s me who was meddlesome after all. However, before making a move myself, I also wanted to hear their reason.

At least, they didn’t just throw their weight around here to corner Auntie Yayoi.

Based on their words, she didn’t know them and that man in suit was informed by someone about her. There’s also the mention of her shop... That’s probably the salon she owned.

Is this about the location of her shop? Loan sharks? Landlord? Either of the two, just from how rude they entered the house, they definitely didn’t bring good news.

“Oh. Purpose, huh? Let’s do this as civilly as possible.�

In what way is he civil? I wanted to rebut like that but I restrained myself. It’s not the time yet.

The man in suit fixed his collar, produced a comb from his suit and used it to repair his hair’s form.

Following that, he flicked his finger and the two thugs stepped backward.

“Won’t you come with us, Ms. Nakano?� He said in as fake as it gets amiable tone. He’d surely flipped if Auntie Yayoi declined.

That’s disappointing. All that dramatic movement and it’s the typical ‘Come with us or else’ line.

“Huh? What for? You still haven’t introduced yourself and you want me to follow you? In your dreams!�

Auntie Yayoi surprisingly took another strong stance but the man in suit remained unperturbed. He clicked his tongue and sneered.

He then facepalmed. Seconds later, his shoulder trembled as if agitated. “Must you be this difficult? If I say come with us... Come with us!�

At the same time as he finished his words, he stretched his hand to try grabbing Auntie Yayoi’s wrist.

Naturally, he failed. I was watching his movements. Before he could even touch a hair on her skin, I stepped out from behind Auntie Yayoi and grabbed his wrist instead, preventing him from doing so.

Auntie Yayoi’s question could easily be answered by him but no, he just didn’t want to give any details. And... he’s trying to resort to force again. In this case, I had to step in before she could even be dragged out by them.

Whatever their reason, there’s still time to ask them later.

“Huh? What’s this? Trying to be a hero?� He snarled. Despite the sunglasses, there’s no doubt that he’s looking down on me. From behind him, the two thugs he brought with him were about to move.

“It’s a simple question. Can you at least state your business? Or are you trying to kidnap Auntie?� I confidently asked, my eyes boring through his sunglasses.