Stealing Spree

Once again, I got beholden with the idea that I should be the one to solve every problem of my girls. I had no idea how many times it was already that I forgot their willingness and wish to help me with what I planned for our future.

In my defense, I have this undeniable sense of responsibility to shoulder those problems they were facing. I pulled them into this complex relationship, after all.

I guess I was always blinded by that. Otoha, Hitomi, Akane, all of them. They’re not princesses on top of a tower who were just waiting for a prince to come to their rescue. They’re individuals that just like me, have their own minds and decisions. And because they’re also now connected to each other through the link with me, it’s fairly natural for them to also be worried over their well-being.

And that was the thing I missed regarding this case. My feet were still rooted in the past, or at my past deeds. Back then, I handled Otoha’s situation on my own. Even though there’s Yae and eventually Haruko who remained at my side to be an accomplice or even some of the girls that I ordered to do something as part of my plan to steal another girl like Miyako, all in the name of helping me, their participation could be considered minor or only when I couldn’t find an opening. In the end, it was still me that resolved any issues that we might encounter.

… In a way, even if I already accepted that they’re going to be of help to me at this period of time, I never once considered asking for their help at all. I was still too focused on the fact that I should be the one to move and the other girls were unrelated to Otoha’s current situation.

That’s another idiotic or bastardly decision on my part…

True… Some situations were better left handled by me, just like that time I talked with the creep who tormented Shio and tried to groom Nao. The current situation with Otoha hadn’t reached that point yet… Besides, it’s just me being too much of a worrywart because of the past three days without hearing from them.

Nonetheless, Akane opened my eyes this time… I could rely on her, on them to do things that weren't plausible if I did it by myself.

“Don’t look at me as if I’m your savior, idiot husband. I simply laid out another solution to ease your worry. You do know that we’re all going to be affected if we see you frowning, right?”

There’s only one answer to that. Yes. They’re all going to be affected if I show them my frowning face.

I don’t know if it’s written on my face or they’re just getting good at reading my poker face. Either way, it’s not going to look great if instead of being the core of this relationship, I became the weakest link. That at every negative emotion or expression showed on my face or my actions, they’re all going to be affected.

That’s too lame, isn’t it?

This surely started after remembering that emotion. Instead of being the cold and indifferent guy who couldn’t care less about anyone and just following that desire, I became an emotional guy.

I could still keep it up most of the time but it’s also undeniable that negative emotions kept on affecting me.

“… Do I frown too much these days?” As someone who was an expert, if not the best, in terms of grasping my personality, I’m sure she could understand what’s going on in my mind by asking that question.

And I wasn’t wrong…

“Do you want me to be honest or…”

I cut her off and reached for her hand while my eyes fixed on hers, “Be honest, Akane. I want to hear it.”

Akane didn’t shy away from my gaze and became silent for a while and appeared as if she was arranging the words in her head. Her fiery red eyes clearly showed my reflection.

As I was already used to the affection-filled gaze that she’s always throwing at me, seeing her rather expressionless this time was enough to somehow raise the tension inside me.

It hadn’t been that long since that night when she got angry with me but here I was again, trying to get a slap to my reality.

After around a minute of silence, Akane put her hand on my cheek as she showed a gentle smile, reminiscent of what most mothers do to their naughty children. “Yes, Ruki. You’re showing it more often these days, be it through that handsome face of yours or the way you acted and talked. But believe me, it’s not a bad thing. No one’s perfect and it’s perfectly justified how you worry, and feel other kinds of emotions for all of us. So, in my opinion, you’re doing just fine.”

As I took in her words, Akane’s soothing, gentle voice that seemed to be attached with her thoughtful concern over me gradually relieved that tension that built up. And through it, I noticed my cloudy mind clearing up.

“We’re more emotional than you, you know? Me, Miwa-nee, Nao and everyone else. That’s how you’re able to grasp our characters. That’s why… think of it as part of growing up or rather regaining your old characteristics. I’m sure you haven’t forgotten. Before your desire manifested, you’re more active and cheerful than me.” Akane continued.

Halfway through it, Akane parted my fringes before leaning forward to butt heads with me. Looking at how the arc of her lips slowly grows wider, she’s not done yet. Also, inside me, I want to hear more. More of what Akane was seeing on me.

“I was satisfied enough that you remembered your love for me. Yet, I also predicted that it also wouldn’t be long before you became ridden with different kinds of emotions that you seemingly forgot along with it. Whatever’s going on in your head right now, feel it, understand it and I’m sure… once you do, my husband will stand up again and stronger than ever.”

Akane ended it there and a few moments later, our lips met. It’s not the first time but this kiss tasted sweet yet a little bitter as well. It’s filled with her endless consideration, patience as well as… grievance.

Obviously, that grievance was about the fact that we’re not going to return to the past again where she’s my only one. Akane is a strong girl… And definitely stronger than me. Without her… Will I still be the same Ruki?

I don’t know. And I don’t even want to start thinking about it.

I received that kiss that’s filled with her emotions and returned it with my renewed conviction.

She’s right. Whatever I was feeling or what I was experiencing these days, especially if it involved me showing more emotions on my face and my acts, it’s a sign of growth.

Rather than be afraid of it, I better face it head-on…

And along with that, I should stop shouldering everything. Not just Akane, all of my girls are mostly waiting for me to also rely on them with things I can’t do by myself…

“How can I thank you?”

“Husband, don’t ask me that question. I’m going to accompany you until the end. I accept everything about you, be it your excellent side and flaws.” Akane pinched my nose and flashed her most beautiful smile again.

“About Otoha, leave it to me… No, to us. I can’t go there alone, right? It’s about time for me to utilize this…”

After curling up her lips to a smirk, Akane then pulled up her phone and waved it in front of me. On the screen, I once again saw the name of their dedicated chat group, ‘Ruki Hub’.