Stealing Spree

Upon returning to our city, Shio drove the car back to our house where we ate lunch with Akane, Miwa-nee and Minoru.

Although we only went to the neighboring prefecture, we still brought back some souvenirs. Something we bought at the souvenir shop right next to the hotel we stayed at. They’re mostly fruit candies and natto. Minoru loved the candies while Miwa-nee eyed the natto as if she’s already wondering what to do with it.

Her housewife instinct kicked in that even Shio became amazed at how fast Miwa-nee entered that state.

Well, I never bought natto at the supermarket whenever I would stock up so we didn’t have any of it at home. Not a fan of its taste but now that Miwa-nee was thinking of cooking some with it as an ingredient, I might find my appetite for it. Anything my girls made would always be delicious for me.

Naturally, if it’s really bad, I would be honest with my opinion rather than lying to them.

After we finished eating lunch, I went back to our room to get my things ready for the part-time job later.

Akane followed me and helped me prepare for it. And while we were at it, she told me something surprising.

“Husband, I’ll also go out today. You see, Maaya-chan contacted me…” Akane started as she began narrating what happened earlier when she received a call from Itou.

That girl thought of going out on a date with her beloved sister; Himeko. However, with her only experience only from games, anime and movies she played and watched, she’s in a dilemma on how to proceed.

She had some friends and inner circle that belonged from the upper caste of the society; friends that’s also at the same level as their family. However, she didn’t want to ask them and expose how much of a siscon she is. On the same note, Itou also couldn’t ask her friends in the classroom or club. Especially Misaki who was as innocent as a grade-schooler when it comes to relationships.

That’s when she thought of me or rather, the date I had with Himeko weeks ago. Obviously, given that she didn’t contact me for advice, she’s also against asking me. She’s thinking along the lines that if she did contact me, I might use that as a chance to take Himeko on a date once again.

I mean, that’s not a wrong assumption but if it’s today, I, unfortunately, had no time for that. She had no idea anyway so it’s fine.

That’s why she turned towards her newfound friend in the form of Akane…

At first, she inquired about whether I took Akane on a date and if I did, what did we do?

And that’s the beginning of their interesting conversation that ended up with Itou asking Akane if she could come and meet them. Or join them as a ‘date advisor’.

“How interesting…” I couldn’t help but utter a comment like that which made Akane laugh.

“Right? Since we decided not to come to your part-time job every Sunday, I’m free and have the time to help a friend in need. What do you think, husband?”

“Hmm, wait a moment.”

Itou decided to take her sister out on a date. Most likely, they’re free from their work at the hotel. Still, I wanted to check on the situation with Himeko herself.

I pulled out my phone and put Himeko on videocall. Not even ten seconds later, Himeko’s inherently beautiful face graced my eyes.

“Ruki… I. I think I know why you called.”

“Mhm… You’re probably right on the spot. Is Itou with you? Are you going to be fine?”

Not that I don’t trust her sister but still, three gorgeous women going out on a weekend… my trait as a worrywart couldn’t help but get activated.

Himeko lightly shook her head as her lips stretched to a gentle smile. “Ya-chan is in her room, preparing for it. Uhm… You don’t have to worry. Our family’s bodyguards will follow us from a distance to keep us safe. Please tell Akane I’m sorry for troubling her for this.”

“What are you saying there, Himeko? It’s no trouble at all. I want to help you in place of husband, is that fine?” Akane, who was watching from the side, interjected upon hearing that. I moved the camera to catch her face to let them converse properly.

Honestly, with just Himeko’s answer, I could already rest my worry. Those bodyguards were probably the same ones I saw during our date. Although it’s not all female, they’re professionals and only those who were approved by their father could interact with the girls.

Even though that man still hadn’t changed his perception of Himeko, he’s still at least protective of them to ensure their safety. Nonetheless, that’s not enough for me to suddenly forgive him for what he tried to do against those two closely-tied sisters.

“I informed husband just in case he started wondering where I went. Unfortunately, he has his part-time job today. Otherwise, I’ll bring him with me.”

After a while, I heard Akane say that with a mischievous tone. As it turned out, Itou already appeared in Himeko’s room, all prepared for the ‘date’.

“A-akane! D-don’t ever tell him that I asked you for this!” Itou hurriedly ran in front of the screen, screaming in panic.

However, to her disappointment or utter embarrassment, Himeko informed her of what was truly happening.

“Uhm… Ya-chan, the phone she’s using is Ruki’s. It’s too late for that. Also, Ruki’s at her side.”

With that, Akane turned the focus of the camera back to me, leading for Itou to become like a ripe tomato as blood rushed to her face, heating her up.

“T-that… Y-you…!”

With how broken the words that left her mouth, I couldn’t even guess what she was trying to say.

“Itou. I’m not against this, for your information. In fact, I appreciate the thought you put into it. I’m sure Himeko will also like this plan of yours.”

Since Himeko was still behind her, I saw how the girl nodded energetically in agreement with me.

“I’ll leave the two to you… You know how much I love them both, right? You can hate me as much as you want but… just so you know, I never hated you. You’re just too much of a siscon. That’s understandable. However, I think you should come to terms that I’m your sister’s boyfriend.”

“I-I’m not a siscon!” Ignoring everything else that I said apart from that part, Itou tried rebutting. However, with just a tug by Himeko, she quickly melted like butter on a hot pan, sizzling as she crumbled. “N-nee-sama, I just…”

As an answer to that, Himeko just hugged her little sister and patted her head tenderly. “Shush. You don’t have to explain, Ya-chan. I know where you’re coming from… But you see. Ruki is right. Can you accept him for me?”

“But nee-sama, he’s not loyal.”

In a normal sense, that’s true. I’m deluding myself to say that I’m loyal to all of them when in fact, my mind always jumps from one girl to another. Anyone that will be questioned whether I am loyal or not will surely curse me for being this shameless in claiming that I’m loyal.

In any case, the conversation is derailing, isn’t it?

“I have to defend my husband there, Maaya-chan. Ruki is… at least loyal to all of us. It’s a different kind of loyalty that is accepted by the society but me and your sister, Himeko, are aware of how much dedication Ruki is putting in to keep us satisfied and happy.”

Before I could utter a response, Akane beat me to it and soon afterward, Himeko also agreed with her words, leaving Itou baffled. Her eyes then searched for my visage through the screen and hatefully glared at me.

Seeing that, I could only wryly smile.

I guess it’s still a long way to make her accept the reality of our situation.

In any case, after this, Akane and Himeko took turns in calming down the girl.

When they finally ended the call, Akane laid down her head on my lap, a little exhausted from it. “Should I still go, husband? I think Maaya-chan will keep on insisting that you’re not good for her sister. The date that she planned will not be realized.”

That’s a fair opinion… but for me…

“I don’t think she’ll keep being like that. In the end, Itou will prioritize her older sister’s happiness. I’m sure, by now, she’s already cheering herself up to make Himeko forget about me even for just today.”

“Ah… That might be true.” Akane, who probably imagined Itou doing a victory pose, giggled heartily.