Stealing Spree

A while later, the server returned with my order.

While she was putting it down on our table, the exasperated Ohori-senpai went silent. Her arms crossed while staring out the window.

Following her gaze, she’s staring straight at the entrance of that love hotel.

I looked at Aoi. Understanding the meaning of my gaze, she nodded faintly to not let Ohori-senpai notice it.

From what she's doing right now, it seems that Ohori-senpai has developed the habit of watching from this café for her boyfriend’s continued cheating. Most likely, she’s already a regular at this café.

Shamelessly kissing Aoi in front of Ohori-senpai was part of the plan. To see her reaction.

And sure enough, she got flustered with a hint of enviousness upon seeing how close our relationship is; never mind the lack of shame inside the café.

From how I saw it, that envy came from her problematic relationship. She was being cheated on by her boyfriend and yet, she’s not raising a voice against it. Most likely, she’s afraid that the guy would leave her if she did.

How lovestruck is she? Although I likened it to Arisa’s past, it’s different from the fact that Ohori-senpai was more than aware that she was being cheated on. She’s even watching from this café, staking out for her boyfriend and the girl to show up.

When the server left our table and I returned their cups in front of them, I intentionally made a little blunder by almost turning the cup over to get her attention.

And that was successful, albeit not that satisfactory.

Ohori-senpai, whose thoughts were wandering outside, cast her gaze on me. Her brows creased slightly as she alternately stared at the cup and me.

“Geez, Onoda. Are you nervous?” She remarked before taking the cup from me.

I scratched my cheek. “A little. I remembered how you were against me back then.”

“Isn’t that because you’re pursuing Aoi when she’s still in a relationship? You can’t do that. At least, play squarely.”

Well, what’s this? Why does she feel like a real senior, reprimanding a junior? Where’s the unruly Ohori-senpai? Does her relationship problem dampen her original attitude?

I guess that’s just what love can do to people, huh? Although there were times that a person didn’t need to change to match one’s partner, Ohori-senpai’s change was also a possibility.

Anyway, that was her gripe about me back then. Even though I spent time with them, she never approved of what I was trying to do. But in the end, she didn’t mention me to Aoi’s boyfriend. Whether that’s a kindness on her part, I had no idea.

“Uh… Senpai is right. I’m playing dirty back then.”

“At least you admitted to it. That’s in the past, anyway. Look at how that girl’s too lovestruck at you. I never saw her act like that to her ex.”

Well, the simple reason is… she had only been his girlfriend in name for a long time already.

Once I stole Aoi, the girl gradually turned cold to that guy. Even if she still followed my instruction to stick to him after getting cut off, Aoi never changed. Furthermore, she also regretted not being honest with me. Although that wouldn’t change my decision, that somehow made her feelings for me burn even brighter.

“I guess I’m lucky that my efforts paid off. Anyway, what about you senpai? How’s it going for you?”

And with this, I diverted the topic to her.

It’s time to gather information.

Naturally, I acted as though Aoi never told me about her situation.

With every question that I asked, she was a little reluctant to answer fully. Moreover, she’s only giving vague answers at times especially when I started asking about her love life.

Aoi also helped me with it. She somehow managed to guide Ohori-senpai to reveal a few tidbits of her current problem.

Minutes later, Aoi excused herself to go to the bathroom.

Again, another part of our plan so that I could be alone with the girl.

I wasn’t planning to make a move. I was still trying to ascertain if Aoi’s request of using my old ways to get her out of her relationship was necessary.

“Senpai, what’s your boyfriend like? I haven't met him yet, right?”

“Huh? Why raise that question?”

“Just a little curious who’s the lucky guy to have tamed you. Aren’t you the same as Aoi back then? Too unruly and playful. You even pranked me a few times.”

“Oh. Right. That happened.” Ohori-senpai lightly clapped as though she had just remembered it. She then laughed at the memory. "You're a gloomy guy wanting to snatch a pretty flower like Aoi. I admired your guts back then."

"You don't say… I believed I wasn't as gloomy as you thought. Snob, perhaps."

"That too! It's like you're turning on a switch whenever she's around. Tsk. You've come a long way, young man."

"Is that a praise, senpai?"

"Yeah. I commend your efforts. I wonder if I can hold on as long as you did."

"Hmm? What's that about?"

"No. Forget it."

After slipping out a sliver of what she's bottling up, she's going to be like this. The effort to make her comfortable by bringing up the past will be wasted if I don't press on.

"Senpai, is it just me, or do you seem really lonely? I'm sorry if I'm intruding but you're Aoi's friend. I may not be the best at solving problems but I can lend an ear."

"Onoda. Are you hearing yourself right now?"

"Loud and clear."

"Geez. I'm not… lonely."

Even without looking at her downcast expression, the way she paused there was too obvious.

"I see… Then do you like a refill?" I asked.

Dropping the topping right there was the perfect moment. I mean, if I insist on hearing what she's trying to keep hidden, she'd just be wary.

Sometimes, giving a space to breathe was the correct choice.

Well, not sometimes but oftentimes. I managed to corner the girls I was stealing back then that's why pushing until they spill out their thoughts was plausible. In this case, I haven't done anything like that.

"No. Thank you. I'm on my third cup." She rejected me but I saw a faint relieved smile on her lips. She's grateful that I stopped pressing her.

"Alright then. It's nice meeting you again, senpai."

"Yes, it's nice to meet you again. Take care of Aoi. She's a headache but she's a good girl..."

Ohori-senpai looked like she was about to add another sentence but she decisively closed her mouth before staring outside the window again.

Minutes later, Aoi returned from the bathroom and it was Ohori-senpai who then excused herself.

"No good?" Aoi asked when she returned to my side and snuggled closely. Concern could clearly be seen in her expression.

I guess she's wondering if my evaluation of Ohori-senpai was enough for me to make a move.

"She looked pitiful. She's trying to keep the problem all to herself while holding on to the hope that her problem will be solved. I think she's staking out here not to catch them but to convince herself that the guy has stopped cheating on her."

"So, that's what it looks like." Being this close to her, I could clearly feel the emotion running in her chest. Aoi also has reached the same conclusion as me.

In any case, I don't think stealing the girl is the best solution. I can also deal with the guy to leave Ohori-senpai alone. It will break her, true but she can move on from it.

And that's why I have to ask another question that's bugging me. This time, to Aoi.

"Mhm… Aoi, you do know I'm trying to step away from my past means. I might not regret what I did but I didn't want to repeat my mistakes. Is there another reason for you to suggest that?"

"Uhm… There is none, darling. You'll probably get why I requested it when you meet her boyfriend."

From Aoi's answer, it's like she's telling me to watch and see how horrible the guy can be and that it will be a good enough reason to spur me into action.

Minutes later, Ohori-senpai returned from the bathroom.

We're preparing to leave the cafe but I noticed Ohori-senpai freezing from her seat.

She's looking outside again or specifically, at the entrance to the love hotel.

There a couple could be seen flirting with each other as they strolled inside.

Her reaction alone gave me the answer… That's her boyfriend with another girl.

"Who… Why is it a new girl?"

I heard Ohori-senpai silently muttered as hopelessness colored her face.