Stealing Spree

Out of all the girls from my past that I encountered again, only Hifumi chose not to stick with and rekindle what we had before. She expressed properly that she had since moved on from me.

That’s how it went during that accidental meeting at the train station.

Yet, the last time I met her, we somehow slipped back to how we were before… Me, carrying her books for her.

Although she approached me to inquire about Chii and Hana, the mood around us felt like we were back in that time.

During our last encounter, she asked if it was fine to message me. However, Hifumi probably changed her mind about doing so. The only time we exchanged messages was when I updated her that I failed to find out information concerning Hana; neither Chii nor Akane knows where she might be nowadays.

And this time, I couldn’t help but approach her as soon as I spotted her.

Uh… I know. That had just proven that I’m still drawn to her.

I mean, I can’t deny that I still think about her from time to time. However, because of what she said, I somehow convinced myself that it was a lot better to leave her alone… To not ruin her new life without my influence.

But guess what? I’m contradicting myself right now…

“… Are you sure you have the time to stop here?”

Having recovered from the surprise of my new look and meeting me here, Hifumi raised that question with an inquisitive gaze.

Surely, she easily guessed that this was all a coincidence and I had another reason to show up in this part of the city. I had no idea where she was living. I never even walked her home back when I stole her.

Anyway, I told Ririka that I was going to drop by her house. If it’s only a few minutes, I easily convince myself that I could spare it to escort this girl home.

How fickle I am, right?

Looking at her bag that was about to burst from how full it was and that stack of books, the girl didn’t listen to my reminder before. Furthermore, she probably didn’t watch the morning news to hear about the rainfall warning.

Really, what should I do to this girl?

“I saw someone I know… Isn’t it normal to stop by to greet her?” I answered with a very normal response.

But what I got was Hifumi scanning me from top to bottom, implying a certain answer. “Do you think I’ll believe that? If it’s you, it’s not normal.”

She smirked, radiating her slight superiority, certain that she was right on her read on me.

Well, I couldn’t deny that.

As one of the girls I stole before, she’s aware of what’s going on in my mind. At least, part of it. She even accurately guessed the changes in me the few times we encountered each other.

“Hmm. Good point.” I nodded, agreeing with her. But that’s not going to make me back out, “What about this? Let’s just say this ‘meddlesome me’ found it jarring to look at that stack of books you’re going to carry. Let me offer my assistance.”

I know. I sounded like I’m trying hard to have her accept my help that she was not asking. But what can I do? Accepting the idea that I was still drawn to her, I couldn’t just pretend to not see her here.

“Sheesh…. I don’t need…” Hifumi’s smirk disappeared as she appeared a little troubled at my answer. She didn’t expect me to push on like that. Her voice trailed as she alternately looked at me and the stack I mentioned.

Following that, her expression changed a few times before ultimately showing a defeated one. “… Haa. What am I expecting? You’re still that Ruki even if you changed a lot. Knowing you, you’re probably going to stop even if I reject your extended hand.”

Along with a heavy sigh, Hifumi plopped back on the bench while shaking her head.

I felt a little guilty for putting her in this situation… However, I still found it not enough… or rather, my mind was screaming to me to push on.

And that’s why I took the space next to her and smiled, “Well, you do know how stubborn I am. And I somehow want to scold you for not listening to me. The midterm exams had just finished, why are you still bringing all these books? At least try to rest.”

“Ugh. Scold me all you want. You also know I won’t leave my books alone, rain or shine.” Putting on a strong front, Hifumi shook her head and hugged her bag.

Looking at her like this, I recalled the Hifumi of days old. Even though she matured a lot, she’s still the same girl I stole before. I even got a glimpse of that during the last time we met.

“I guess I like this part of you.” Instead of retorting to her words, I said that out loud as I reached for her stack of books and put it on my lap. This way, I showed her that I’m ready to escort her.

However, rather than reacting to what I did, I found her eyes widened in another surprise as she stared at me.

“What are you saying…? Stop saying misleading words!” The girl instantly got worked up hitting my shoulder lightly. Her whole face gradually turned red.

This reaction… Although I made it obvious how I wanted to maintain this connection with her, she once again didn’t expect me to be that blunt. Or she’s just the same as me before all this, she suppressed her feelings for me.

Well, that’s just my assumption. In the end, only Hifumi knows what’s going on inside her mind.

“Hmm? That’s my honest thought, really. You see, I’m still attracted to you. Just that, I’m going to respect your choice. That’s why you can think of this as me just being meddlesome. I wanted to help you carry these… That’s all.”

As always, my honest trait prevailed, saying all this to her might be ill-timed considering I still have places I need to go to. Nonetheless, since I was already here, I might as well come out clean.

This is a lot better than coming up with another excuse the next time I coincidentally meet her again.

Or will that still be called a coincidence if I actively seek her out? I don’t know.

Around half a minute later, Hifumi, who had just finished processing my words, lowered her head. Her hands landed on my shoulders before pushing me. “You know what? Let’s stop this talk. If you’re going to help me, then suit yourself. I don’t want to hear more of it.”

Without raising her head to look at me, Hifumi stood up and walked to the edge of the waiting shed and looked up at the night sky.

A minute later, she hopped out and said without turning her head back to check on me. “What are you waiting for? Aren’t you going to escort me?”

This… How should I interpret all this? Is she running away or not? But looking at her slightly hunched back because of the weight of her bag, I noticed how she was trembling slightly…

That’s right… She’s feeling conflicted.

Not knowing how to respond to me, she chose the easier option. To give in to what I wanted to do for her.

Understanding that, this made me stop and think… Am I doing the right thing here?