Stealing Spree

"Are you waiting for me, Kazuha-nee?" I asked teasingly as the woman emerged from behind the gates, her presence unmistakable even in the dim light.

This time, she was wearing a one-piece white dress, exposing most of her flawless shoulders.

I had just escorted Hina home and, unlike yesterday, accepted her mother’s kind offer of tea before continuing on my way. That little detour probably delayed me longer than I realized, and judging by Kazuha-nee’s slightly tense posture here, it seemed like she had been out here for a while.

Looking at how she was quivering faintly, it was a clear sign she’d been braving the cool evening air, though she did her best to mask it.

"No... Hurry up and follow me before Kazu-kun returns," she muttered, casting a glance past my shoulder as if keeping an eye out. The succinct rush in her tone couldn’t go unnoticed by me as well.

Earlier, Hina and I passed by Ogawa. He was probably on his way to the convenience store. Although he tried to strike up a conversation with Hina, she completely ignored him, or rather, she chose to focus on me instead. To savor our last few minutes together here in this neighborhood where she could openly flaunt our relationship.

Ogawa walked away, his shoulders slumped, his face showing hints of regret. Of course, he was probably haunted by the choices that had led him here. His pursuit of Nami left him with nothing but the title of Hina’s ’childhood friend next door’. Facing the reality of his situation, he couldn’t escape the blunder that pushed every girl around him in my direction.

He’d made his bed, and now, he had to lie in it.

"Alright. Pardon the intrusion," I said with a slight nod, stepping through the gate as Kazuha-nee led me inside their house.

The air between us was thick with unspoken thoughts, but instead of addressing them, Kazuha-nee quickened her pace, guiding me back to her room at the furthest corner of the second floor.

She wasn’t cold, just cautious. It was as if the night that passed made her think about what transpired between us. Now, she’s weighing her next move carefully.

Unlike the playful banter or tension-filled moments we had yesterday, tonight felt... different.

We silently entered the house, and once the door clicked shut behind us, Kazuha-nee paused for a moment. Her eyes darted toward the stairs as if listening for any signs of Ogawa’s return. When the silence confirmed he hadn’t yet come back, she let out a quiet sigh of relief and turned to face me.

Just like yesterday, she asked me to carry my shoes with me before handing me the house slippers.

"I didn’t expect you to take so long," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of reproach. I glanced at her, a meaningful smile hanging on my lips. "I had tea with Hina’s mom," That sounded like an excuse but it was just my way to get a reaction from her as I took the opportunity to study her face.

She didn’t seem upset. If anything, there was something else simmering beneath the surface. "Hina, huh..." Kazuha-nee murmured as she stared at me meaningfully. Sensing that there were words stuck in her throat, I reached for her hand, clasped it with mine, and then closed our distance.

Surprised at my boldness, Kazuha-nee squirmed almost instantly, but it didn’t take long for my arms to wrap around her wide hips, pulling her into my embrace. Her wonderful fragrance filled my nose once again. Even though it hadn’t been long since I spent time with my girls in the clubhouse, my desire was bubbling up again. This woman was irresistible.

"You know, you’re free to tell me your thoughts, Kazuha-nee. You can always be completely honest with me," I said, keeping my tone light but deliberate as I met her gaze. There was something unreadable in her eyes, and I wanted her to crack just a little, to let me in on what she was truly feeling.

I leaned in a little closer, brushing my hand gently against hers. "Aren’t I the most shameless guy you’ve met? Whatever it is, I can take it."

Her lips twitched, suppressing a smile, though she quickly masked it with a soft scoff.

"Ugh. Don’t hit me with that glib tongue of yours, Ruki-kun,” Kazuha-nee muttered, trying to sound irritated, though her flushed cheeks betrayed her. She shifted slightly under my gaze, as though unsure how to handle the teasing.

"Why not?" I asked with a lowered voice as amusement danced in my eyes, watching her try to maintain her composure. I tilted my head slightly, leaning even closer, our faces only inches apart. "I’m just expressing my thoughts to you. Besides... can I say that I missed you?"

Her eyes widened just a fraction, clearly taken aback by my boldness. Her expression softened for a brief moment before she rolled her eyes. She’s trying to shake off the vulnerability creeping in.

"What an extremely shameless boy," She said with mock exasperation, playfully nudging me back to create some space. "Don’t go hugging another woman in their house after you just dropped off your girlfriend next door."

"Noted," I replied smoothly, raising my hands in surrender but not stepping back entirely. The warmth between us was palpable, and I wasn’t about to let it dissipate just yet. "But what can I do? I’m also the most honest guy you’ve met. Isn’t that why I can’t seem to get out of your head?"

"Now you’re delusional," she shot back, crossing her arms but not moving away from me. Her eyes narrowed, though there was no true annoyance in her gaze, just a hint of playful resistance. Her voice, however, wavered just enough to tell me I was getting through to her. "Should I just ask you to go home?"

I chuckled softly, watching her closely, enjoying the push and pull of our conversation. "Alright, I’m joking, Kazuha-nee," I said with my tone becoming gentle as I took a half-step back to give her some space but made sure my presence still lingered.

I glanced down at the way her hands trembled ever so slightly, her breath hitching as I released my hold on her. "Here, I’ll let go of you."

As I moved back, Kazuha-nee’s gaze followed mine, her lips pressing into a thin line, as though debating whether to pull me closer herself or let this moment go.

In the end, she sighed, half-resigned, half-amused, but didn’t say anything, letting the tension between us hang in the air.

Without another word, she motioned for me to follow her into the room. Kazuha-nee opened the door with a quiet sense of purpose.

Inside, the familiar warmth of the kotatsu greeted us. Furthermore, the soft lighting from the lamp bathed the room in a calming glow.

She then turned toward me, her eyes holding a quiet determination. "Let’s not waste time, Ruki-kun. We don’t have long before he comes back."

Although her words were rushed, they carried an undertone of something more personal. It was as though she was trying to convince both of us that the time we spent together had significance, something beyond our little game of pushing each other’s boundaries.

I guess we’ll see where this will go from here.

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