Stealing Spree

As they continued to play. I never stopped observing the two.

And I noticed that Nagai was surprisingly a good sport. After calming down, she took the loss in stride, focusing on improving herself. Sumire, on the other hand, was the picture of grace, not gloating but instead offering Nagai some tips she picked up from her time playing.

I thought that would piss Nagai but it didn't. Everything was already smoothened out after the girl accepted her narrow view.

Seeing Sumire unbothered and even enjoying their exchange, I felt like a proud parent watching my child grow up and make friends.

It somehow felt like I became the third party. Or so that's how it would look like if not for the two of them moving back to my side every time they would finish a set.

Minutes later, as soon as our allotted time was finished, Nagai tried to keep us back by saying she was going to extend. I mean, she came here alone but she ended up joining us in our lane.

But given the time, I refused, and Sumire also understood that our short date would be at some point.

Understanding that, Nagai didn't push for it anymore, instead, she walked out of the lane with us.

In the end, I got sandwiched between them; Sumire at my right and Nagai at my left. The other patrons of the batting center looked at us. Some even whistled at me saying I came into the establishment with a girl on my side but now, I am about to go out with two...

They're not wrong but... it felt wrong, no? Sumire and Nagai giggled at that and even tried to tease me for it.

Of course, that didn't work on my thick face.

As we stepped out of the place, Nagai suddenly brought up a question.

"Senpai, can I know your name?"

Yep. I hadn't named myself in front of her yet. And with Sumire sticking to calling me 'senpai', Nagai simply adopted it.

In any case, Sumire reacted first. Her eyes grew wide as though the girl was asking in order to steal me from her.

"Huh? Renka-san, why are you asking him? You're not planning to...?"

Noticeably, within this short period, they also switched to calling each other on a first-name basis. How fascinating. They had truly gotten closer after settling their differences.

Was it really that easy? I don't know. But if I ask them, I can already imagine the two pointing at me being the iron that smoothened out the wrinkly surface of their relationship, turning rivalry into friendship.

"Why not, Sumire-san? I find Senpai cool. I also want to be his acquaintance." Nagai replied, her voice surprisingly playful as if she already read Sumire to be one easily flustered.

I smirked and patted both of their heads before saying, "I'm Onoda but it's up to you on how to call me. But I have to tell you this. Sumire is my favorite junior."

At that answer, Sumire gave me a playful glare while Nagai seemed to be pondering something.

"Eh? Onoda-senpai, do you mean you're not her boyfriend?" Nagai asked.

Ah. I guess that's the incorrect wording.

In any case, since our relationship was still truly a little ambiguous with just me claiming her to be special, straight-up saying yes might clear that up.

Sumire's grip on my arm tightened as though warning me on how I should answer,

Seeing that reaction from her, I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.

And then, I stretched my warm to her back, boldly wrapping my arm around her waist.

"Well, as you can see. Sumire and I have this special relationship. Not quite a couple yet but... something more than just a senior and junior," I replied with a smile, tightening my hold on Sumire.

Sumire squirmed a little at my hold, but she didn't deny my words. Instead, she clung to me more tightly, a blush spreading across her cheeks as Nagai looked at us with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"Is that so?" Nagai's voice was thoughtful, and she looked between us with an unreadable expression. "Well, in that case, I won't get in your way, Onoda-senpai. But, if you ever need another junior, I'll be more than happy to join." She winked playfully, making it clear she was joking but leaving just enough ambiguity to make Sumire's grip tighten further.

"Renka-san!" Sumire exclaimed with a flustered tone, her grip on my arm tightening. "You can't just say things like that!"

I couldn't help but laugh at her reaction. Nagai was indeed a wildcard but she had the charm of a kitten that couldn't be ignored. Plus, she had a point. If she wasn't going to be hostile anymore, why not bring her into the fold?

Alright. Let's scratch that idea. That's pretty absurd, no?

"Why not? With how cool Senpai is, you have to be prepared to share," Nagai teased, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she poked at Sumire's jealousy.

This girl... She couldn't really be far from the truth.

Ignoring Nagai's tease, Sumire looked up at me with a slightly irritated look and an adorable pout, "Senpai, let's go."

"Alright. I hope you get along well with each other, Nagai. I'll watch your games in the future." I said as Sumire started pulling on me to leave.

Nagai nodded, her expression turning serious, "Thank you, Onoda-senpai. I'll make sure to show you that I can be a good player too."

I returned a smile and a nod before separating from her and taking Sumire with me. As we walked back to where we came from, I couldn't help but feel the weight of Sumire's head on my shoulder. It was a gentle pressure, one that signaled comfort and trust. Her cheeks were still tinged with red, but she seemed more at ease now. The tension between her and Nagai had eased into a friendly rivalry, and I was happy to see that.

Furthermore, our bond had also strengthened. If before all this my declaration that she's special to me still felt surreal for her, now it's probably more concrete.

"You can't just take another junior in front of me, senpai," Sumire murmured, her voice a mix of teasing and slight insecurity.

"Well, your senpai is so popular I can charm even someone who's initially hostile to you," I whispered back to Sumire with a smug tone, feeling the heat from her cheeks as she buried her face deeper into my shoulder.

"You're just too full of yourself," she muttered, though her voice was laced with a hint of affection.

"That's my trademark. Aren't I your shameless senpai?" I replied, teasing Sumire further, which only made her blush deeper.

Soon, we reached the same park bench where our date had started, and I felt a sense of accomplishment for navigating through the minefield of their rivalry. Sumire's grip on my arm loosened a bit, but she didn't let go completely. She was still in the moment, still reeling from the events at the batting center.

"Sumire, you were amazing back there," I said, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "You really have come a long way."

"Stop it. It's all you, senpai. I don't think we'll be able to talk like that if not for you..." Sumire mumbled, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "And... Nagai-san. I didn't know she felt like that."

"I guess that's a normal reaction when she's the one holding the position for a long time. It's surprising but she's pretty reasonable. And she's also quite charming when she wants to be," I said with a knowing smile. "But you're the one who showed her your worth today. That took guts."

"Stop praising me... I'm embarrassed." Sumi giggled, hiding her face in my chest. She was adorable like that, and I couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction.

"Ah. Right. Since you won the challenge, have you thought about what you want, Sumire?" I asked, breaking the comfortable silence as we sat on the bench.

"Can I have a kiss?" She looked up at me with those sparkling eyes, hope, and a touch of shyness intertwined in them. With how straightforward she brought that up, how could I resist the pull?

After looking to our left and right, ensuring no one was paying attention to us, I leaned down and gave Sumire the kiss she requested without a hint of hesitation.

Her lips were soft and sweet, and she responded to me with the same enthusiasm. Furthermore, there was a hint of victory in the way she accepted my kiss. It's like she was claiming what was rightfully hers. It was a short but passionate kiss, and it left us both breathless.

"Y-you're so quick, senpai. I meant on the cheek but you went for my lips." Sumire stuttered out, her face now a beacon of red as she looked up at me with wide eyes, her breaths shallow.

"Hmm? Is that so? Sorry, you should've been clear from the start," I teased with a smug grin playing on my lips before pulling her back to lean on my chest.

Sumire's eyes narrowed slightly. The corners of her mouth twitched upwards, hinting at a smile she was trying to suppress.

"Shameless!" She protested weakly, but her eyes shone with amusement.

"Well, when you're as lovely as you are, Sumire, it's hard to resist." I chuckled, stroking her hair gently.

Just like this, we spent the time quietly in that park. Of course, I stayed true to my promise of pampering her. Maybe a few stolen kisses too. And when it was time, I escorted Sumire back to her house.

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