Stealing Spree

Chapter 2405: A kiss to end the night

"... Yes. I understand. Are you sure you want me to tell him to go home with me? I thought you wanted him to come back. Is that not the case anymore?"𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

"... I see. You’re too embarrassed to face him now. See you tomorrow, sensei."

That’s all I managed to hear from their conversation while waiting outside the Director’s Office. Shizu intentionally raised her voice for that while Hayashi-sensei probably controlled the volume of hers.

When Shizu stepped out, the first thing that caught my eye was her confident smile. It was practically glowing. She carried herself with an air of triumph, as though she’d just won a game only she and Hayashi-sensei were playing.

"Numbskull..." She approached, her hand arm instantly hooking on mine, "Looks like she’s letting you off lightly today. Why do you think she changed her mind about keeping you here?"

"Isn’t it because of you? She took back her words because she’s afraid you might misunderstand her intention." I answered as I glanced back to the now-closed door.

For sure, Hayashi-sensei was holding her forehead again, sighing to herself.

We came here as soon as Shizu woke up and for some reason, the two of them asked me to step out. Clearly, apart from the reason why she visited Shizu at her office earlier, I became their core topic. Or rather, what happened between us and what Hayashi-sensei witnessed.

I wouldn’t doubt that Hayashi-sensei reminded her about exercising restraint but Shizu, for all her smarts and sharp tongue, had probably tried to probe Hayashi-sensei’s feelings for me.

"I knew you’d get it, numbskull. That’s exactly the case. She’s keeping her image as an adult in front of us. She didn’t want me to think that there’s a possibility that she may also fall for you even though she’s halfway there already." Shizu drew circles on my arm as we walked down the corridor and into the staircase.

The way she spoke was as if she had already seen right through Hayashi-sensei’s facade. But well, since I could also see it that way, it’s no wonder that Shizu could as well.

"Treat her the same way you treat us, numbskull. She deserves it."

Shizu eventually added that as we made our way to the bus stop.

I nodded in understanding. "If it really comes to that point, you don’t have to worry."

We boarded the bus together and although she was still exhausted, she told me about the other topic she discussed with Hayashi-sensei. As I expected, it had to do with the upcoming Cultural Festival.

Although not confirmed yet, Hayashi-sensei was receiving calls about wanting to sponsor the festival.

Shizu said she’s planning to turn it down if they demand to insert something that will interfere with the student’s freedom and the schedule that the Festival Committee would prepare regarding other external events, like contests and the closing ceremony.

Well, it’s more work for her so I also agree if that’s what’s going to happen. However, if things like bringing a famous band or celebrity to the school make it more hyped, that’s something to consider.

---

After walking Shizu home and checking on Nami while avoiding being seen by Mei-chan, I sent a message to Kazuha-nee, telling her that I was nearby.

She replied after a minute, telling me she was recording for her lecture later. Well, I didn’t mind waiting for her until she finished but the woman sent another message.

"If you want to meet me, I dare you to walk through our front door."

Interesting, right?

But I instantly saw through the game that she was playing. Since she kept getting swept by my shameless charm during our previous encounters, Kazuha-nee decided to get back at me in this form. Playful teasing.

In her mind, she believed I wouldn’t do it. She’s wrong. I could. I was simply choosing not to.

After all, it’d be quite messy with Ogawa and their parents at home. I bet she’s not even prepared for the consequences that would result from that. Not to mention, their neighbors who’d be curious as to what was happening.

That’s clearly not what she’s aiming to accomplish by daring me like that.

But thinking about it, I couldn’t help but imagine their faces if I introduced myself as their Kazuha-nee’s boyfriend.

Unfortunately, that had to wait.

And so, I meticulously crafted my reply, "Are you sure about this, Kazuha-nee? You don’t mind me knocking on your door, introducing myself to your parents and surprising Ogawa about our intimate relationship?"

The moment I sent it, my phone buzzed with her immediate response, "You wouldn’t dare."

I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself as I quickly sent my reply, "Oh, but I would, Kazuha-nee. I want to see you before going home, after all. Wanna bet with me?"

Her response took a while, and when it came, it was a flurry of texts. "Wait, no, I didn’t mean it like that, you idiot! Don’t come to my house, my parents are home! I’ll meet you somewhere else. The park."

I couldn’t resist smirking at the panic in her messages. This development was not what she was expecting. "But you said you’re recording for your lecture. You know, I don’t want to disturb your work."

Her response was a string of angry face emojis, followed by a stern, "Just come to the park. I’ll be done soon. And hide yourself well. Kazu-kun went outside."

"Alright, Kazuha-nee. I’ll hide properly. I’m in a good mood to know that you also want to see me."

"I never said that! I just don’t want you to get us caught, shameless boy!" Kazuha-nee’s response was quick and sharp, the phone practically sizzling in my hand from the heat of her text.

"Sorry, Kazuha-nee. I don’t believe you."

Without waiting for her next reply, I tucked my phone into my pocket and headed for the park.

It wasn’t a long walk. It’s the same park that Saki and I used to stop by on our way to her house, after all.

I picked a bench located at an obscure spot and waited for Kazuha-nee. The park was mostly empty, the only sounds being the rustling of leaves and the occasional hum of car engines passing by.

It didn’t take long before I saw her figure approaching. It’s impossible to mistake her for someone else even if she’s wearing a hoodie and jogging pants that covered most of her skin. Kazuha-nee had a way of walking that was uniquely hers. It’s the kind that’s confident and proud, yet still has a hint of elegance to it.

As she got closer, she took off her hoodie, revealing her flustered face. Kazuha-nee’s free-flowing hair was tied into a loose ponytail which didn’t diminish her beauty one bit.

She looked around, probably checking if her brother wasn’t around before releasing a sigh of relief.

"You actually came, you shameless bastard." She said, her voice a mix of exasperation and something else.

I simply smirked as I tapped the seat next to me. My bag was already placed on the other side so she had no choice but to sit close. "Why am I the shameless one? I only said I was nearby. You’re the one who insisted on coming out."

Her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink as she sat down, trying to keep a straight face. "I never said that."

"Shall we check our messages then?" I maintained a teasing smile to further annoy her.

She glared at me, her eyes narrowing as she knew she couldn’t deny the evidence.

"Forget it," She huffed, folding her arms across her chest. "Now what? We meet each other in the middle of the night. Clearly, you haven’t eaten yet. It’s close to eight o’clock. What are you doing so late at school?"

Although her words were chastising me, the concern in her voice was unmistakable.

"I stayed behind to help Shizu finish her work in the Student Council," I replied.

Kazuha-nee nodded in understanding, though her eyes remained locked on mine. She looked absolutely stunning even though the streetlamps barely reached us, the moon casting a soft glow on her features.

"I see. Good job. Even if you’re shameless, you’re reliable."

"Of course, you know how considerate I can be, Kazuha-nee. What about you though? Are you sure I’m not taking up your time? You know, I’m already satisfied to get a glimpse of your face tonight."

"Stop with your glib tongue... Don’t misunderstand. I also want to get some fresh air so here I am."

I shook my head and snickered, "Liar. But I’ll accept that excuse."

Kazuha-nee glared at me before she finally cracked a smile. "So, what do you want to do?"

"A kiss to end the night?"

"Y-you... I know you’re up to no good."

Kazuha-nee’s cheeks darkened as she stuttered out her protest. Her eyes searched the area as if ensuring that no one else was around to witness us.

"Kazuha-nee, isn’t this also what you’re expecting? But if you want. I’m open to being scolded by you. Or maybe you want an ear to listen to your grievance? Here I am. But ultimately, I just really want to see you. I’m already content with that."

For a moment, she seemed to hesitate as though she was weighing her choices. In the end, she released before leaning closer to me. Our lips mere centimeters from each other, "Then do it properly this time, Ruki-kun... We were too... passionate the last time."

"Mhm. Will do." I cupped her cheek gently, feeling the heat of her blush, and brought her closer. Our lips met in a tender kiss, one that was filled with affection for each other. No matter how much she tried to act like she didn’t want any of this. Kazuha-nee had already fallen too deep.