Stealing Spree

Chapter 2779: No one exhausted anyone

Carrying Setsuna-nee back to her bed wasn’t really hard at all, especially when she’s so cooperative by clinging on.

Her arms looped tight around my neck, legs wrapped around my waist like she was afraid I’d drop her if she let go even a little. Not that I would.

Right, she preferred that way instead of being carried like a princess. Her body pressed flush against mine. Her soft curves molded to me as I carried her the short distance across the room.

I teased her a bit by lingering at the edge of her bed without bringing her down, just holding her there with my hands gripping her ass through those tiny shorts, feeling the heat radiating from her core pressed against my stomach.

That ended with me getting bitten on my shoulder.

And so, after placing her down on the bed, I took the spot next to her and cuddled her again. Even if she tried to push on my chest, I didn’t let go, telling her we should stay like that until Juri returned.

At the same time, I asked her about her college, or at least, things about her that I hadn’t had the chance to know yet.

Setsuna-nee stayed curled against me, her head tucked under my chin. One of her hands was resting lightly on my chest, like she was still deciding whether she should be comfortable with this or not.

Clearly, the thought of Satsuki or Juri had already passed through her head.

Still, as if her resolve was becoming more solid, her fingers traced absent little circles over my shirt. The motion was slow and thoughtful, as if she were mapping out where my heart lies.

“College...” She finally muttered. “What do you wanna know? It’s not that interesting. After that camping trip our department arranged, it’s back to a bunch of deadlines, fabric samples, and professors who think ‘sustainable fashion’ means using recycled polyester like it’s some revolutionary idea.”

I chuckled softly as my hand slid up her back again, fingers threading through the soft waves of her hair. Naturally, I had no idea what she was talking about but I could understand her sentiment.

“Sounds like you’re passionate about it, though. The way your eyes light up when you talk about sewing or designing... it’s adorable.”

She stiffened for a second, then elbowed me lightly in the ribs. “Adorable? Shut up. There’s nothing adorable about it. I’m just... focused. There’s a difference.”

“Mhm. Focused,” I repeated, teasing as my thumb brushed the nape of her neck, feeling the way she shivered despite trying to play it cool. “That’s why you’ve got that mannequin in the corner dressed in half a dress. What’s the concept? Something edgy? Or secretly something soft and pretty, like a princess’s gown.”

Setsuna-nee huffed, burying her face deeper against my chest like she could hide the flush creeping up her neck.

“Idiot. That’s only the first layer. Not even 20% finished. Its outer shell looks tough, but underneath it’s all delicate lace and hidden details. Kinda like armor, but pretty. Don’t read into it, idiot.”

I didn’t say anything right away, just trying to process her words. Although my knowledge was lacking, I could still at least understand the basics, right?

For example, armor with pretty details underneath. Yeah. That sounded exactly like her.

“Looks like that’s where you’re good at, Setsuna-nee” I said quietly. “I saw those sketches on your desk. The lines, the proportions... you’ve got talent. Real talent.”

She went still again, then muttered something I almost missed. “...Thanks. It’s not a big deal. Just something I do... Unlike Juri, who already decided on photography, I’m still uncertain what to do after we finish our degree.”

“Well, you pour yourself into that design. I can tell. Just keep at it. And I’ll cheer you on from the side.” I tilted her chin up gently so she had to look at me. Those sharp eyes were softer now, guarded but not closed off.

Setsuna-nee stared at me for a long second, her vulnerability once again flickering behind the usual glare. Then she looked away, cheeks pink.

“Stop saying stuff like that,” She grumbled as she pinched my chest, “You’re too good at this. Making people feel... seen.”

I smiled, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “Good. Because I do see you, Setsuna-nee-san. All of you. The grumpy parts, the talented parts, the parts that throw pillows when they’re flustered... I like all of it. And maybe in the future, I can also see you in that?”

“Y-you bastard. That’s not going to suit me.”

“Who says it won’t? Allow me to be the judge.” I playfully grinned, which earned me a smack on my cheek. It was light though, as if she only did that because of embarrassment.

Like this, our conversation flowed.

We talked about her designs, the professors who drove her crazy, the late nights she spent hunched over her desk when inspiration hit. She opened up bit by bit, the sharp edges softening as she realized I was actually listening. Not just nodding along, but asking questions, remembering little details she’d mentioned in passing weeks ago.

Every time I brought one up, like the time she’d ranted about a classmate who kept stealing her fabric scissors, she’d huff in surprise, and mutter something about me being ‘annoyingly attentive’.

But that only made curl closer as she seemed to become more and more comfortable with our current setup.

At one point, she shifted to prop her chin on my chest, looking up at me with those stormy eyes that weren’t quite so stormy anymore.

“So, are you done pushing my buttons and trying to score some, shameless brat?” She asked with a hint of skepticism in her voice as if she couldn’t believe I had once again become obedient, even though she had already given in earlier.

I raised an eyebrow and grinned innocently, “Try anything? Like what, Setsuna-nee-san? You gotta be specific if you want me to do something. Or maybe we can seal the promise again?”

She rolled her eyes, but the corner of her mouth twitched. “Psh. Liar. You’re just waiting for me to make the first move so you can say I started it.”

“Well, only because I don’t want you to become uncomfortable. I’m this attentive, right? Satsuki and Juri love this side of me.”

“It’s only because they can tolerate your shamelessness. I’m not.”

“Oh? Shall we test it then?” This time, I let the playful grin return while my hand naughtily crawled down, grabbing her ass again.

Setsuna-nee’s eyebrows twitched as she stared at me for a long second, something conflicted flickering in her eyes again. Then she let out this tiny, frustrated sigh and dropped her forehead back against my chest.

“Once is enough for now, pervert. Save it for...” She muttered, voice muffled against my shirt.

“For what? Our date.”

“I told you not to make me say it!” The girl hit my chest with her forehead and then she froze, realizing what she’d just let slip.

Her whole body went stiff against me, ears burning crimson as she pulled back just enough to glare up through the messy strands of her hair.

“Shameless bastard,” She hissed, donning the flustered embarrassment and that tiny, reluctant smile she couldn’t hide anymore. “You tricked me into saying it.”

I laughed and squeezed her ass gently, “Did I? You’re the one who brought up the date again, Setsuna-nee-san. I was just following your lead.”

She rammed her forehead against my chest again, harder this time, like she was trying to knock the smugness out of me. “Shut up. I take it back. No date. You’re banned.”

“Mhm. Too late. We’ve already sealed it with a kiss, remember? And I’m holding you to it. Beach or hiking. Your pick. I’ll even let you boss me around the whole day.”

Setsuna-nee’s glare faltered, lips parting on this tiny, shaky exhale. She tried to scoff, but it came out breathless. “Ugh. Someday, I’d get back for all this helplessness you’re making me feel.”

“Mhm. When that time comes, I’ll accept everything.”

“Stop having a reply to everything!”

Setsuna-nee grumbled again but over time, she gradually calmed down and the room went to a comfortable silence.

Since I’ve already teased her enough, I decided to stop there and simply hold her close.

Let’s not get greedy, alright? We’ve made a lot of progress. And it even happened right after I also made some great progress with Juri.

This visit to their dorm was more than I expected.

A few minutes later, Juri returned from outside. Setsuna-nee and I had already separated. I returned to sit at Juri’s bed while she remained on her bed, acting like she hadn’t moved from there at all.

However, the redness of her face couldn’t be hidden so... she pulled her hoodie down, hiding it before pretending to sleep.

When Juri saw that, she looked at me and her lips curved up into a playful smile. “Setsu is asleep? Did you exhaust her so much, Ruki? Isn’t that inappropriate?”

And sure enough, the girl pretending to be asleep immediately jumped up as if provoked by that.

“No one exhausted anyone! Especially by that shameless brat!”

Juri laughed. I laughed. And Setsuna-nee jumped up from her bed before lunging at me as though a cat trying to scratch my face.