Stealing Spree

Chapter 2788: Invitation

When I returned to the main area of the gym, it had already quieted down significantly. Most of the members had cleared out, leaving just a few lingering to finish their sets or organize the equipment used.

Ichihara-san was waiting near the entrance with Koharu-chan, who looked a little bored. But the girl’s eyes sparkled in delight when she caught my figure.

Marika, Sena and Kagura-san were with them. They already changed out of their training attire.

Well, Kagura-san looked annoyed again, and even though she hadn’t said a word yet, I could already predict what she was going to say by looking at my golden ringlet girl’s expression.

“I’ll be taking Marika home with me. You cannot bring her with you tonight, understand?”

Kagura-san’s voice cut through the quiet gym like an unyielding whip. She stood with her arms crossed tight under her chest and her chin was lifted stubbornly as if she was not going to hear me out at all.

Marika, standing not far from her aunt, looked as though she wanted to run towards me. Her golden curls were still slightly damp from the shower, her cheeks flushed pink as she looked at me with those pitiful eyes.

Sena subtly nodded at me, as if saying I should do what I do best here. To be shameless enough that Kagura-san’s stubbornness would not be enough to stop me from bringing Marika with me.

Honestly, it’s not in our plan to bring Marika home with me. Only Sena will accompany us back to our house. She clearly did not want to trouble her Aunt by acting unruly but now that Kagura-san opened up with this, I couldn’t help but change my mind.

She didn’t want me to bring her home, huh? Alright, I’ll defy her expectations then.

I gestured at Marika with a grin, watching her perk up instantly. "Marika, come here."

"No!" Kagura-san barked, stepping between us as Marika hesitated. Her sharp heels clicked against the gym floor, the sound echoing her irritation. "I won’t allow her to..."

I crossed the distance before she could finish, catching Marika’s wrist gently and tugging her past her aunt’s outstretched arm. Kagura-san’s eyes widened, her lips parting in stunned silence as her niece darted past her like a golden-haired shadow.

"Ruki!" Marika gasped, colliding against my chest with enough force to make me stagger back a step. Nevertheless, her arms looped around my waist instantly, her face burying into my shirt with a muffled, triumphant giggle.

"Y-you!" Kagura-san’s voice cracked as she whirled around, her designer purse slipping off her shoulder in her haste. "Do you truly wish to defy me this openly? It’s for Marika’s sake.

Sena followed after Marika and stood next to me. A familiar smirk was playing on her lips like she was watching her favorite drama unfold.

Meanwhile, Koharu-chan bounced on her toes beside Ichihara-san, oblivious to the tension, while Ichihara-san herself watched with quiet, curious eyes. Clearly, she’s sensible enough not to step into a conversation she’s not a part of.

I let the silence hang for a beat and kept my expression neutral.

“I understand,” I answered calmly, meeting Kagura-san’s glare head-on. “But Marika is also old enough to decide for herself where she wants to go, isn’t she?”

Kagura-san’s eyebrow twitched. “She’s under my supervision until Father says otherwise. Until then, I decide whether she can come with you or not. You must understand, she’s not an ordinary girl. She’s a member of the Kujou Family. You cannot apply common sense to her situation. She’s currently engaged. The Ichihara Family has already accepted the proposal. You’re just... a distraction. A dangerous one.”

Her voice wavered at the end, sharp words cracking under the weight of something unspoken. Frustration? Worry? Or maybe the tiniest flicker of envy she’d never admit to.

I felt Marika tense against me. Her fingers tightened in my shirt as she tugged at it.

I turned my head to her and saw her shaking her head. Clearly, she didn’t want to escalate this further. I guess I should also take a step back?

Squeezing her hand and pulling her closer, I put on a smile and nodded before turning back to face Kagura-san.

“I accept dangerous but distraction? I apologize but that’s not it. Kagura-san. And you’re well aware of it. However, for Marika’s sake, I won’t argue anymore.”

Upon saying that, I didn’t let go of Marika, I walked with her and approached Ichihara-san.

"I think we’re good to go, Ichihara-san. I’ll guide you to our house. Also, can these two take the car with us? I plan to take them back for dinner. They can also help Koharu in her training."

Ichihara-san’s eyebrows raised slightly as if she was confused at my actions. After all, I did say I wasn’t going to argue anymore. And yet, I was still going to defy Kagura-san openly.

But then again, why not? It’s not like I conceded by not arguing anymore. And since she created that scene herself when it wasn’t truly necessary, I just thought it’d be only fitting to go against her expectations.

I instantly heard Kagura-san’s heel clacking as she also walked over. And when she entered my field of vision, I saw her eyes narrowed into slits.

"You... insolent boy. Do you think you can just ignore me?"

I calmly faced her and replied, "I didn’t ignore you, Kagura-san. I just decided that it’s pointless to argue. Don’t worry. I’ll escort her back after dinner. Like last week."

"T-that’s the problem! You just can’t... Ugh

Kagura-san finished, her voice trailing off into a frustrated exhale as she pinched the bridge of her nose like she was warding off a headache.

Her cheeks were flushed, not just from anger but from that helpless irritation she always got when I refused to play by her rules.

“Kagura-san,” I said, changing my tone to a gentle one. “I get it. You’re looking out for her. But Marika’s not a kid anymore. And I’m not some random guy trying to cause trouble. You know that. Tell me, is the reason you want her to go home right now because someone from that family asked for her?”

Upon hearing that, Kagura-san’s eyes widened slightly. It seems like I hit a bullseye.

“I see. Ichihara Jun must have requested to have dinner with her, huh?”

“Eh? Jun-kun?” Marika couldn’t help but react as well. “I see. That’s why he showed up earlier.”

Oh? So, he tried to approach her. And because Marika refused to see him, he went to ask Kagura-san instead.

“Indeed, I heard they are preparing for another grand dinner at the main mansion.” This time, it was Ichihara-san who provided more information.

Still... A grand dinner but they’re not included as the number two’s family? But looking at Ichihara-san, she was already used to it. That’s why their house is detached from that mansion. Either it’s because of her husband’s arrangement or the family head.

I nodded at Ichihara-san before facing Kagura-san again, “You don’t have to answer anymore. I don’t know what that dinner will accomplish. They might even corner the girl. And so, she won’t be coming. She’ll eat with us. At our house. If you want, you can accompany us, Kagura-san. It’s not as big as the place you’re staying at but we have large tables, enough to accommodate everyone.”

“Ah. Of course, that’s after I finish my lesson with Koharu-chan.”

At that, I turned to Koharu and patted her head. The girl excitedly nodded before saying, “Oh, can we also have dinner with you, sensei?”

“Of course. Let me just send a message so they’ll be prepared.”

Sensing that the mood was about to shift, Kagura-san opened her mouth like she was about to snap back with another sharp retort, but the words seemed to catch in her throat.

Her eyes shifted between Marika, who was clinging to my arm like she’d never let go, and me. And then to Sena’s knowing smirk and Ichihara-san’s quiet, amused observation.

The fight drained out of her shoulders in one slow exhale, replaced by a mix of exasperation and reluctant defeat.

“Fine. I’m coming too. Someone has to make sure you don’t corrupt her further before everything is settled.” She said in a tone laced with tired resignation.

Upon hearing that, I couldn’t help but grin.

Heh. That’s another drinking buddy for Miwa-nee, I guess? Should I also call Shio? Ryouko-san and Orimura-sensei too.

And Ayu can also come and join them.

That’d be perfect. A full house tonight. Miwa-nee would love the company, and with everyone gathered around the table, it’d feel like a lively night.

Kagura-san’s eyes narrowed again, catching the shift in my expression like she could read every thought running through my head.

“You’re already planning something, aren’t you?” She accused. “I can see it on your face. That smug little look.”

I didn’t even try to deny it. Just flashed her my usual lazy grin. “Mhm? It’s nothing bad. Just dinner. Good food, good company. You’ll see.”

Marika tugged at my sleeve, golden eyes sparkling with quiet excitement. “Ruki-kun... thank you. Hehe. I got to stay with you again.”

Her voice was soft, almost shy, but the way her fingers tightened around my arm said everything else.

She was relieved. Happy. And maybe a little proud that I’d stood my ground for her.