Stealing Spree

Chapter 2925: A Calm Before... (3)

"What’s wrong? I also told you I’d always prepare sweets for you when you visit. I’m just acting true to my word," I caught it effortlessly and gave her a wink that only seemed to make her blush deeper.

Futaba let out a huff, crossing her arms over her chest. However, doing so emphasized her exaggerated size.

Furthermore, it seemed as though her hypersensitivity was starting to act up. She shuddered slightly and immediately loosened up while averting her head.

When Akane noticed that, the girl went to Futaba’s side, checking up on her. Then, the silly girl whispered something in her ear, making Futaba jump.

Whatever that was... I could only guess.

In any case, the next thirty minutes were spent like this. I juggled between the four girls, teasing and being teased in turn, while the atmosphere in the living room shifted from playful chaos to a warm sort of intimacy.

Akane kept playing the role of the catalyst, tossing out suggestive comments that pushed the boundary, while Fuyu acted as the gentle anchor, ensuring no one felt left out.

Eri kept on demanding to be pampered. Whenever Akane or Fuyu would leave my side, she’d immediately try to take their place. She didn’t really care about being called out by the other three, stating that it was all her privilege as my ’girl best friend’.

In the end, Akane and Fuyu could only reprimand me, reminding me again not to overly indulge the girl or she might do something she’d regret later.

But knowing Eri, she knew where her boundaries lay. If anything, compared to Futaba, she’d probably not do anything excessive. She was too comfortable with me that she was probably using our closeness to simulate a feeling she couldn’t get from her actual boyfriend yet.

Meanwhile, Futaba ended up curling up on the sofa as her unique constitution gradually caught up with her. Akane and Fuyu had me check on the girl but each time, she’d act like she was fine. Most likely, she was trying her best to hold herself back and simply wait for our time later.

In short, she was making it hard for herself. But it’s understandable. She wasn’t like Eri, who had no sense of personal space. I also didn’t try to pressure her and let her be.

Eventually, the clock on the wall ticked past ten. Eri stretched her arms over her head with a loud yawn, her expression shifting from mischievous to sleepy. "Ugh... it’s getting late. Regrettably, we’re not having a sleepover today. I could’ve asked Ruki to hold me to sleep!"

"Girl, you’re making me worry for you." I flicked her forehead again but the girl just stuck her tongue out at me, clearly unbothered.

"Hehe. I’m just kidding. How can I get past Akane and Fuyu? Maybe next time, I can get you to pamper me alone."

"Eri, stop having designs on husband. Your boyfriend will cry." Akane giggled, though she didn’t seem genuinely concerned. She was also aware of the girl’s antics. Despite her acts, she’d truly never crossed a line she set for herself.

At least, that’s what I believe. Nothing would happen, right?

Ugh. Let’s not jinx it.

"Mhm. It’s getting late. I’ll escort you three home. Also..." As I trailed my voice there, everyone’s gaze shifted to Futaba.

Since it wasn’t a secret, Futaba also straightened up as she nodded at me, her face becoming tinged with the same crimson as earlier, "Un. No one’s at home. We can... do it then."

The bluntness of her admission left the room in a momentary, heavy silence. Eri blinked, her mouth hanging open slightly, while Akane and Fuyu exchanged a knowing, supportive glance.

Futaba immediately realized how loud she had spoken and clamped her hands over her mouth, her eyes widening in horror.

"Ah! I didn’t mean to say it like that! I meant we can... discuss the details later!" She squealed, though she wasn’t really clearing anything up.

In any case, Akane and Fuyu just looked at her before turning to me. They didn’t say anything but their gazes told me enough of their thoughts. There were conflicting emotions in there. After all, no woman would knowingly be fine with her partner spending the night with someone else, even if they had agreed to it. But the bond between these girls was stronger than their jealousy.

They clearly talked it out in length and decided to support their friend. Perhaps even if things went out of control, they wouldn’t blame her openly.

Of course, the responsibility still lies with me. No matter what, if I don’t lose control, everything will be fine, no matter how intimate the situation becomes.

"Alright, let’s go before you all get scolded for staying out too late," I said, breaking the tension.

Akane brought me a coat while the three girls who were still in their uniforms picked up their bags and waited for me at the door.

Fuyu immediately sidled up by my side, her arm linking and her fingers entwining with mine. She didn’t say a word, but the way she squeezed my hand was her way of claiming her territory one last time before the night shifted.

Akane, acting the supportive wife, gave me a little push toward the door with a wink and a playful ’good luck’ that suggested she was imagining the scenes Futaba and I were about to create.

Yeah. She was probably already feeling jealous but she wouldn’t vocally express it to me. I’d expect it to be expressed later and I would naturally be the one to soothe it.

As we stepped out into the cool night air that was already starting to be a bit humid because of the changing of seasons, the walk to the train station was relatively quiet.

Yeah. We’re taking the train this time instead of the bus.

Once again, Eri took the open space on my other side while Futaba stood beside Fuyu.

Although there were still a few passengers at this time of the night, most of the train cars were already close to being desolate.

We quickly found a corner for us where Fuyu possessively clung to my arm, and Eri leaned her weight against my shoulder, humming a mindless tune. Futaba remained silent while occasionally glancing at me as she gazed at the flickering lights outside the window.

She looked like she was fighting a losing battle with her own thoughts but in the end, her determination would come out in triumph.

As the train slowed to a stop at the first station, I brought the three girls as we walked towards Fuyu’s house.

This time, no little Fubuki and Auntie were waiting outside, which made the girl sigh in relief.

In any case, she didn’t part without a proper goodbye. She took the initiative, pulling me into a deep, lingering kiss that left her lips swollen and her eyes a little misty.

"Be gentle with her," She whispered with a soft and genuine tone, "But don’t be too gentle either. She needs this. Let her know how shameless you are."

With one last pat and pinch on my cheek, she stepped into their gates, leaving me alone with Futaba and Eri.

That advice... Is she actually telling me not to hold back? Ugh... I couldn’t help but recall how proactive she was earlier in the room. My fatigue from running around the school was completely sucked out by her.