Stealing Spree

Surprisingly, there was no annoying Ichihara Jun when I arrived at Marika’s place. It saved me the time of dealing with him.

Kagura-san also didn’t make it difficult for me to bring Marika with me. I guess it has to do with our previous conversation but I doubt we’re just in a lull until a clear directive comes down from the Kujou Family.

As we made ourselves comfortable in the bus, Marika shared that Kagura-san has started coaching her not just in the kitchen but also in all things relevant to an independent woman. She’s also quite a storyteller, narrating her adventures outside the country.

Due to that, Marika developed some kind of admiration for her second aunt. Her eyes lit up as she recounted a tale of Kagura-san navigating a bustling foreign market with nothing but a phrasebook and sheer determination.

It was clear the older woman’s experience was such a huge bowl of wisdom, giving Marika a glimpse of a world beyond the sheltered life she’d known.

I listened to her, joking at times, which we’d both laugh at, making our bus ride comfortable.

The bus rolled from stop to stop as more seats got occupied by other passengers. Like always, even though we’re on a two-seater, the way Marika clung to me made it possible for us to squeeze on a single seat by the window, our bags sitting on the open space, acting like a privacy wall for us.

Because of the time, fewer students were riding the bus. That’s why it’s such a surprise when I saw a familiar face climbing up on one of the stops.

Who was it?

Tadano’s little sister, Yumei.

She’s also running late. Yet, the way she moved was so carefree while fiddling with her phone. It’s like she didn’t really care about the fact that she might have to run in order to get in time before their school gates closed.

In any case, the moment I recognized her, I tried my best to hide from her gaze, which wasn’t that difficult considering her eyes never left her phone. She’s too absorbed with browsing her social media, I guess?

However, as luck would have it, she continued walking further down the aisle, not taking the empty seats at the front. And eventually, she picked the one across from us.

When Marika noticed how I was trying to hide by burying my head in the nook of her neck, she happily hugged my head and gently combed my hair.

“Ruki-kun, are you hiding from someone?”

As I expected, she didn’t miss that, even though she’d been so lost in snuggling to my chest just a few seconds ago.

“Well, I won’t deny it. It may be troublesome if she recognizes me.”

“Oh…” Marika nodded in understanding before giggling softly.

I raised my gaze and saw her staring in Mei-chan’s direction.

“She’s cute, Ruki-kun. But she’s so busy with her phone. I doubt she’ll recognize you.”

“She will. That girl is… uh.”

“I get it! She’s aware of your charms. Hehe.”

“Alright. Stop staring already–”

“Hmm? Is that you, Onoda-senpai?”

Me and my loudmouth. Although I tried my best to answer Marika in a whisper, my voice must’ve been carried over to her side.

And with that, she recognized me through it.

I could deny it, but I could already sense her eyes drilling into my back. It would be possible if it was another person but to Mei-chan… there’s no wriggling out of this situation.

After all, she’s one of my most active followers on the social media account where my cosplay photos are being shared. Even my random status updates were liked and shared by her.

Slowly, I straightened my back, unlatching my head from the comfort of Marika’s neck.

“Hey, Mei-chan. You’re here.” I awkwardly greeted her, which immediately made Marika laugh.

“I knew it!” Mei-chan sprang up to her feet, excitement filtering through her eyes as she grinned.

She snapped her phone to me, easily capturing a photo before she slid to the corner of her seat. If not for the armrest or the lack of seat on our side, she might’ve come over right away.

To salvage the situation, I hurriedly put my index finger on my lips, signaling for her to be quiet.

At least, the girl was obedient but her shoulders were already jumpily excited. She couldn’t miss this rare chance of running into me during the morning commute.

“I finally ran into you, senpai. Did you miss me?”

Leaning forward slightly, Mei-chan asked.

I don’t know if she’s intentionally ignoring Marika, who’s still clinging to me, or if she just doesn’t care but Mei-chan only focused on me. She won’t even address the fact that I am with another girl…

“Mhm. It has been a while, Mei-chan. How are you? Are you still troubling your brother?”

“Eh? Let’s not talk about Onii-chan, senpai.”

I glanced at Mei-chan, her bright eyes locked on me with that familiar spark of enthusiasm. I couldn’t help but chuckle at her blatant dodge. Poor Tadano.

“Alright, no brother talk. But you’re dodging the question, Mei-chan. How have you been?”

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she leaned closer over the armrest, her phone still clutched in her hand like a prized trophy while sporting a sheepish grin, “I’ve been great, senpai! Better than someone who tried to hide from me.”

My lips twitched a bit as I replied, “I’m not hiding though.”

“Sure, you’re not. If I didn’t call you, you wouldn’t even look at me. But it’s fine. I understand, senpai. Anyways, I’m super busy with school and stalking your posts, obviously. You’ve been slacking on updates lately, you know? Your fans are starving out here.”

With how quickly she spoke, there was no time for me to refute her anymore.

Marika giggled beside me, her fingers still combing through my hair as she tilted her head to peek at Mei-chan. “Ruki-kun’s been quite occupied, I’m afraid. He’s got a lot of responsibilities to juggle.”

With that, Mei-chan’s gaze finally shifted to Marika, acknowledging her presence. The way her curiosity settled was by following Marika’s gesture and eventually taking in the way Marika clung to me with her arm looped possessively through mine.

I thought she’d react the same way as Mami did, but that’s not what happened. She wasn’t even bothered to see Marika hugging me. Her grin only grew, like she’d just stumbled onto some exciting secret.

“Ohhh, I see! You must be one of senpai’s special people, huh? I heard from Nanami-onee-chan.” Her eyebrows playfully wriggled as she waved her hand dismissively before Marika could respond. “Don’t worry, senpai. Your secret is safe with me. I’m just a loyal fan! Well, maybe a little more than that, but still! I’m charmed!”

I raised an eyebrow, shifting slightly in my seat to face her better while keeping Marika tucked against me. “A little more than that? Should I be worried, Mei-chan?”

She laughed, a bright, carefree sound that drew a couple of curious glances from other passengers. “Only if you’re scared of me begging for a selfie right now! Come on, senpai, just one? I’ve been dying to get a candid shot of you after the ones we’ve taken back then!”

“Well, I don’t mind you taking a selfie with me but you know what will happen if you post that on your Insta, right?”

Mei-chan grinned, “It’ll garner a lot of likes! Are you worried your fans will be able to find you at your school, senpai?”

“Well, not exactly. I can just deny being that cosplayer. My face is quite different because of the makeup, right?”

“Yes! You’re more handsome naturally!”

This girl, where did she learn this? Ah no. She’s natural at this game.

Even back when we first met, she even kicked Tadano just to get my name.

I couldn’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm. She’s relentless and honestly, it was hard not to get swept up in her excitement.

Even Marika was affected. Her soft giggle beside me only added to the moment.

“Handsome naturally, huh? You’re laying it on thick, Mei-chan.” I shook my head and pretended to contemplate before saying. “Alright, one selfie. Make sure it won’t be linked to my cosplay account, alright?”

Mei-chan’s eyes lit up like I’d just handed her a winning lottery ticket. She scrambled to adjust her phone, flipping it to selfie mode with a speed that suggested she’d been preparing for this exact moment.

“Deal! I’ll take full responsibility, senpai. Now, scoot over. Let me join you there. Let’s make it a good one!”

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!