Stealing Spree

Eventually, Edel returned to normal and we finished our dinner on a lively note, with slight teasing on the side for the silver-haired koala. Although still embarrassed, the girl forgot or rather, ignored it as her appetite for what they prepared was actually bigger than normal. The rumbling of her stomach was issued because it was a favorite dish of hers. Edel thoroughly enjoyed the food, even asking for seconds while beaming a bright and dazzling grin.

Seeing her enjoy that, both Akane and Miwa-nee watched her in delight. Nothing beats seeing someone appreciate what you made, after all. Likewise, with the overall mood brightening up because of Edel, it became a very satisfying dinner.

With everything going back to normal, our nightly routine resumed. Akane ran to the bathroom, heating up water in the tub.

And like I mentioned, Akane and I brought up to the two that they should stay in our room rather than use my previous room. That way, I would be able to dote on the three of them without needing to leave Akane alone.

Perhaps on Mina’s next visit, she would get the same treatment. No. Not just her. Any of my girls who would decide to stay the night in this house, as long as they could squeeze in, they would be in the same room as us.

Before joining the three girls in our bedroom, I first visited Miwa-nee in their room. She’s still awake and clearly waiting for me.

As soon as I stepped inside, Miwa-nee opened up a space on her side before making an enticing gesture for me to lie down on it.

Well, as it was my plan to do so, I quickly moved and took my place beside her, hugging her tightly in the process.

With Minoru asleep on the side, we had to be very careful not to wake him up. In any case, this was just the same as the other nights I visited her room.

Although there were times when our desire for each other would be aflame, there were also calm nights like this wherein we just spent an hour or most of the night before I returned to our bedroom just hugging and talking about various things. Mostly, about her.

Ah. Right. I have to reflect on something I was probably neglecting.

As someone who’s now mostly focused on myself or my girls, my bank of topics for a conversation dwindled a lot. It's not wrong to say that it’s now limited in scope. Although I was gorging on different kinds of knowledge, even those would be exhausted soon enough.

Although we could enjoy spending time with each other even without idle talks concerning interesting or entertaining topics, I deemed it better to always have something to talk about.

To not bore them…

With my one-track mind back then, I could do that without any problem. I was always researching my target’s interest or just talking about what I deemed worthy to talk about. But at present, with my mind switching from one girl to another, the only lull time for me was during class or when moving from one place to another.

Obviously, this shouldn’t be treated as a problem. Eimi even pointed out that being silent most of the time during our middle school amplified that mysteriousness in my person. However, that was all in the past. I couldn’t stay rooted there. I also have to improve more and more to become someone they deserve.

In any case, if I brought this up with my girls, they would all say that it’s fine even if we ran out of things to talk about. But with my personality as is, I just couldn’t help but worry about that little thing.

Well, now that I noticed and reflected on this, I decided to make an effort to work on it on top of other things I needed to do…

Uh… Sure, it sounded like tiresome rambling but that’s just how much I wanted this all to work. I chose this path, after all.

“Ruki, in two weeks. I’m going to…”

Around ten minutes where we only cuddled with each other, even though her voice trailed in the end as though she couldn’t say it completely, I clearly understood that it was about that subject. The day of her return.

“Mhm. I understand. Two weeks is still a long time. We can have more memories together. What do you think about going out? You, Minoru and me. The three of us together. I have some savings from my part-time job. We can go to the mountains. Camp in the morning and lodge in the night. Although I doubt Minoru will like that…”

To prevent this talk from turning gloomy all of a sudden because of her impending departure to settle the problem at the house she married in, I went on and suggested something worthwhile.

Well, it’s not something I pulled out of nowhere. Ever since that day I told her that I could take her again to hike, I’ve been constantly thinking of a way to accomplish it, despite my totally limited time.

As it was a chance to bond and make wonderful memories with her, I first thought of only going with the two of us… But then, I thought of the boy.

From what I heard from their experience there, that man who married Miwa-nee never acted as a father to him. That’s why the boy was truly looking for a father’s love. Although he blurted out an innocent question if I could be his father back then, that just showed how the boy really needed a father figure to depend on.

That’s why… I decided not to keep him out if ever we’re going to make wonderful memories… He has been born in this world already and with my likeness to him, there’s no point dwelling about the how and why he happened. Just by existing here with us, it’s more than enough for him to be considered a blessing. For Miwa-nee and I.

“T-that. Camping… Will you have the time?”

The fact that she didn’t reject it outright, the prospect over that plan was high. Besides, the way her body jolted in excitement gave it away. She loved my suggestion. Just that, she quickly went on considering my circumstances.

“Mhm… I can skip school for a day. Or not go to my part-time job if we time it during this weekend or the next.”

If it’s for them, I could skip a day. I just had to make up for it on the following days.

“That’s not good, Ruki! You don’t have to sacrifice a day for it… I won’t let you.” Putting on an adamant front, Miwa-nee shook her head strongly, her eyebrows clashing.

“Alright, I understand. Also, hearing that you’re not against that suggestion. I’m happy, Miwa-nee.”

“O-of course. I told you. I’m now the same as your other girls… As much as possible… I want to be doted on by you.”

Upon saying that, Miwa-nee’s adamant expression crumbled as a red streak appeared on her face. She quickly covered it with her hand in a bid to not let me see her blushing.

No matter the age, women are women… Shio and Miwa-nee clearly demonstrated that…

And because of this, I couldn’t help myself but do what she wanted exactly.

“Then let me dote on Miwa-nee for the next two weeks.”

I removed the hand covering her face and quickly pushed my head in, taking her lips in a passionate kiss.

But before succumbing to it, Miwa-nee still had reason on her mind.

“You… Save this for later.. That trip to the mountains, let me help you plan it.”