Stealing Spree

As always, Kazuha-nee's appearance could easily be described as magnificently gorgeous. Even with a casual outfit of a simple striped shirt paired with comfy pants, she still carried it very well. Her hair was still without any decoration, letting it flow freely behind her.

If I considered our last meeting where the girl left me bewildered with how she acted around me and her little brother, the air around her this time was far from it.

How should I say this? She's adorning a kind smile and her voice from earlier felt warm. There's not even a hint of her devious and shameless personality that loved to tease those she favored.

At this moment, she's like what everyone dreamt of for a kind and gentle neighborhood elder sister who always looks after those younger than her.

That's why even though I was taken aback by her appearance and refuted her initial greeting in my head, I still politely responded which earned me her appreciative laughter as well as a pat on my head.

Yep. She's really into that act. Maybe she's trying to sell herself with that kind of image in front of Hina today or this was just a one-day special in consideration of my girl.

In any case, if Ogawa was seeing this, he'd probably stutter again and ask Kazuha-nee to step away from me. That would be fun. Too bad, he's probably already in his room right now, nursing his wounded ego.

"Kazuha-nee, that's not fair." Perhaps seeing that the woman somehow focused on me, Hina interjected between us. But it wasn't whether she wanted the woman to also pay attention to her or she was asking her to let go of me.

Considering Hina's hold on my arm tightened as if she was trying to protect me from being snatched by Kazuha-nee, it was probably the latter.

However, Kazuha-nee interpreted it as both.

With an amused smile on her lips, she lifted her hand off of my head.

"Hmm? Don't worry, I'm not trying to steal him from you. Look at his face. He's just putting up with me. Also, I naturally won't neglect my adorable little sister. It's your birthday so… Here, let me dote on you too."

Upon saying that, she winked at me, conveying what she was going to do next.

A moment later, Kazuha-nee pulled Hina from my side as she hugged her, and did what she said she would do; doting on Hina.

At first, Hina checked on me. But well, there's no harm in it so I smiled and nodded approvingly. It's not like I needed her at my side all the time.

Knowing she also looked up to Kazuha-nee, this should also be a fine gift for her birthday.

That should be the case. However, when I glanced at Kazuha-nee again, I saw her having a triumphant expression as though telling me, 'Look, I have your girl now.'.

Yep. That proved that she's not that kind elder sister everyone dreamt of. The woman also wanted to jab at me.

I could've gotten back at her by grabbing my girl back but since it's Hina's birthday, I'll let this audacity go. Besides, I know that we both have the same idea in our heads, to dote on Hina and make her feel more special.

But if I get the chance next time, I'll show her who's boss.

When Kazuha-nee noticed that I didn't take the bait, she adorably stuck her tongue out before focusing on Hina.

I must say. That was unexpectedly adorable of her.

Shortly after that, we finally stepped inside the house. Hina naturally returned to my side, happy and content from being doted on.

Although it's still a bit of a mystery why Kazuha-nee was here, I could only assume that she was also invited to the dinner.

Heading into their living room where Hina's parents should be waiting, I cleared my head of unnecessary thoughts and prepared for their interrogation or, well, scrutinizing eyes.

Even though I should already be used to this considering I already went and met some of my girls' family, this was just me trying to make sure that nothing would go wrong.

Perhaps noticing how I took a deep breath to calm my nerves, Hina giggled before reassuring me in a light-hearted manner, "They're not gonna bite you, Ruki."

Then, on the other side, Kazuha-nee also proudly added, "I'm surprised someone as shameless as Ruki-kun can be nervous. Be thankful, I'm on your side this time."

"Alright. I'll rely on Kazuha-nee to take the bite for me." I jokingly answered, mixing both of what they said and interpreting it differently.

Due to that, Hina burst into laughter and Kazuha-nee clicked her tongue before also playing along.

Anyway, since their house wasn't really that big, our short walk from the entrance ended.

Upon stepping into the living room, a middle-aged couple stood up and warmly smiled at us.

Obviously, they're Hina's parents.

They appeared to be in their mid or late forties much like the other couples that we saw in this neighborhood. Hina was their only child so... they both looked like very doting parents.

When they finally shifted their attention to me, I straightened my back as I prepared to greet them.

But before doing so, I waited for Hina to introduce me first.

"Mom, dad. This is Ruki. My boyfriend."

"Hello, it's nice meeting you. Uhm, this isn't much but please take it."

I bowed respectfully before handing the box of cake that we bought.

Hina's father took it from my hand while her mother stepped forward to closely inspect my appearance.

Normally, this could bring some sort of pressure on someone but knowing that this would happen, I steadied myself and remained in my polite posture. Hina looked on with a hint of worry at the side while Kazuha-nee was watching in interest.

A few seconds later, Hina's mother focused her gaze on my face and said, "Ruki, is it? Thank you for coming here to celebrate with us."

Somehow, I could sense a slight disapproval in her voice. As for where did that come from, it's probably because I'm not Ogawa.

Nonetheless, I expected that they would have some kind of bias towards that coward so I simply recited what was on my head without shooting that down, "Yes. Hina has been kind enough to invite me. I wish for her to have a great birthday."

"Mom, do you not like Ruki for me?" Hina suddenly stepped forward, questioning her mother. Perhaps, she also didn't expect her to act like this.

"Hmm? I didn't say anything like that."

"But your tone says it all. I thought you were also as excited as me for having him here." A little disappointed by her mother's act, Hina was feeling let down.

Sensing that the mood suddenly shifted in a negative direction I quickly made a move.

Borrowing her words from earlier, I grabbed the girl's hand and stepped in front of her as though I was shielding her, "It's fine, Hina. It's not like Auntie bit me, right?"

Saying that in the same lighthearted tone as earlier, my eyes then searched for a follow-up from someone.

And sure enough, she didn't disappoint this time.

Kazuha-nee approached from the side and said, "Heh, Ruki-kun. What's this about biting? If you need someone to bite you, I'll be up for it. Only if Hina doesn't want to."

Upon hearing that, Hina, who was shaking a little from the emotion stirring in her chest because of her mother's behavior, immediately wrapped her arms around my body to prevent the woman from approaching further.

"Kazuha-nee! No. No biting! Only I am allowed to bite Ruki!"

In front of us, looking bewildered as to what suddenly happened, Hina's mother blinked a few times, not knowing what to say.

On the other hand, Hina's father who was just observing the situation possibly saw that it was also his time to make a move. He faked a cough to gather all our attention, before walking to his wife, "Alright. I've seen enough. Honey, let's go and prepare the table, shall we? It's our daughter's birthday."

Emphasizing on that last sentence, Hina's mother looked like she finally woke up from whatever state she was in.

"Y-you're right. Kazuha, look after them for us..."

After saying that, her gaze landed on us as an apologetic expression occupied her face. She probably understood that she made a blunder. Nonetheless, before she could say anything, I quickly shook my head, indicating that it was fine and there's no need for her to apologize. It would just invalidate what we did to save the situation from deteriorating, after all.

With that, her husband pulled her with him to the kitchen, leaving us three.

No doubt, the introduction went a little awry. But now that the card is out of the table, I'm hoping that it will be different on the dinner table.