Stealing Spree

The sky was already well on its way to turning orange when I stepped outside of the indoor court venue. Before we knew it, the day was already ending. We arrived at around three in the afternoon and waited for close to half an hour for the start of the game.

In any case, it’s truly worth our time. My girls who tagged along with me genuinely enjoyed the game. Even if they’re not that well-versed in the sport, it’s still simple enough to understand and to be hyped at what was happening.

Even Sumire who was here for softball and Umi who decided to accompany us here because of me also had bright expressions.

As for Marika, since she was originally dragged by her classmates to come and watch with them, she's not really that invested in watching our school's participating sports clubs compete. Yet, halfway through that match, that changed completely.

Watching our team rack up point after point which resulted in widening the score gap between their opponent, it’s kind of unavoidable to be influenced by all that hype. Moreover, while this was just my assumption, the girl was also in utter delight witnessing a side of me who kept on chanting in a loud voice for either Satsuki’s name or the team as a whole.

Perhaps, if anyone was paying close attention to me at that moment, they’d also notice that 90% of those cheers were all directed to Satsuki.

In fact, Hina took a video of me in the heat of that moment. When I checked my phone for messages, I received messages from the girls who weren't with us teasing me for it.

“You have a future as a cheerleader, darling.”

“Dumb-senpai, you should’ve brought a banner with you. Should I make you one?”

“Ruki, if I compete for our kendo club, will you also passionately cheer for me?’

Yep. It was too late to ask her to not share it. It’s already the hottest topic in their chat group.

I could Imagine Aoi having a laughing fit when she typed that. Ria as well. But that girl would definitely make one if I said yes

And lastly, Otoha was probably gripping her shinai when she sent that. It’s been a while since I’ve seen her wield it so…the video might’ve encouraged her to compete.

Also, unlike Otoha, Sena, and Aika attempted to implicitly imply their hope to get the same treatment from me tomorrow.

Well, it’s already within my plan anyway. As long as I managed to catch their events live, that’s how I would act.

Obviously, it’s different from before my change.

Back then, either I couldn’t care completely about them or I just silently cheered for them on the side. As for celebrating their wins... Was being more passionate with them when I bed them at night count? Maybe.

Ah. Right. There’s also a message from Haruko that reads like a report.

“Hubby, I see that you’re enjoying yourself. We all watched it together. Mina, Hime, and Ayase-chan loved it a lot. They’ve already saved their copies of it. Edel would probably send you a message saying she should’ve come with you. Your Class President was left speechless. Minori and Yuika were laughing silly at the contrast of how you act around them.”

There’s a second part to that report but it’s just Haruko telling me that they were on their way home. Apparently, they stopped by the bookshop near our school, browsing and picking up books to store in their clubroom. They’re going to write it down as part of their club expenditure and activity.

Yeah. It took them an hour or more to leave that bookshop. When I looked at the attached photo, I saw them all clutching a bag filled with books… They splurged down on it.

Anyway, knowing that they’ve all watched it was a little embarrassing. But then again, it also brought a positive feeling for me. It abated my small gripe that I couldn’t bring them to watch alongside us.

I know. I was still being greedy. But what can I do? I love to share those moments with all of them…

Uh. Anyway, enough about that.

With the basketball game done, there's nothing for us to watch anymore. Setting aside meeting up with Satsuki – since it’s impossible to sneak into their waiting room alone and they’re probably going to be resting first – our group headed outside the sports complex.

Where would we go?

Of course, somewhere that could extend our time for today. Most importantly, somewhere we can rest comfortably.

Preferably a quiet place.

There weren’t a lot of choices after narrowing it down like that. And after adding some more, we were left with either a small cafe or a fast-food chain to pick from.

However, with our large group, we’d probably occupy the whole cafe so that’s also scrapped right away.

I kept an eye out for Ichihara Jun. He could be lurking around somewhere since it’s something a dog like him would try.

He didn’t show up though. He’s already gone with his followers.

But in place of it, something else happened.

“Hmm? Ruu, this car...”

Nami immediately noticed it.

Right as we finished deciding where to go and started walking along the sidewalk, the black car of Marika's escort slowly pulled over in front of us.

Obviously, they've come to pick Marika up. If I'm not mistaken, they’ve been in the vicinity all along, waiting for their young lady to appear.

“Ah. It’ll be fine. It’s not that idiot earlier.” I quickly explained, enough for everyone to hear.

They instantly acknowledged it and they moved a little bit ahead leaving only Marika and I to wait there.

Sure enough, the door soon opened, revealing one of her two bodyguards. The other one remained at the wheels

.

While they respectfully vowed to Marika, they both looked at me with unfriendly gazes. It’s the same intimidating glare that was probably their way to say that they’re not pleased to see me with their young lady.

Upon noticing that, Marika swiftly moved in front of me.

“Enough. I won’t be going home yet. I will be accompanying them.”

Yep. She’s protecting me.

They looked troubled at it but they’re still keen on bringing her home.

I know. They also couldn’t meddle too much but if they deemed me problematic for Marika, then they wouldn’t hesitate to get rid of me or at least, inform someone from her family about what was happening.

After thinking for a while, I signaled for Shizu to come over and we sandwiched the girl between us.

While I could argue with them, it’s a lot better to let someone else do it.

Understanding my intention, Shizu meaningfully smiled.

“Excuse me, is it necessary for Kujou-senpai to go home right away? We… I mean, all of us here are going to that fast food chain to relax.”

After implying that we were one group of students – despite the obvious ratio of being mostly girls – she pointed at the signage not far away from us.

The man followed her finger but that’s obviously not enough detail to convince him.

Fortunately, Marika caught on to what we were trying to do. The same as Shizu, a small smile peeked at her lips before she started utilizing her ability to act.

“You can wait for us outside if you want but I’ve accepted their invitation. It’s wrong of me to renege from it, am I correct?”

“Invitation… But Marika-sama this…”

“I understand if you’re wary about me but it’s different today. You can rest assured.” Before he could finish his sentence, I interjected.

Honestly, they’re just doing their job here. And perhaps because of the events last night wherein Marika slipped out even with their watch, they’re probably trying to be more diligent at it. Not to mention, their obvious knowledge that I might be the reason for their young lady’s change in behavior.

The man stared at me for a long while. He’s weighing my words for their truthfulness.

And quite obviously, it’s hinging to the opposite of what I wanted.

Soon, he turned his attention back to Marika and Shizu, “Kujou-sama, it’s not my place to say this… However, for your protection, I believe you should decline today. If Ichihara-sama–”

As soon as he mentioned that name, Marika immediately cut him off, her words a little sharper than normal, “Stop. I’m quite aware of your intention to protect me. However, do be mindful. I’m not his bride yet. Can I not enjoy my youth?”

Upon hearing that, the man found himself stumped. The one seated in the driver’s seat was seemingly the same.

Also, because they parked close to the sidewalk and the man was clearly an adult who was at least a foot taller than me, we started gathering the attention of some onlookers, wondering what was happening.

In any case, the man soon took a step back and surveyed the situation. Soon, he subserviently bowed his head, seeking Marika’s apology.

“I apologize. Do have fun, Kujou-sama.”

Despite how reluctant he was, he soon reentered the car which immediately drove away.

“... Ruki-kun, what do I do?” Marika soon turned to me after watching the car disappear from a distance. She looked a little troubled but she’s probably thinking so far ahead.

“Have fun with us, am I right?” I smilingly answered before grabbing her hand.

Then, Shizu followed after, and with the two of us bringing her back to our group, Nami and the others welcomed us back.

“How carefree… But I like it.” Marika exhaled before grinning widely as though she got injected with another dose of happiness.

She thanked Shizu for her help before turning her attention to everyone. While bowing her head slightly, she politely said to them, “Un. Let us have fun. Please, take care of me.”