Stealing Spree

Although being buried in her chest prevented me from seeing their faces, it’s quite easy to imagine Setsuna-nee looking stumped while Juri was smiling ear-to-ear with the result.

Juri’s mood was further conveyed to me through her constant combing of my hair. It’s joyful and affectionate. To give a similar response, I let my free arm reach out to her back, pulling her a bit closer to me.

Of course, it’s still outside their vision. Although they would be able to see it if they looked underneath the table, there’s no reason for them to do so.

In any case, while I was enjoying the fragrance, warmth, and softness of Juri, the two women continued their conversation.

The topic was mostly about me, Satsuki, or Sakuma. No. Satsuki was often brought up by Setsuna-nee. She went to show who was the most important to her if the three of us were presented at the same table.

Sakuma and I couldn’t join in that conversation, of course. However, I was definitely in a better place thanks to Juri.

I got to fully experience how it feels to be doted on by her.

Eventually, they had to move from those topics and in between their continued playful banters that I believe to be born from the dynamics of their friendship, they slowly inserted the explanation or the narration of what happened with the meeting regarding the camping trip.

For example, Setsuna-nee brought up how we have to wake up early this Friday. And it’s not because of school but because the camping trip will start that day. We’ll be gathered before the sun rises in the east.

It didn’t matter to me as I could wake up at that time. Though I will have to prepare things for Akane that day, it’s not going to be a problem. I’m already used to taking care of my lovely wife.

As for its duration, Juri brought up how the rooms would be divided – just like what we discussed before. And by the end of it, she revealed that we’d only be sleeping there for one night.

In short, the camping trip will be a two-day, one-night event.

It’s quite short initially but knowing that it would start in the morning and end close to night the next day, it’s close to two full days. We can experience a lot of valuable activities there.

And upon thinking about it, it sounded like Hayashi-sensei gave up completing a whole school day this week. Furthermore, even if it seems to be abrupt that there’s not even a week to prepare for it, the rumors actually started last week and their department already contacted the school even before that spread.

Additionally, rather than give the students a printout for our parents to sign for consent, they delegated the job of informing them to the teachers. That’s why they’re called for a meeting.

Will it be efficient to do that? Honestly, I don’t know. It’s the first time for me to see a school take that kind of hassle. Perhaps, it’s to make sure that the students won’t be able to forge their parents’ signatures or steal their seal for a stamp.

I will be expecting Shio to message me later asking for a massage after a long day at work.

Continuing from that, other details were also revealed by the two.

The cost of the camping trip will be shouldered by the school. With Hayashi-sensei’s connection, it’s not impossible for her to get a good deal at the Akimitsu Hills.

As for the college department where Juri and Setsuna-nee belong, they will be responsible for the activity and oversee it to completion.

The teachers who will come with us on the camping trip will only be there to observe it.

Lastly, as for whether Juri and Setsuna-nee will be among the assigned supervisors, they repeated what they told me the other day. Their role in that was already done with this visit. They’ll only be there to have fun for free.

Juri invited me to come to their cabin during free time and Setsuna-nee immediately shot that idea down. I answered ‘okay’ though which further irked the woman.

In the end, she could only change the subject, not wanting to touch upon it again. She’s embarrassed or she just didn’t want to deal with me when she’s supposed to relax. Whichever the case, it’s amusing to see her reaction. And maybe Sakuma’s reaction as well…

“Okay. That’s enough, I think… Setsu, I’ll have Ruki walk me around the school, Setsu. Why don’t you and Sakuma-kun enjoy your time here? Isn’t he someone you’re fond of too?”

Minutes later, Juri soon wrapped up their conversation. Upon releasing from her embrace, she stood up and declared that while once again expertly misdirecting her best friend away from focusing on our unusual closeness.

Seeing her do that multiple times, I got this realization that Setsuna-nee’s influence wasn’t the most prominent when it comes to their friendship. If need be, Juri’s character could also shine and influence Setsuna-nee in the same way.

And perhaps, she’s more adept at it. Because from what was shown this time, Setsuna-nee couldn’t turn that around, resulting in her either agreeing with Juri or trying to slightly modify it so that she can fully accept the outcome.

“Huh…? You’re so arbitrary. I thought we’ll be leaving together. Besides, Ryou is different…”

“Oh. Different, you say? I’m sorry, Sakuma-kun. Setsu didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“Oi! Why are you apologizing in my stead? And that’s not what I meant at all. Ryou, don’t take it to heart.”

While Setsuna-nee tried to deny it, Juri amusedly dug at it. In the end, Sakuma who was looking bitter at his seat flinched and got brought back to reality.

He looked up and wryly smiled.

“... Uhm. I don’t mind accompanying you here, Setsuna-nee… But… I won’t force you if you don’t like to.”

Upon hearing that, I couldn’t help but call him out in my head. That’s a pretty okay response after his extended silence. However, the way he delivered it was so unsatisfactory.

I mean, I’ve also often acted the same way to my girls. The difference is…For me, it’s when I am unsure whether they’ll come along with me or not. It’s to respect their choices.

On the other hand, Sakuma used that because he still couldn’t be that proactive despite looking so determined before we arrived here.

Should I feel disappointed? I don’t know… I don’t have the energy to feel that way.

It might be better to just forget about him. He already did his purpose anyway. I’ll let him be handled by his fate.

“Don’t worry, Setsuna-nee. I’ll take care of Juri and return her here in one piece.” Stepping in to break the growing silence, I stepped forward, acting the same as ever.

I could still feel the Juri’s heat lingering on my face but whatever, it’s a wonderful experience, nonetheless. And for sure, it’s the same for the woman. Her ears were red.

Her suggestion to leave was also influenced by that. Before Setsuna-nee could see her blush spread to the entirety of her face, she decided to escape with me right away.

Anyway, Setsuna-nee replied to me while facepalming, “Idiot, that sounds like you’re going on an adventure with a risk of getting dismembered. Just go and take care of Juri for me. We’ll wait here.”

Upon hearing that, Juri instantly rejoiced by hugging me tight. Setsuna-nee rolled her eyes. She already stopped caring whether there was any other meaning to that or not. And lastly, Sakuma looked relieved.

He looked at me with a grateful expression…

He’s probably thinking that I’m helping him out again.

Well, I won’t bother to correct him on that. In the end, making progress with his relationship with Setsuna-nee was still up to his skills. He’s failing until now but maybe that will change when they’re left alone.

I won’t be that optimistic though. He has a streak of failures, after all.

In any case, dropping that thought, I nodded to Setsuna-nee before turning around to leave the room with the excited Juri.

Though we temporarily let go of each other’s hands while leaving, it didn’t take a second for them to reconnect as soon as the door closed behind us.

Furthermore, before taking a step, Juri tiptoed to steal a kiss from me. I reflexively reacted to it by chasing after her naughty lips.

The one stolen kiss was repaid by a passionate one that only ended when we heard footsteps coming from downstairs.

“That was close?” We both exclaimed before laughing at each other. And when the mood sets in again, our lips were drawn like magnets, repeating the same sequence of being attracted to each other.

Minutes later, after taking one last look at the door she was leaning on seconds ago, the two of us started making our way out of the Administration Building.