Stealing Spree

The same as yesterday, the moment Marika was seen walking alongside me, onlookers showed up from all directions, wondering what exactly was the deal between us.

Unfortunately for them, there are quite a few differences from what we’d shown yesterday. The girl wasn't clinging to me. Instead, she maintained a slight but deliberate distance of at least a few centimeters; just enough to keep our shoulders from touching.

That’s how it normally is when you walk with someone, right?

Marika’s demeanor remained that of a graceful lady from an esteemed background. With every step she took, her form was filled with elegance, making both boys and girls in awe at the sight of her. They were mesmerized by her unique presence.

As we walked past them, Marika fixed her gaze ahead, seemingly oblivious to the attention we garnered from everyone. And with a smile that could captivate even the coldhearted, she eventually left behind a trail of admirers who could only dream of being able to walk alongside her.

I’d bet that many of them had forgotten that I was walking beside her. She took most of the spotlight, becoming their sole focus. Perhaps, if she wasn’t always barricaded by her followers, she might have made a few friends already before meeting me. She also wouldn’t be as miserable as the girl who kept on chasing after her inattentive, skirt-chasing fiancé.

Anyway, as we headed towards the Administration Building, I mentioned Watanabe and Komoe to her. Those two already interacted with her last week when she showed up in that padlocked room to defend me from Ichihara Jun. That’s why when I mentioned them, Marika started looking forward to meeting them again.

Regarding the girls she had already met and got acquainted with, Marika expressed her admiration for their boundless affection towards me. There was no need to confirm anything anymore; she knew that they were the ones I was about to mention back then.

She’s still trying to digest it all, but with today’s lunch, she felt she had gotten closer to Shizu, Nami, and the others who were with us.

In any case, Marika still felt when it came to hearing about my past. Perhaps she was preparing herself knowing that it was likely a different story compared to meeting the girl who was currently part of my life.

Upon reaching the stairs leading to the higher floors of the Administration Building, Marika closed the gap between us and hugged my arm without any hesitation. There was no one around to witness us now anymore, after all.

With a proud grin, she implored, "So... Did I do well, Ruki-kun?"

Her eyes were brimming with anticipation, seeking for my praise. Marika transitioned from being the elegant young lady to the innocent and candid girl who successfully captivated me after her clumsy attempts at using me to get back at her foolish fiancé. In any case, I also loved that side of her, the one that made her seem untouchable or in my words ‘indescribably hard to read’ when we first interacted in that convenience store.

"It's flawless,” I answered softly as we reached the final step, arriving on the second floor.

Marika hummed in delight, extremely satisfied.

As we turned for another set of stairs leading to the third floor, I wrapped my arm around her waist and tilted her chin to plant another kiss on her lips.

Uh… I couldn’t help it. It was irresistible when I saw her beaming in joy.

However, my evaluation wasn’t over yet. After savoring that kiss, I continued, “But Marika-senpai, that's not an act at all, am I right? That's how you carried yourself before meeting me."

"Un. That didn’t need to be acted on.” She nodded. “I had immediately noticed the attention thrown in my direction when I transferred here for Jun-kun. Having believed that I’m only for him, I placed myself in a state where I cannot be bothered by anyone else aside from him… I have devoted myself to perfecting my role to be his wife one day… Regrettably…”

Marika shook her head as she stopped herself from finishing her words. She then forced a smile to prevent me from seeing the miserableness that flashed past her face.

Well, I’d be dumb if I didn’t pick that up but the same could be said if I pointed that out. So… I just did what I always do. Comfort her through actions rather than words.

Besides, I feel responsible for bringing that up.

Before continuing to the Director’s Office, I pulled us to the side and I put her in my embrace, letting her use my shoulder or chest for comfort.

Understanding my intention. Marika wrapped her arms tightly as though she was trying to bury herself further in my arms.

Following that, she lifted her head to meet my gaze. This time, her forced smile disappeared and was replaced by an affectionate one, “You said it yourself, Ruki-kun. I’m stronger than you think. Must I still be bothered with the past I’m going to leave behind?”

“Mhm. You’re right. Just like how I’ve stolen you from him, let me steal the efforts you dedicated to him as well.

“Pfft. Won’t that make you a thief?”

“Yes. But senpai, can’t I be the Thief of Affection?”

Upon hearing that, Marika leered at me for a few seconds before her giggles turned into laughter, “No wonder Elizabeth-chan loves you a lot, Ruki-kun. Shall I tell her about your new title?”

“… That. Please no. I already have a lot.”

“Won’t it fit though? The Dark Prince of Unstoppable Greed, the skirt-chasing Demonic Tyrant, Possessor of the Irresistible Tongue, Breaker of Relationships and the Thief of Affection.”

As she recited those titles, I couldn’t help but feel the heat rising on my cheeks and by the time she finished, Marika once again broke into a series of sweet laughter.

But thanks to this, the miserable look on her face disappeared completely.

I guess, it’s fine to sacrifice my shame to see her beam with joy again.

Marika pulled my head down and whispered affectionately, “Un. I really love seeing this side of you. Ruki-kun.”

Sealing my lips soon after that, it became her turn to take the lead. And in between it, our conversation continued.

“Make no mistake, senpai. I can turn this all around if I want to.”

“Is that so? Why don’t you try it?”

“Because I’m generous.”

“Okay, Mr. Thief of Affection the Generous.”

And once again, Marika’s laughter escaped her mouth. I quickly sealed her lips but I already lost the battle.

I don’t know how long we spent in that corner with our affection for each other heating the place. However, once we both got satisfied, we found ourselves having a spectator at the side.

“Great. No wonder I keep hearing voices from across the hall. Can’t you two pick a better place?”

With her arms crossed and body tilted to the side a little, Hayashi-sensei’s unamused grin greeted us.

“S-sensei.” Marika stuttered as she quickly hid behind me like a squirrel. But with my hand holding her hand tight, she eventually stood by my side, a hint of embarrassment on her face.

On the other hand, I scratched my head and faced the woman wearing my shameless mask, “Uh. Sensei, here’s Marika-senpai like you asked me to.”

Hayashi-sensei facepalmed and declared, “Shameless brat. One of these days, I’m going to discipline you.”