Stealing Spree

"Himeko, see you tomorrow," I said as I pulled her up to a kiss again.

I went back straight to the Book Club after Mina closed the door on me. And of course, before leaving with Aya and Nami, I wouldn't forget about my Himeko.

Because of her current circumstances and Itou's meddling, we could only meet here. After that day that she confessed to me, she's now both my and Haruko's girl.

Well, Haruko's mine anyway so there's not really a distinction. I observed their love for each other and I must say, it's truly genuine just like how Haruko showed it earlier for Mina and the three girls with them.

In any case, this situation with Haruko's girls could be said as unique. I met them even before the complete change in my mindset. And by then, Haruko confessed that although she still wanted me, she couldn't let go of any of them. I accepted it fully because at that time, I thought that it's only a matter of time to steal everyone as well.

Although my mindset already changed I'm still respecting Haruko's relationship with the five.

However, if the other girls start a relationship with other girls outside of our relationship, I don't think I will allow that or I don't want to see that happen. Friendship is fine but involving in a serious relationship when they're now with me, it will leave a sour taste in my mouth.

"Un. See you tomorrow. Sorry, I can't spend much time with you, Ya-chan is always on guard."

"It's fine. I'll think of something to make her accept me for you. I'll always visit you here." I smiled and caressed her cheek, easing up what she's feeling. "By the way, how's it going? That plan of yours to change your father's mind…"

"It's going well. Thanks to Ya-chan. I think she has become even more eager when she found out about our relationship. "

"That girl's sister complex is too strong. In any case, it's great to hear. Don't forget that I'm here if you need my help, alright?"

That father of theirs is too much but… I'm powerless to confront him at the moment.

If they're successful, the sisters will probably not be as restricted anymore. If their father wanted Itou to inherit their businesses, Himeko will be her trusted aide or perhaps, they can jointly run it together. Given how close they are.

Furthermore, the two are still young. Trying to separate the two is just too despicable. Although it will look like they're rebelling against their father's wishes, if the two girls keep their relationship as close as possible, their father will soon give up.

Hopefully.

Once it's done, I'll ask them for details. Himeko is mine now, no matter what, I want to know more about her, that way, I can share whatever burdens she will carry.

"I told you. You already provided enough help. Giving me the push to change, bringing Ya-chan here. Everything we're doing is all because of you. Without you, I will probably still be locked up here with Haru…"

"Alright. When everything is over, let me take you out on a date."

"As long as it's somewhere not crowded…"

"Of course. I'll pick somewhere you will be relaxed. Well then, we're going."

Giving her one last kiss, I left the room with Aya and Nami.

Before we left, the two also said goodbye to Himeko.

Aya already had a lot of interaction with her but being both introverted, they're often not talking to each other. Nami, however, managed to create a connection with Himeko.

I guess, her current state also made it possible. When I entered the room, the two were arguing and the topic of their argument was me…

In the end, I chose to pretend not to hear that conversation. In any case, seeing Himeko being engaged in a conversation like that, I'm glad for her progress.

And I thanked Nami for that.

Being sandwiched by the two girls, we instantly became the center of attention when we entered the Bookstore.

Although not a book enthusiast like Aya, Nami had a fair share of books she'd read.

With the two bursting in enthusiasm, they pulled me with them as they checked out the books that took their interest.

Treating this as some kind of a date, the two would alternately show me something.

Because of that, the few customers of the Bookstore couldn't take their eyes off us, be it male or female.

Luckily, the two weren't that overtly close to me so… in their eyes, it's probably just two girls trying to get my attention.

And because of that, most males were clicking their tongues after they had a glimpse of how gorgeous the two girls beside me.

When one of them met my gaze, he immediately turned his head away as if he's afraid. He even walked away to hide from my line of sight.

Is my gaze that scary? Then what are these girls seeing when I'm staring at them?

Strange. Is there some kind of filter in their eyes?

"Here, Ruki. What do you think about this?" After a while, perhaps she already settled on a book she wanted to buy today, Aya handed me a book. This time it's not a western novel that she usually buys but a volume of a light novel series.

Looking at the illustration at its cover and the title, I squinted my eyes to check the ridiculously long title in it wherein the whole plot of the story was probably already written. Although the title doesn't contain any controversial theme like Shio's manga and light novel collections, with how many words it contained, it's worse than that.

"Rebirth of the Introverted Girl in A New World Where She Was Hailed As A Hero Only To Be Betrayed By the Human Race Sacrificing Her To The Demon King But The Demon King Took Her As His Wife And Together They Annihilated The Human Race But Everything Is Just A Dream Of the Introvert Girl After Reading An Old Magical Book With A Lewd Cover In It…"

When I reached that point, I stopped reading. I'm still only halfway through its complete title but I feel like I already read tens of volumes of that light novel's content. It's head-ache inducing. With how long it was, the anime illustration on its cover was buried in texts.

Who in the world thinks that it's fun using a title that long? Get your titles simple and succinct, will you?

However, upon seeing Aya's expecting gaze to my opinion for the book, I instantly stopped raging inwardly and recollected my thoughts to honestly give her my answer.

I remembered that she's always buying proper novels before and it's the first time for her to pick a light novel. Did Kana's novel influence her? That one is in a light novel format. Easy to read and the plot is straight to the point.

Before I could answer, Nami went back to my side, curious at the light novel I'm holding.

"… Ayase, what kind of book is this? This is…" After reading it, Nami couldn't help but question, she even stepped back to take her eyes off that horrific title.

"Uhm… Is there something wrong?" Aya tilted her head cutely.

"No. Not really. But that title. Have you read it?"

"Un. It's interesting." With a nod and an innocent giggle, Aya opened the book to one of the illustration's pages.

Depicted on it was the introverted girl MC that was slumped on the ground. In front of her was the supposed Demon King, extending his hand towards the poor MC.

Upon seeing that, I could now guess why she seemed to like that. She's seeing the two of us in that illustration.

"The plot seems interesting. But I'll be honest, Aya. The title is ridiculous. If you like it then take it, I'll be waiting to hear the story from you."

"Yes! I will read it as soon as I get home." Ignoring my comment on its title, Aya focused on my last sentence as she stormed away to pay for the book at the counter.

Upon seeing that, Nami commented, "Ruu, are you sure you want her to read that?"

"It's fine. Look at her. How can I resist that adorable smile?"

"You seem to be accepting of everything we showed you…"

"Well, your enjoyment is my priority. The reason I take her to this Bookstore is to see that kind of expression from her."

Being close to them and spending time with them is always great. However, seeing them enjoying naturally like this is also something I don't want to miss.

Moreover, I don't want to see it just with Aya. If there's something that truly interests Nami, I will also take her to it for her to enjoy the same bliss Aya felt today.

"Un. No wonder everyone is falling for you."

"Huh? I don't think it's all there is to it."

"You… You're really dense at times, Ruu." Shaking her head, Nami went to Aya who already finished paying for the book.

Well, I don't see anything wrong with my words. They're falling for me with how I am treating them, not just because of this… And even if they already fell for me, those feelings continued to pile up.

I was unaware about it before but now… I could see it clearly.

Before going over to them, I scanned my eyes to the other customers silently browsing, checking if there's someone that could recognize us.

Luckily, the students inside the store were all either 2nd year and 3rd year. The 1st years, apart from someone like Matsuda, would probably still need time before they actually frequent stores like these wherein there's more manga and light novels than actual books.

There's a lot who didn't want to be labeled as an otaku in their first year in high school after all.

Now that we're done and with Aya having a very satisfied grin pasted on her lips, we left the Bookstore and continued our walk towards the station.

"See you tomorrow, Ruki, Nanami." Still with her smile, Aya didn't seem like an introvert now with how energetic she was.

This is the point where we will separate since Aya's house is in the opposite direction.

We waited until she walked up to her platform before we turned in our platform's direction.

As soon as we're alone, Nami's head moved from left to right, checking if there's someone we know. Once she determined that there's no one who could recognize us, she decisively grabbed onto my hand, clasping our hands together.

Since I was observing her during all that, I found that action of her truly adorable. So in turn, I reached in to kiss her, startling the girl.

After savoring that kiss, we started to ascend the stairs with her sticking close to me.