Stealing Spree

After she recovered her strength, Auntie Yayoi dropped me off at the train station. She’s trying her hardest to look fine when in fact, she’s extremely bothered by what happened. Upon knowing that the man she’s considering marrying once everything was sorted out could resort to that just for her to say yes, she once again lost her trust over men.

Her ex-husband accused her of cheating and destroyed her reputation by doing so. She’s a faithful housewife back then but to be betrayed like that by the man she put her trust and devotion to, the pain she felt was more than what Mina received. For all I know, she also shielded the girl from it. Hence, they left their hometown and moved here to our city. It’s to give Mina a fresh start.

She probably hadn’t considered her own happiness for years that passed. But then… men kept on approaching her and that Iwasaki was the one she thought she could trust again.

Unfortunately, it ended in this.

It would surely be hard for her to trust anyone again. Even if Mina reached adulthood and left her side, she’d remain alone instead of gambling for the third time.

When I saw her lonely features as she kept on sighing while driving, I somehow wanted to cheer her up. Although not in the same situation as Miwa-nee or Shio, I sympathized with her.

I told her that I could stay with her a little longer just in case those thugs returned for her, but she insisted to not trouble me anymore.

And with that, I had no choice but to accept.

“Auntie, take care.”

“Mm… You too, Onoda-kun. You’ve been a huge help. If not for you…”

“Don’t mention it too much. I did what’s a normal thing to do in that situation. Mina will be worried if you keep that frown.”

“… How I really wish you’re like them.”

“Well, I’m kind of unique in a way.”

“Is that a boast?”

“Perhaps.”

I shrugged. Surprisingly, that became the key to removing that frown on her face. In place of that, Auntie Yayoi laughed until tears made her eyes damp. “Visit again if you have time in the future. I’ll prepare another treat for you. Also, I’ll give you enough time with my daughter.”

“This… Mina will be sad if she heard that, Auntie.”

“It’s probably the opposite, you know. That will be our secret.”

Along with a wink, Auntie Yayoi’s lips fixed onto a refreshing smile. It’s devoid of the earlier loneliness that plagued her.

Now that it’s like this then… my job is done.

“… Mhm. Understood. By the way, a smile suits you better, Auntie.”

Leaving that as a closing statement, I only caught a glimpse of her face gradually turning pink as I turned around to enter the station.

I’m aware. I probably said more than I had to… But I can’t help it. To see someone as beautiful as her to be that lonely, I took it upon myself to do something. Besides, it’s for Mina… or is it…?

While on the train, I contacted Mina and Haruko to update them. However, I learned that the two were actually at Serizawa-senpai’s house. Haruko decided to sleep over there rather than bring her to their house.

If I recall correctly, Haruko’s relationship with her family isn’t that good. But that doesn't mean they’re at odds. There were just some differences that led them to not be as close as any other family.

And that’s probably the reason that instead of bringing Mina there, they crashed into my koala-senpai’s place.

Since I’m on the train, we could only talk through chats but we both conveyed what happened properly.

Mina was worried over her mother, obviously. I assured her that she’d be fine since Auntie Yayoi isn’t a weak woman who doesn't know how to stand back up after what happened.

And since it’s still early, Haruko told me to come over and eat lunch with them after giving me the address and directions to Serizawa-senpai’s apartment.

While on the way there, I also tried checking on Otoha but she’s still out of reach. I asked Hitomi to stay by her side so at least, I could rest assured that she’s safe and was just grounded in her room.

Around twenty minutes later, I stood before a somewhat high-class apartment building. Although it’s not as luxurious as the condominium building that Mizuki’s family owned, it’s one of those buildings that stood right in the middle of a busy district.

“Ruki!”

Welcoming me before the entrance of the building was none other than Serizawa-senpai. Although she’s standing awkwardly there as she’s not used to exposing herself to the public like that, her face instantly brightened as soon as her eyes caught me.

She’s wearing a plain white one-piece dress. Coupled with her free-flowing silver hair, she became a major attraction for the passersby. Perhaps they’re wondering if they’re seeing a ghost of a beautiful foreign woman or just mesmerized with her appearance.

Either way, instead of letting her run up and jump at me, I hastened my steps and caught her before she could move. Her arms instantly opened wide and wrapped around me before letting herself succumb to my embrace.

“I missed you.” She silently whispered while her face was buried in my chest. Being in public already left her mind and all she wanted was to take her place of security next to me.

“Mhm… I missed you too, senpai. Let’s go in first, shall we?” I patted her head and whispered back.

Her head produced a small nod before moving to my side, switching the target of her embrace from my whole body to my arm.

Using her key card, the entrance opened and we were greeted by the Security Guard stationed on the ground floor. He eyed me since I’m an unfamiliar face but upon seeing the girl clinging to me, his stiff face loosened.

Well, it’s been a few years since she started living here. Although this was probably the first time that she’s coming in with a boy, that guard’s job wasn’t to meddle with their tenants’ personal life.

Anyway, we soon reached the elevator and went up to the floor where her apartment was located.

It’s surprisingly located a little high up. A cold breeze brushed past my face as soon as the elevator door opened despite the time being close to noon.

I then asked her for directions and swiftly guided her to it.

Yup. In the end, I guided her instead of being guided by her. The koala girl was already so lost in clinging to me. She’d probably remain like this even when we started eating our lunch.

“1008. We’re here, senpai.”

After reading the door plate, I whispered once more to which she used her keycard again to open the electronic lock.

Mina and Haruko were preparing our lunch so I didn’t want to bother them.

As we stepped inside, my eyes naturally observed the place. It’s a rather small one-bedroom apartment.

From the door, I could see a narrow corridor leading to the joint living room and kitchen. Just a few steps from the door were the bathroom and laundry room. Her bedroom was located at the far end. I could also see a veranda next to her bedroom but it’s currently closed.

Since we’re now in her apartment, Serizawa-senpai let go of my arm and returned to my front. Her arms then circled around my nape at the same time as she lifted her head and closed her eyes while sporting a red streak of blush on her face.

Understanding the meaning behind it, I smiled and wrapped my arms around her waist as I pulled her closer. Lowering my head slightly, I firmly pressed my lips on hers, kissing the adorable but charming girl who immediately melted like ice cream in my embrace.

“It still feels the same… Being close to you and receiving your affection, it’s still the most comfortable place… next to Haru.” Serizawa-senpai buried her face on my chest once more, embarrassed.

Well, I’m not competing against Haruko anyway. There’s no point in doing so when Haruko is also mine.

We then continued onwards and as expected, Mina and Haruko were busily moving in the kitchen. When the two saw us, they both paused what they’re doing as they stared at the koala clinging tightly to me.

“Edel-senpai…” Mina almost facepalmed as she couldn’t believe that the girl would once again cling to me.

“I’m jealous.” Haruko, on the other hand, put a hand on her waist before walking over. She put on a rather pitiful expression before saying, “Hubby, hug me too…”