Stealing Spree

Chapter 2357: Why don't we take the bus?



After properly bidding farewell to Akane, Fuyu, and Miwa-nee upstairs, Futaba and Eri started preparing to leave.

Well, they only needed to pick up their bags and maybe fix their uniforms that had been slightly disheveled.

I left them there while I went to the bathroom to clean up and refresh myself by washing my face. It was definitely going to be a long walk. Or maybe exhausting should be the word because I could already imagine Eri's never-ending energy along with her constant attempt to tease me or Futaba.

Futaba, on the other hand, would definitely not act out of line, especially with Eri around. At most, she'd just keep quiet while occasionally reprimanding Eri or me for our inappropriate behavior or shamelessness.

Right. I was still expecting Futaba to approach me for another conversation regarding my 'boxers' that she intended to return, but that didn't happen. Either she didn't bring them with her, or she was too embarrassed to bring them up as a point of conversation. The possibility that she changed her mind about returning them also existed, but I probably wouldn't know the answer without bringing it up myself.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, the two girls had finished preparing and were ready to leave.

"Alright, shall we?" I asked as I gestured towards the door.

Eri energetically grinned as she nodded while Futaba apprehensively averted her gaze from me as she followed suit.

With the night breeze cool against our skin, we began our journey to the train station. The moon cast a glow that softly illuminated the quiet streets, creating a serene atmosphere.

Once again, Eri sidled up with me, her arm hooking on mine as we strolled down the moonlit street. Futaba took my other side but she wasn't as clingy as Eri. She elbowed me though. Most likely, she wanted me to help her reprimand Eri, not condone her behavior.

Will scolding her change anything? Maybe it will but is it necessary? I don't really see any point. Because in Eri's mind, she's not really as conscious of me, in an intimate sense, as Futaba. For her, being this clingy is simply from her playful nature.

... Or maybe Fuyu was right, I was being too lenient to the girl.

"Ruki, why don't we take the bus instead?" Halfway through our walk, Eri suggested with a hopeful glint in her eye. I don't know what's exactly in her mind but it's clearly to get more privacy, right?

In any case, it's not so bad as long as we don't cause trouble for Futaba. "Alright, let's take the bus," I conceded, noticing how Futaba's eyes widened at Eri's suggestion. It was clear she wasn't expecting that, probably assuming we'd be taking the train.

From what I heard while their houses were close to each other, they were unlike Fuyu's house which was close to the station. Furthermore, both the bus stop and the station had a similar distance from their house so there wasn't really that much of a difference -- only the price of fare or the privacy between the two public transportations.

"Wait... Eri, what are you planning?" Futaba reacted immediately to Eri's sudden suggestion, her eyes narrowing slightly.

But the girl just innocently tilted her head, "What could I possibly be planning, Futaba?" "You're always up to something, Eri," She said suspiciously.

"When did I ever do that? I just thought it'd be a nice change of pace," Eri winked at me as though urging me to support her. She tightened her hold on my arm and then whispered, "It's fine, right? Ruki?"

"Well, it's fine whichever you're comfortable with. I'm just your escort." I shrugged, playing dumb.

"You can't be serious, Onoda-kun."

"Like I said, it's actually up to you. If one of you is not comfortable with it then... we'll default back to take the train. By the way, is there a reason why you wanted to take the bus, Eri?"

"Nothing special," Eri replied nonchalantly, though the twinkle in her eye told a different story. "It's just that the bus ride is a bit longer and we can talk more privately."

"I see. You have a question to ask from me, huh?"

"More like a consultation. You know, just like last time." Eri said with a grin. "It's good for you too, Futaba. Didn't you say despite Ruki's teasing of you, he still managed to help you out?

Upon hearing that, Futaba rolled her eyes as she pretended not to know what Eri was saying.

And here I thought she'd keep it all to herself. But considering Eri treated it similar to how she consulted me during the sleepover, Futaba most likely didn't tell them the complete story. Maybe she mentioned that I helped sort her mind or something close to that.

"Consultation? Eri, is it still about the same topic as before?" I asked just to confirm.

"Well, part of it. You've been helpful, Ruki. But I'd like to hear more... stories from you." "Stories..." I echoed before staring at her meaningfully. Eri maintained her grin as she pressed a finger on her lips.

I flicked her forehead and said, "Girl, don't be so mischievous."

"What? I'm not. I'm only thinking that it'll be a nice reference." Eri cheekily answered.

On my other side, Futaba exasperatedly sighed, "Eri, you have to be careful. Your... boyfriend may really be jealous if you keep getting close to Onoda-kun."

"Toshi-kun understands, Futaba. Also, I'm consulting for us. Do you not trust him? Do you think he's going to take advantage of me?"Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"T-that's not what I meant. It's just... unusual."

Seeing how it was turning awkward between the two, I decided to dispel it with a fake cough, getting both of their attention to me, "Alright. I get both of your points. I'm glad you trust me enough to consult me again, Eri, but Futaba is right. This can complicate your relationship. Best friend or not, you just don't get close to another guy when you have a boyfriend. Take me for example, I will hate it if Akane or Fuyu get close to another guy."

"... I see. You're right." Eri's smile didn't falter, but I could tell she was slightly disappointed. Futaba also sensed that and she tried to salvage the situation, "Eri, I'm not saying you shouldn't... it's just... make sure to respect both of your boundaries."

I know she's just being sensible here but can she apply that to herself? If not then she's being hypocritical, no?

In any case, to not turn this from awkward to gloomy, I patted Eri's head, "I'm not saying this to sow discord between you and your boyfriend but you're clearly making a lot of effort to make it work. That's why I'll continue supporting you."

"... Uhm. Thank you, Ruki. You're the best." Eri's face brightened once again and her hold on

my arm tightened.

Futaba looked at us silently but she also chose not to say anything anymore. Clearly, she's also taking a retrospective look at the situation. With her sensibility, she'd see how hypocritical she was acting when the two of us were also keeping a secret from their friends.

But then again, I know I'm at fault as well for enabling Eri with her 'best friend' privilege. The only way to resolve this was to put a clear boundary on what we can and cannot do. But will that work though? On the surface, it was Eri who was getting close to me but deep inside, Futaba was the first to get conscious of me.

What a complicated mess we've got ourselves into.

Soon we approached the bus stop.

With the silence that had taken over after that, the three of us stood there as we waited for the

bus.

Eri never actually let go of my arm but her cheerfulness had clearly taken a hit. Meanwhile, Futaba was occasionally sighing as she continued to delve into her inner thoughts.

A few minutes later, the bus pulled up. Its lights reflected off the quiet streets and the hiss of the doors opening brought the two girls' thoughts back to the present.

As the man and their escort, I took the lead and guided them in. I also reached for Futaba's hand as the three of us boarded it.

At first, I was going to choose a two-seater and let them sit next to each other while I would be sitting on the other side.

But somehow, the two of them rejected that idea as we continued to the back. Once again, I got sandwiched between them.

Yeah. Looks like I really jinxed it. Just with our walk to the station, something different

already happened.