Stealing Spree - Chapter 2236: Playful Banter, Serious Intentions

As I took the train towards my next destination, I used the time I sat in it to reply to my recent messages. Among them, I found this interesting conversation with Setsuna-nee.

“Oi, shameless guy. Are you busy?”

That’s her opening text. Nothing but a question. And so, my reply was… “Yes. Do you need me for something Setsuna-nee-san?”

And she responded with, “You know what I need, brat. I’ve been waiting for your update.”

“Update for what?” I replied. The only thing that was lined up between us was the promised date which I told her to take her time and decide at her own discretion. Although it has been a week since the camping trip, this was our first time talking again even though I communicate every day with Juri.

“Anything in particular.”

I see. She didn’t really have anything. She’s just making conversation. Did she miss me, already? That can’t be it, right? I probably haven’t stopped running in her head especially if our last encounter was like that.

I couldn’t help but grin as my fingers danced over the phone screen, crafting a playful response. “Well, if it’s about our date, I’m all ears. But if it’s about anything else, you know how busy I am, Setsuna-nee-san.”

Her immediate reply made my smile widen. “I never said anything about that. I hate you, shameless idiot!”

But I knew she was just bluffing. She was probably flustered at the other side of the screen. I decided to keep teasing her until the train reached my destination. “Ah, you know what? I’ve been so busy with school and the other girls that I almost forgot about it. Did you have something in mind for our date, Setsuna-nee-san?”

Her response was a series of angry emojis, which only served to fuel my amusement. “Shameless! I’m not planning anything, I just wanted to check up on you!”

Her denial was as clear as day but despite only through text messages, the pink hue in her cheeks was painted vividly across my imagination, making me chuckle to myself.

“I see. You’re checking up on your sister’s boyfriend. I’m touched, Setsuna-nee-san. Should I come and get you right now? Tell me, do I still keep running in your head?”

“I’ll tell Satsu-chan about this!” She threatened, but the playful tone of her message was unmistakable.

“She wouldn’t mind it, I think?” I grinned from behind the screen, making sure none of the other passengers could make me out like a creep. “But if you really want to talk about something, you can tell me. Maybe I can make some time for you. Not today though.”

As I sent that, I could already see the station I was heading to. The train slowed down, and I knew my time to tease her was about to end. Our conversation might not have gone anywhere but this was the kind of banter I enjoyed, especially knowing her reaction.

“Shameless guy, stop pushing my buttons,” Setsuna replied, the text bubble popping up on my screen before I turned it off, her frustration palpable even through the digital interface. “I’ll think of something for the date. Just tell me, you’re not playing with me, right?”

“How can I do that? I’d be facing Juri and Satsuki’s anger if I play around with you, Setsuna- nee-san. You know how I care about them and that extends to you now.” I replied with feigned innocence, watching the scenery outside the window as the train approached its final stop.

I didn’t look at her next reply and just pocketed my phone back before stepping out of the train and the station. That could wait for later. For now… I had something important to do.

Ten minutes of walking later, I arrived at the street where the forlorn-looking house of Rumi was located.

Even from a distance, it still looked daunting and as big as I remembered it but knowing that she was alone inside made me feel like I should do something to brighten up her walls. Maybe I could suggest next time to gather here as a club. I can cook for them, and we can accomplish more in our activities.

But before that, I had to focus on the task at hand. As I approached the house, I could see Rumi was already waiting for me, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. She was dressed in her usual casual attire, which was quite the contrast to the way she dressed in the literature club meetings. It’s like she was in her own little world here, free from the shackles of expectations and formalities. Still, I could see the gloomy aura being emitted behind her.

I raised my arm and waved at Rumi who walked to their gate to open it even before I reached it. “Shameless junior, what’s that in your hand?”

“Oh, this? I brought lunch. We can share.” I raised the cloth-covered lunchbox that I packed from the leftovers of what I cooked for Shio. “Your house is like a fortress. I don’t want us to get too hungry and start plotting world domination because of it.”

Rumi giggled at my joke, which was a rare sound coming from her. She took the lunchbox from my hand and sniffed the content with a hint of excitement. “You cooked this?”

“Mhm. I figured you’d want to try your boyfriend’s culinary skills.” I playfully nudged her cheek as she led me inside.

The house was still as grand as ever, but the lack of warmth was still apparent. It was a stark contrast to the cozy and lively atmosphere of my house with Akane and the other girls. “Don’t try and mislead me for what you’re here for, Ruki… But thank you…” Rumi murmured, her eyes shimmering with a mix of excitement and relief.

Upon seeing that, I couldn’t help myself from closing in on her and taking her lips.

The kiss was swift and gentle at first, but it quickly grew more passionate as our tongues danced together. My hands slid down to her waist, pulling her closer to me as she responded eagerly, wrapping her arms around my neck. It felt like she was trying to melt into me, seeking the warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time.

I knew she was making up for the times I left her hanging or when I disappointed her because of my constant tardiness. She had been waiting for this moment. Just the two of us. And I wasn’t going to let her down.

“Shameless guy… You’re here to write your scenario, not this.” Rumi’s voice was muffled against my lips as she gently pushed me away. The blush on her face painted her cheeks red. “Can’t I do both? I also came here to make it up for my Rumi,” I smirked, taking her hand and leading her into the house. She couldn’t hide the smile that was growing on her face, which made me feel a sense of achievement. I knew how much she enjoyed my company and the attention I gave her. It wasn’t just about the physical intimacy; it was about the emotional connection we shared that made her feel special and loved.

Our relationship might’ve started with just me being an enigma for her. I stole Kana from her ex and then ended up chasing him out when Kana finally broke up with him. Rumi also got entangled with that guy’s desperation but now…

Now she was mine. And I’d like to keep it that way.

“But you’re right, we do have work to do,” I said, taking the lunchbox from her. “Should we eat first or…?” I trailed my voice, hinting that I’d let her decide what to do next. She is the host and I am the guest.

“Let’s eat first. I’m starving,” Rumi said, pulling away from me and then grabbing my hand to bring me with her to her spacious kitchen. “I’ll judge your culinary skills.”

I could see a playful glint in her eyes but that’s probably just her being pleased at how things were progressing. Due to that, I couldn’t help but close in on her again, hugging her tightly from behind.

“But remember, I’m not just your boyfriend. I’m also your servant. You can always command me to do something,” I whispered into her ear, feeling her body tense up before relaxing into my embrace.

“Pfft. Stop trying to put you in different idiotic roles. I’m already satisfied with what we have now…” Rumi replied, though her cheeks grew a deeper shade of red. She gently elbowed me away and started to unpack the lunchbox, laying out the food on the marble countertop.

I stayed at the side, watching her move around the kitchen. What else could a guy hope for but this?