Stealing Spree

Anyway, we kept scavenging after that and soon the basket brimmed with scarves, trinkets, and random props that somehow fit An-rin’s chaotic energy.

I found a cheap pirate hook hand that An-rin seemingly took an interest in. She strapped it on her hand and waved it around. Chii dug up a box of glittery costume masks, holding one up to her face.

“Kii, should we add a masked hero to the scenario? You could pull it off.”

I smirked, leaning against a shelf. “Masked hero, huh? You’re trying to make me the star when I’m supposed to be the villain, Chii? Besides, I’m already the chef, the muscle, and the prop guy. How many roles are you gonna give me?”

She stuck out her tongue, her eyes sparkling mischievously. “That’s on you for being the only guy in all this. Isn’t it the consequence of your actions? Besides, you’d look hot in a mask.”

This girl… How can a glittery mask make me look hot?

Uh… Well, if that’s what she thinks, then I’ll just go along with it. The mask landed in the basket.

An-rin soon came over, slinging the feather boa around her neck like a scarf.

“Alright, Onoda-han. What’s next? We got props, we got vibes. You still cooking for us tonight, or did that fight scare your chef skills away?”

I adjusted the overflowing basket, grinning. “Fight? What fight? You mean me swatting some flies? That was barely a warm-up. And of course, I promised.”

That earned another chuckle from the girl and Chii pinched my side, scolding me for not chiding An-rin.

We soon moved to the counter and the shopkeeper rang us up, looking a bit bewildered and amused at the same time. Although it’s a thrift store, we bought a lot of things that we successfully reached the threshold she set for a discount.

After giving us our receipt, the shopkeeper warned us again about the ‘cursed’ crystal ball.

But like earlier, it was met with An-rin’s gleeful cackle. “Cursed or not, this ball’s gonna be the star of our sleepover! We’re totally having a spooky seance, right, Onoda-han?”

I shot her a sidelong glance, keeping my tone dry. “A seance, An-rin? Do you have an Ouija board to go along with it? You sure you won’t scream and hide behind me the second the lights flicker? I’m only going to protect Chii and maybe Kushii from ghosts.”

She puffed out her cheeks, brandishing the pirate hook hand like a weapon. “Hmph! I’m fearless, Onoda-han! Like, I don’t need your protection.”

Or so she said, but her voice cracked a little. Clearly, she’s not as courageous as she’s making her out to be.

“It could be fun,” Kushii murmured. “If it’s really cursed, it’ll spice up the sleepover. And…”

Her voice trailed there as she stole a glance at me. Most likely because of what I said about protecting her.

I raised an eyebrow. “Kushii, didn’t peg you for the supernatural type. Just stick close to me, alright? This girl won’t mind it.”

I squeezed Chii’s shoulder, who instantly reacted to it.

“Hey, Kii. What are you saying? Sure. I don’t mind but are you flirting with Kushii?

Meanwhile, Kushii’s lips twitched into that rare, sly smile. “I… I don’t think he is, Chizuru. But you’re the one who said it’s fine. Remember the camping trip.”

With that, Chizuru finally remembered what she did back then. Her eyes widened as her gaze alternated between me and Kushii.

But before she could overthink things, I flicked her forehead and whispered, “Don’t worry. Tonight is your night.”

Chii hit my chest and then buried her face on it once again as we walked and started making our way out of the thrift store.

The shopkeeper chuckled and shook her head at our display but she still called out as we left, “Good luck with that festival booth. And don’t come cryin’ to me if that crystal ball starts floatin’ in the night.”

—

As we rejoined the crowded shopping district, we got some curious glances at our overflowing bags and An-rin’s feather boa still hanging on her shoulders. But that’s no big deal. They’re probably just wondering what kind of shenanigans we were going to do with it.

“Alright, girls, what’s next?” I asked, checking my phone for the time. “We’ve got props, but we still need those wallpapers for the booth. And I need to hit the grocery store if I’m cooking tonight. An-rin, your fridge better have more than soda and leftover takeout.”

An-rin waved her hand dismissively. “Pfft, my fridge is fine! I think. Maybe. Okay, there’s probably some yogurt and… uh, ketchup? You’re the chef, Onoda-han, you’ll make it work!”

Chii rolled her eyes, looping her arm through mine again. “Kii, you’re gonna need a miracle to turn ketchup into dinner. Let’s go to a grocery store first. I think we’ll pass by one on our way to her apartment.”

Kushii nodded as she chimed in. “I know where it is. An-rin is the type to eat convenience store food if her parents don’t cook for her. And now that they’re away, they probably just give her some money to order takeout.”

“Kushii… why are you betraying me? I’m, like, your best friend!”

“Betrayal? An-rin, you’re not seriously letting them eat ketchup and yogurt with you. Good thing I joined this sleepover.” I said, tossing a grin at An-rin as we navigated the bustling shopping district.

The girl puffed out her cheeks and stuck her tongue out, “Hmph. We can order pizza and eat it. We can survive without you, Onoda-han!”

“Pizza? An-rin, once you eat Kii’s cooking, you’ll love it. Right, Kushii?”

“Mhm. If he can handle thugs, he can handle a kitchen. Probably.”

Chii and Kushii cut me off before An-rin and I continued our banter.

“Probably? You girls are brutal tonight. I’m out here carrying your cursed crystal ball and pirate hooks, and this is the thanks I get?” I feigned being disappointed that no one bought.

Chii simply giggled and played along, “Aw, poor Kii. Want me to carry the bag for you? Or should I just keep you motivated with my charm?”

I tilted my head, giving her a sidelong smirk. “Your charm’s already working overtime, Chii. But I got this. Besides, you’re too busy clinging to me to carry anything.”

She puffed out her cheeks, her gyaru pout in full force. “Clinging? Excuse you, I’m gracing you with my presence!”

I laughed and pinched her nose before continuing with our walk. Somehow, the night seemed so bright with our lively group traversing this shopping district.

Eventually, we reached the shop to buy wallpapers. We spent around ten minutes there before the shopkeeper told us they’re about to close so we hurriedly took our pick and paid.

After that, we took a bus to the central district of our city where An-rin’s apartment should be located.

Kushii led us to the grocery store, which was also about to close down. After picking every necessary ingredient for the dinner I was planning to cook for them, An-rin brought us to their two-storey apartment located in the most active part of the city.