Stealing Spree

It was a few minutes before eight in the evening when we finally reached our doorstep. At this point, even Hana, whom I said I’d escort home, was still with us. I planned to do that after settling Haruko and Edel at home.

Also, since I was out last night, I should show my face to Akane and Miwa-nee first, right? There’s also the little boy Minoru. We stopped by the convenience store to buy ice cream for him.

Like always, Akane was already waiting behind the door, ready to jump at me. Next to her, Fuyu was also standing there… Right. She also came tonight. I mean, she probably missed me, right?

“Husband, welcome home!” Akane’s arms were around me in a flash, her warmth and familiar scent wrapping me up like a cozy blanket. Her hug was tight, almost possessive, as she buried her face in my chest, mumbling something about missing me all day.

Fuyu stood a step behind, her usual composed demeanor softened by a faint blush and a shy smile tugging at her lips. She didn’t jump me like Akane but she also took a step forward, grabbing my outstretched hand.

“Mhm, I’m home.” I patted Akane’s head before turning to Fuyu, “You didn’t tell me you’ll be here too. Are you planning to surprise me?”

“Why won’t I? It’s not only Akane who misses you. Don’t test me, Ruki-kun. I mean it when I said I won’t lose to anyone when it comes to gaining your attention.” Fuyu’s lips stretched into a thin smile as her eyes shifted to the girls behind me. Since she didn’t want me to tell her about my other girls, they’re meeting for the first time.

“Right, you are. Oh, let me introduce you properly. It’s fine, right? Just lay it on me if you ever feel jealous. I’ll make sure to pamper you just as much.” I flashed Fuyu a reassuring grin, which earned me a tight squeeze on my palm.

“Hmph. I’ll hold you to that, Ruki-kun. I suppose… it’s unavoidable for me at this point. I’ll have to get used to this.”

Hearing that, I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty. I mean, I brought her into this tangled web of relationships. I could’ve persuaded her not to pursue me after she admitted being interested in me or rather, warned her further about what being with me entails. Yet, I didn’t.

Moving Akane to my side, I pulled Fuyu closer and planted a kiss on her lips. I looked straight into her eyes, conveying my thoughts. She picked it up even without words, causing her to bite her lip before placing her forehead on my shoulder at the same time as her arms wrapped around me.

Akane and Haruko had to fake a cough, bringing us back to reality. Fuyu reluctantly let go of me while I scratched my cheek for a bit before continuing with the introduction.

I turned slightly, gesturing to the girls. “Fuyu, this is Haruko, Edel, and Hana. They’re… well, you know how it is with me.”

I kept my tone light, knowing Fuyu was still adjusting to the reality of my complicated love life. “Girls, this is Fuyu, Akane’s best friend and someone very special to me.”

Haruko stepped forward first, her serene smile unwavering as she extended a hand. “Nice to meet you, Fuyu-chan. I did hear a lot about you from hubby and Akane. Don’t worry, you’re one of us now. Like he said, hammer it to him if you are ever jealous. That’s what we also do.” Her teasing lilt drew a soft chuckle from me, and I could see Fuyu’s shoulders relax slightly as she shook Haruko’s hand.

Edel, true to her koala-like nature, hesitated before offering a small wave. “H-Hi, Fuyu-san… I’m Edel. Um, Ruki’s really nice to me, so… I hope we can get along.”

Her voice was soft and fragile but it sounded so sincere I couldn’t help but pat her head. Mhm. My Edel is truly improving.

Hana, on the other hand, crossed her arms, her lips curving into a sly smile as she sized Fuyu up. “So, you’re the famous Fuyu. Even Akane’s best friend isn’t spared. You shouldn’t relax, though. I’m still going to steal him from all of you.”

And there she goes again. Haruko and Akane rolled their eyes, knowing exactly that those words held no meaning anymore. She’s just too stubborn to keep at it.

Nevertheless, Fuyu raised an eyebrow, her usual cool demeanor returning as she met Hana’s gaze. “Oh, I don’t plan to compete for his attention. But if that’s your plan… I’m confident you’ll fail… And I or any of us will be abandoned by him.”

Upon saying that, Fuyu shifted her gaze back to me and winked.

I guess that’s her way of saying she’s backing me up when it comes to Hana’s ‘plan’ to steal me.

Akane, still clinging to me, giggled at the exchange, clearly enjoying the subtle tension. “Okay, okay, you all can fight over husband later. Let’s get inside first! Minoru’s probably waiting for that ice cream, and Miwa-nee already prepared the table. Oh… and before you forget, it’s not only Fuyu who came. Yae and Hiyori are here too.”

With that, she tugged me through the door, and the others followed. The moment we stepped into the living room, the cozy warmth of our home enveloped us. The sound of the TV playing in the living room and the smell of Miwa-nee’s home-cooked dinner lingered in the air.

Minoru was sprawled on the couch, sandwiched between Yae and Hiyori. They’re playing the same fighting game as before and from the looks of it, Yae was already losing. Meanwhile, Hiyori was doing her best, shyly cheering for the two.

“Hehe, Yae-nee, you can’t beat me. Papa taught me how to do combos.”

“You think so? Sweetie has been losing to me whenever we play this before, you know? You’re too young to challenge me.”

Hearing those voices, I couldn’t help but smile at the playful banter filling the room. Now, Minoru was exhibiting a competitive streak, his little hands gripping the controller as he tried to outmaneuver Yae, who was clearly holding back just enough to keep the game fun. Hiyori, who was acting like a gentle supporter, clapped her hands softly, her shy smile growing as she watched the two go at it.

Well, I did teach him a thing or two whenever I had time to spend with him. There’s not much time lately, though. I’m just glad to have the girls also be fond of him.

I guess it has to do with how the boy looks like a carbon copy of me.

I set the convenience store bag with the ice cream on the table, catching Minoru’s attention. His eyes lit up, and he paused the game mid-combo, much to Yae’s indignation.

“Oi, kiddo, you can’t just pause when I’m about to win!” Yae teased, ruffling Minoru’s hair. She glanced over at me, her lips curving into a familiar, mischievous grin. “Well, look who’s finally home. Took you long enough, sweetie. Did you miss me?”

Hiyori’s gaze followed, her cheeks flushing a soft pink as she offered a small wave. “W-Welcome back, Ruki. We… um, we missed you.”

The sincerity in her voice tugged at my chest, and I flashed her a warm smile. “Missed you too, Hiyori. And you, Yae. Looks like you’re both keeping Minoru entertained.”

Minoru hopped off the couch, abandoning the game entirely as he darted toward me, his arms outstretched. “Papa! Ice cream!”

I crouched down, scooping him up with ease and balancing him on my hip. “Of course. Chocolate fudge, just like you wanted. But you gotta eat Mama’s dinner first, okay?”

He pouted but nodded enthusiastically, already eyeing the bag like it held the treasures of the world. I set him down and he ran back to the couch, continuing the game with Yae.

I followed after him but moved behind the couch, wrapping my arms around Hiyori and kissing her before gently doing the same for Yae who’s becoming distracted from their game.

“What is it about losing to you in that game, Yae? I recall that’s not the case.” I whispered while I nibbled her ear.

“It’s true, sweetie! You just… got better at this game. That’s all!” Yae puffed up her cheeks but then, the character she’s controlling on the screen got hit by another combo of Minoru’s character.

Moments later, ‘KO’ and ‘Player 1 Victory’ flashed on the screen.

“See. You distracted me, sweetie. You’d better make up for it!”

“Sure. I’ll make it up to you later.” I kissed her on the lips before releasing her.

Miwa-nee emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron, her expression a mix of exasperation and affection as she surveyed the crowded living room. “Ruki, you sure know how to bring a party home. I heard you’ve eaten already so… I didn’t overdo it. You can also skip if you’re already full. Come on over.”

I gave her a subtle nod, reassuring her I was fine, and she smiled softly before turning to the others. “Alright, everyone. Continue that game later and get to the table. Food’s ready.”

And with this, we started our second dinner of the night. The day is far from over, I guess? And tomorrow, it’ll get even busier for all of us.