Stealing Spree

Chapter 2175: Another Memorable Bus Ride

The bus ride was more than peaceful as I comfortably rested while cuddled by Arisa and Izumi once they got enough of using my shoulder to rest.

Izumi, always trying to maintain her 'cool' delinquent facade, pretended to be indifferent yet failed miserably because it all came across as affectionate to me. The tension of her grip on my hand and the subtle movements of her head seeking the most comfortable position on my shoulder melted away that mask. She may have been acting like she was forced into this by Arisa, but I knew better. No, I could already read her like a book whenever we're this close.

She's more than just a sweet darling who would be so open about her affection but also, she always tried to match my pace - albeit unsuccessful most of the time because of my unmatched shamelessness.

Every now and then, I'd catch her sneaking glances up at me, her lips quivering slightly as though she wanted to smile but was trying to suppress it. Whenever that would happen, I'd lower my head to immortalize that moment with a romantic kiss.

That couldn't be hidden from Arisa's notice though. After I kissed Izumi, she would tug at my sleeve or collar, asking for the same treatment.

No matter how considerate she was, she could also feel a little competitive in cases like this. And just like with Izumi, I wouldn't hold back conveying my desire and affection to her. As the bus moved from station to station, the gentle rumble of the engine and the swaying motion from the road worked their magic, easing us into a comfortable silence.

It didn't take long for Arisa to snuggle in closer, practically curling up against my side. Her fingers intertwined with mine and her thumb absentmindedly stroking my knuckles.

Meanwhile, Izumi shifted slightly, adjusting her position so that her head rested more comfortably against my shoulder. Not long after that, she pulled my head down to her chest, giving me the privilege of using her modest mound as my comfortable pillow.

Although I was tempted to tease her, I held back a little and just enjoyed her gentle caresses while my face rubbed against her and my arms firmly wrapped around her hips.

And not long after that, I also sought the same treatment from Arisa who was more than ready to receive me.

Just like this, we thoroughly enjoyed our moment. It starkly contrasted the usual noise and chaos surrounding us, making this intimate moment something we'd cherished for a long time.

After a few minutes, I lifted my head and looked up to Arisa, my expression softening.

She chuckled quietly then pinched my cheek, "Cheeky junior. Are you going to complain?"

"Complain about what? I just wanted to get a glimpse of my Arisa. I was getting special treatment, I should at least show my gratitude, right?"

"There you go again. Just enjoy the moment, Ruki... In the future, I'd be cuddling you like this in bed."

"That's a great future to look forward to. I'll do the same then... And also... you know?"

"Alright. Pervert. Don't bring it up or... I wouldn't be able to hold back again."

I grinned at Arisa's playful scolding before diving back down to her pleasant softness. On my other side, Izumi reached for my head as she closed in further.

With this, my head became sandwiched in between them, the warmth of both girls radiating against me.

The bus continued to roll along, a few street lights flashing past the windows, casting fleeting shadows on their faces. The other girls not far from us couldn't help but glance at us with envious expressions. Most likely, hoping to give me the same treatment.

With her fingers brushing my hair, Arisa tilted her head slightly, her soft breath grazing my ear. "You know, you keep getting better at this. Most guys will falter handling all of us. Yet you... you're always this inexhaustible."

As always, her voice carried a hint of amusement.

"I'd like to think I'm just getting used to being surrounded by amazing girls," I replied, putting on my usual shameless smile.

Arisa rolled her eyes followed by her impish smile peeking from her lips. "There goes your glib tongue. It's always working on us though, so keep it up."

Izumi, who had remained silent for a bit, decided to chime in, her voice a mix of her usual indifference and reluctant affection. "Tch. Don't let it go to your head, idiot."

Look at this tsundere.

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I glanced over at her, my cheek still resting lightly against her chest, and raised an eyebrow. "Too late. My head was already inflated by all your praises. Isn't that why I've grown to be this shameless?"

Izumi's lips twitched, and she gave me a light smack on the back of my head, not hard enough to hurt, just enough to express her mock irritation. "No. You're a natural at being shameless. That's impossible."

"Ah. You got it right," I admitted, turning my head slightly to give her a teasing grin. "But you love me anyway."

For a brief second, Izumi's tough-girl act faltered, and I saw her cheeks reddened once again before she quickly averted her gaze, muttering something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like, "Yeah, yeah... I love you like a fool."

Isn't she adorable?

Shortly after, the bus hit a small bump, causing Arisa to shift closer, her legs pressing against mine as she sighed contentedly. "I couldn't get enough of this moment, Ruki..."

Her words hung in the air, resonating with me. It was a simple wish, but one that I shared wholeheartedly.

The peace of these stolen moments, away from the chaos of our daily lives, was something we all needed. And despite everything, it felt like a preview of what could be, of what we were building together.

I gently stroked and caressed Arisa's back, nodding in agreement. "Yeah. Moments like this are rare, but that's what makes them special."

Izumi shifted again, this time resting her chin on top of my head, and I felt her fingers gently threading through my hair. "Don't get too sentimental on us, Ruki. I'm still not used to this...

mushy stuff."

"I wouldn't dream of it, Izumi. But you know, you're a lot mushier than you think."

I chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to the middle of her chest, near the collarbone. It made her quiver slightly before glaring at me in silent reprimand.

Izumi hummed in mild frustration, though I could feel the affection in her touch as her embrace tightened further around me. "Only for you, dummy."

Arisa giggled at our exchange, her thumb now curling the strands of my hair, "You two are so cute together. It makes me want to squeeze in a little more."

Without warning, she copied Izumi, squeezing my head further in between them. Then while cupping my cheeks, she dropped her lips, giving me more of her irresistible kisses. Her breath tickled my skin as she whispered, "I'm not letting either of you hog all the affection."

Izumi, always quick to retaliate when it came to Arisa's playful jabs, shot her a sidelong glance. "Fine. We'll share, but only because I'm feeling generous."

I couldn't help but laugh softly, shaking my head at the two of them. "Looks like I'm in good

hands, huh?"

"Very good hands," Arisa teased, her lips brushing against my neck as she spoke.

For the rest of the ride, the three of us remained in that blissful state of quiet intimacy. Arisa occasionally hummed softly under her breath, her fingers still tangled with mine, while Izumi shifted slightly now and then, her hand occasionally brushing through my hair.

As we neared our stop, I felt a slight pang of reluctance. It was hard to let go of this peaceful bubble we'd created, but I knew that this wasn't the last time. These moments were becoming more frequent, more precious, and I intended to make the most of them.

As the bus slowed down, Arisa sat up slightly, stretching her arms above her head before giving me a satisfied smile. "Well, that was nice. I'd say we should do this more often."

Izumi, still trying to maintain her "cool" demeanor, let out a small huff but didn't move to separate herself from me just yet. "Don't get used to it. This is a one-time thing."

Arisa raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced as she teased her friend. "Uh-huh. Sure, Izumi. Whatever helps you sleep at night."

I gave Izumi a gentle nudge with my shoulder, grinning at her. "Don't worry, I know you'll miss me more after this."

Izumi groaned, finally detaching herself from me, though she couldn't completely hide the small smile playing at her lips. "You're impossible, Ruki. But maybe... just maybe, I will."

As the bus doors opened and we prepared to step off, I gave both girls a lingering look, feeling grateful for them. These small, quiet moments we shared were what kept me grounded, what made everything else in my life feel a little more manageable.

Arisa, ever the teasing one, leaned in close before we exited the bus, her voice low and playful. "Just so you know, Ruki... next time we cuddle like that, I'm calling dibs on your lap."

I chuckled, giving her hand a final squeeze as we stepped off the bus. "I'll be looking forward

to it."

But before Izumi could also say something, the other girls who remained seated separated from us throughout the bus ride charged at me, taking me away from her.

Just like this, we made quite a commotion, making the bus driver and the other passengers

look at us in contempt for being so flirty.

Nonetheless, we made our way toward the next part of the night, leaving behind the peaceful bus ride but carrying the warmth and affection of the moment with us.

A few minutes later, we reached Nami's house, dropping the three girls there after greeting

Auntie Kasumi. She welcomed Chii and Hana warmly, before making a suspicious comment that I was getting lousy at escorting Nami home or picking her up in the morning.

Nami defended me with that though, even highlighting last night when I also dropped her off,

just that I didn't get to greet Auntie Kasumi.

Anyway, with Shizu and the other girls with us, we soon moved along as soon as they

disappeared into the house.

On the next house over, I noticed Tadano peeking from his window. I smilingly waved at him

which made the guy immediately close his window blinds.

Look at him, isn't he rude?