Stealing Spree

Lonely Hearts Host Club. Takayama Tooru.

That was what’s written on the guy’s calling card.

Lonely Hearts… Do I still have to comment on this?

Either way, a high schooler wasn’t allowed to work in that kind of establishment. Did it escape his notice that I was still in high school? Do we all look mature?

No. He probably didn’t think about that. What caught his eye was my potential for that line of work.

Well, I didn’t do anything and just confronted them. How did that become his criteria?

“That card color… Onoda, don’t you ever go down that route!”

Surprisingly, Itou was the one who commented strongly while Himeko was nodding continuously as if agreeing to what her sister said.

“Don’t worry, I am also as baffled as you two. Anyway, since it was resolved, do you want to go back to our previous sitting arrangement?”

“Stay there. Who knows if there are worse guys who would enter the bus. Make yourself useful.” Itou then went back to cuddling her sister. “This is why I don’t like public transport…”

This girl… Although I wasn’t looking for a thank you from her. This attitude really needs some straightening, right? Perhaps I need that alone time with her, just to give her a piece of my mind.

Himeko, on the other hand, could only wryly smile when our gazes met. She tried opening her mouth, perhaps to apologize for her sister’s behavior but I stopped her by gently shaking my head.

Since those two from the Host Club also settled on their seats, I relaxed and rested my back while I fixed my eyes on Himeko. Perhaps she felt my gaze on her, Himeko also lifted her eyes and we ended up staring at each other. That lasted for a few minutes before Himeko shyly lowered her gaze.

As for her sister, she already made herself too comfortable in Himeko’s arms.

The bus would arrive at our destination in 15 minutes and although I didn’t like the way Itou said that, it’s true. If someone else tried to bother them again, it would be a hassle to stand up from that seat to block them. While I remained here, no one would make an attempt anymore.

Besides, I could reach for Himeko’s hand if I wanted to or flirt with her even when Itou’s in the middle. Itou wouldn’t be able to say anything about it or she would appear too selfish when she’s already getting in our way by refusing to exchange places with Himeko.

As we waited for the bus to arrive at our destination, I suddenly felt a finger poking the side of my arm.

My eyes were fixed on the front, observing the whole bus so I thought it was Himeko who slipped her arm from her sister’s back to reach me.

However, it was actually Itou.

She had already stopped snuggling with her sister and their positions were reversed. With Itou’s shoulder being Himeko's pillow, the latter was comfortably taking a nap.

“She’s so excited for this day that she ended up staying up too late. Moreover, she’s not used to going out and walking to places. Nee-sama was recharging her energy for this movie date.” Itou whispered in a voice that was careful enough not to disturb her sister.

“I see. I guess I’m not the only one preparing for this.” I leaned closer to stare at Himeko’s peaceful face. I had the urge to caress her face but I restrained myself. Like Itou said, she’s probably recharging her energy so that she could continue accompanying me today. “I truly love your sister, Itou. I wish I could help her more with the problem at your house but Himeko isn’t letting me.”

“You really can’t help. Like Nee-sama said, it has to be her or it will not be resolved. This date of yours is already risking everything she’s done to rebuild her image but thankfully, you have me to deflect whatever issue that might come up. Don’t you need to thank me?”

That’s right. I haven’t thought of that. I asked Himeko for a date, forgetting the fact that she still has her own problems at her house. Even though we could argue that we’re sincere to each other, just by the fact that they’re being sent to and from the school via car speaks of how restricted their life at school or home is currently.

“I never thought of that. Thanks for enlightening me… I guess I am selfish to ask her out like this.”

“No. This is also good. Just by the number of times she smiled today, everything was worth it.” Itou shook her head as she lowered her head to look at her sister endearingly.

There’s no doubt about this sisterly love they have for each other and… I can’t deny that it’s too beautiful. I don’t have any siblings so… this is somewhat foreign to me. Nonetheless, seeing this is filling me up with the urge to protect their smiles. Itou included.

For the second time of the day, I am adjusting my view of Himeko’s little sister. Although she’s really excessive at times, this genuine love for her sister is enough for me to cheer for them.

“Stop smiling like that, it’s creepy.” Itou suddenly commented.

Is my smile really that creepy? I don’t know. I just can’t help it.

Either way, since we’re already having a conversation...

“Itou, you’re a good girl, aren’t you?”

“Huh? That came out of nowhere. Of course, I am.”

“Then good.” I straightened my back and smiled while giving her a nod.

Confused by my action, Itou shook her head annoyedly, “This guy and his vague words… By the way...I have a favor to ask.”

A favor?

“What is it?”

“Before I say that, I ask you not to ask me why.”

Huh? She won’t ask for anything absurd, right?

“Alright, since you're Himeko's adorable little sister, I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Great… Here goes…” Itou inhaled and exhaled a few times before she turned her head towards me. While staring intently into my eyes, Itou’s soft voice reached my ears, “Can you hold my hand?”

“Huh?” I instantly answered with thorough confusion.

Although I prepared myself for an absurd request or favor from her, I never really thought she would ask that.

“You said you’re not going to ask why.” Itou bit her lips as she continued staring at me, her left hand was already placed on my legs with her palm wide open, waiting for me to take it.

“Alright. If that’s your only request…” I looked down and placed my hand on top of hers. Following that, I fitted my fingers on the gaps, clasping her hand.

It’s just holding her hand. I could do this anytime to anyone. Although I’m totally curious why she asked me to hold her hand, I was also upholding that other request she had not to ask why.

Did she just want to experience it? Since Himeko and I were always reaching for each other’s hand whenever there’s a chance, this girl was probably curious.

Or so any dense guy would say that.

There’s probably a deeper meaning to this and this girl didn’t want to tell me about it. I could guess but it wouldn’t be the truth unless it came from her own mouth. That’s why I should just shut my mouth for now and see if she would tell me the reason for this when there’s a chance.

She’s aware of my multiple relationships and based on what Akane said, this girl also had an interest in me. But after knowing my relationship with her sister, that was put to a stop. Anyway, this was just my guess. Without getting an answer and without being given a chance to ask, my mind automatically began overthinking again. Like I said, the truth for this would only be answered by Itou herself. For now, I would satisfy this favor she asked.

When I felt her palm rubbing on mine, it was actually somewhat callous. It’s an indication of how hardworking she was.

Feeling my fingers gently gripping her hand, Itou who was already sweating and turning red from her seat copied what I did. With this, if someone sees us, it would probably look like she’s my girlfriend and not the girl that was currently napping.

“Keep it until we arrive there…” Itou’s soft voice once again reached my ears. And this time, she’s not looking at me anymore. Perhaps, afraid to let me see her flustered face.

Furthermore, she dropped our clasped hands to our side. And there’s only one reason why she did that. To hide it from anyone’s eyes.

Just like this, the bus continued to move and until the end of our ride, Himeko slept like a log and Itou never let go of my hand.