Stealing Spree

After that insensitive comment of mine which ground the gears of the five girls with me, I timidly zipped my mouth and let them do what they wanted to calm themselves down before we left the train station and started walking towards our house.

Because it was their first time in this neighborhood despite being in the same city, they were curiously looking around and perhaps memorizing the path that we were taking or the landmark that would point them to our destination.

“Un. This feels like a rich neighborhood and… it’s too silent even if it’s Sunday.” Nami muttered her observation which was also immediately followed up by Hina.

“The streets are empty. No one will notice even if we stick to Ruki…”

And upon hearing that, Rae could be seen fixing her glasses while murmuring in a low voice. “I’m surprised sister Hina instantly thought of that possibility. I am lacking the knowledge for this…”

“Well then, I got the first dibs for Kii’s arm.” Chii squeezed between Hina and me as she instantly clung to my arm.

“And I… no. I’m fine here.” As for Saki, before she could also squeeze in, Nami who’s taking my left side closed the gap between us.

Like Hina said, the street was empty so… to satisfy them, I didn’t do anything and just continued our walk.

For the three girls who failed to move fast or got pushed away like Hina, they settled on either clutching onto my clothes, reaching for my hand from behind and getting my attention by any means possible.

If only I could split my body, this dilemma of wanting to pamper them all at once would probably not happen…

In any case, with Nami and Chii occupying my sides and the other three girls following behind us, we soon arrived in front of my house.

Even without reading the house plate which says Onoda Household, the girls already knew that we arrived upon seeing Shio’s car parked inside.

Although they’re aware that Shio was also one of my girls, it wasn’t obvious when we’re at school. But upon seeing her car here, the five girls could only shake their heads as they fully accepted that truth.

Well, it’s also because Shio and Miwa-nee weren't in their chat group. Except for me, no one was receiving direct messages from Shio. She was occasionally talking at our class’s chat group but only about school news or reminders like the one for today wherein she reminded everyone to be present.

Although some tried to include her in their conversation, Shio was only answering them with one word or one sentence before turning off her phone.

As I led the five girls inside, I noticed Aunt Akemi and Uncle Satoru looking at us from their windows. There’s a curtain covering their whole face but those eyes… those eyes who seemed as if they’re about to murder me if I bring more girls inside was telling me to react to them.

They left Akane to me and even if they’re actually against it, they respected the wish of their daughter.

However, seeing me bringing different girls at home would always trigger a reaction to them…

Any parents would react the same, especially if they knew the circumstances their daughter was tolerating.

That’s why… this time. I think I needed to apologize to them again and tell them the reason why they all gathered today.

Due to that, before reaching the front door, I had the five girls go inside first while telling them that I had to pay a visit to our neighbors first.

Although they’re confused as to why I needed to do that, the five girls eventually nodded.

While reminding them to also tell the others that I would be back soon, my feet began leading me to the house next door.

Since they were watching from their windows, they’re already aware that I would be at their front door.

Because of that, it opened even before I began to knock.

“What are you here for? You have a lot of guests. Or are they all guests? No, right?” Aunt Akemi had her arms crossed and her eyebrows raised as she fired her questions.

Behind her, Uncle Satoru was also not the least bit impressed. Nonetheless, he didn’t say anything and only expressed how he wanted me to answer Aunt Akemi.

“First of all, I apologize for disappointing Mother and Father.” I straightened my body and put my hands on my side before bowing my head along with my body into a 45-degree angle towards them. And while keeping that posture, I continued. “I will most likely continue disappointing you and I will have no excuse for this behavior. Father and Mother are aware of my changed desire and how I ended up loving a lot of girls which you probably saw arriving at our house today... That’s why I’m here to apologize for it if, by chance, you think that I am neglecting Akane.”

Back when I had dinner here with Akane during the day Uncle Satoru returned from his work, I changed the way I called them when they agreed about me taking Akane’s hand in marriage.

And although I seldom talked to them, I remembered to keep calling them this way. It’s still Uncle and Aunt in my mind though.

Well, I said to myself that I would be coming to ask Uncle Satoru for advice. However, a problem that was in need of advice from him hadn’t arrived yet.

That’s why after that day, our interaction was just whenever I would greet him or them.

In any case, the two of them were always updated on the situation in our house because Akane would often visit and talk to them when I wasn’t home yet or I was out of the house.

“Raise your head, Ruki.”

After maintaining my position for more than two minutes, Uncle Satoru opened his mouth as he tapped my shoulder to stop bowing at them. Furthermore, Aunt Akemi didn’t press for an answer anymore.

She already knew the answer after all. Her question was just her trying to vent out what she was feeling for their daughter.

“Yes.” I followed Uncle’s words and faced their gazes.

I had no idea if my apology got to them but considering their expressions didn’t change that much, they’re most likely still holding it against me. Just that, they’re also thinking about Akane’s wish.

Either way, I began telling them the reason why almost all of my girls arrived at our house. And I expect them to tell this event to my parents who were about to go home this coming week.

And after around ten minutes of explanation wherein Aunt Akemi would sometimes butt in to ask me a question or Uncle Satoru asking me to elaborate, I left the Shimizu Household.

I knew that I might continue apologizing to them and not only to them but also to the parents of the other girls in the future. Nonetheless, as long as they’re with me, I would never go back with my words about taking care of them.

The apologies would be to reassure their parents that they’re still in good hands.

It would be tiring, I know but if it’s for my girls, I could endure all of that.

This was my decision and I was the main perpetrator of why they accepted this abnormal situation. If I coldly ignored the feelings of those close to them then... it’s not wrong to say that it might become the cause of trouble.

By the time I opened the front door, two girls were waiting for me in front of it, Aya and Ria. And further inside, I could hear voices in the living room. Most likely, they’re all gathered there.

I wonder how Minoru was faring... That boy wouldn’t be overwhelmed, right?

Switching my gaze to focus on the two girls welcoming me, I opened my arms as a gesture for them to come inside my embrace.

Aya, who was wearing a troubled look, was the first one who moved. On the other hand, Ria

was grinning as if something interesting was happening. It took at least 10 seconds of just locking her gaze with me while wearing that kind of expression before she gave in.

That only meant one thing, she’s wordlessly telling me to guess why she’s grinning like that. And considering Aya had a troubled expression... the answer would most likely be found in the living room.

“Should I worry?” While embracing the two girls tightly who also wrapped their arms around my body to better feel my warmth, I uttered a question.

“Not really...” Aya answered after thinking for a while. At this point, the troubled expression she had on her face already eased up.

“There’s no need to worry, Dumb-senpai. I think you will be more amused instead.” Ria, who was currently wearing something like summer clothes, answered. Her grin also eased up and just changed to a very satisfied smile. “On the other hand, Aoi is also here. You invited us after all. But that visit we told you will still happen.”

Amused, huh? I have to guess... something was happening in the living room... And considering my girls' strong suits, hopefully, it wasn’t a quarrel.

Well, these two would surely tell me about it if that’s the case...

“Aoi... Where is she? If she’s here, I doubt she will miss this kind of opportunity.”

“She’s with the others in the living room,” Ria answered while she looked like she was about to burst into giggles. “I want to ask for a kiss but... you better see this first. Am I right, Aya-senpai?”

Seeing Ria addressing Aya like that... I remembered...

Aya’s troubled expression was most likely not from what’s happening in the living room but the fact that she’s meeting all of the other girls at once...

Her social ability was still low...

In any case, although with some difficulty, Aya nodded at Ria. Following that, the two began leading me to the living room.

Whatever was waiting for me there, I had already prepared myself to face it.