Stealing Spree

“Can I, senpai?”

“Blockhead, do I still need to spell it out to you?” Putting a hand on her forehead, Shizu gently shook her head, disappointed with my question.

Nonetheless, I found this chance to break the serious atmosphere between us. As I put on a slight smile, I stepped forward.

“Yes, please?”

“Haa… Then don’t if you don’t want to.”

Putting on a slightly disappointed expression, Shizu turned back and took the last steps to the stairs.

However, as soon as I saw that she’s about to leave me behind, my mind immediately worked followed by my head and eyes scanning our immediate surroundings; to our back, left and right, to see if there was a single soul around.

After a swift observation and found no one in sight, I dragged my feet and took a huge step to instantly reach her which attributed to her sudden surprise.

Before she could react to it, I slipped my arms from her sides and put her in my embrace - pulling her back and preventing her from taking the first step down the stairs.

“Actually, this is what I want to do. Ever since you entered the room. Will you let me?”

Asking for her permission when I was already holding her tightly and seemingly would never let her go, Shizu sighed and pinched the skin of my arm coiled around her navel.

“If I say no, will you let me go?”

“Un. No matter what, I will still respect your wishes.” I nodded before tightening my arms.

Well, at least if she said to let go, I already got my fill of being this close to her.

“This blockhead. I only told you to walk next to me, not embrace me.”

“... I missed you.” Blurting out what’s really on my mind, I noticed Shizu pausing as a reaction to what I said.

A few seconds later, a bitter smile appeared on her lips. “Do you? You have all of your girls, do you still have the time to miss me?”

The way she said it, she really didn’t want to be just one of my girls… She wanted to be my only girl. This is the crux of our relationship. If both of us didn’t change our minds to what we wanted, we wouldn’t take that last step.

“I know it sounds impossible for me to do that but… I really do. As I told you, I’m abnormal.”

There’s just no way I could let go of them. I already said this a lot of times. But at the same time, I also couldn’t let go of her.

If this was before, I would definitely act as if she’s my only one. Lying to her like that just to make her my girl.

Naturally, I wouldn’t do that now. Perhaps if this was a standoff, we’re both going to be too stubborn to give up.

“Why did I fall in love with this abnormal and shameless guy?” Shizu muttered under her breath, directing that question to herself.

Nonetheless, being this close to her, I clearly heard it.

“Do you want me to answer that for you?”

“No. Idiot. Let go now, someone will see us.”

As turned her head to face me, I immediately took the chance to kiss her before answering. “I checked. No one in the next minute or two.”

“... What about downstairs?”

She didn’t comment on my kiss so… before her beautiful eyes that were reflecting my visage, I went for her lips once more.

“Well, if I hear someone arriving, I’ll let go.”

“... Suit yourself.” Upon hearing my answer and welcoming my lips once more, Shizu eventually gave up as she began responding to me.

This is somewhat of a public space but… I just couldn’t let go of this chance. And perhaps, she’s the same.

I might not have all the bases covered but… what I told her was all true.

It’s not hard to hear the footsteps or the opening of the door.

Besides, no one will see us here unless they’re near enough to see the staircase.

Moreover, although her words point to her not wanting this moment, just by how she was responding to my kisses and how she let her whole body lean on me while gradually turning around to face, she’s not against this moment between us.

With both of us directing the affection we harbor for each other, Shizu had already removed the mask she always put on.

In between our kisses, Shizu would sometimes open her yellowish eyes to meet my gaze and reaffirm what she’s feeling deep inside.

Nonetheless, there’s still her inhibition to not totally show that shine in her eyes to me, lest she would give up on what she wanted to happen.

After a while, Shizu pulled her head a bit and said, “If someone sees us, it will be official. That you’re my… boyfriend.”

“Do you want someone to see us?”

“I do. That way… everyone will know that you’re mine.”

I should be happy and excited hearing this from her but… with my identity and the complications it would cause everyone, my reply was somewhat a downer. “Shizu, I will still not abandon them.”

“I know. You’re stubborn that way. Isn’t that why you checked our surroundings, to not let anyone see us.”

“It’s not about that, I… Ah... I see. It will sound like I’m making an excuse if I told you that it’s to protect your image.”

“Haa… You’re a painfully honest guy but sometimes you’re not aware that there’s another meaning with your actions. Ruki, both of what we said was the reason why you did check.” Shizu sighed then gently pushed me away from her before continuing. “We’re losing time, let’s go and finish this business with the Baseball Club.”

After saying that, Shizu then went back to the stairs and took the first step. However, she didn’t continue going down. Instead, she turned her head around and asked “Are you coming?”

Looking at her glistening lips and her slightly trembling eyes, I instantly understood. This girl, she’s holding herself back from breaking down from what I said.

As an answer to her questions, I nodded at her and moved right where she wanted me.

Next to her.

“Shizu, I love you.”

“I know. And I feel the same thing for you.” Shizu answered before continuing in her steps.

I don’t know how we will resolve this issue between us. We’re both stubborn... But I will not give up. Even if not now, I will continue walking by her side.