Stealing Spree

With that comment by Eri, I became the focus of attention for the rest of our train ride. Even with Akane's attempt to block the view, the other passengers couldn't help but sneak glances at my torso as if they had x-ray vision bypassing my uniform.

Fuyu even tried to slip her hand from my side. Even though she had already seen me naked, Eri's words set off something in her.

Then there was Machida. No matter how much she tried to forget what she witnessed that day, it probably came back again. Her mind was a mess. She kept glancing at me and then down to my lower body. Whenever I would catch her staring, she would immediately avoid meeting my gaze or try to act like she was looking at something else.

There was also Futaba. Given that she was standing in front of me, I could feel her eyes as she silently observed me. Her usual sensible demeanor was replaced with a slightly curious look. She didn't even scold Eri this time.

Of course, the culprit wasn't any better. Maybe if Fuyu or Akane wasn't around, she'd ask me to show her just because she's curious. Having been designated as her 'boy bestfriend', I was probably second to her boyfriend in her head when it comes to boys. Furthermore, she believed she could be more open to me because of my useful advice.

Although she's not like Futaba who was already curious or attracted to me, Eri was more unbridled with how she interacted with me.

To think that this resulted from one sleepover, I might have to prepare myself if they set another one. Who knows? She may ask to sleep and cuddle next to me again.

Anyhow, Akane, who was usually proud that I could get a lot of attention to myself, was having none of it. Her jealousy was tuned up to the maximum during this period.

Tightening her hold around my waist, she declared loudly enough for those nearby to hear, "Husband is mine. Anyone caught ogling will have to deal with me!"

Her words sent a ripple of chuckles and embarrassed murmurs through the train car. Even the other passengers who weren't involved in our group seemed entertained by her boldness.

Eri, still enjoying the chaos she caused, leaned in and whispered, "Relax, Akane. They're just looking. Not like they have a chance anyway. Ruki only has eyes on you and..."

She trailed there, not mentioning Fuyu who sternly stared at her, stopping her from mentioning our relationship.

"I know," Akane replied with a smirk as her possessive side got fully unleashed. "But that doesn't mean I'll let them."

Fuyu, meanwhile, regained her composure and rolled her eyes at the exchange. Still holding my hand discreetly, she muttered, acting like she was also surprised.

"You're unbelievable sometimes, Onoda-kun. Even when you're not trying, you could draw all the attention to yourself."

"What are you saying? It's not like I'm doing it on purpose. Blame Eri for stirring the pot."

"You mean to say 'thank you', Ruki. Am I right?" Eri playfully grinned, still pleased with herself.

When I looked up at her she stretched her arm to me for a high-five. But instead of doing that, I caught her hand in mine, pulling her close, just enough for her to almost tumble to my lap.

She ended up squatting in front though and it became her turn to look up.

"Alright, since Futaba couldn't scold you for some reason, I'd take it upon myself to do it on her behalf."

As she tried to pull her hand away, I tightened my hold on it, even filling the gaps between her fingers, making her flustered.

"E-eh? R-ruki. I did it for you, you know?"

"I know. But Eri, will you feel comfortable if you're in my place?"

"... Uhm. If I put myself in your shoes, I will! I mean, Ruki. You're someone unbothered by other people's gazes, right?"

Well, she's not wrong on that one but I have to make her understand, right? She cannot just pull something like this every time. It's fun but I still hate unnecessary attention. It'd be a different story if the attention was drawn to us naturally through our conversation.

"That may be true but I don't necessarily announce my presence to everyone, do I?" I narrowed my eyes, making the girl shrink.

"Ugh... Yes. It's my fault. Please let me off."

Her plea brought a smile to my face. Look at how adorable she is. If her boyfriend sees her like this, he's probably going to hate me. Not to my mention, the way I hold her hand. R̃ἁ₦𝙤𝖇ĚṠ

In any case, this should be enough.

"Well, your boy bestfriend is fond of you so... As long as you understand, I'll release you now," I said to which the girl immediately responded with eager nods.

I loosened my grip and let her hand slip free.

Eri stumbled slightly as she stood back up, her cheeks lightly flushed. She crossed her arms which failed to emphasize her size and huffed as she tried to regain her composure. "Hmph. You're lucky you're my best friend, Ruki. Otherwise, I'd be plotting my revenge right now."

"Revenge, huh? Go ahead. You can plot it. I'll be waiting," I replied with a smirk, watching as she stood next to Futaba again as they held onto the dangling handle, balancing themselves from the shaking of the train.

Futaba, who had been silently observing everything, finally let out a sigh and muttered under her breath, "Ruki, you're not off the hook either. You could've handled that more subtly."

"Futaba, I should say the same to you, no? You looked distracted this time." I meaningfully smiled.

Futaba rolled her eyes but a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "I'm not. I'm just waiting for my chance to scold Eri. But you've already done that so..."

"Sure. If you say so."

With that, Futaba puffed up her cheeks and huffed alongside Eri.

As the two grumbled, Akane tightened her hold on me and declared again with her voice dripping with pride, "See, everyone? That's why my husband is the best! He can handle anything, even all of us!"

Her proclamation earned a few chuckles from the group. Fuyu facepalmed not knowing how to react anymore. Eri and Futaba shook their heads as though they were looking at their hopeless best friend. And Machida looked on with wonderment.

As for the other passengers, they started murmuring to each other while alternately staring at us. Maybe we were already labeled as an idiotic couple in their head. Not that it matters though.

Soon, the train finally pulled into the station and our group disembarked together. Eri and Futaba's boyfriend were nowhere to be found. Most likely running late today.

Like always, I escorted them to their school gate, marking the end of our morning.

As I turned around to go back the way I came from, I finally got blocked by the same newspaper dude as before.

"Hey, Onoda. I finally caught you after so long. Can I get an interview? I'll do it properly this time, I promise!" He exclaimed with excitement, causing the other students to turn their attention to us.

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