Stealing Spree

When I arrived at the mall where I was supposed to meet up with Koizumi-san, it was approximately ten minutes later than our appointed time.

Well, it’s not so bad considering I extended my time with Mina and Auntie Yayoi for the second time. For that extended time, we simply lay down in Mina’s bed, talking about each other.

No. It’s mostly about the mother and daughter. Auntie Yayoi expressed her concern for Mina’s first time; she even scolded me when she recalled how Mina always cried in pain. On the other hand, Mina probed Auntie Yayoi’s inner thoughts. She tried to check if her mother was telling the truth when she told us that she was not nursing any guilty feelings.

As for the result? Yep, she only pushed her guilty conscience to the back of her mind.

To be honest, knowing that there is guilt in her mind reassured us.

It would actually be more concerning if there were none. No matter what, Auntie Yayoi had been living in normal society for a long time. She wouldn’t simply accept everything just because it was presented really well by us.

That’s why I made sure to address that guilt before I left. Not to clear it up but to accept it. That way, even when I wasn’t with them, they wouldn’t suddenly turn awkward with each other. That’s the last thing I wanted to happen.

Anyway, back to the present. After clearing up my head, I walked inside the mall to look for Koizumi-san.

I already received her message that she was already there, waiting for me at a quiet coffee shop.

Thankfully, the mall wasn’t so huge that I needed a thousand steps to walk from the front to the back side of it.

As soon as I reached the coffee shop that’s not in any way a famous brand, I found Koizumi-san fully focused on the cup of coffee while stirring it at a somewhat rhythmical pace.

Like always, her fashion statement was so pronounced that the few customers inside the shop were occasionally stealing glances in her direction. It’s kind of a miracle that no one tried to hit on her yet. Or perhaps, there was already a precedent before I arrived and they learned that she’s not that easy.

Anyway, because she was seemingly in deep thought, she didn’t notice me entering.

The shop had nature in its ambiance. Everything was green and brown. All of their furniture was made from wood and there was a small plant on every table as well as the decorations hanging on their walls.

The counter was turned into a bar where patrons could sit and watch their coffee, espresso, latte, or any caffeinated drinks be made by the hands of the shop’s barista.

Upon entering, my nose was instantly assaulted by the refreshing scent of nature. While there’s an air conditioner in place, it’s set too low just to regulate the calming atmosphere.

When the employee of the shop saw me entering, they didn’t instantly run to me. They simply watched me make my way to Koizumi-san’s table.

That’s better, I guess?

When I reached her table, it only took a second for Koizumi-san to snap out of her trance. The girl then raised her head and put on a very welcoming smile as soon as she confirmed that I was the one she was waiting for.

“Onoda-kun, you’re here.” She started. But before continuing, she waited for me to settle down on my seat, her watchful eyes scanning my whole figure.

Perhaps finding what she saw as satisfying, she faintly nodded.

But then, as though she remembered something unpleasant, Koizumi-san lightly smacked her lips before pointing at me. “Uh. Your advance notice that you’re going to be late is appreciated. However, Onoda-kun, you should remember to send it an hour before our meeting time. Not half an hour. I could’ve used that lost half an hour on something more productive. For example, I can find a fitting gift for you.”

Alright. Although that sounded like a scolding, Koizumi-san’s example caught me in a dilemma about whether to take it seriously or not.

In any case, I thought of scratching my hair before responding but seeing her seemingly attentive eye watching my every movement, grading it as she saw fit, I stopped and simply fixed myself on the chair.

“Uh. Thanks for the reminder. I’ll remember that. The truth is… I’m not used to being late.”

“Yeah, I know. You’re the type to be punctual. Like you have a set schedule you don’t want to ruin. And that in itself is very charming of you, Onoda-kun.”

… After a scolding, did she just praise me out of nothing?

Koizumi-san sweetly giggled as she took another sip of her coffee.

At this point in our conversation, the employee had already arrived at my side, she put a cup in front of me and filled it with a hot black coffee. It’s different from what Koizumi-san was having. Moreover, this seemed like a free service because she handed me the menu right after.

I picked my drink along with two slices of cake; one for me and one for Koizumi-san. Before she could ask me why I ordered two, I already prepared an answer,

“Take it as my token of apology for coming in late, Koizumi-san.”

“My, how wonderful… I’m not expecting it but that’s very thoughtful of you.”

“Isn’t it only appropriate? I made you wait, after all.”

“Un. But don’t think you’ll be able to buy me with only a slice of cake. I’m expecting more from you, Onoda-kun.”

“Absolutely. We’re on the same page, Koizumi-san. I planned to make up for it. By the way, you look fantastic today. Should I say as expected of a model?”

“Surely, you jest. I don’t normally dress up prettily. This is kind of my normal attire.”

Really, now? If that’s her normal attire then I kind of pity Setsuna-nee-san. She’s probably finding it hard to keep up with her if they’re going out together. She’d always be dwarfed by this girl in terms of fashion.

“Anyhow, I should say the same to you, Onoda-kun. You grew even more handsome than the last I saw you. My hands are itching to snap a photo of you.” She continued and this time she leaned slightly forward, reaching for my collar. She tugged it lightly as though fixing it for me. And when she was done, she leaned back on her chair in satisfaction while her eyes remained locked on my figure.

Somehow, this girl… she truly became more attentive to me compared to the last time that we were together.

Well, when was it? It’s during the basketball match and we’re not even alone together… Just what did I do to get her this interested?

Is she doing this to lure me into her agency? Possible but… I doubt she’d be the sneaky type. It’s all about propriety to her, after all. She would just continue sending me those gig ads and entice me with them.

“Am I really that photogenic?” I asked. And that resulted in Koizumi-san nodding a few times before excitedly leaning forward again.

This time, she went for my cheeks. She then moved my head to the side to get an angle she probably preferred.

Or so I thought.

“Yes, you are. Look, I can’t even decide which angle of you is the best. Too bad, you’re not interested in modeling. I could’ve used a partner, you know?” Upon saying that, Koizumi-san puckered her lips a bit before letting go of my face and returning to her position.

So, that’s it, huh? That’s the reason why she’s not giving up on recruiting me. She wanted me to be her partner in a photoshoot. But am I really qualified enough?