Stealing Spree

Upon entering our clubhouse which was still a little empty inside since Mutsumi-senpai had yet to finish filling up the furniture to make it look like a proper clubhouse, Itou looked around in slight amazement.

Moments later, a smirk rose from the corner of her lips as she once again brought up a commentary. "So, this is where you brought those drinks before. You owned a clubhouse like this… Talk about being privileged."

"Well, it's the perk of being close to the SC President. This is the perfect place for us, don't you think so?"

"Yeah, right. You get your privacy here better than in any other clubroom. You're using your connection pretty well. I can't say I'm not impressed." Itou smilingly shook her head as she headed further inside, checking out the still-empty kitchen as well as the backdoor leading to the abandoned greenhouse and gardening plots.

Somehow, the air around her changed. Her eyes appeared sharp as scrutinized everything as though she was estimating this place's worth or how well the place was. If I wasn't wrong, this should be her 'luxury hotel manager' persona. The heiress of the Itou Family.

I admit, she exuded the same mature and meticulous aura as Mizuki whenever that girl would talk business. And the same as Mizuki, I couldn't help but see this as another charming side of her.

Before I knew it, I found myself standing behind her, watching the girl survey this place.

When she caught me intently watching her, Itou cutely pouted before grabbing my wrist, "What are you grinning there about? Let's go and play it. We still both have clubs. Oh, wait!"

She was about to pull me upstairs but her attention suddenly focused on the backdoor.

Pulling me with her, we exited the clubhouse through it and the rather pitiful sight of this place's backyard welcomed us.

As expected, Itou became speechless but not in a positive way.

She stared at me for an explanation but all I could do was shrug my shoulders.

"I won't complain but Ruki, you should do something about this. There's a window upstairs, it won't be good for our eyes to see that."

She's right. It won't be relaxing to our eyes to see weed-filled garden plots and the dirty-looking greenhouse.

Telling her that we're not the Gardening Club would not result in anything. It's part of the package, after all. That's why it's kind of expected for us to maintain it as well.

To put that thought to rest for the moment, I replied ambiguously by pointing out that the current focus was the restoration of the clubhouse. Its vicinity comes next.

Finding that answer reasonably, Itou nodded in approval and eventually took off the eye filter of a 'hotel mogul heiress'.

We went back inside and approached the stairs. As we ascended it, the girl brought up a suggestion.

"I think Nee-sama and I can also help in this, Ruki… It looks so empty. This place needs furniture. Our hotel has a lot of spares kept in a warehouse. Beds, tables, chairs, cushions, and sofa. What else? Appliances? We can have it delivered here."

Yeah. I expected her to bring this up. I mean, Himeko also said the same thing, albeit a little roundabout since she's not looking at things from the perspective of a successor.

And for this girl to suggest that while including Himeko's name to give her Nee-sama contribution, it still showed how much of a siscon she is. That's more important to her than taking full credit.

Nonetheless, even if the offer was tempting, I had to decline.

"Girl, not counting the fact that it will be difficult to bring them in here, that's the property of your hotel. It will trouble you and Himeko if your father finds out that you take them out from the warehouse." e.c

Obviously, those spares were recorded and they wouldn't neglect taking inventory of it every day to make sure that nothing would be stolen; either by an employee or a third party.

And even if she's the daughter of the owner as well as the successor, she couldn't simply take those out without notifying their father. An explanation would also be required.

But then again, there's Mizuki who gave away a condominium unit without any care about her parents' opinion. That girl was built differently.<novelnext></novelnext>

"Also, you shouldn't worry about it now. We already have someone moving to furnish this place for all of us."

"I see. I also haven't thought about how I can get them out of the warehouse. Silly me."

"Mhm. It's the thought that counts. I appreciate it a lot. Can I kiss you for it?"

"This shameless guy won't pass up a chance. No, you can't."

Or so she said.

As soon as we reached the top of the stairs, Itou herself initiated it, pulling me to her. Her fingers draped over my neck, tracing the bite mark that she left behind earlier.

While we were both all over each other, savoring the moment, I slowly moved us to the same area that the girls and I used before.

Upon arriving there, Itou and I ended the long kiss as our attention gathered at the state of the place.

Unlike the emptiness of the first floor, a small round table could be seen placed in the middle while several seat cushions surrounded it. There's also a pile of the same cushion in one corner. Then, further to the side, close to the window facing the front, there was a wall-attached wooden cabinet. On top of it, several potted plants were neatly arranged. Each of which was fresh and healthy. They're getting sunlight through the window.

Compared to the last time I visited this place, this place had already seen a change.

Obviously, the one responsible for it was none other than Mutsumi-senpai. She even handcrafted that attached cabinet. Although it's still empty, we could place tea sets there.

After taking in the different view, Itou eventually sighed in amazement, "Uhm… I expected this to be the same as downstairs but color me surprised..."

As she said that, the girl took a seat on one of the cushions before pulling me down with her.

Naturally, I took the nearby seat before inching closer to her.

"I told you. We have someone working to furnish this place. And even with just this, it's already relaxing."

"Someone, huh? I bet it's another one of your girls."

"Not yet. Himeko knew her. A senior from the same club who graduated last year." I answered honestly without naming Mutsumi-senpai.

And as expected, her eyebrows raised from the phrase 'not yet'. She didn't pursue it though. She's more than aware that most of the people close to me are either my girls or someone I'm interested in.

Spending another three minutes just talking about the room and the person working on this, Itou finally brought out the board game from her bag and placed it on top of the table.

I helped her spread it open and prepare it to play. Once that was done, she started preparing to explain the revised rule of it that Haruko and the others helped her with.

However, it was at this moment that someone knocked on the door downstairs.

Did someone follow us? No… I made sure that no one was around when I guided her here...

It also can't be one of my girls. They're free to come here. Furthermore, even if they decide to come, they'll tell me about it first. To make sure that I am here.

Who is it then?