Stealing Spree

On our way to the restaurant, Kaoru-san continued to act like a host and a guide. Every street and road the car passed through, she would give some trivia about it.

For example, there's a bookstore well-known to be hidden from the eyes of the public that's releasing new books a week before the other large distributors. It's also a place where one can find some rare out-of-publication books. In short, Kaoru-san described it to be a secluded holy land for book lovers.

She didn't know its exact location as well but she pointed out that it should be within that particular area. We also saw some obvious geeks and nerdy individuals roaming the place.

In the future, I should try bringing Aya, Kana, Rae, Rumi, or Hifumi to look for it. I'm sure any one of them will be thrilled even if we end up not finding it in the end.

Aside from the bookstore, there's a salon that seemed to cater to a lot of celebrities -- mostly female idols and actresses.

That one was pretty conspicuous since they boastfully advertised the clients they served. Just that, the place became an appointment-based clientele so... there are more paparazzi and desperate fans loitering outside it than customers stepping inside. The security was also tight. Even if you're a pedestrian, you'll be forced to take the sidewalk on the other side of the road because they won't let you pass.

Kaoru-san said she tried bringing Yue there once but they couldn't find an open appointment time that would align with Yue's busy schedule.

Now that she's big enough in the music industry, Kaoru-san hired a team for her. Nevertheless, since that salon's reputation is sky-high, Yue was still hoping to visit it once.

For a famous landmark, Kaoru-san pointed at a huge shopping mall. She said it's a place that never runs out of events.

Yue sang there on her first solo show. She gathered a thousand spectators which provided her support for her career.

I've seen a video of it uploaded on the internet. Yue still looked nervous at that time but when she started singing, everyone in the crowd fell silent.

That video was only second after the specific video that made her popular and scouted.

Mhm. Looks like for the past year or so, Yue has been doing her best in this place.

I can only imagine the hardships she faced before she could be who she is today...

"Onoda-kun, for the past few weeks since you two reunited, Asahi has started shining even brighter than before. It's like her motivation has been renewed to a new height. I can only attribute that to you and your relationship with her. I hope you can continue supporting her."

Perhaps noticing the melancholy on my face after hearing about Yue's experiences here, Kaoru-san patted my shoulder.

Well, it's really evident that she's a little different before and after her short vacation.

In the TV shows she's being invited to, similar questions started being asked to her. And despite their projected backlash from before, Yue continued answering the same way.

That she's now more inspired because of a certain person.

Although she was refusing to name the one inspiring her, her fans -- be it those supporters or those against her having a special someone -- had started to accept that their idol, Mabushisa Asahi, would never change her mind about it.

"You're free to punch me in the face if I stop supporting her, Kaoru-san."

"C'mon Onoda-kun, I'm not that violent. Maybe a slap or two will suffice."

"No. That won't be enough to wake me up. You have to jog my head hard so that I will remember how much I love her."

"So you're saying that will only happen if you lose your memory?"

It's great that she can follow my thoughts. She's really fit to be a manager. Imagine how hard it is to understand Yue, especially when she's being moody. One has to train their skills in picking up context for her career. On top of that, she also has to be meticulous when making Yue's schedule and reviewing contract offers for the girl.

"Mhm. Kaoru-san. When the time comes, you'll be watching Yue march towards me in her bridal gown."

"I admire your immovable confidence, Onoda-kun. Alright, enough about that. We're here."

Kaoru-san sighed in amazement before shaking her head and slowing down the car.

Behind us, Akane and Yua who were listening to our conversation were both sneakily poking my side. They're feeling a little jealous. Just a little since they know that if Auntie Misora or Aunt Akemi was in Kaoru-san's place, I would also answer quite similarly if asked like that.

Even if it would feel like I was just using flowery words for convenience, my girls knew I always meant it that way.

Anyway, looking outside the car, I couldn't seem to find the 'restaurant' where Yue should be waiting.

I thought it would be something like a Michelin-star restaurant. However, the place where Kaoru-san stopped only had a seemingly small and old noodle shop.

As we got out of the car, I woke up Miho who's still conserving her energy.

Akane and Yua walked to the front as they stared in wonder, waiting for Kaoru-san to tell us where we should go.

"Was it underwhelming? Don't worry. This is a secret place that Yue loves to go to. It's my parents' place."

As she dropped that trivia, Kaoru-san 's eyes swept over us as she took in our reactions.

She let out a satisfied laugh before continuing towards the door.

Her parents' place, huh? I guess this is why it doesn't feel extravagant as it's just a family's business.

Upon entering the place, the first thing I noticed was the refreshing scent of the wooden interior. Everywhere I looked, I could see the brownish hue on the walls and ceiling.

The light was neither bright nor dim, it was just enough to give the whole shop a serene atmosphere.

As I expected, given the 'Reserved' sign on the door, most of the tables were empty save from one; the table where Yue was waiting.

Yeah. So saying I should be careful not to flirt openly with Yue was useless here… I should shelve the methods I came up with to accomplish that for later.

Looking at the girl, she’s still in her school uniform. She must've put them back on after her schedule before coming here.

There's already a small platter in front of her which was filled with sticks as well as a teacup. She already helped herself with a few skewers while waiting.

Kaoru-san didn't guide us to Yue's seat, instead, she immediately disappeared into the kitchen where I could see two elderlies busily moving there.

That must be her parents. Well, I said elderly but they're probably around 50 to 60's so not that old yet. Her father was even too muscular for an aging man. He's grilling more meat skewers.

Most likely, Kaoru-san is not their only child and possibly their youngest.

When I glanced at her mom who was intently watching the noodles boil, she caught my gaze and amiably smiled.

I respectfully bowed and smiled back.

She then gestured for us to continue to the table.

I guess she didn't want to get distracted.

Following that, I heard Kaoru-san's voice as she approached them, "Mom, I told you to leave that to me! You're still sick. Come on, let me guide you back to your room."

Yep. Not only is this an old noodle shop, but this also serves as their house, I guess.

From the photos I could see plastered on the wall, they must have a loyal patronage that kept them afloat.

"No! You still haven't mastered our specialty! I can't let you serve your guests with your mediocre noodles."

"Huh? Didn't you just say earlier I already perfected it?"

"Did I?"

"Ugh "

Alright. Let's stop eavesdropping. Whatever was happening there, it looked like her mother already had a condition. It's still a surprise that Kaoru-san will be the one preparing our meals though.

Looks like either Yue, Kaoru-san, or both planned this for today.

Soon, we joined Yue on the table. Akane, Miho, and Yua took their seats while Yue, who's been itching to jump up since earlier, threw herself in my arms.

"I've been waiting for ages, Ruki. I missed you!" The girl said as she pushed her head in for a kiss.

I don't really mind kissing her right away but I noticed the sauce from the skewers still staining her. So my instinct immediately went to pulling my handkerchief and then wiping her lips with it.

Yue was dumbfounded before embarrassment ran through her face.

But before she could lower her head, I pinched both of her cheeks and replied, "I missed you too. Why do I feel like you're becoming careless"

The girl giggled comically before glancing behind her. Akane, Miho, and Yua were all smirking at her.

"Hehe... Sorry, I made a bet with them. I guess I lost."

"What bet?"

"That you will lick the sauce from my lips "

Upon saying that, Yue jumped back and scurried back to her seat, acting like she was running away from me.

What can I say though? How did I even not expect that they would be having that kind of bet and that leftover sauce was intentional?

They got me there. I forgot the existence of 'Ruki Hub'. For sure, the others were also in on that bet no matter how silly it was.

Anyway, I chased after Yue, put her on my lap, and finished what she started. I licked her lips clean again before sealing it.

Akane, Miho, and Yue were forced to watch but underneath the table, they either reached in to pinch me again or squeeze my hand. If not for the place, they'd probably try and steal me away from Yue.