Stealing Spree

The convenience store’s fluorescent lights buzzed softly as I pushed through the glass door, the chime announcing my arrival.

The clerk, a bored-looking guy scrolling on his phone, barely glanced up. I made a beeline for the drink aisle, the cool air from the fridges brushing against my skin as I scanned the shelves. Yae loved her iced coffee, Ririka was all about fruity sodas, and Fuyu… well, if she was there, she’d probably go for something simple like green tea, if not a chocolate drink.

But I wanted to grab something for everyone, just in case someone unexpected showed up.

I grabbed a mix—canned coffee, a couple of citrus sodas, green tea, and, on a whim, a bottle of that weirdly popular aloe drink that Akane mentioned once before.

No alcohol, of course. Even if I wanted to buy Miwa-nee one, I’m prohibited from buying it from the counter.

Anyway, my bag was already heavy with Aya’s light novel and my school stuff, but I slung the plastic bag of drinks over my wrist, the cans clinking softly as I headed back out into the night.

The walk home was peaceful, the streets of my neighborhood lit by the soft glow of streetlamps and the always desolate feeling that the other residents were always out.

My phone buzzed again, and I fished it out, expecting another group chat explosion. Instead, it was a reply from Azusa, her message popping up with a string of exasperated emojis. Eye rolls, a facepalm, and a single heart.

“Azu-chan? Neon green and polka dots? You’re the worst, shameless bastard. I’m burning that image out of my brain. But… fine, I’ll wear something that can make your eyes wide. You better appreciate it.”

I grinned, picturing her scrunching her nose as she typed, probably sprawled on her bed with her hair fanned out, trying to act annoyed but failing. I tapped out a quick reply: “Can’t wait to see it, Azu-chan. Try your best to steal my attention then. Goodnight.”

I hit send, then pocketed my phone, ignoring how it vibrated quickly as I neared our house.

No Shio’s car parked inside. She’s possibly at her apartment by now. Either busily working on something for her work or spending her time with her hobby. I should give her a call.

Glancing at our neighbor, I saw Aunt Akemi standing outside. She’s not waiting for me, of course. Probably she’s waiting for Uncle.

“You’re only arriving now? Tsk. You’re living so carefreely, make sure our Akane isn’t getting sidelined, understand?” With a click of her tongue, she expressed her usual grumpy attitude. Well, she’s probably like this because she saw the other girls arriving. She’s so overprotective of her daughter.

“I understand, Auntie. But aren’t you cold? Should I get you something warm to drink?”

“Don’t bother. Go and eat dinner with them.”

I chuckled, giving Aunt Akemi a playful salute before heading toward our front gate. “Don’t worry, Auntie. Akane always got my heart. I’m making sure she knows it every day.”

She rolled her eyes, waving me off with a dismissive hand. But I caught the faintest twitch of a smile before she turned back to scanning the street for Uncle’s car.

As always, she was tough. But her soft spot for Akane, and maybe, just maybe, for me, always peeked through. I mean, she watched me grow up too. Too bad, I ended up like this.

As I stepped closer to our house, the familiar scent of home hit me the moment I stepped into the yard.

Grilled fish, miso soup, and something sweet. Most likely, Akane or the girls’ attempt at dessert. Their savory fragrance wafted from the open kitchen window.

My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten since that ice cream with Aya.

The drinks clinked in the bag as I adjusted my grip, my school bag slung over one shoulder. Before I could even reach the door, it swung open, and Akane’s beaming face greeted me.

Her hair was tied back in a messy bun, a few strands loose around her cheeks and she was wearing an oversized sweater that I could remember as her favorite sleepwear before she started living with me.

How do I remember? Well, she used to knock on my door every night, bringing me their leftovers. Most of the time, she’s attempting to invade and sleepover.

Anyway, the sight of her, all cozy and glowing, made the day’s chaos melt away.

Then behind her, Miwa-nee, Yae, Ririka and as I expected, Fuyu popped up.

“Husband! You’re finally home!” She bounced forward, grabbing my free hand and tugging me inside. And as our ritual, she pulled my head down, kissing me.

“How was it? Have you given Aya-chan your gift?”

“How did you know that?”

“Pfft. Husband, why wouldn’t I know that when you kept it in your bag? You’ve also already prepared the other girls’ gifts for their birthdays, right? I’m envious. Mine has already passed.”

“Envious, huh? Well then, what do you want? Let’s celebrate the day you moved in with me.”

Upon hearing that, her eyes sparkled with that mix of mischief and affection before pinching my nose. “What are you saying, husband? I don’t need a gift. You coming home to me is already more than I can hope for!”

“Now, you’re being dramatic. Where’s my playful Akane? My wife?”

With her cheeks puffing up, she pulled me further into the house before she positioned herself in front of me. She grabbed my arms and wrapped them around her before she stepped on my toes.

She playfully produced whirring sounds as though she’s controlling me like a robot. Of course, I played along because in front of us was Minoru, peeking his head out from the living room.

“Papa? What are you doing with Aka-nee?” He tilted his head in confusion.

“Minoru, your Papa is now my robot. Look, I’ll bring him to you.”

And then Akane continued her playful charade, guiding me toward Minoru with exaggerated robotic steps, her whirring noises growing louder.

I couldn’t help but grin, my chest swelling at the sight of her and Minoru’s confused but delighted expression.

The drinks clinked in the bag as I let her steer me, my arms still wrapped around her waist, her warmth transferring to me after a day that felt like a whirlwind of emotions.

“Papa’s a robot now?” Minoru’s eyes widened, his little hands clapping as he bounced. “Aka-nee, make him do something cool!”

“Oh, don’t worry, Minoru-kun,” Akane said with a mischievous glint in her eye, spinning me around so I faced him. “Your Papa’s the coolest robot ever. Watch this!”

She leaned back, reached for the back of my neck to pull my head down before whispering in my ear, “Husband, give Minoru a big hug. Robot mode, activate!”

I chuckled, playing along as I set the bag of drinks on the floor and had Akane step off my toes.

With exaggerated, mechanical movements, I lumbered toward Minoru, arms outstretched.

“Robot… Papa… initiating… hug… protocol,” I droned, earning a squeal of laughter from the kid as I scooped him up, spinning him gently before settling him back on the couch, where I already saw the other girls watching us with warm smiles on their faces. Ah. No. Someone was holding back her laughter, evident by her side ponytail bouncing.

I glared at her and Ririka instantly covered her mouth.

Meanwhile, Minoru giggled uncontrollably, his small hands grabbing at my cheeks. “Papa, you’re silly! Aka-nee, make him do it again!”

Akane crossed her arms, pretending to consider it. “Hmm, I dunno, Minoru-kun. Robot Papa’s battery might be low. Maybe he needs some… fuel?”

She glanced at me, her lips twitching into a smirk as she nodded toward the kitchen.

I raised an eyebrow, catching her drift. “Fuel, huh? Guess I’ll have to raid the kitchen then. But first…” I turned back to Minoru, ruffling his hair. “You’re gonna help me pick a drink, alright? I got something for everyone.”

His eyes lit up, and he scrambled off the couch, darting toward the plastic bag I’d left by the door. “Drinks! Can I have soda, Papa?”

“Only if Miwa-nee says it’s okay,” I said, glancing over at Miwa-nee, who walked out from our kitchen side, leaning against the divider. Her arms crossed as a fond smile appeared on her face.

She was still in her apron, her hair slightly mussed, but the warmth in her eyes made the house feel even more like home.

“One soda won’t hurt,” Miwa-nee said, her voice soft but teasing.

“Got it. Here you go, Minoru.” I handed him the soda before turning to the three girls seated on our sofas. First, Yae, who stretched her arms wide, expecting a hug as well, “Sweetie, I missed you.”

She said as she jumped up at me, her lips instantly finding mine. Once she’s satisfied, she grabbed a can of iced coffee.

Then, I looked at Ririka, who was giggling silly as she tried to fix the fringes of her hair. I walked over to her and without saying anything else, pinned her to the sofa. She’s red as an apple when I handed her the orange soda.

And lastly, Fuyu. She’s the one acting most composed but the moment I reached her, she leaned in and whispered as softly as possible, “Welcome home, Papa.”

… This girl. She’s learning.