Stealing Spree

Unfortunately, I also can't just tell her I'm studying business theories with Mizuki or that I'm doing a part-time job at a boxing gym as an instructor. Those were not valid qualifications in her eyes to be with her daughters. But I had to make her understand somehow.

"Auntie can continue to be against me but please, don't judge them because of their choice," I said, my voice filled with a mix of respect and challenge. "They're capable individuals who know their hearts better than anyone else."

At this, Maaya and Himeko looked at each other, a silent communication passing between them. It was clear they weren't going to let their mother's disapproval dictate their happiness. They had each other, and with me by their side, they had the strength to face whatever came next.

"Ya-chan, what will you do if both mother and father disapprove of Ruki for us?" Himeko asked her little sister.

"I... I'll elope with him. I'd rather have him than the hotel," Maaya blurted out, "But Nee-sama, I'll take you with us. You also don't want to be separated from him, right?"

Her mother's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, what are you two talking about?! Elope?! That's ridiculous!"

"Mother, it is ridiculous. But don't you think it's more ridiculous if you dictate who we can and cannot love?" Maaya retorted, her voice firm. "We're not asking for your blessing right now. We're just asking for your understanding. If you can't accept it, then we'll find a way to make it work without your help."

Her mother's eyes narrowed. I could see the gears turning in her head as she considered her response. Then, with a sigh, she leaned back in her chair with an unreadable expression.

"You two, you're giving me headaches. Have you reached your rebellious phase?" She muttered under her breath, but it was loud enough for us to hear. She took a deep breath and looked at her daughters, then at me.

"I'll tell you what. I won't approve of this, but I'll tolerate it for now," She finally said, her tone softer than before. "And you... Prove to me that you're not just a leech. Also... do not think my husband will be as tolerant as I am. You have one chance to win him over. If you can convince him of your worth, then we'll talk again. Until then, keep this... arrangement private."

Maaya's eyes widened with hope and Himeko's shoulders relaxed slightly. It wasn't an outright acceptance, but it was a start.

"Understood, Auntie. You can count on me to prove my worth. No. I will prove my worth for their sake." I nodded and looked at the sisters who were also looking at me with their hopeful gaze.

Their mother sighed again before standing up from her seat. She's a tough cookie, but she's not entirely heartless.

"I'll leave you three to talk. You're still my daughters and this hotel is your responsibility. Your father built this for you. Don't let this... this... distraction ruin everything we've built."

"Mother, this isn't a distraction. In the future, we will even marry Ruki and continue your legacy," Himeko declared, to which Maaya nodded fervently to.

That shocked their mother again but she was already drained from the whole conversation. She left the room with a heavy stride, leaving us in a tense silence.

The moment the door closed with a click, I sensed the tension released from the room. Himeko and Maaya looked at each other and then at me. They both had a relieved smile as they both leaned against me, hugging me tightly. My hands dropped on their heads before wrapping around their shoulders.

"Mhm. I guess that's enough of a challenge for us today." I said as I pulled them closer, enough that the two of them rested their heads on my chest.

"Yes. You've helped enough with the departments we visited. And you faced Mother with us... Honestly, I'm impressed, shameless guy," Maaya said in between her soft snickers as if she's remembering the conversation we just had with their mother.

"It's like how the other girls mentioned. You're not faltering even in front of our mother," Himeko whispered, her cheek pressed against my chest, "I'm proud of you, Ruki."

"That's the least I can do, right? I dared to date both of you, after all," I said as I smoothed their hair, feeling the warmth from their heads. "Now, I doubt it will go as easily with your father but you can be certain I won't cower against him."

"He might not listen to you though. He'll tell his men to bring you away." Maaya said.

That's not impossible.

"Oh. Then, I'll fight my way back to you and have him listen to me."

"Pfft. I know you can accomplish that. You're Ruki... You've always had a way to accomplish something impossible."

As always, Himeko's confidence in me was as unwavering as a lighthouse in a storm. Her faith in me was both humbling and terrifying. We all knew that convincing their father was going to be an even bigger hurdle than their mother but like she said, if there's no solution, we'd make one.

After five minutes of cuddling, Himeko gradually dozed off, her breathing even and peaceful.

On the other hand, Maaya remained awake as she was clearly the type to not sleep at work.

She quietly drew circles on my chest with her index finger, lost in thought. "I've been thinking, shameless guy. It's a good thing mother visited early."

"Hmm? Why do you think so?"

"Are you trying to play dumb?"

"Maybe? So, tell me, Maaya."

"You're really shameless," Maaya said with a giggle, poking me lightly in the side. "It's a good thing because we won't need to waste our time continuing the visits to other departments. Our private time got extended."

As she said that, the girl pulled on the tie of my suit and leaned closer to whisper, "I know you're tired, but can we...?"

"Who says I'm tired?" I smirked and put my hand over hers, gently gripping the hand holding my tie. "I've got plenty of energy left for you two."

"What do I expect? It's just so you, shameless guy." She giggled again as she leaned in to take a bite on my earlobe, "Nee-sama is asleep. I can have your full attention."

"You call me shameless yet you're planning on sneaking one in while your sister's sleeping?" I whispered back with a smirk, turning my head slightly to look at Himeko who was comfortably and peacefully asleep against my side.

Maaya blushed at my words but didn't withdraw her hand. "Well, it's not like she'll miss out. You'll have plenty of time to make up for it after we're done. Besides, are you really going to reject me?"

"Absolutely not."

"There you go, shameless and perverted Ruki."

"You love this pervert anyway." I smugly claimed before pressing a soft kiss on her sharp nose, "But you see, Himeko will wake up if I move her to the couch. What will you do then?"

Maaya blinked a few times before a mischievous smirk painted her lips. "So, you're telling me I have to do all the work this time?"

"Well, it's your idea," I whispered back, enjoying her playful challenge. "Aren't you quite the proactive one?"

"Knowing you, you just like watching me do things to you, don't you?" Maaya teased, her cheeks a soft shade of pink as she looked up at me through her lashes. I couldn't help but chuckle at her boldness.

Well, she had a point. Her usual tsundere side getting shelved and replaced by the side who loved taking charge. And frankly, I liked that side of her. It's like a secret menu at a fancy restaurant that only regulars know about. She's always so confident and sure of herself. It's a definite turn-on.

I shrugged and feigned innocence causing her to roll her eyes playfully.

"Utterly shameless. You're lucky I love you, Ruki," Maaya bit harder on my earlobe as she started using both hands to loosen my tie. Her fingertips traced more circles on my chest as though wanting me to be tickled by her sensual pokes. "But if I'm doing all the work, I expect full participation and no complaints."

“When did I ever complain? If anything… I’m looking forward to tainting more of your innocence.” I playfully whispered.

And sure enough, Maaya’s eyebrows clashed as her teeth sank deeper into the poor soft skin of my ear. “Should I just bite your thing off, shameless guy?”

“Nope. No can do. It’s integral for our future in making a little Maaya or maybe a little me?”

She released my earlobe and stared at me as though she was done with my antics, “... I give up. I won’t win against you with words.”

And my reply was a swift kiss on her lips before saying, “Mhm. I love you too, Maaya.”

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