Stealing Spree

Chapter 2375: Worried Marika



After club hours, Having promised to escort Marika home to face her aunt together, I picked her up once I finished escorting the other girls.

I talked to her bodyguards, telling them that I'd be escorting her home. Luckily, they didn't argue with me knowing what or who was waiting for her at home.

"Ruki-kun, I'm nervous," Marika said as we were about to reach the school gate. Her hand on mine was cold and sweaty.

Looking at her downcast expression, it was clear to see that she had been occupied by the thoughts of what could happen in this coming meeting since earlier. Even hearing about Ichihara Jun's fate of being sent to the Guidance Counselors didn't do much to abate her worry.

Nonetheless, I put on a reassuring smile as I tightened my hold on her cold hand, "Mhm. It's fine to feel that way, Marika. But trust me, alright? No matter what, I won't leave your side." The girl raised her head and forced a smile before nodding, "Un. I trust you, Ruki-kun. Must I..."

Marika trailed off. Her lips trembled slightly as she tried to form her next words. She wanted to say more but couldn't find the courage to do so.

I gradually paused in my steps, causing her to halt beside me.

"Marika," I said as I turned to face her fully.

The late afternoon sun cast a golden hue over her features, highlighting the nervous flicker in her eyes.

"You don't have to push yourself to act like you're okay or say anything you're not ready for. Just let me handle it, okay? Your aunt might be tough, but I'm tougher."

I even comically showed my biceps, earning me a gentle slap on my arm.

A small chuckle escaped her lips as I created a brief crack in her armor of worry.

"You always have the right words, Ruki-kun. But... this is not merely about me. It concerns you as well. What if she does not approve of you? What if she attempts to-

"Attempts what? Scare me off?" I interrupted with a smirk, finishing her thought. "She's always free to try. Besides, that's actually her task in coming here, right? To ensure that your engagement with Ichihara Jun will continue. Let's see... She'll find out that I'm not that easy to shake. If it's for you, I'm more than willing to fight for our happiness."

I gave her cheek a gentle caress until her forced smile relaxed.

"You make it sound so dramatic. It's not like we're in a movie or something..."

"Well, if we were, this would be the part where the knight reassures the princess before facing the dragon." I gave her a playful wink.

And despite what she was feeling, Marika giggled.

"That makes me feel a lot better."

We continued walking and as the school gate loomed closer, I noticed her steps slowing again. Some other students passed by, giving curious glances our way but saying nothing.

Regardless of how it went, Marika was still well-known for her grace and composure, and seeing her visibly nervous must've been a rare sight for them.

When we reached the gate, her bodyguards were already waiting. The two men, dressed in sharp suits, nodded respectfully at us as I approached with Marika.

Mhm. They're not making it difficult for me this time. If I wasn't wrong, they also knew that to pass this hurdle, I had to be there with Marika, or else, everything I did to take her away from Ichihara Jun would be pointless.

"Ruki-kun..." Marika's voice trembled slightly as we stopped in front of the sleek, black car waiting at the curb.

The vehicle looked more like a fortress on wheels than simple transportation. Somehow, despite seeing it a few times already, it still looked daunting as it emphasized the power and wealth of her family.

I turned to her, squeezing her hand gently. "It's just another step forward. If we pass this, you won't have to answer the Ichihara soon. Much less, your family who's trying to sell you off as a chip to their agreement."

She nodded, but her grip on my hand tightened as though she were anchoring herself to me. Her bodyguards opened the car door, gesturing for us to step inside.

The interior of the car was still as intimidating as much as it was spacious. It had plush leather seats and tinted windows that isolated us from the outside world.

I can still remember the first time I entered here. The first time she called out to me. And then... eventually the first kiss that we shared.

Our relationship started in this vehicle.

Marika sat close to me and hugged my arm for comfort as the car started moving.

The hum of the engine filled the silence between us, broken only by her soft sighs.

After everything that happened, this was the second that she was truly disturbed or too worried about what the outcome would be.

"Do you think she'll listen, Ruki-kun?" She finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"She probably won't but I'll make sure she does," I replied while putting on a shameless smile. "More importantly, she'll get to see what you want, Marika. That's the part she can't ignore. Why do you think she remained single despite being in the same family? She must have fought for her freedom too."

That's right. If her other aunts got married off why was she, the second child, remained unmarried? Shouldn't she also be used in a political marriage?

I had no clear idea of her history but considering she ended up someone who travels the world, her attitude values freedom more than anything else. Won't she sound hypocritical if she condemns Marika for her choice to not follow through with an engagement pushed on

her?

Marika's gaze shifted to the window, her reflection staring back at her.

For a moment, I thought she might retreat into her thoughts again, but instead, she looked up and graced me with her usual cheerful smile. "Thank you, Ruki-kun. I do not believe I would have the courage to face her alone. I recall your words now. We are in this together... So as long as you are by my side, I shall not be afraid."

I leaned closer, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear and then kissing her lips. "You're stronger than you think, Marika. You've already defied so much to stand where you are now. Facing your aunt is just one more challenge, and I know you can handle it."

She didn't respond with words but leaned her head against my shoulder as her arms wrapped around me. Her silent gratitude spoke volumes.