Stealing Spree

"Alright, let's calmly take a step back and analyze things properly. I won't deny that Akane and I are very active but what does that have to do with your relationship though?"

I'm certain that Akane and the others will ask this girl how our conversation went so... I should be very careful on how to clear her doubts and enlighten whatever path she's trying to tread from here.

This doesn't just concern her relationship but also her perception of herself.

Her low self-esteem was hidden beneath her cheerful and playful nature. I'm sure her friends are already aware of it but not openly. They also cannot bring it up since this girl can simply run away from it.

And so, that role was passed to me, I guess?

Eri visibly hesitated. Her cheeks take on the color pink. Coupled with the feeling of embarrassment from earlier, she's looking a little hot at the moment. Not figuratively but literally hot.

Despite the cool room temperature, I could see sweat forming on her forehead and neck.

"... Uhm. I thought with your experience, I could get advice from you, Onoda-kun." "Mhm. I get that. But like I said, advice for what?"

"About a man's mentality."

"I see. Looks like you thought this through. Do you want to use me as a point of reference? Will you use me as a comparison to your boyfriend?"

"No. No. Not like that. It's bad to compare. You're different from each other."

"Mhm. That's good. I thought I had to correct you on that. Eri, my answers may not be applicable to you and your boyfriend, you have to remember that. You can't just take what I say as the truth. However, for your sake, I'll try to answer and advise you as close to the general mindset of men as possible. Is that fine?"

"Yes! Thank you, Onoda-kun."

"Don't thank me yet. I haven't done anything yet, have I?"

"You already did... You cleared some of my doubts."

From the way I see it, that must truly be the case. A few words are enough to dispel some of her doubts. I don't know which doubts though.

"If you say it like that, then that's good. You are Akane and Fuyu's best friend so... I'll also treat you as one. I don't want to mislead you with my answers."

"... You're really good at comforting someone, Onoda-kun." Eri silently stared at me for a while before a relieved and kinda silly smile formed on her lips.

Once again, the way she moved felt like I just reduced the weight she was carrying on her shoulder. The girl became more relaxed. Seeing that, it also felt a little rewarding for me.

"I'll take that as a compliment then. But let's set that aside for now... You have something you want to ask first, right? Something related to me and Akane."

"H-how did you know?"

"Let's just say I can see it from your eyes."

"I think I still need advice on other things, Onoda-kun."

"I knew you'd say that." I smirked, "Let's start, then. Tell me what you want to know and I'll answer in line with the general male perspective."

General perspective. I don't know if I can answer properly but I just have to set aside my own opinion, right? I've read enough to know how an average guy's mind works.

If I have to guess, Eri's first question will be a follow-up to our previous topic but something more personal or close to heart.

Eri contemplated for a while before bringing up her first question, "Uhm, if I'm looking to take our relationship to the next step, is it fine if I make the first move?"

Called it. But somehow this feels like I'm back to talking to Mio about her troubles with

Miyoshi who's so cowardly that he can't even initiate a kiss.

Of course, Eri's situation here is different. She brought it up because of her mentality that she might be unattractive to her boyfriend.

What I said earlier about her attractiveness had yet to stick to her. She could be overthinking

or refusing to accept reality unless she heard him saying it.

That's the tricky part here.

But I still promised so... Here goes.

"It is fine. We're now out of the old age where women have little rights. If that's what you

want, you can do it."

"I see. But Onoda-kun, why does it feel like there's a second part?"

I smiled and patted her head as though I was praising her good intuition, "Indeed, there is a second part. I said I'd answer through the general perspective of males. Some guys will like a proactive girl while some like to be the one making the move. It's split."

Hearing that, Eri frowned as she removed my hand from her head.

"Eh? What's the correct answer then?"

"None. It's up to your interpretation of your boyfriend. I don't know him personally but you should know him best, right? You will know which group he belongs to."

"I see... You're right. I should align it with his perspective." She nodded a few times, finally

looking convinced.

As soon as she finished arranging her thoughts, Eri once again invaded my private space.

"I have another question, Onoda-kun. This time, I want to hear your thoughts. Not the general perspective. Is it fine?"

"Fire away." I shrugged. What else am I afraid to answer, anyway? Since she specifically requested to hear my thoughts then it's now up to her if she can take it.

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