Netori: I Shall Steal All Of My Enemies' Women For Revenge!

Steam curled lazily above the natural hot spring, blurring the edges of the wooden bathhouse and blending with the evening air.

The faint chirping of crickets harmonized with the occasional splash of water, setting a tranquil scene.

Haruto leaned back against the smooth stones, letting the warmth soak into his tired muscles.

Beside him, Enji stretched with exaggerated ease, exhaling like a king lounging on his throne.

"Man, nothing beats a holiday without my sister around," Enji said, his voice breaking the quiet. He grinned, looking entirely too smug.

Haruto arched a brow and sighed. "Really? I already miss Haruka."

Enji turned to him, his expression shifting into mock seriousness. "Miss her? You just talked to her earlier through the phone. Haruto, don't tell me you're turning into a siscon."

Haruto jolted upright, splashing water in the process.

"What? No way!" His voice cracked slightly as he waved his hands in protest.

"It's just how siblings are supposed to act, you know? That's normal!"

Enji squinted at him, and crossed his arms and leaned against the edge of the bath, his tone laced with a mix of teasing and envy.

"My sister won't even let me near her. Used to be adorable when we were kids, but now? She's gone full moody teenager."

Haruto smirked faintly. "Guess we've got opposite problems. Haruka never wants to be away from me. She'd probably follow me here if she could."

Enji clicked his tongue, narrowing his eyes. "And you're bragging about it? Lucky bastard."

He paused, then quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, all your other women doing fine?"

Haruto sighed, leaning his head back to look at the darkening sky. "Yeah, everything's under control."

"Asuka's stopped bugging me about meeting the others, and Mari… well, she's already forgotten I disappeared after, you know…"

His lips curled into a small smile. "No complaints on my end."

Enji sighed dramatically. "Good. I was starting to worry I'd end up as the sacrificial lamb again."

Haruto chuckled, shaking his head. "It's not that bad. All you've got to do is talk to them. What's so hard about that?"

Enji shuddered, hugging himself like the memory alone was enough to chill him. "What's hard? Everything. That Asuka woman? She's terrifying. If looks could kill, I'd be buried six feet under just for trying to be charming."

Haruto couldn't hold back his laughter. "Means you're not her type. Deal with it."

Enji rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath as he sank deeper into the water. The two sat in comfortable silence, the earlier banter giving way to the quiet hum of the spring.

Overhead, the last hues of dusk faded into deep indigo, stars beginning to dot the night sky.

After a while, Enji's stomach let out an audible growl, breaking the stillness.

"Buffet time?" Enji asked, raising a brow with a grin.

"Buffet time," Haruto echoed, nodding.

The two rose from the water, steam rising off their flushed skin as they wrapped themselves in towels and changed into their yukata.

With the crisp night air brushing against them, they made their way toward the dining area, eager to dive into a feast and cap off the day.

Haruto already told Mari that they would meet in the dining area for dinner as he needed to take his time with his friend. This is also a good way to introduce Enji.

Haruto had informed Mari earlier that they'd meet in the dining area for dinner, giving him some time to catch up with Enji.

It was also a convenient opportunity to introduce his friend to the scene.

The dining area was bustling, the aroma of freshly prepared dishes wafting through the air and tantalizing every sense.

The rich smell of grilled seafood, the sharp tang of citrus from sashimi, and the savory allure of broiled meats made their stomachs rumble in unison.

"Let's hit the seafood first. I heard they've got Alaskan king crab," Enji said, practically salivating as they joined the queue.

Haruto smirked, nodding. "Sounds like a plan. Let's make this buffet worth every yen."

Plates in hand, they piled on an array of seafood.

From delicate slices of sashimi and rolls of sushi to crab legs and grilled prawns, the variety was almost overwhelming.

Their plates soon overflowed, each bite promising a burst of flavor.

As they weaved through the crowded dining area in search of a spot, Haruto's plan to discreetly message Mari was abruptly foiled.

His heart skipped a beat when he spotted her already seated nearby. Worse, she wasn't alone.

Asuka sat across from Mari, her expression seemingly warm, her smile radiant. But Haruto knew better.

Beneath that cheerful demeanor lay a sharpness that could cut through steel.

He felt the weight of impending doom settle on his shoulders. His instinct screamed to flee, to pass off his plates to Enji and vanish before he was caught in the crossfire.

Unfortunately, Asuka's eagle-like gaze locked onto him before he could act.

"Haruto! Over here!" she called, waving with a brightness that didn't fool him for a second.

Haruto's throat went dry. His steps faltered, and a bead of sweat rolled down his temple.

Enji, ever the opportunist, didn't miss a beat. He clapped Haruto on the shoulder with a grin that screamed schadenfreude.

"Well, that's your mess to clean up, buddy. I can't save you this time."

Before Haruto could retaliate, Enji spun on his heel and darted toward the farthest end of the dining hall, plate in hand.

"Adios, amigo!" he called over his shoulder, his laughter barely audible over the clatter of dishes.

Haruto groaned, forcing a smile onto his face as he approached the table. He felt like a lamb walking straight into the lion's den.

Asuka's gaze didn't waver, and Mari's curious eyes flickered between the two.

"Haruto," Mari greeted warmly, her soft smile a stark contrast to Asuka's almost predatory expression.

Asuka's voice was honeyed as she spoke, but her words held an undertone sharp enough to make Haruto's stomach churn.

"How fortunate, running into you like this. You must've been starving with all the energy you've been burning, hmm?"

Haruto chuckled nervously, setting his plates down. "Y-yeah, funny coincidence, huh?"

"Oh, very funny," Asuka replied, her smile never faltering.

Mari tilted her head, a touch of confusion in her expression. "Are you okay, Haruto? You look a bit... tense."

"I'm fine!" he blurted, a little too quickly. Clearing his throat, he added, "Just, uh, excited about the food. It looks amazing, doesn't it?"n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Asuka leaned back in her chair, her eyes glinting with amusement. "It certainly does. I'm sure we'll have plenty to talk about over dinner."

Haruto swallowed hard, silently cursing Enji for abandoning him.