I think I finally figured this one out. Although it's obvious, it never really clicked with me that they're hanging their clothes to dry *outside* and the discussion about underwear theft isn't just idle banter, but an actual concern that some of Haruhi's panties might go missing.
It also didn't help that in the first panel I mistook ナニ for 十二.
Calando said: Maybe he meant "his" as in he bought them for Haruhi to wear.
Nope. Kyon literally says that the thief may not know whether he's taking the ones Kyon wore.
...and picturing him in them is making me laugh hysterically.
Well, the laundry should be a dead giveaway that you're living with a man.So I don't think any of yours are going to go missingCuz the guy could never be sure he wasn't taking one of mine instead...Yeah...
wait-What!?Th-these have been in contact with a girl all day long......guys like thatDrying laundryYou know how sometimes underwear gets stolen?I never really understood thatOhhYou mean like...I'd prefer not to think of thatThe things I would do... I can't hold back...There's nothing in them, so what's the point?Haah haah...
I want to rub my face in them...I wonder if those guys wear the stolen pairs themselvesFine in its own way