Stealing Spree

After doing our daily routine, informing Akane about the clean-up drive of our school this Sunday and telling Miwa-nee about what Nao would be sending later, we set out for school.

Since her period was over, Akane herself told me that I didn't need to send her up to the platform anymore.

Well, because it was already somewhat of a habit, if she didn't tell me, I would be taking her to school again.

When I was on the train, Aika, Hiyori, Miyako, Miho and Yua asked me after our morning greetings about when I would send Akane again. They also wanted their turn after all.

And following them, even Aoi, Sena and Otoha also asked if they would also have a turn.

Naturally, I positively replied to them. Besides, they're the ones deciding who would meet me anyway.

But I guess, hearing my confirmation was enough for those girls to have peace of mind.

Especially Miyako. Sometimes, her hate for me would surface during our chats. However, it was always fading after one or two messages and she would then turn her embarrassment by threatening me that she would soon storm our house just to meet me.

Because she decided to move on, the girl wanted to create more memories with me. More memories that would replace those memories she wanted to completely erase in her memory.

To satisfy the girl, I asked her if she's free this Sunday.

Well, since I've already decided on bringing almost everyone in the boxing club, extending the stick to the girls from Akane's School and Ria sounds normal. That is if they are available this Sunday.

Thinking about it, although that boxing gym was kinda spacious, wouldn't it be crowded if almost all of them came to accept my invitation?

And waiving their fee… I might be yelled at by Coach Ayu, if not Hisa-jii, about it.

I should just bring them all to the house and fit them inside that mini gym room, no?

But that would also be the source of another set of complications.

What to do?

I guess I'd consult them if they showed up. We could rent a studio or something wherein I would teach them that then I would only bring at least five of them as an additional advertisement.

Well, this time, I wouldn't just decide easily. It's better to get everyone's opinion first.

-

-

"Hey Onoda, can I talk to you later?"

When I arrived at our classroom, Sakuma whispered to me as soon as I settled on my seat.

Turning around to face him, I probably raised an eyebrow to him due to how he appeared to be taken aback.

However, as if a wave of courage washed over him, he gulped down and raised his head to meet my gaze.

"I… I can't ask anyone else about this. I need your advice."

With his words, not only me, even Aya and Satsuki, who was slumped on her desk, perked their ears.

Well, they're aware that after exposing to Sakuma about my relationship with Satsuki, our group lost a member.

For Sakuma to approach me this time and seeing the courage she showed, it's easy to guess that it's about Satsuki's sister, Setsuna.

"Sure. But do you really want to ask for my help?"

Did you not learn your lesson the first time you did that?

Of course, I refrained from saying that.

Sakuma thought for a while before his eyes shone with another courageous light as he steeled himself for asking my help.

"I don't know but… Among everyone I know, you're the only one I can ask."

This guy… Does he not have a friend in his club? Or those from the same class as him in middle school? I don't know who he was close to before but I guess, if there was, he's not in this class.

"I see. Then later."

Since he insisted, I could only accept it. Well, I won't do the same thing as before anyway. If this will solve the strained relationship we had in this group of ours then all the more reason to help this guy.

As long as he doesn't mess things up.

"Thanks, man. Ah. And Maemura, it's about Setsuna-nee."

I guess he really found his balls this time.

"I know, you idiot! If you're serious about that, you better not have cold feet." Satsuki raised her head and replied to him, complete with her foul-mouthed curse.

Compared to before wherein Sakuma would also raise his voice as he competed with Satsuki on who would give up first,

Sakuma only smiled wryly this time as he nodded at Satsuki's words.

Upon seeing that, the foul-mouthed girl appeared annoyed that after glaring at Sakuma, I also got subjected to it before she slumped her head again.

A few seconds after that, a message from Satsuki was sent through messenger.

"Tell me the result. It's my sister. If he's just using her as a rebound because of me… I have to stop it."

"Alright. Do you want me to record it for you?"

"No! Just a summary. I'd rather hear your voice as you called my name…"

"I see. Your wish is my command, your highness."

"This idiot. You're still using that."

"Well, you're still my Princess and I'm your Jailor. It's a memory between us."

"Ugh. Suit yourself, pervert Ruki."

Ending our conversation with that, Satsuki stealthily stretched her arm to my side to pinch it lightly.

That's all she could do. Perhaps because she's afraid that I would be hurt from her unrestrained pinch. Even if she didn't grow her nails too long, imagine the strength of the grip of a basketball player.

-

-

As time passed, the first guy in class who didn't come to school arrived along with the other boys in their group.

He still looked pale and he seemed to have lost weight. Nonetheless, the most notable trait for him right now was his calmness.

Even if our eyes met, the guy wasn't glaring anymore. Instead, he calmly straightened his gaze forward, ignoring me.

Did the fever fry his brains? Did something change in him?

For now, I had no idea but when Nami and Hina appeared, the cowardly bastard suddenly stood up.

I observed his actions and instead of Nami, he went over to Hina's side.

Since our seats were distant from each other, there's no way for me to hear their conversation.

I noticed Hina looking in my direction as if she's trying to get my attention but with Ogawa blocking her view, she couldn't see me.

After a while, Ogawa went back to his seat and I received two messages. From Nami and Hina.

"Ruu, Kazuo seemed to have changed. But I'm not sure yet, he's still looking at me as if he's waiting for me to tell him that I'm his girlfriend."

"Ruki, Kazuo wanted to talk to me later. It's about what happened this Tuesday. What should I do?"

Did he really change? No. He only looked calm on the surface but inside, he's probably about to burst from the accumulated frustration that he couldn't vent out. Perhaps he used yesterday to think clearly about what he should do.

I declared how I will steal everyone around him. Did he decide to stop me? Or perhaps I was overthinking this time.