Stealing Spree

When we reached the open field where we were supposed to gather, I saw how they were already distributing clamps for picking trash that was littering the riverside as well as plastic bags of different colors to differentiate what could be recycled and what could not.

However, with our reappearance from the Club Building, all the attention once again returned to us.

Nonetheless, to prevent suspicion thrown at us, once we left the vicinity of the Club Building, I bowed towards Shizu while saying, ‘Thanks for the hard work’.

Shizu played her part and nodded at me before turning her heels without any changes in expression. Amidst the whispers of the other students, Shizu didn’t stop her feet as she moved towards where the teachers were gathering.

And at the same time as she moved, I went to where our class gathers. At the moment, everyone was already present. Those who hadn’t seen me going into the Club Building with Shizu earlier had their mouths open.

And that included Sakuma, Fukuda, Ogawa, Tadano and the silent guy who I forgot the name already.

Is it Taku? Anyway… because he wasn’t speaking at all or he seldom speaks, his name is becoming even more unforgettable.

All of them had various reactions on their faces and… I had no motivation to even describe what their faces looked like as I made my way next to Sakuma.

I had observed how the girls and boys were separated into two groups. It would make another clamor if I went straight towards where Nami, Satsuki, Aya, Hina, Chii and Saki were grouped up.

Satsuki and Chii, who also missed the moment when I arrived and followed Shizu, had different reactions on their faces. However, before anyone could notice their gazes, they went back to what they’re doing within their group.

The timing was inappropriate. Even if I wanted to talk to them, it would just make things complicated. Nonetheless, even seeing them from afar like this was already enough to put a smile on my lips.

Even though Chii still hadn’t decided yet or my relationship with Saki hadn’t been straightened up yet, the way I looked at them was most likely the same as with Satsuki and my other girls.

“Onoda, how come you’re with the Student Council President?”

Once the small commotion made by our reappearance died down, Sakuma, who was handing me the same clamp for picking up the trash, asked.

“That, huh? I somehow became part of it. Did I forget to tell you?”

No… I didn’t forget. I simply didn’t find it necessary to tell him. He’s not one of my girls and… he was avoiding me or our group this past week. Only when he asked me again for advice did we begin to reconnect.

Although he would probably need more time to talk to Satsuki again, he’s not feeling the same way with me. Moreover, they were seeing each other whenever Sakuma was being called by Satsuki’s sister at their house.

Satsuki often told me how absurd her sister was when it came to the guy. She also somehow felt that… Sakuma was more or less a toy for her to play with.

As for that college friend of her sister who was staying at their house, she told me that she’s getting along with her. But not to the point that she’s holding a conversation with her.

Satsuki had the natural frowning face as if she was always angry after all.

Oftentimes, she would be mistaken as someone who’s having a bad day just because of her natural expression.

“You never told me! I see… You’re becoming more and more popular, dude. Don’t forget about Maemura.”

Becoming more and more popular? I’m totally aware that I am already close to being a celebrity when it comes to those in the same year.

That was proven earlier. Not just almost, everyone who saw me recognized me…

Ugh… Even if I wanted to become frustrated about it… I had no choice but to accept this new status.

I’m the Rumored Guy A now.

“You don’t have to remind me. What about you? Any progress?”

He asked for my advice last Thursday. Did he apply what I told to his approach?

Looking at his expression that looked like he choked on something, probably not.

“I… Let’s talk about this next time!”

“Sure.” I shrugged and our conversation ended.

Although I could feel the sharp gaze coming from Ogawa or Fukuda, Tadano and the silent guy’s gazes trained onto me, I ignored all those and just waited until we began moving out of the school grounds.

I had no idea what happened next when Izumi-senpai brought that guy home after that confrontation we had on the rooftop.

If I consider how he’s still throwing me murderous looks, this guy probably still hadn’t given up. Furthermore, Izumi-senpai failed to change his mind with that chance I gave her.

Well, this was just my speculation from how he’s behaving this time. I still needed to wait for Monday to hear it from Izumi-senpai herself.

As for Arisa-senpai… That’s also for Monday. Whether the swap would still happen or not, I’d probably still look for her for a talk. And whether he’s with Ogawa or not given that she’s his mentor, I would still pull her for a talk.

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Around 20 minutes later, Shio and the other teachers gathered our attention.

Although there were only four classes and 120 students, there were at least eight teachers that were assigned for the 1st year.

There were different subjects so it’s only natural. Among them, there’s also Eguchi-sensei that upon seeing me, she nodded and smiled slightly when I returned it.

Fortunately, no one noticed that instance or that would create another buzz.

And that’s thanks to Shio and Shizu who were garnering everyone’s attention.

Shio became the main speaker for the teachers while she introduced Shizu as an observer. For transparency, she would make a report regarding the result of this clean-up drive, adding more pressure onto the student’s shoulders.

If they only knew… that was just an excuse for Shizu to continue following us.

Either way, after Shio finished reminding us, students, about this activity that would reflect in our final grades, we began to move out of the school.

And being the Class 1, our class moved out first.