Stealing Spree

Even if I’m now more than convinced that someone was targeting me, it’s not a sufficient reason for me to skip the chance to spend time with my girl…

That’s why right after getting all the information I could get about that follower of Kujou Marika, I simply threw the issue to the back of my mind. Furthermore, I also dropped the notion of returning to my office to clear and organize the room. That could still wait. Maybe on Friday or when I was free – assuming I would ever be free.

Cuddling Shizu all I wanted was a lot better than thinking about complicated things in those troublesome groups. I would scold myself if I pass up that chance.

Furthermore, I decided to use this as a chance to rest my tired mind. With the things that happened today, having a silent moment like this with one of my girls where I didn’t have to think about anything else was too precious.

For me, at least.

That time with Izumi-senpai wasn’t counted. I was being considerate towards the girl, making sure that she wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. So, in a way, I never relaxed my mind at that time.

Anyway, looking at Shizu’s gentle smile as she let herself be enclosed by my arms, that’s enough to show that she’s also satisfied with our situation.

And once we were done with her work, Shizu led me back to the sofa and offered her lap for me which I took without thinking twice.

While we began a new conversation with topics unrelated to what we just discussed. Like a TV show that she likes to watch, things she found out from reading different articles, and a lot more.

In this way, I got to hear more of Shizu’s likes and dislikes as well as her surroundings when I wasn’t around to watch her.

We also talked about the recent events in the school, specifically, the midterms exam result.

Shizu praised me when I told her my rank. But when she told me hers, I was stumped.

Or rather, I never thought about that possibility.

If Enomoto was 1st among the third years, Shizu took that spot among the second years.

Uh… Because I never had any interest in our academic grades, I also never bothered about my girls’ competence in it.

But today, I found out that Shizu is that smart.

Furthermore, even though the one who took the 1st rank among the first years isn’t from our class, Nami was up there among the top 10. She’s ranked 7th. Higher than Itou.

Anyway, Shizu’s popularity rose once more even without being close to her classmates. Like she said, she’s a loner. But a very competent and popular one, allowing her to win the President’s seat.

During our first interactions in this room, the time when I was only trying to help her open up to others, I once thought that she needed a friend among her classmates. But I scrapped it knowing that she’s already content with a limited circle.

Besides, I also fell in love with her at that time, changing my mind to just make her mine and put myself in that role. Fitting myself as her companion to get her out of the solitary cage she built around herself.

“Blockhead, what are you thinking?”

Perhaps noticing I suddenly went silent, Shizu asked.

“You?” Bringing me back to my senses, I smiled and answered instantly.

Obviously, she didn’t buy that. With a slight hint of frustration born from her concern towards me, Shizu’s fingers that were just gently brushing my hair closed and tugged at it lightly. “This guy… Are you that surprised that I ranked 1st?”

“I admit, I’m surprised but that’s not why I suddenly fell silent. I just thought about something…”

Without waiting for me to continue, Shizu pressed a finger on her chin, “Let me guess… Is it because I’m still a loner?”

“Please tell me you’re a minder reader.”

“You’re just being too obvious, you blockhead. Anyway, you do know that I’m not a people person. In fact, I think being able to work with others is my limit. I don’t want to suddenly change and befriend everyone who will approach me.” Shizu poked my cheeks and giggled heartily, “Moreover, my connection with you allowed me to be acquainted with the other girls who shared some of my interests. Have I told you yet? Mizuki and I are exchanging messages and ideas. There’s also Ria-chan and Haruko. You see, Ruki. Even if I stubbornly held onto my decision to not be integrated into your complex relationships, my connection to your other girlfriends has already been linked. That’s enough to fill my minuscule need for socializing, I think?”

Yeah… She’s not wrong with that. I got a little blindsided from only staring at her immediate surroundings. In truth, she already made the connection when I brought her home once and let her meet the others.

“… I see. That’s reassuring.” I let out an honest defeated laugh, accepting her words. And with that, I once again dropped the thought of encouraging her to befriend someone.

Perhaps guessing what was on my mind, Shizu acted a little upset before tickling me.

Naturally, I stopped with the power of love, or not… I just pulled her down to lay next to me before cuddling her again.

Once we settled down, we also talked about what I learned from Eguchi-sensei and the scope of my job. She did expect that it’s going to be like that and seeing how I was a little exasperated from it, the girl giggled at my plight before saying something to ease my mind.

“I don’t think they will so easily pass all their work to you. Maybe they’ll give you one task to complete first. If you do well in resolving that, their trust in your capability will rise… Uhm, now that I think of it, I have to apologize for giving you that kind of responsibility.”

Hearing that, I flicked her forehead. “Hold that thought, you silly girl. Anything but that. Anyway, my motivation for taking the post is to continue being here with you. I’ll just do what I can on whatever task they will send me.”

Shizu stared at me with amusement in her eyes before taking my lips, ending our conversation on a good note.

My mental exhaustion was gone and some of the concerned thoughts about this girl cleared up.

For the rest of the time before the others returned, Shizu and I made use of this special sofa to express our still-growing affection for each other.

Well, it’s now special … Earlier, she got a little jealous when she saw me and Satsuki on it. This time, we’re kind of reinforcing the idea that this sofa held a sentimental value for us. This is where I sat down when I first got to talk to her and this is where our relationship began.

Repeating what we did last Friday night, the two of us ensured that we could satisfy each other.

Our date was still hanging in the air but we both know that we’ll be able to do it soon.

Yep. That’s a double meaning. The date and our first time…

Anyway, I’d say choosing to stay here was a great choice.

When Watanabe and the others returned, we had already finished and rested enough. Nonetheless, even if they’re already present, our display of intimacy remains. Shizu grabbed my hand and didn’t allow me to leave her side, after all.

And like any other day, Inugaki barked at me again. His hatred for me also grows every time we encounter each other.