Stealing Spree
chapter-2088

When Yuika-senpai returned, Minori-senpai had already moved back to her seat. Although there should still be traces of what we did present on her face, the orange-haired girl failed to notice it.

After that, I escorted both of them back to their classrooms. Not a lot has changed but in terms of my relationship with them, I made a major breakthrough.

With Yuika-senpai, her prejudice was already gone. What she needed was to see me upholding my promise of taking care of her. Not in the sense of being her boyfriend, of course. But rather, as a member of the opposite gender she could feel comfortable to be with. What that bastard of a childhood friend did to her left a long-lasting scar on her. Both physically and emotionally. I shouldn't rush it and could only try to patiently help her wave through it.

With Minori-senpai, with our initial connection successfully made, I just have to continue from there. However, falling in love with her will also depend on how much she can accept me. In a way, it felt like we were standing on opposite ends. She's originally in the light but cornered herself in the dark. On the other hand, I was originally in the dark but now crawled my way out of it. We're going to meet in the middle and start from there.

"Onoda-kun, will you come to the club later?"

"Mhm. I'll visit all of you there. Should I expect a warm welcome this time?"

"I won't glare at you. I promise."

"Then, that's enough. I'm looking forward to it."

That's my conversation with Yuika-senpai before she went into her classroom.

Then next...

"Hey, Onoda-kun. You're not afraid of any rumors anymore?"

"Since when was I afraid of it? I'm only afraid that it will affect the girls. Senpai, will you be bothered if someone sees us together?"

"No. I don't care about their opinions."

"As expected, then I'll see you later too, senpai."

Minori-senpai responded with a nod but I saw her lips curving up a little. Although I've already seen her laugh and giggle, a genuine smile like that was still rare. I'll take that though.

On my way back, I naturally checked on Marika. My father advised me to stick to her side while Jun suspended himself. However, I don't think I'm just following that advice. I genuinely want to check on her condition. Seeing her happily jump and skip to the door just to greet me, I shamelessly opened my arms to receive her, gaining a lot of hostility from her supposed 'followers' and classmates.

I couldn't care less about them. I've already pitted myself against Ichihara Jun, there's nothing to hide anymore when it comes to my relationship with Marika.

Marika also understood it so she's now brave enough to do this. She's now far from the incomprehensible girl I met at the convenience store. Her naivety was already cast off and she now knew who to choose to surround herself with.

I could spy on some of those followers from before gritting their teeth. If they ever try

something to Marika, they should start praying for their safety.

Anyway, I doubt something will happen. They only know how to follow instructions, not execute a plan. Maybe I should support Tanaka-senpai more. Let her gather some like- minded people who admire Marika. Of course, I would still prefer it if she became her genuine friend and not just a simple follower.

After seeing her go back to her seat, I continued on my way.

I think I already lost a lot of time. There's only around less than fifteen minutes before the lunch break ends.

Going to the Administration Building, I immediately turned my feet towards the stairs. I checked the infirmary and found no shadow of the elusive and mysterious school nurse. And so, I went up to the third floor and continued to her room.

When I knocked on the door, it immediately opened as though she was waiting for my arrival.

Looking at how her white lab coat wasn't covering her bare shoulders, I couldn't help but be taken in by this new image of her.

I mean, apart from that time we ran into each other at the Ministry of Education, I've never seen her out of that damn lab coat. Although it gave her that dreamy vibe of the male-student fantasy, she's also really fine like this.

With that sharp pair of glasses that gives her a strict look and her flashy makeup that further accentuates her mature vibe, I could understand it if my father was at least tempted to take another woman.

Ah. Of course, that's at the risk of his life. Mom will surely make him understand that he only needs her.

Anyway, as I walked in to follow her, I could feel a sense of trepidation as though I was about to be scolded.

Wait. What did I even do to deserve it?

As my thoughts ran in that direction, Hayashi-sensei turned around and leaned slightly on

her table.

She gestured for me to take a seat which I obediently followed.

To test the waters, I raised my head and said, "Sensei, am I in deep trouble?"

"Hoh? So, you have awareness at least."

"What did I do?"

"Nothing much. I heard a report that someone caught a certain graduate who sneaked into the school grounds. She's pushing a cart with a refrigerator loaded in."

... Wait. Is that Mutsumi-senpai? I didn't receive a message from her but I knew she was still

working to beautify our clubhouse.

"Who caught her?"

"Lucky you, it was someone you know."

"Who?"

"Just wait. Oh. I think she's here already."

Although she tried to play it mysteriously, we both looked in the direction of the door as we

heard the incoming footsteps.

Shortly after, a short knock rang out followed by a voice I was truly familiar with.

"I'm coming in, director."

"Go on. Our guest is here." Hayashi-sensei said as a meaningful smile was drawn on her face.

She's looking at me as if I was a rat that was about to be cornered.

Then, the door to this room opened, revealing the one who caught Mutsumi-senpai.

Orimura-sensei.

As soon as she found me sitting pretty on the couch, astonishment filled her eyes.

Looks like she had no idea who Mutsumi-senpai was working for. It's probably too recent that

she had yet to ask about the one responsible for that clubhouse.

"Hello, sensei. I heard you caught my senior." I said, causing the two women in the room to look at each other in puzzlement.

I don't know what Hayashi-sensei is trying to do here but I can guess. Maybe she thinks I'm overstepping my bounds when I hug her so... by scolding me, she'll be able to set me back in

place.

However, she had no idea that Orimura-senpai had this special connection with me.

In any case, this didn't mean I would be able to escape some grilling. I was more curious

about Mutsumi-senpai.

She had yet to message me. Did she manage to deliver the fridge?

"So, it's you, Onoda. Ugh... Why did I not think of this?"

"What's wrong Orimura-sensei?"

"Ah. Director... If this student is the one related to Matsunaga, isn't the Student Council

involved as well?"

"Oh..." As though she had just thought about that, Hayashi-sensei's eyes flickered, and

slowly, realization dawned on her.

Who was it who gave me the key to that gate? Hayashi-sensei. This is funny. Is she also going

to point to herself as the source of why Mutsumi-senpai had access to it? Did she not think

about it before doing this?

I don't know. Maybe it escaped her mind because her thoughts were already in disarray for my

upcoming visit to report again.

In any case, I just have to play it cool here and see the chaos unfold.