Stealing Spree
chapter-2243

We arrived at the batting center without a problem. It wasn't that far from the area, after all.

Still, we walked for around ten minutes while Sumire spent all that time fidgeting because my hand never left hers. It was a weekend so we're probably like a couple having a stroll.

However, my adorable junior was so afraid to be recognized by other people, that it became a treasure trove of teasing from me.

"You're so hateful, senpai... W-what if someone sees us? What if they're from my school? They'll ask me who I am with this Monday!" Sumire complained as we approached the batting center, her grip on my hand tightening.

"Just tell them the truth. It's your handsome senior taking you on a short date." I whispered back with a grin as I pulled her close, opening up the path for someone who was leaving the batting center.

Sumire's eyes widened a little bit before shyly retorting, "I-I can't say that!"

But I could tell she was already imagining that scenario. It was written on her face. Of course, It's not something that she would admit outright but this girl had her own touch of adorability. And I'm going to make it my mission to dig it up.

"Sure, you can. But aren't you glad? No one recognized you. I think?" I teased her once we entered the batting center, the sounds of balls smacking into bats and cheers from other patrons echoing through the hall.

Sumire pinched my side as her last form of protest, but her giggle gave her away. We stepped into the batting center, and the smell of leather and sweat filled the air. It was a place that I seldom visited. There was no reason for me to do so, after all.

After paying for the hour-long session, Sumire and I picked an empty lane that was specifically designed for softball pitches and began warming up. When she grabbed a bat, she looked at me with a triumphant grin as if she was going to show me her top form as the 4th batter.

She was eager to show off her skills and I couldn't help but watch her, her movements already hinting at the extensive practices that she had taken to get that position. And honestly, I couldn't help but feel proud of her. This is my favorite junior, you know?

"Looks like I'm going to lose if we're going to bet on who can hit the most balls," I said casually, watching Sumire's determined look as she practiced her swings so gracefully. "Hehe. Chickening out, senpai?" Sumire teasingly grinned as she took a swing at an imaginary ball, her movements so fluid it was like watching poetry in motion.

"Is that a challenge?" I raised an eyebrow as I also started swinging my bat. Of course, just like with any other sport, I had no actual experience in this. I simply followed what I saw.

Sumire looked at me with a smirk, "Yeah. It's a challenge, senpai. Watch and learn from the pro."

Alright. I love that smugness.

I inwardly shook my head and smiled.

After operating the machine to start our game, Sumire took her position in the batter's box with confidence, her eyes focused on the pitches coming her way. The first few balls she hit were a bit off, but she quickly found her rhythm, her swings becoming more powerful and precise. She was indeed the 4th batter of the school's team for a reason. Watching her sweat as she continued swinging, I already prepared my handkerchief for when she finished her session.

Before long, the last ball ejected from the machine with a whirr and Sumire hit it to the homerun plate. Overjoyed, she turned to me, her eyes shining with excitement, "How was that, senpai?"

"Amazing." I couldn't help but praise her, feeling genuinely impressed by her performance. Sumire's cheeks flushed with pride, her eyes gleaming as she looked at me, waiting for more words of encouragement. Before she could step out, I already approached her, my hand adeptly moving to wipe off her sweat while intimately throwing her more praises. "My little gremlin is a softball superstar."

Sumire rolled her eyes at my pet name but didn't resist my touch, letting me fuss over her. It's a small gesture but it's something she welcomed with a genuine smile. Her usual interactions with guys were all casual or polite as a classmate. She'd never been close to anyone until the day she approached me on the train.

As we were about to switch places, a familiar face walked into the batting center, catching Sumire's attention.

I instantly noticed how her eyes grew wide as she stiffened up.

"S-senpai, that's...!"

Sumire's voice trailed off there. I followed her gaze and found another girl who was probably the same age as them. She was alone. Most likely, she's also here to use the batting center.

Judging from Sumire's reaction, it was probably the softball club member she had gotten into conflict with. The one who had accused and attacked her for stealing their spot as the 4th batter.

The girl saw us, and she froze for a moment before her expression turned sour. I could see the gears turning in her head as she debated whether to approach or not. But she did. And she marched over to us, her eyes narrowing at Sumire.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't Kohinata-san. What's this? Are you on a date?" She said as she eyed me with suspicion and hostility. Her gaze was like a knife that could cut through steel, and I could feel Sumire tense up beside me.

I reached for her hand and squeezed it to calm her down. The girl's intimidation was nothing against me but for Sumire, it was another story.

She was sent home a few days ago because of their scuffle. And yet, despite getting knocked down easily by Sumire, the girl still had the gall to strut around like she owned the place.

I narrowed my eyes and then checked on Sumire.

"Sumire, don't be afraid. Whatever happens, I'll be on your side." I murmured, giving her hand another comforting squeeze. She took a deep breath and nodded slightly.

I could fold the girl easily but that wouldn't be ideal in this situation. This was Sumire's battle, not mine.

"Nagai-san, please mind your own business," Sumire called out, her voice firm despite her trembling hand.

For our short date to turn like this was unlucky. But I guess she needed this too. Otherwise, it might affect her own practice if their conflict continued to simmer. I don't know if she can resolve this by herself but... I'm already thinking of ways to get her out of this without it turning into a full-blown drama.

When it comes to resolving something, I have my own unique way... Besides, I could tell. Looks like my charm was still working even though she was hostile to Sumire. The girl kept stealing glances at me.

Nagai took a few steps closer to us, her eyes flicking from me to Sumire and then back to me before finally settling on Sumire, "Oh, I will do that. But tell me. Are you really dating this...

guy?"

Her tone was laced with doubt, but I could see the flicker of jealousy in her eyes. Maybe the same jealousy that she felt from Sumire taking her position. In her mind, she must be thinking, she was superior so she should be the one getting pampered by me, not Sumire.

I know. I might just be assuming that but I mean, it's not impossible, right?

In any case, I'd like to see how this goes.

Perhaps noticing the girl glancing at me, Sumire stepped up as though she wanted to hide me

behind her.

"So, what if he's my boyfriend? Don't drag senpai into our conflict, Nagai-san."