Stealing Spree

Spending at least thirty minutes in that diner, I listened to Yae talk more about the trouble her brother was facing. And in the process of it, I comforted her in a way that she could be fine for the rest of the day or days before we could meet like that again.

Anyway, even though the idea of helping her brother passed by my mind, it’s not something I could hastily decide.

For one, it would be a borrowed influence. Unless I’m absolutely sure that the guy needed it, I shouldn’t trouble my parents or anyone else that could do something about his situation.

In any case, I asked Yae if I could meet her brother.

To hear everything from him. If he’s really as innocent as Yae believed him to be then... What happened was truly unfair. But if not, then I’ll just gonna ask him to not trouble his sister anymore.

I’m more affected by her mood than hearing about her brother’s unfortunate plight, after all.

Anyway, before we finished with the topic of her brother, Yae also told me that she might know who framed him.

Although a little surprising considering the identity of who she’s suspecting, it kind of makes sense...

It’s his ex-girlfriend. According to Yae, he dumped her because he fell in love with another girl.

Now, not only did he lose the chance with that girl, but also his ex could be the reason for his situation.

Well, that just proved that you should take care of your girl, right? I’m kind of lucky that none of those I stole took revenge on me. Or I just made sure that they wouldn’t be able to do anything.

-

-

“Onoda-kun, I’ll be coming to visit you later.”

When I passed by Eguchi-sensei at the school gates, she pulled me to a corner and told me that.

Really, if I shut off my mind and took that out of context, I would probably be doing a double-take.

Luckily, the normally strict PE Teacher pulled me to the side. If someone else heard it, they would surely misunderstand.

Is she doing it on purpose or...? I don’t know.

“Understood, sensei. Is it about the first case?”

“Yes. Don’t worry, it won’t be a daunting task right away.”

“I hope so.” I put on a smile that’s not a smile and Eguchi-sensei did the same.

She understood that they were relegating their supposed duties to me... So, in one way or another, she’s probably feeling bad about it.

“My invitation to ramen is still open, Onoda-kun. Just so you know. You can treat that as a reward if you ever complete the task.”

“Sensei, I’m extremely motivated right now.”

“Oh, you...” Although I sounded sarcastic right there, Eguchi-sensei stifled a laugh before coughing once to straighten her expression.

Somehow, I saw her cheeks becoming dyed pink... And surely, I’m not imagining things...

Her interest in me was still there and perhaps, because of what I was doing, it was getting even stronger...

Perhaps if I continue to associate with her in the coming days, that might go out of control. I better prepare for that occurrence.

“Well then, sensei. See you later.” I waved to her before going on my way.

Passing by my shoe locker, it’s starting to become a habit to observe my surroundings and do a quick sweep of the faces of my schoolmates. Although there were still girls following me with their gazes, those brave enough to block me had already gone down to the point that they were already content just looking at me from afar.

Anyway, while I was changing into my indoor shoes, I picked up a conversation nearby.

“Hey, hey. Is that him?”

Even without looking, judging from the volume of their voices, they’re closer than they might think. Furthermore, the owner of the voice was surely pointing at me.

“Yeah. Too bad, he only became popular this week. I would’ve voted for him in the poll.”

So, this was about the poll... Could it be...?

“Oh. I think he’s in sixth place?”

“Yeah. A lot is demanding to recast their votes but it’s already over. He won’t be able to compete with those from the higher levels.”

Sixth... To think I would hear the result right here... And since it’s a rank lower than my girls’ forecast, this meant I won the bet.

“Can’t we just turn in the sixth entry? I refuse to believe that the seniors don’t know about him. It won’t be a popularity poll if a rising contender didn’t make it to the list because we voted before his rise.”

“We’ll see... Anyway, let’s go. He’ll find us ogling at him this way.”

“And who do you think stopped me?”

“Jeez, alright, it’s my fault.”

As their voice faded into the distance, I finished with what I was doing.

But then, after closing my shoe locker, I found someone staring at me from the side...

“Good morning, Onoda-kun.”

It’s Sachi, my new ‘friend’. Judging from how she looked fresh from the shower, their morning practice ended early.

“Are you trying to surprise me?” I asked the girl without putting an effort to make a cheerful expression to match her smile.

“Oh, come on. I saw you taking a lot of time in your shoe locker. I thought it’s kind of obvious that you’re eavesdropping from those two.” The girl gestured in the direction where those two disappeared.

“Is that how it looked?”

“Yeah. To those watching you, at least.”

“I see. Thanks for the heads up. I’ll keep that in mind.”

After saying that, I turned around to continue on my way. Well, I couldn’t find any motivation to talk to the girl even if she was supposed to be my ‘friend’. It’s somehow different from the way I treat Misaki.

Well, I guess it’s because I’m interested in that girl. Sachi, on the other hand, kind of forced this friendship with me.

What should a friend do anyway?

“Oi. That’s cold. Won’t you at least return my greeting?”

Before I could even take my first five steps away, I heard the girl grumbling from behind. And looking back, I saw her pouting as though I wronged her.

Acting like I made a blunder, I scratched my head and put on a smile, “Right. I should. Good morning, Katayama-san.”

Upon hearing that, the girl’s expression lit up as she cheerfully trod her way next to me.

“Sachi is fine. You’re a friend, anyway. By the way, can I walk with you?”

At this point, attention started to get drawn to us. Sachi’s voice was kinda loud, after all.

However, before I could answer, someone else showed up from behind.

Speak of the devil.

“Ruki! What a rare chance to find you here.” The forehead girl with her iconic paper fan happily ran to my side.

And as though it’s a normal thing to do, she latched onto my free side and cheerfully greeted, “Good morning~”

“Wait... You two? What are you?”

“Hmm? You’re Katayama-san. I’m Ruki’s friend. What about you?”

Perhaps not knowing how to react to that, Sachi alternately looked at me and the arm which Misaki was hugging.

Wait. Not only her but also the other students who couldn’t be too bothered earlier stopped and looked on.

Furthermore, looking at the distant entrance, I saw another girl taking wide steps to reach us.

Itou.

What kind of situation did I put myself into this time? I literally didn’t do anything, right?