Stealing Spree

While we sipped on our tea, the two girls updated me about what they agreed on.

Well, we’re at a fair distance which made it hard to hear their conversation earlier. Furthermore, part of my focus was on Watanabe and her reactions. That’s why I asked to be updated. To have something to talk about while we take a break, at least.

Not that surprising, although their talk was mostly about those two connected rooms and the permission to use them, I got dragged into their conversation.

They revealed to each other their wish to make me their successor. And where did that topic lead them? – It resulted in a challenge.

“Onoda-kun, we’re going to aim to be at least in the top ten this coming Cultural Festival.” Ishida-senpai opened up after preparing herself by downing her cup of tea.

What they refer to must be the number of visitors a booth accumulates on the day of the Cultural Festival. From what I heard, It’s usually irrelevant for the smaller and non-competitive clubs. Unlike the popular ones like the Drama Club which could make use of their theater stage that could be filled with more than a hundred audience in each show, the Literature Club was definitely not up there.

“Top ten? I thought we were only doing the booth to boost our club’s reputation and get new members next year.”

“That… was initially the case. But you see…” Ishida-senpai appeared a little troubled as she tried conveying it to me.

“Ruki. If your club failed to reach the top ten, she’s going to give up on getting you as her successor.” With a meaningful smile on her lips, Shizu interjected, completing what Ishida-senpai was supposed to say.

I turned to the diligent senior and saw her reluctantly nodding her head. Moments later, she put on a brave face and reached for my hand beneath the table, squeezing it tightly. She’s channeling my courage to herself.

“President Asakura made a great argument in wanting you to be the next SC President. As much as I want you to succeed me and revitalize the club with your lead, it’s definitely not as grand as taking up that seat.” By the end of her sentence, her eyes pointed to Shizu’s table. The Student Council President table.

“Alright. I get it. But that sounds too one-sided. Shizu?”

“Un. I knew you would ask. In exchange for taking up that challenge, I’ll be raising your club’s budget and you will have access to that store room. As much as I favored you, I won’t be unfair to the other students when it comes to Cultural Festival preparation.”

This girl… Did she just disregard her actions in fulfilling her desire to keep me close to her? She’s plenty unfair regarding that already.

Not that I would criticize her for it but this sudden challenge proposal felt like there was more to it than what she let on.

“So, in essence, you’re going to support our club, transforming it into a competition against the bigger clubs. If we fail, Ishida-senpai will forgo her wish for me to be her successor. But what will happen if the Literature Club reaches the top ten? Are you also going to give up on making me your successor?”

“Nope. That’s not what we agreed on if you cleared the challenge. You’re still going to be my successor regardless.” Shizu swiftly answered.

Given that Ishida-senpai didn’t refute it, it must be true. Something else was at stake.

I waited for the girl to tell me about it, however, what she did next baffled not only me but also the two other girls in the room.

After downing her cup, Shizu stood up and nonchalantly walked to my side.

And despite seeing how Ishida-senpai was holding my hand underneath the table, the girl paid it no heed as she casually squeezed in front of me taking her place on my lap.

“Becoming a successor to a club is easy. Rumi-senpai here only has to pass it on to you. However, the position of the Student Council President is still up in the air. You have to win the election for it. And so, using that as a chip doesn’t sound fair, right?” Shizu started. Ignoring the surprised expressions of both Ishida-senpai and Watanabe, the girl started caressing my cheek before sliding down to my neck and eventually, opening the top button of my uniform.

Shizu then slipped her hand inside it, feeling up my robust chest.

At this point, I heard Ishida-senpai gulping down at my side and her hand tightened its grip on mine. On the other hand, Watanabe, who should be unrelated to my complex relationship, was watching closely. Although she covered her face with her hands, the girl opened her fingers as she peeked through their gaps.

Why is Shizu acting this bold today anyway? Don’t tell me… Is she jealous of Ishida-senpai?

No. That shouldn’t be it. After everything that happened, this girl wouldn’t be jealous so easily anymore.

I glanced at Ishida-senpai and squeezed her hand, reassuring her that everything was fine before facing Shizu.

“Alright. Stop putting me on edge and tell me what you put down as your betting chip.” I grabbed her wrist, stopping her from digging deeper inside my uniform.

Shizu didn’t answer me right away. Instead, she glanced at the two girls in the room.

“Rumi-senpai, should I tell him? And Tomiko, last chance, you can still back down and enjoy your school days with Masato-senpai.”

What should she tell? And what the hell is going on with Watanabe? Does she want to step into the abyss?

Ugh. These girls and their attempt to act mysterious.

As my head slowly got riddled with confusion, Ishida-senpai inched closer to me as she let our joined hands be more entwined to each other; filling in the gaps between our fingers.

Soon after that, she stared at me and nodded, “Yes. It’s fine. Or I can tell him about it in your stead. It will surely boost his motivation.”

As for Watanabe, she took her time to answer but in the end, after removing the hands covering her face, she courageously yet timidly answered, “Y-yes. I’ve decided, President. Uhm, I will help you.”

After saying that, Watanabe’s eyes landed on me or specifically at my opened chest before hurriedly turning her gaze away.

Something that will boost my motivation? And what kind of help is Watanabe talking about?

As those questions were raised in my mind, Shizu returned her focus to me as she finally revealed what she’s culminating here…

“If you clear that challenge, the Literature Club’s clubroom will be moved to the room next door. You will then be allowed to attend your club even if it’s Monday and Friday.”

That sounds great, I guess? But at the same time, that also means, I could simply come and visit her from Tuesday to Thursday. This girl… how is that an advantage for Ishida-senpai?

No. Thinking about it, Ishida-senpai must be the one to bring it up.

Shizu continued, “Furthermore, as insurance that your club will stay afloat for next year, Tomiko here will also join your club. There will be a catch though… And she’s going to tell you about it. Spare some time for her before the two of you return to your clubroom.”

I see… So that’s why she’s here. And that’s probably the reason why she’s trying to get close to me…

I looked at Watanabe and saw her still fronting that courageous expression. Yet, as soon as our gazes met, she flinched as though she remembered what had happened earlier.

Is everything cleared up?

No… I still have a question in mind.

Switching my focus back on Shizu, I arranged the words in my head before pushing my lips close to her ear, “Shizu, you’re still holding back something. Yesterday, what did the four of you agree on doing? It involved Watanabe, am I right?”

“You blockhead. If you can guess that much then there’s no point keeping it a secret anymore. You now have enemies in this school. It’s about time for us to create an information network that can help us. Tomiko will be its head. She volunteered for it.”

This… Information network, huh? That sounds great. But how did Watanabe get involved in it? She even volunteered to head it…

I guess I really need to talk to her.

However, will she be fine talking with me alone? After the two instances, I could somehow surmise her personality. She’s somewhat submissive and someone who’d probably break easily when pressured. In short, she’s the type who could be easily dominated.

At least, that’s how I see it.

In any case, she also came off as the one handling her relationship with Masato-senpai. Not the other way around.

What’s her real disposition, I wonder?