Stealing Spree

Twenty minutes later, Ishida-senpai and I returned to the Literature Club.

As to what happened during those twenty minutes, let’s just say I told her the extent of my complex relationship and by the end of it, the girl finally confirmed her feelings for me.

It took her a lot of courage or determination to finally say it. And honestly, it was the sweetest thing she did. In any case, she also admitted that it would take a while for her to openly say it when it’s not just the two of us.

For me, that’s more than enough. I’m already thankful that she still accepted the situation. Just that, she’s taking the same path as Shizu.

There’s a little difference though… While Shizu would probably do everything to sway me into choosing her as the days continue to pass, Ishida-senpai would do the wait-and-see approach.

It’s more than enough that I am in the club as well as the idea that I will visit and accompany in her house or the public library whenever possible.

“Welcome back, you two took your time. Did you rest somewhere?”

Upon entering the clubroom, Otsuka-senpai playfully asked as she alternately looked at us. Obviously, that question came from how we appeared. Although Ishida-senpai was behind me, her hand was still clasped on mine, looking like any other couple.

“Yes. We checked out that room again. Also…”

“Oh. How long did you stay there, Onoda-kun? Did you take care of Rumi-senpai, properly?” Without waiting for me to finish my words, Otsuka-senpai continued. If not for what they’re doing currently, she’d probably stand up and pry us closer.

This girl and her curiosity. There’s no cure to that.

“Wait. Let me relay the result of our visit to the Student Council.” As she tried her hardest not to be affected by Otsuka-senpai’s reaction, Ishida—No, Rumi stepped forward and let go of my hand.

The girl once again returned to her role as our Club President and simply waved away the overly curious girls’ interrogation.

The girl returned to her usual seat, leaving me standing there.

Well, that’s fine. She’s still that diligent senior that I always admired, after all. The club is still important to her.

Upon seeing how I remained stuck there, the girl eyed me and gestured for me to also return to my seat.

Kana and Rae laughed at that before standing up to pull me back to my seat in between them. As for Otsuka-senpai, she pouted rather unhappily. Her fun was spoiled. Nonetheless, she didn’t stay that way for long. She’s too energetic to be that gloomy. The girl simply turned her curiosity to another topic.

And sure enough, it concerned what Rumi relayed to everyone. Our goal to reach the Top 10 in the number of visitors, the additional funds and support from the Student Council, and lastly, the potential new member.

While Kana and Rae instantly understood Shizu’s reason for all those, Otsuka-senpai just enjoyed throwing questions to satisfy her curiosity at Rumi.

Just like this, the remaining time for the club hours quickly passed.

-

-

Once the bell rang for the end of club hours, I did the same routine as any other day. To save me a few hundred steps from going back and forth to the school grounds, most of them didn’t wait in their clubrooms anymore. They moved out of the Club Building and waited for me in front of the School Building. Much to the trio of cucks’ dismay, of course.

But there’s nothing they could do about it. Unless they wanted to go on their own. Surely, they’re still grasping on straws that in some way, their circle remained intact despite how most of them got into a relationship with the same guy.

Technically, it still is. However, apart from Kikuchi who’s probably only there for Hina, the girls are now prioritizing me more than their circle.

Furthermore, after I gave him the word that I wouldn’t even try to get close to her sister, Tadano already turned into an alright dude. As for Ogawa and Taku… Well, who cares about them? It’s enough that I keep an eye out in case they suddenly do something drastic.

Ah. Right, on our way to their bus stop, I heard something from Nami and Saki. Apparently, Ogawa received a call earlier.

Guess what? It’s the two girls from their middle school who were supposedly still infatuated with him.

Since it’s been two months and they got left behind there, those two informed him that they’re going to visit one of these days.

Right, those two also got informed about Nami getting a boyfriend the day after we did that act of introducing me to their circle. And because of that information, they’re now like the previous Izumi-senpai, eager to try and make the guy turn in their direction.

He’s a lucky guy indeed. In any case, if he’s still so hung up on Nami, I doubt those two will be successful. Izumi tried but to no avail. Now, she’s mine…

Anyway, enough about that. For my last trip back inside the school grounds, my feet led me to the Gymnasium first to check on Satsuki before continuing to the library where I had Rae and Aya to wait for me.

At the moment, it’s now more or less deserted.

And because the library was also about to close, I found the two girls signing library cards to check out the books they picked.

Having noticed me, the two girls waved at me and gestured for me to come closer.

“What’s wrong?” I silently asked. The librarian was looking at me with an unfriendly gaze, after all. Most likely, she just wanted to finish her job soon but here I was, prolonging it.

Well, I ignored her and focused on the girls. While they’re checking out two books each, there’s another book on the side of their piles. It’s not as thick as the academy books, more like it’s a booklet of some sort. Looking at the title, I easily understood that it was something they picked for me.

And like I guessed, Rae picked that up and handed it to me. Following that, Aya enthusiastically said. “Ruki, that book will be good for you. It’s a light read and it can help you with your writing.”

“Thank you, both of you. I’ll be sure to read this” I smilingly nodded and patted her head.

Aya happily accepted it and if not for the place, she would surely jump in my embrace.

As for Rae, the girl walked to my side also asking for praise.

However, it was during it that the librarian in front of us faked a cough, interrupting our moment.

“Please, if you’re checking out that book, can you give me your ID and sign the library card? This isn’t a flirting area. Do that elsewhere” The woman grumpily said as she stared at me icily.

“Sorry, here.” Although I didn't stop patting Rae's head, I apologized and pulled out my ID, disregarding the woman's ire.

Well, there’s no point arguing with her so I followed the process and left the library with Aya and Rae. Right, I also stopped the latter from arguing with the woman.

When we were about to leave, I unconsciously glanced back and caught her still staring daggers at me while biting her thumb finger.

Yep. Looks like I made a bad impression on the librarian… And somehow, it's only directed at me and not the two girls.