Stealing Spree

On our way to their school, Eimi and I naturally acted as a couple even if there was still someone from their school on the train. And when we arrived at their station, I did some rather poor disguise, just enough to not be seen as someone from another school. That way, I managed to walk her up to their school gates, bringing more joy to the girl.

Well, our time inside the kitchen of their restaurant as well as our train ride became our bonding moment. Even though we couldn’t really be too affectionate in both cases, just being beside each other was enough.

Aside from that, we also conversed about different things. I got to hear what her favorite TV show is or how she admired Yue when the girl made an appearance recently.

Since that girl would be coming back here to meet the other girls, I told Eimi that I would bring her when that time comes. Also, since it was still morning and Yue would also gear up for school, I sent a message to the girl and let the two converse through the messaging app.

I watched that from the side and somehow, even though their conversation was brief and they didn’t actually meet each other yet, Eimi became truly starstruck. Yue, on the other hand, sent me a message that she wanted to meet Eimi too.

After that, Eimi updated me about Miyako’s situation.

Last weekend, the girl came up in our conversation concerning how that girl would be called by a group of girls and come back with disheveled hair.

Apparently, that happened yet again. And this time, she went to the girl and asked.

Unlike when I asked about the situation from Miyako a few days ago, the girl opened up to Eimi almost immediately. She made Eimi promise not to tell me though.

Of course, since Eimi already told me about it, the girl broke her promise to Miyako. Nonetheless, it’s understandable and she did that within reason.

While Miyako didn’t want to trouble me and believed she could resolve it by herself, Eimi deemed it necessary for me to know.

That’s why I also made a promise not to let Miyako know that I heard it from her. I would be acting as though I guessed it myself.

That’s how I worked around her back then, after all. Sometimes I could guess what was happening to her. Just that I still failed to pick up those rumors.

Anyway, according to Eimi, that group of girls was truly Miyako’s former friends. She approached them to try to mend their friendship, however, they didn’t accept her back.

Furthermore, they told her a cold truth. They only befriended Miyako because of her boyfriend. Like snakes wanting to bite an apple, they’re planning to pounce on him if ever Miyako turns her head away.

In short, they’re not really her friends but opportunists that wanted to take advantage of her.

There’s also another thing that actually made me reel in anger inwardly.

When Miyako broke up with that guy, they probably felt betrayed that the guy they wanted to get was thrown away by the girl they felt beneath them. Due to that, those rumors which turned her school life even darker were apparently started by those three.

They confessed it in front of her face right after she tried reconnecting with them. Even more so, they were laughing at Miyako and were even proud of what they’d done.

Miyako’s temper didn’t get the best of her. She simply turned around and gave up on reconnecting with them. They’re false friends, after all. There’s no reason to.

However, she had only taken a few steps when she was attacked by one of the three; the supposed leader of their group. She grabbed her hair, pulling her back. And at that point, the other two joined, ganging up on her.

In the first instance, she managed to get away without a scratch. Perhaps, only a bit of pain from her scalp. However, they started coming after her at every turn, even going to their classroom just to call her out.

And those were the instances that Eimi managed to witness. To date, those three called Miyako out three times. And each time, there would be conflict.

She always managed to defend herself though. However, that only led to those girls continuing to mess with her. Moreover, from their recent encounter, they threatened to once again start rumors about her.

Yeah. They’re up to no good. It’s making my blood boil, really.

I asked Eimi to monitor the situation in the meantime. If it didn’t improve and Miyako became mired with other false rumors about her, that’s when I would step in.

Since she’s stubbornly wanting to resolve it herself, I would let her do so for now while I get information about those three.

Though it won’t be as easy as dealing with a guy who could only talk with their fists, I had my way to make them submit. If stopping them wasn’t enough, having them drop out or transfer to another school would also be plausible.

I won’t tolerate anyone touching my girls…

-

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The day passed by quickly and soon enough, the 7th period was about to end.

Nothing really special happened but as always, my day was filled with me being seen close to my girls. I even went out with Nami earlier during lunch break.

We visited our clubhouse and… spent our time together there until the fifth period.

I got to hear some of her observations concerning those who were antagonizing me. She managed to overhear Fukuda and his underlings talking about me. The guy seemed to be baffled about Uchiyama’s order to him. Apparently, that guy told him not to mess with me.

Looks like they’re really working for me now. Nonetheless, I haven’t heard anything more from them yet. I should just wait for what kind of surprises they would bring me.

Right as soon as the bell rang, Sakuma, who I noticed to be rather restless in his seat, finally aired out what was bothering him. He touched my shoulder and asked,

“Hey, Onoda, is it true? You’re going with Setsuna-nee’s friend to scout for the camping trip?”

“Did she tell you?”

“Yeah. Of all people… it’s you. You don’t happen to be…?” He trailed his voice. However, it’s easy to infer what he’s trying to convey.

This idiot started to think that the girl had some special connection to that girl. Most likely, he’s also starting to seriously consider what I told him before.

“Ah. Don’t mind it. Koizumi-san needed someone from our school to gauge if it would be great for us. Satsuki has her practice and preparation for the inter-high. You, on the other hand, while you’re not going to be a regular in your club, you also have to practice, right? Also, don’t you think she’s being considerate to Setsuna-nee-san?”

The last part, I whispered to him which made the idiot immediately jump in joy. He nodded a few times and tapped my shoulder before speeding off outside in a jolly mood.

Such a simpleton.

“This guy. Stop feeding that guy’s hope. Who knows if he still has a chance to Setsu-nee?” Satsuki said after Sakuma disappeared. She even shook her head as a hint of pity showed in her eyes.

“Well, it’s better to be hopeful than become someone like Ogawa, right?”

“You… Is he an embodiment of despair in your eyes now?”

“You said that, not me.” Upon saying that with a shrug, I turned to Aya and patted my adorable girl’s head.

From behind me, I heard Satsuki gritting her teeth. Seconds later, her hand landed on my shoulder, gripping it tightly by the second. I looked up at her and smiled which immediately washed away the frown on her face.

She clicked her tongue and released my shoulder. But before leaving the room for her club, Satsuki pinched my cheek as hard as she could.

Those who witnessed what she did were flabbergasted. They probably couldn’t believe that the girl could be that playful.

However, someone laughed and commented, “Onoda-kun, it's obvious by now that Maemura-san likes you. When will you court her?”

Looking at the source of the voice, it’s that girl again. Misumi. The one who said ‘Why not date her?’ when Satsuki blurted out ‘Carry me?’ before.

Lady, we’re already dating.

Even if I said that as a joke, surely, some would believe it.

Anyway, let’s play along with her and further reinforce the thought of how close I am to the girls…

“Let’s see. Soon? I’ll do the same to everyone I asked back in that snack house. I’m serious about that, you know?”

Ending that with a smirk followed by grabbing Aya’s hand, everyone became speechless.