Stealing Spree

“Say, are you truly not interested in taking up sports?”

Perhaps also miffed at the silence between us, Orimura-sensei opened up a topic to talk about on our way out. She’s still a step ahead of me and she’s probably still annoyed at how I answered her. Nonetheless, since she decided to accompany me, being in this awkward silence possibly doesn’t sit well with her.

“That question. I’ve been asked that many times already, sensei. I don’t have the motivation to commit to a certain sport. Though I picked up tennis recently and have been practicing my swings.”

“Huh? You? Tennis? I can’t imagine you playing that.”

That piqued her interest, enough that I managed to catch up to her steps. When I glanced at her side frame, Orimura-sensei was in deep thought as though imagining me running around on a tennis court, swinging my racket comically.

“Yes. It’s not out of whim but I kind of challenged a tennis player for a match. As a complete beginner, I can’t just stand there and get myself beaten, right?”

“What the— Are you a fool? Who in their right mind will challenge an experienced tennis player when they can’t even be called an enthusiast for it?” Orimura-sensei was exasperated. Perhaps if it wasn’t for the distance between us, she would have shaken my shoulders in disbelief.

“Maybe I am. But it’s a close friend. I can’t disappoint her by clowning inside the tennis court when that day comes. It’ll be a massive disrespect to her.”

I could already imagine Fuyu glaring at me if I showed up that day with nothing to show in front of her. Even Akane would be unable to defend me there.

Still livid at my answer, Orimura-sensei stared at me as though she was looking at a menace. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at my foolishness. But at the same time, she couldn’t wrap her head around my thought process.

That’s normal, I guess? I mean, what I’m saying can be taken as bullshit yet there’s no hint that I am simply jesting. Anyone with a right mind will be taken aback.

“Well, there’s that. With how busy I am already, I can only squeeze in practicing tennis during my morning routine. Aside from that, I’m also not part of any sports club—I’m certain sensei is aware of my current affiliations.” I provided more details as we continued on our way.

Soon enough, we reached the exit. It’s the same scenery as before. To the right was the abandoned enclosed space where I met up with Satsuki and Eguchi-sensei three days ago. To the left was the path leading to the entrance of the venue. Even from where we were, we could hear the sounds of vehicle engines as they drove into the venue.

Of course, we weren’t the only people around on this side. We passed by other teams and staff walking to and from the corridor on our way out. Whenever it was a girl around our girl, they would stop and take a good look at me like I was a piece of art to be appreciated.

That’s flattering, of course. But it gets tiring since my senses are already spread out, noticing those subtle gazes. Thankfully, they’re also busy thinking about their upcoming match. They didn’t attempt to approach or get to know me.

I guess I’ll have to agree with Orimura-sensei about my awful charm. It’s becoming indiscriminate. If I keep working on my appearance, the distinction between myself and the photos the girls posted of me cosplaying will be slowly erased.

Anyway, the school that they’re about to face has yet to arrive. Possibly, they’re still on the road. Otherwise, someone would have already run to their waiting room to inform Eguchi-sensei.

Even though they’re set to clash later, it’s a common courtesy to greet the other team. Either to check them out or provoke them. Furthermore, they would also try to confirm whether what they researched about their opponent was true or not. Even if this was the lowest league when it comes to Interhigh tournaments, it’s still an honor to take the trophy home.

As I took a step forward to continue my plan to walk around this place, I checked on Orimura-sensei who was still in her head. She’s wearing the same tracksuit as me but it’s clear to see that our statuses were different.

I could’ve dragged her with me but that would just be controversial. I didn’t want that kind of trouble.

And so, while her focus was somewhere else, I matched her pace as we slowly traversed the path toward the entrance.

I also used the chance to check on my messages. Some of them already woke up so I sent an update to them. As for Akane, Sena and Ayu at the house, they’re also about to leave for school. Ayu volunteered to drive them both.

A while later, we arrived at the entrance. I could see the bus we used parked in the distance but that’s not our destination.

Once again, I checked on the woman walking alongside me. Thankfully, her eyes were already returning their focus to what was in front of her.

She’s such a handful, isn’t she?

“Done arranging your thoughts, sensei? Are you going to scold me again? Save it. If you’re feeling lost, you can hold onto me.”

“Why will I do that? Onoda, you’re still shameless.”

“I never said I am not anymore. Honestly, you’re not doing what you told me you’re going to do. Look at them.”

I pointed at a bench not far away from us. There’s a group of girls there whose eyes were already fixed on me. One of them even had their phone up as though she was trying to capture me in a photo.

I glanced at them and put on a subtle smile which instantly threw them out of the loop.

... Am I a celebrity now? Ugh.

When Orimura-sensei saw what happened, she clicked her tongue again and moved to my other side, blocking the view of those girls.

I guess that’s what she meant by preventing my awful charm from drawing in other women.

In any case, looking at her frown, she’s also not comfortable with it, “Ugh. Why do I have to do this for you? Am I your nanny?”

“Don’t blame me. I never suggested it to you, sensei.” I shrugged which immediately drew a reaction from her. A vein popped up on her forehead and she intentionally nudged my shoulder.

Too bad for her, my balance was impeccable. I already had the habit of not tripping at anything and adapting to the sudden change in my surroundings – albeit only to a certain extent.

“Anyway, I heard the Volleyball Club lost during round 2. Which school eliminated them?”

“The second seed. Cloudpeak. They’re also going to compete for the finals today.”

Huh... That’s Akane’s school. So, they have a competent team too. Too bad, Fuyu and her tennis club could’ve won as well if only her teammates stepped up.

In any case, although lucky, Sena’s boxing club also reached the semifinals.

I wish I could also watch Otoha compete in Kendo but smurfing in this tournament wouldn't be that fun. She’s already recognized in the upper circles anyway.

“I see. Let’s go and scout them, sensei. And while we’re at it... why don’t we settle our differences? I mean, I can’t always look over my shoulder and be cautious of you. I want peace and tranquility with my girls.”

Upon saying that, I turned my heels to the direction of where the Volleyball Clubs should be staying.

As for Orimura-sensei, she scrambled on her feet and chased after me, huffing and puffing like an annoyed goose, “Wait a minute, Onoda. What girls?!”