Stealing Spree

A while later, I finished that story up to the point where I could clearly remember the details. Even if I told them how we separated, it’s not like I could confirm that it was exactly as I remembered.

Satsuki didn’t have any reaction to it since she was one of the first girls who I told about my past. She’s just filling in the details that I left out since they’re pretty much unnecessary at that time.

Hanabi might be at a loss for words but having heard about me from Matsuri, she’s pretty much the same as Satsuki.

The only problem was Orimura-sensei. She still couldn’t wrap her head around the part where I stole Matsuri... or specifically, the process of my conquest.

I mean, she had no idea that I was stealing girls before. She only knew that I shamelessly put my claws on Eguchi-sensei as well even though I was already in a relationship.

Due to that, I let Satsuki and Hanabi go first, leaving me alone with the woman.

Well, we didn’t stay for long as well and I didn’t elaborate anything. I just waited until she could form the questions that she wanted me to answer.

After answering all of her questions, I closed our distance and had her stare at me in the eye. This time, I’ll give her a piece of my mind.

“Sensei, I will never call myself a great guy. Like you said, I’m so selfish I had them accept the situation that I could fall in love with multiple women. That’s why even if you ended up resenting me for that, I won’t blame you.”

“However, I will also put this out here... Everyone, including Eguchi-sensei. I’ll do everything to protect them at all costs. By any means necessary. I trust you won’t spill this secret to anyone else but if you do and the situation turns for the worse for the women connected to me, I will retaliate and never forgive you even if you justify it as helping your friend or anyone else.”

At the same time as I said all of those, I grasped her by her chin and clutched her cheeks roughly. I tensed the muscles of my fingers to properly dig into her skin to prevent her from turning her head away.

It’s kind of rough but this was necessary. Even if she deemed me dangerous, it’s a lot better to spread this open than let her run wild with her imagination. I mean, her actions would be more controllable this way. It would save me the time of guessing if she’s going to do something or not.

A few seconds later, even with her jaws locked with my palm, Orimura-sensei replied, the tone of her voice a mixture of frustration and anger, “Y-you. Are you threatening me?”

I let go of her and took a step back. I also retracted my intimidating posture and returned to my seat.

“No. I’m just reminding you, sensei. I know that we can’t hide it from you so, this is just me clearing things with you before you do something rash. And didn’t I tell you? I’m still indebted to you. I’m just telling you this to protect everyone.”

I don’t know if she’s going to accept all of that. But I’m certain that she’d seriously consider it and soon, she’d be able to make up her mind.

There are two paths in front of her.

To expose me and bring everything to light, ruining not only me but everyone connected to me in her attempt to ‘free’ her friend.

Or, to zip her mouth and either give up pursuing this matter or continue observing me from the shadows to ensure that I live up to my words.

Yep. It’s either becoming our enemy or a complicit ally.

“... You keep saying that you’re indebted to me yet... you’re not doing anything to clear that debt.”

“Because I don’t know what I can give you in return, sensei. And obviously, I will reject you if you tell me to step away from Eguchi-sensei.”

“I see. It’s an empty promise.”

“Not really. You can have all the time in the world to think of something. Use it to your advantage, sensei. I won’t run anyway. I’ll be in the same school as you for three years. I can even be in your class next year. As long as it doesn’t involve my women then... I can help you out with anything.”

“Haa... So that’s where you draw the line.”

“Yes.”

With the tension in the room brewing like the calm before a storm, the two of us stared at each other in silence. Most likely, just like me, she’s trying to read my mind. Unfortunately, my expression was pretty much the same as before. Unless it’s one of my girls, no one could read me.

On the other hand, I could easily sense her deliberation. Learning all these today made her head hurt. I wouldn’t be surprised if she lay down later to recover. Still, she believed that she was doing the right thing.

As for her choice, she might not be able to decide today but that’s fine. I also wasn’t hoping for her to accept it that easily.

Eventually, the two of us let it go. Without saying anything else to each other, we left the room and returned.

-

-

Time quickly passed. Hanabi quickly settled in with the Basketball Club members. She’s still as goofy but as someone who probably prefers to be alone than in a group of friends, her energy for socializing was immediately depleted.

Due to that, she remained by my side while we spent time there.

When lunch was approaching, I volunteered to join in procuring our meals. The commission provided free lunch for the athletes but given that we had the budget, Eguchi-sensei decided to treat everyone.

Being their Coach and Advisor, she decided that she should do it rather than ask her students to run the errand. Or maybe, my decision to volunteer sprang her up to action.

I’m not sure, but she winked at me when she announced it.

Hanabi wanted to volunteer as well but I told her to stay put and wait for me to return.

I’m also looking forward to being alone with Eguchi-sensei, after all. It’s not like I’m going to abandon her. And with Satsuki there, she’ll be in good hands.

Who knows? She might even make some friends with all the girls there. Matsuri will thank me for looking out for her twin sister.

Anyway, after listing out their preferences, Eguchi-sensei and I set off. Unfortunately, with her car left behind at the school, we had no other choice but to use the bus.

This means, we really wouldn’t be alone... Orimura-sensei would be tagging along to drive us to the nearest restaurant that does take-outs.

“Onoda-kun, where do you want to sit?” Eguchi-sensei asked as we climbed up the bus.

Seeing the hint of excitement that couldn’t be hidden by her face, I couldn’t help but smile. She’s really looking forward to this.

Furthermore, as soon as we reached the area where no one was around, she offered her hand for me to hold, not minding the reaction of her friend who was just behind us.

Well, we already had that talk earlier. On the way here, I also filled her in on what happened. At least, the summary of it. She’s concerned and she took the time to talk to Orimura-sensei.

As I expected, Orimura-sensei could only let out a helpless sigh before reminding Eguchi-sensei always to be careful. It’s now useless for her to dissuade her, after all.

“Well, I’d like to say at the back but... I think I’ve already done enough to aggravate Orimura-sensei... Let’s sit nearby.” I answered while taking a glance behind me.

She clicked her tongue in annoyance. “Tsk. What’s the difference? You’re still going to flirt anyway.”

“Sanae...” Eguchi-sensei muttered in concern.

Orimura-sensei shook her head and forced a smile.

“I’m sorry. But don’t mind it, Ryouko. I’m not mad at you. I’m just annoyed at this brat.”

Upon saying that, she clicked her tongue again.

“I guess it’s impossible for me to appease you, sensei.”

“Of course. You should just ignore me. I’ll turn a blind eye so... Go and ease Ryouko’s mind. I have no choice but to leave her to you, am I right?”

“Yes. I won’t disappoint you, sensei.”

“You already did, idiot.”

After saying that, she climbed past us and took her place in the driver’s seat.

Eguchi-sensei and I looked at each other. She’s still concerned but she knew there’s nothing else she could do about it.

We resumed our climb and took the seats near the front.

Once we settled down on it, I whispered to Eguchi-sensei, “Ryouko-san, you can scold me if you think I did something wrong, alright? I’m aware I failed to handle things with Orimura-sensei better.”

“Don’t say that. You already did your best. Leave the rest to me.” Eguchi-sensei put on a smile filled with confidence. But for sure, it’s just her way of assuring me. And that’s more than enough.

A while later, the bus left the venue, and our short trip to the restaurant and back to get our lunch was smoothly accomplished.