Stealing Spree

It was an intense two rounds of boxing with each boxer determined to triumph over the other. The six minutes that passed in the ring felt longer because of it. Aside from the dull and sometimes crisp sounds of their gloves hitting each other, nothing else disturbed the silence permeating the whole venue. Everyone watched their bout with bated breaths, hoping for the victory of the one they favored.

When the bell chimed signaling the end of the 2nd round arrived, sighs of relief and frustration mixed as one as the audience once again resumed their breathing.

Before long, the judges gave their scoreboards and handed it to the referee.

The two women who were now soaking in their sweat while catching their breath and trembling from the adrenaline rush closed their eyes.

A moment later, the referee announced the result at the same time as she lifted the arm of the declared winner.

“With the score of 20 to 17, the winner of this match is...!”

Along with the echoing of the microphone, the cheers from the winning side drowned out the whole venue.

And yep, the name that was called wasn’t Tamura-senpai. It was her opponent.

It was a close match. That much I could say. However, no matter how close it became, Tamura-senpai failed to gain any advantage. When it comes to their specs, she only had her stamina at the same level as her opponent. She was outclassed in the other stats. Hence, the judges gave the two rounds to her opponent, making the result a unanimous decision.

Almost immediately, despite them being prepared that the result would turn out like this, gloom fell on everyone’s heads.

As Tamura-senpai weakly walked back and out of the ring, the members of the club received her. Ayu and their Advisor quickly moved to cheer them up but it was inevitable to feel disheartened.

No matter what, a defeat will always be like this. Just like how crestfallen Fuyu was yesterday, everyone in this club also fell under that same state.

Soon, even Sena stood up to join them. While the other side was cheering for their win, they nursed their bleeding hearts for the loss.

And when the time came to show their sportsmanship by bowing at each other, this match officially concluded.

We piled back to the waiting room where they would once again spend their time wallowing in their loss.

As much as I wanted to help cheer them up, I knew that my glib tongue would also be rendered helpless. Besides, I had to hold onto the belief that they could recover on their own. They prepared themselves for it, after all.

This was nothing but a feeling where they would question themselves if they could’ve done better. And after reviewing it, they’d come to terms with the result.

Anyway, after doing a round to check on their condition, I decided to make my exit. The basketball match was fast approaching.

As I expected, Sena and Ayu decided to stick with them for a while and so, I left the venue with Hanabi who had remained silent since earlier.

On our way back, I checked my phone for messages from my girls. Nami and my girls along with our class were already on their way. They wouldn’t want to miss an important match like this.

Akane and the others from the same school were also coming. I don’t know if Fuyu would accompany them as well but I guess it won’t matter even if she sees me down there and not with them.

One particular message that caught my attention was the one sent by Mizuki. It’s not related to the event today. Instead, it was about that business dinner we attended recently.

-Ruki, that woman contacted me this morning. She went in circles with her message but her intention was clear as day. She’s been pulling on her hair while wondering whether you’re gonna call her or not.”

-I didn’t give her your contact but she would probably use some other means to reach out to you. Handle her at your own discretion. I’ll leave this to you as promised. I’m confident you can reap benefits from them.

That woman. Mitsui Kyoka, huh? It’s not even a week since that night. Why is she being hasty? Even if they take up my suggestion, it won’t show them results right away.

Well, since we already talked about this the other night, I would leave it for now. Let her be desperate to reach out to me. For sure, seeing her like that would also relieve some of Mizuki’s grievance against her.

-

-

Upon returning with Hanabi to the Basketball Club’s waiting room, the first thing I noticed was their maintained composure.

It was refreshing to see Kawakami-senpai and Kanno-senpai still joking around with each other. The last time, both of them had darkened faces as the hour approached.

Moreover, the other members also didn’t have to walk on eggshells around them. They cheerfully did their jobs and listened to Eguchi-sensei who continued to devise their strategy for today.

When they saw us returning, we were welcomed with their bright smiles. Some of them pulled Hanabi away from me. And despite the goofball’s resistance, she was plucked out from my side.

Seeing that, Satsuki laughed at her plight before taking the goofball’s spot next to me.

We went to a corner where I told her the result of my trip to the Boxing Club. Upon hearing that they lost, Satsuki nudged me with her forehead before muttering in a muffled voice, “We’ll win. I won’t let them score against me. So, watch me carefully.”

“Mhm. I will. I can also record it and we can watch the video together.” I wrapped my arms around her, hugging her intimately.

Seeing what was happening on our side, the other members became considerate enough to act like they hadn't noticed us.

“That’s... not a bad idea. I can see my mistakes.”

“And I can see how much you love this sport. Like I told you. I will always be your number one supporter.”

“Enough with your glib tongue. I know that already.”

Satsuki squeezed herself further in my embrace. And regardless of whoever’s watching us, the girl never faltered at showing her overflowing affection.

I saw Hanabi looking at us from a distance. She grinned and pouted alternately. I don’t know if she’s envious or not but she probably thought how fun it would be to do the same with me.

Then there’s Eguchi-sensei. As much as she wanted to dote on me, she couldn’t do it openly. We got our moment on the bus earlier but that was insufficient.

And lastly, Orimura-sensei was staring at us like a hawk eyeing her prey. I don’t know what’s in her head but as long as she continues like that, I’d have to be wary of her.

A while later, I stepped out of the room as it was time for them to change into their jerseys.

They probably wouldn’t mind it if I turned around but how awkward would that be?

Besides, I also used this chance to check on my girls who already arrived and settled themselves in the audience seats.

Like earlier, Hanabi followed behind me. The smell of ‘fun’ wouldn’t be able to escape her nose.

“Heh... Ruki, is this her? The little puppy you picked up?”

With her arms crossed, Nami’s eyes scanned Hanabi from head to toe before the goofball could even start with her prepared goofy introduction. Behind her, Saki and Hina also stood menacingly, eyeing Hanabi like inspectors at an airport.

As a response, Hanabi tugged my sleeve and said, “... Babe, tell them I’m not a puppy. Also, am I not older than them???”