Stealing Spree

As always, Inugaki looked like he chewed a bitter pill as he watched Shizu stick close to me. How happy was he when he became her Vice President? He probably thought that he’d get the golden chance to close their gap and eventually win her heart.

Alas, my sudden appearance foiled every fantasy in his head. Not only did I get closer to her, but I also spelled the gradual change of Shizu. His chances dropped lower than zero and his constant nagging about me erased every goodwill he built up for doing his job properly.

Of course, he tried getting back to her good graces but it was already too late. And with his involvement with Ichihara Jun surfacing, he couldn’t even go back to the Student Council anymore.

If something’s going on in his head, it must be the same two sentences over and over, ‘I can’t accept it. It should’ve been me.’

Was it karma? Nope. He’s simply just not that good enough for Shizu. For all I know, he’s probably someone who gets a lot of admirers. He’s popular that way. However, when it comes to the girl that he eventually fancies, that popularity is worthless. Thinking that she’d come over eventually, he decided to work under her to raise his appeal in her eyes.

At least, he tried, I guess?

Nonetheless, that’s no excuse for his subsequent behavior after Shizu brought me to the Student Council.

He had nothing to prove anymore.

“You… Stop sullying the President’s image!” Inugaki barked at me. He had no rebuttal to Shizu’s words so he resorted to targeting me instead.

Anyway, his two friends also gawked at the sight of me holding Shizu, seemingly amazed and envious at the same time.

Unlike Inugaki, they didn’t dare question us. Because it’s too obvious in their eyes that Shizu wasn’t even resisting. This closeness was approved by her.

Thinking about it, if they’re close enough to Inugaki to eat dinner together in this restaurant, they must’ve heard about his fanciful designs for Shizu.

Having lost against a junior, they could only look at their friend with pity.

“Senpai, are you dreaming? How am I sullying her image?” I nonchalantly answered his barking. “If anything, you’re the one enforcing your image of her. Shizu, what do you say?”

Shizu clicked her tongue and elbowed my side. I know. She wanted me to deal with Inugaki alone hence she whispered those words. But then again, she’s also hoping to bury the guy further and crush his hopes.

She’s already tired of dealing with him. Furthermore, interrupting our long-awaited date added to his list of crimes against her.

“Do I look like an untouchable gem to the three of you?” Shizu started with a question.

Without extracting herself from my hold, she straightened her back and faced them with her usual countenance. Moreover, instead of only addressing Inugaki alone, she also included the other two behind him.

The two immediately shook their heads while Inugaki looked like his heart had been crushed. He’s already groaning in pain. However, he still couldn’t let go.

His hostile gaze at me as though he was looking at his mortal enemy remained. Too bad for him, I could barely register that in my head.

He’s nothing but a dog of Ichihara Jun. Even if he considers himself smart, he’s unwise and blinded by his obsession. Enomoto might be a douche for acting like a hidden boss in the shadows but at least, he has his priorities straight.

“You’re free to interpret what kind of relationship I have with this guy. You can accuse me of anything like being unfair for favoring this guy alone. But one thing will not change, we will diligently perform our duties in school regardless of our relationship.”

Shizu continued. Every time she would say ‘this guy’, her eyes would automatically focus on me followed by an affectionate smile.

If they still fail to understand that, there’s nothing more to say to them.

“Shizu, can I kiss you?”

Ignoring the blank looks on their faces, I brought that question up as I caressed her cheek in front of them.

I can’t help it after hearing all of that. At the very least, I managed to hold myself back from kissing her right away without asking for her permission.

“We’re in public, numbskull!”

Despite reminding me of that, Shizu pressed her hand on mine, seemingly encouraging me to do what I asked. And in front of them.

Obviously, the two found it unbelievable. They gulped down their saliva as anticipation grew in their eyes.

As for Inugaki, his face was already dark. He lost all traces of hope. If not for the setting, he’d probably sink to his knees like a hopeless sob.

“Right. We should only do it in private, huh? Sorry, I got taken in by your words.”

“D-don’t mind us, Onoda-kun, President.”

What the hell?

One of the two interjected. His nose was already flaring as if he was going to witness something lewd in front of his eyes. Are these really our seniors?

They’re as hopeless as Inugaki.

Anyway, this should be enough.

After caressing Shizu’s lips, I lowered my head, kissing her swiftly.

Shizu didn’t mention it but I could sense how much she loves my decisiveness this time. I mean, she understood the reason why we’re keeping our relationship vague for interpretation. But with this, her wish to flaunt our relationship even if it’s just to these three was successful.

The one who urged us to continue immediately clapped while the other one shook his head with a wry smile. He tapped Inugaki’s shoulder as though trying to comfort him.

On the other hand, Inugaki’s eyes turned bloodshot. He had already seen us in other risqué situations but kissing in front of those he knew personally confirmed how he lost the race to Shizu’s heart.

Without saying anything else, he angrily stomped his feet as he tried to walk away while evading us.

His two friends chased after him. However, barely ten steps later, Shizu turned around to leave a message to them.

“You’re supposed to be our seniors. Please conduct yourselves appropriately next time. And Vice President, we’ve shown enough for you to stop with whatever notion you have in your head, right? Anyway, I’m still waiting for your report regarding that previous incident concerning Ichihara Jun. We’re not at school so drop in and report on Monday.”

“Oh. Right. He did something foolish again today. I’ll warn you if you’re going to defend him again. Save yourself from the trouble.”

Although she sounded generous for even reminding him like that, there’s no doubt that those words were invisible slaps to his face.

In the end, all three walked away frowning. If they’re blabbermouths, we’d probably hear about them spreading our relationship to the entire school.

“Hmm… He’s really asking for a punch in the face, Shizu.”

Seeing the dog's back tremble in fury from Shizu’s parting words, I couldn’t help but blurt that out.

Shizu understood where I was coming from. She answered with a nod,

“Hold your fist, numbskull. I doubt he’ll give up just like that. He has a knack for getting back up after being humiliated. If words aren’t enough, let him talk to your fist next time.”

“Am I getting permission to use violence now?”

“You do know how to use it properly. You displayed it excellently earlier. Do not risk getting punished for raising your fist for a coward like him.”

I see. It’s not that she didn’t want me to continue being violent against those idiots. It’s just not worth the risk considering violence and assault are still a punishable crime in society’s eyes. She’s just looking after me.

Anyway, with the idiots blocking the entrance leaving, we entered the restaurant and paid extra for a private room where we could eat our dinner in peace.. Disregarding the price of the grilled eels, I ordered a few servings for us to share.