Stealing Spree

With my help and because we stopped talking, only focusing on the work to be done, we finished in a little over five minutes.

To begin with, it’s not a daunting task. Izumi-senpai’s mind became rather sluggish because of what happened earlier, Ogawa’s dismissal of her concern and my presence.

With that little talk we had where it ended with her mind clearing up, the seemingly tall stack of papers was defeated quickly.

And once she was done, I ran outside to buy her refreshments before excusing myself.

Well, getting her something to drink was, no doubt, something I did arbitrarily. The girl even quizzically stared at it before reluctantly grabbing it and thanking me.

Before I left, Izumi-senpai mentioned something about how she couldn’t accept the way I do things; specifically, what I did to turn Ogawa into that kind of a mess. And it extended to my multiple relationships with Nami, Hina, Saki and lastly Arisa-senpai; even though we’re technically still just a simple junior and senior who were highly attracted to each other.

I accepted those words without arguing or explaining. There’s no need to. It’s her opinion, anyway. Besides, I already said everything that needed to be said. There’s no reason to repeat it.

For my next destination, I went to the Literature Club and checked on them. I excused Kana and Rae to Ishida-senpai for a few minutes to give them my present. They’re just as surprised at the other girls but upon opening it, a wonderful smile bloomed from their lips before hugging me together.

Forgetting to act her mature self, Kana raised her arms and had me pick her up before clinging to me like a koala. Rae, on the other hand, settled on hugging my arm and tiptoeing for an affectionate kiss.

Following that, I sent them back to the clubroom where I was met by the curious eyes of Otsuka-senpai and the silent inquiry of Ishida-senpai.

Well, the former was curious over what the two were carrying. With her dazzling eyes filled with curiosity and excitement, she waited on whether I would give her something too.

When I only patted and ruffled her hair, Otsuka-senpai pouted but she reached for my hands and slid it off her head and down to her cheek, rubbing it on my palm. Once satisfied, Otsuka-senpai returned to her seat, shifting her curiosity over the presents I bought for the two.

As for the latter, after what happened last Friday, I only smiled at her and bowed before excusing myself. She probably hadn’t made up her mind yet. Otherwise, she wouldn’t just stay in her seat.

I might be an observer but I was never a mind reader. If she didn’t voice out what she meant to ask, then I would have no idea what she wanted to hear from me.

After going over to Kana and Rae one more time, I headed to my next destination; the Student Council Room.

For today, I skipped checking on the Book Club and the Poem Appreciation Club first. Since Haruko and perhaps Edel and Mina would be staying the night at our house, I would be going home with them. I planned to just go and pick them up after club hours.

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“Hey, Onoda-kun. How was it? Do you think they’re confident they can beat that school?”

As soon as I entered, Watanabe’s weirdly enthusiastic behavior welcomed me with that question. She was originally sitting at the edge of the long table and away from her boyfriend but upon seeing me entering, she hurriedly stood up, the boredom on her face replaced by that weird enthusiasm.

Looking ahead, her boyfriend was at his usual seat, discussing a topic with Shizu. As for the Vice President, he’s just there, listening to their discussion.

They’re still in the middle of the meeting so I was trying to not make a noise but Watanabe somehow ruined it because of her loud voice.

Because of that, all eyes turned towards us.

However, except Shizu, the other two also had an expectant look upon seeing me. They’re also waiting to hear my report.

Thinking about it, apart from helping Shizu and making tea for everyone, observing the Basketball Club could be considered my first task for the Student Council that I did alone.

Anyway, although I found it unnatural that Inugaki wasn’t being a rabid dog today, I first went over to Shizu’s side and reported what I thought was worth reporting.

Watanabe also returned to her usual seat, the look on her face rather unsatisfied. I had no idea what was going on between the couple and I really shouldn’t care. But because they’re always here, my trait as an observer kept on picking up the somewhat rocky changes in their relationship. Still not my problem though.

“Uhm. Where do I start? The match against Kodama High will be held in our school this Saturday. When I was observing them, they were clearly feeling the pressure of such a huge challenge. From what I heard, our Girls’ Basketball Club wasn't that competitive. To be faced with the number one in our Prefecture, it’s close to challenging those specialized schools in the capital.” I started. As I was standing next to Shizu, I felt her hand grasping my right hand in a blatant show of affection.

I heard Inugaki clicking her tongue. The Secretary frowned slightly. And Watanabe grinned from her seat.

I acted oblivious to those reactions and continued with my report all the while fitting my fingers on the gaps of Shizu’s fingers, clasping her hand tightly.

“Right. There are those who are performing well under pressure and it seems to have been applied to them. If you also go there and observe, you’ll see the intensity and their desire to win despite the odds.”

At this particular point, I lied. I hadn’t seen their training practice, after all. However, there’s still a bit of truth there. I was using what I heard from their short meeting as well as what Satsuki told me.

“Moreover, Eguchi-sensei seemed to have prepared a lot for it. Even before requesting the match. I told them that if they needed some kind of support, they could come and ask us.”

Ending it at that, I was met with negative comments by both Inugaki and the Secretary for saying that we would be supporting them if they asked.

Shizu stopped the commotion but she also scolded me for saying unnecessary things.

Soon after that, I sat down next to her, our hands remained connected. From how forward she was at flaunting our relationship, she’s most likely trying to nail it in Inugaki’s head or even the Secretary that they should start seeing our occasional intimacy as normal, not caring about the two’s opinions. Or even if she considered it, she only put it at the back of her mind.

In any case, with the meeting continuing, they talked about various clubs and problems that they needed to address.

Once it was done, Shizu pointed me to her table. On it, a neat folder was placed. On the front, the word ‘Disciplinary Officer’ was written in bold words.

“Right, Ruki. Pick that up and read it. I made it. You’ll see the details and scope of your new position. One of these days, you will be called by one of the Guidance Counselors to coordinate with them. From the looks of things, you’ll have work coming to your office soon.” She explained, her lips turning up into a playful smirk.

… It's well and good but that smirk told me that she already knew what was coming.

“My office, huh? I still haven’t cleaned it…”