Stealing Spree

When I returned to the classroom, it was as expected that I would get everyone's attention. Being revealed as part of the Student Council and even the head of the newly-created branch, a lot of them were curious as to how I landed the position.

Moreover, the speech I delivered was a clear flop. Fukuda and his cohorts were snickering at their seats, clearly trying to provoke a reaction from me. Given a better chance, they would surely come and mock me right to my face.

As for Ogawa and the other two, well, I expected them to also look at me mockingly but they’re surprisingly tame. If they’re surprised at the reveal of my affiliation to the Student Council, their reaction to what happened up that stage was virtually non-existent as though they didn’t really care too much. Or that’s just how I see it this time.

In any case, I didn’t really care too much about their reaction. I did say it. If they’re having doubts about my appointment, they could come at me and I would show them why.

My girls were a different story though. Starting from the two who were sitting next to me, they all expressed their worries, thinking that what happened must’ve affected me.

But to not worry them, I casually acted normally. I even flirted with them as a response to their encouragement.

Sakuma also said something from behind me, “Man, how well-connected are you? You became part of the Student Council this quick. You’re even going to head a whole new branch. Are you hiring?”

Although he said all that in a joking manner, all of our classmates perked their ears to hear my answer.

“If I say I became part of it by chance, will you believe me? Anyway, no. It’s a one-man committee. You better behave or I’ll send your ass to the Guidance Counselor.”

The others reacted to the first part. They all looked unconvinced at my answer that I became part of the Student Council by chance.

As for Sakuma, he reacted in the second part. He laughed at it, interpreting my answer as a jest.

“Heh! Sure sure, Officer Onoda. If there’s no spot then I can be your watchdog.”

“Or you can simply be a dog. That suits an idiot like you.” Satsuki broke her silence and glared at Sakuma. But knowing this girl, she’s probably being protective of me. How cute.

Although I didn’t really need it, I appreciate the girl. Well, when she saw me staring at her, she clicked her tongue and turned her head away.

“Maemura!” Sakuma recovered from his shock and shouted her name but no counter left his mouth. He shrunk back to his seat and whispered to me, “Onoda, does she still hate me?”

“Not really. Isn’t she just the same as before?”

“Y-you’re right. I thought you already tamed her.”

“You’re not me, what do you expect?”

“Ugh… Makes sense.”

With our conversation veering off the original topic, the interest of our classmates also died down.

Furthermore, I was spared incessant questioning from the others when Shio arrived to start our midterm exam.

In any case, come lunch break or the short break after the first one, those curious would still flock towards me, asking more questions to satisfy them.

Well, I would let them be. I even expected that the others would make a comment about my mess of a short speech. After reviewing it in my mind, I probably came off rather overbearing. Most of them didn’t even know my name, much less my capabilities. So, to deliver that speech that way didn’t earn me any applause. Instead, they probably saw me as an arrogant junior trying to intimidate them.

At a glance, I’m far from being seen as a capable fighter or someone with a presence that could inspire fear and authority. Without proving anything, my words were useless and I would only look like an arrogant clown to them.

Uh. One way to boost my authority is to create results and let them be known to everyone. But at the moment, there’s no chance to do so.

-

-

The morning exams only consist of two subjects, with a lot of free time in between. With how much I reviewed for the past few days, I confidently finished answering the test questions within the time limit.

And like I expected, everyone curious enough went and converse with me. I didn’t send them away and answered them normally. For most of my classmates, I already have the reputation of a guy who’s friends with most girls. My position at the Student Council reinforced that changing that reputation to the popular Student Council guy.

Those few who feared me became even more fearful like Matsuda and the Baseball Guy while those who were on speaking terms with me like Hashimoto, Chii’s gyaru friends, Wakaba, Kashiwagi and Shimura congratulated and even joked with me.

“Ya! I thought you were a simple member of the council but when we saw you up on that stage with the President, we were all shocked. But when you delivered that speech… It's a little hilarious. That doesn’t sound like you, Onoda-kun.”

That was Wakaba, his tomboyish tendency made her the more outspoken among my classmates that’s not really connected to me.

“For real! Chizuru tot’s stopped me from laughing. She tot’s scared the hell out of me, I tell ya. Good for ya, Onoda-han. Ya have our Chizuru cheering for ya.”

And that’s An-rin, her weird way of talking was a mix of her being a gyaru and a dialect from the north. It was hard to decipher but not as hard as deciphering Elizabeth’s message.

Similar conversations like this occurred during the short breaks after each exam.

For the next few days, I will be expecting this kind of attention.

My only reprieve was during lunch. My girls somehow created a protective wall around me, preventing more questions from being thrown. And when we finished eating, I stepped outside, spending the rest of the time with one or two of them.

Since I was in the spotlight for today, the girls decided to remain in the classroom to not amplify the attention drawn to me.

Honestly, I didn’t really care about that but since it was their decision and it’s a clear precaution, I thanked them for their consideration. Anyway, we still have that cleaning activity later. I’ll properly thank and pamper them while we’re in that clubhouse...

For my escape, I could only think of one destination, the Club Building. However, before I completely entered the building, I heard footsteps from behind me and a familiar voice, calling out my name.

“Ruki…!”

“Arisa-senpai.” I turned around and a smile involuntarily rose from my face as I also called her name. Looking at the girl who looked like she ran out and dashed to catch up with me, a warm feeling naturally bubbled up in my chest. “Did you just chase after me from the School Building?”

“You’re walking too fast! If I don't run, you’ll disappear in one of these clubrooms again.”

“Wait. What did you say, senpai?”

“I said—Wait. Forget I said anything!” Realizing the blunder she made, Arisa-senpai quickly changed her words but it was all too late.

“No. I already heard it. Are you… following me?”

“If I say I’m not, will you believe me?”

“Well, usually, countering using that question is equivalent to answering ‘yes’. So, senpai, let me hear about it.” I smiled and grabbed her hand.

After making sure that no one was around, I pulled her with me up the stairs. And since it’s the one closest to the stairs, I brought her with me to the Book Club. With the key given by Haruko, I opened it easily.