Stealing Spree

Although it’s only a few minutes, Mizuki’s lessons got their place in my mind. To review and analyze. Although all of those were situational problems like how to sell something to someone or how to cut a deal with an otherwise illogical client, Mizuki’s explanation simplified it.

Just like how she declared she wanted to give me a great influence on our plans in the future, she’s carefully picking her lesson in a way that it’s somehow connected.

On my side, Akane also looked like she picked up something from it. But she’s holding her head as though she couldn’t take it all.

“We’ll stop with this for today. I’ll be sending you more problems along with some write-ups that could expand your knowledge. If Akane wants, I’ll also send it to you.”

“Uh… No. I think I’m good. I’m not like you two. I believe my expertise lies in other areas.”

“Hmm? If you say so…”

Mizuki looked like she wanted to say something else but decided against it in the end.

“Alright. I’ll wait for that. But Mizuki, don’t be too reserved and say what’s on your mind. You’re someone who always opts to solve a problem on your own but there are things even you can’t find a solution to, right?” I intentionally leaned closer to the girl, my observation skills in full power.

I picked up her minute reactions to confirm what I suspected.

“What are you…?” Mizuki averted her gaze and that just made it too obvious that I hit a bullseye.

“You can’t deny it, huh? Akane, what do you think?” I put a hand on my chin and then turned to the other girl for support.

Understanding my intention, Akane cheerfully smiled and also leaned closer, pushing Mizuki to the corner.

“Hmm… Now that I think about it, I also get that feeling. Mizuki, feel free to ask me. Oh. If this concerned husband and you don’t want him to hear it then we can talk through chat or you can look for me later…”

“I… understand. I’ll be relying on you for something, Akane.”

Mizuki alternately looked at us and eventually nodded.

For the girl to openly confirm that it concerned me, I guess it’s something she wanted to do for me. I wouldn’t spoil myself though. It’s a lot better to wait for her to surprise me.

With that, the last few minutes of our ride were spent with the two girls talking in hushed voices. And halfway through it, they even asked me to transfer to the passenger’s seat next to Suzuki so that they could discuss it better.

Anyway, Suzuki didn’t mind that. In fact, she even appeared a little relieved to see Mizuki interacting with Akane. For years of serving as Mizuki’s chauffeur, she seldom saw the girl being engaged in a lively conversation. And obviously, I was the same. Seeing them get closer like that, I wouldn’t worry about our future where they’d fight each other.

By the time the car stopped, I could finally see students from my school walking toward our school gates.

Right. Instead of the usual where I would send them to school, it’s the other way around today.

They suddenly brought up that they wanted to check out my school even from afar.

Most likely, what was in their mind was to check out the school they’re going to transfer to next year.

“So, this is your school… It looks small from this angle. But there’s a huge space behind those buildings, right?” Akane commented as she observed the place. Her eyes were somehow shining brilliantly as she let out amazed exhalations.

Suzuki conveniently stopped the car which would give them a great view of it. Besides, they could also observe the students walking in the main street straight to our school.

“Hmm… It’s not that different from ours. A little farther from our house but it’s insignificant if we have our own means of transportation. And thanks to the guy who tried to run away from the mess he made, we got more rivals for his affection.”

You don’t need to point that out, Mizuki… It’s my fault for running away and trying to start anew here. However, if I didn’t choose to attend here, I doubt I would realize how important Akane is to me and in turn, walk the path to correcting my twisted mindset to only steal girls.

“Alright. I have no words to rebut that.” I wryly smiled as I started preparing to get off.

“Look at this idiot. Will I say I love you if I still resent you? Ignore my comment. I’m just exhaling the little resentment I bottled up.” The girl waved her hand, dropping that topic, “Anyway, before you leave, aren’t you forgetting something?”

After saying that, Mizuki grabbed my shoulder and had me face them.

The beautiful girl had one of his eyebrows raised while eyeing me in a rather expectant mood. Akane, who was sitting next to her, lightly smiled but she had the same expression.

Understanding what they meant, I twisted my body a bit to stretch myself to the back of the car. As soon as I did that, their faces lit up as they waited for me to do what I forgot. Giving them another kiss before leaving.

-

-

I watched the car drive away before walking to the main street.

Surprisingly, what happened yesterday was still the talk of the whole school. Those who saw and recognized me started whispering amongst themselves. Although I couldn’t hear what they were talking about, I was clearly the main topic.

I ignored all those and continued on my steps but halfway through it, I was suddenly sandwiched on both sides before their greeting reached my ears.

“Good morning, Onoda-kun. It’s weird to see no girl walking alongside you.”

“Good morning. Now that you mention it, you’re right about that. But not anymore. Aren’t we girls as well, Shimura-san? You had just broken your statement.”

Right. The identity of the two was none other than my classmates, Shimura and Wakaba.

The former made a swift observation while the other laughed as she broke that down.

“Mhm. Good morning. Do I have to be escorted by girls every time?” I said without stopping with my steps. Likewise, the two matched my pace as they continued the conversation.

It’s the usual time when students arrive in droves. Around thirty minutes before the closing of the school gate. That’s why, even with the two suddenly showing up next to me, the amount of attention I was receiving neither increased nor decreased.

“No, you don’t. But you know, everyone noticed it. Most of the time, you’re with someone else. No wonder you’re popular. Even the girls from other classes have started taking notice of you. And if you added what happened yesterday… Onoda-kun, you’ve become a school celebrity. Amazing!” Shimura answered. From the tone of her voice, she seemed more excited than me.

“I don’t care about the others but don’t you forget about Ayase, you chick magnet.”

“What does that mean, Wakaba-san?”

“Oops, I shouldn’t have said that. Forget about it.”

Before I could even put in a word, Shimura, who seemed confused at that statement, raised a question. However, Wakaba tried to take it back.

Obviously, that’s way too late. And it just further cultivated Shimura’s curiosity. Her eyes soon focused on me.

How should I answer this? Let’s see…

“Hmm? Aya is special to me. Isn’t she adorable?”

But as soon as Shimura heard that, the girl became even more excited as she exclaimed, “Whoa! Onoda-kun. Is that a confession?”

However, Wakaba interjected again.

“Oh. I wish it was.”

While having that conversation, we soon reached the school gate. And as though wary over Eguchi-sensei, the two girls were seemingly sped up in their steps, putting that conversation to a halt.

On the other hand, I noticed Eguchi-sensei’s expression was a little scarier than usual. More importantly, I seemed to be the one in her focus.

Wait, did I do something that made her mad?

“Onoda-kun. Where have you been yesterday? I waited for you but you never showed up.”

Oh, right… I forgot.

Eguchi-sensei asked me to see her in her office. But because I was too focused on my girls and the clubhouse after the exams, it flew off my mind…

“Sensei… I apologize… I forgot about that.” I quickly bent my back and bowed to her. Although being honest along with an apology wouldn’t possibly cut it, it’s a lot better than making another excuse.

Wait, I just noticed but... her words, if taken out of context could breed misunderstanding among those unaware!