Stealing Spree

As I thought, some of the students passing by couldn’t help but stop once they heard our exchange. Moreover, Eguchi-sensei focused solely on me as though she didn’t care about the reaction of those who heard her.

She then put a hand on her hips as her expression somewhat relaxed, there’s even a trace of worry in it. “As I thought, it’s like that, huh? Have you been affected by your speech yesterday?”

Ignoring the whispers coming from the students behind me, I replied, “Uhh… A little. Also, I had to do something important yesterday.”

Meeting my girls and spending time with them was certainly important… Although I could honor prior appointments that I made, there’s no going around it if I accidentally forgot.

“I see. Well, I won’t be petty. Don’t forget to come later. This concerns your new position, by the way.”

Thanks to that last sentence, the ones speculating about Eguchi-sensei’s words were finally relieved. And that took off the pressure on me as I continued on my way.

Whether that’s true or not, I’d say it’s 50/50. She most likely noticed the attention in the end. Anyway, I’d just inform my girls that I’d be a little late.

We’re going to finish cleaning the interior of that clubhouse today and I doubt what happened yesterday would get a repeat. I mean, not everyone would be able to come this time.

Uh… Wait. Now that I think about it, having fewer girls there might even raise the chances for it to happen again… In any case, there’s no hurt pampering them again…

And… I better do something for my girls at another school as well. Even if they’re not saying anything, it’s just natural for me to also think about them… We had that karaoke one time but it was definitely not enough.

-

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The same as yesterday, the remaining exam, although challenging, was proven to be not something I would fail. Fortunately, my girls were the same. When I checked on them, they all answered confidently.

Well, there’s Saki and Satsuki who were a little worried about some questions though.

As an extension of what happened yesterday, I soon found myself becoming the center of attention on my way to the bathroom.

One particular 3rd-year student stopped me and asked rather politely, “Hey, if I’m not wrong, you’re that junior from the Disciplinary Committee, am I right?”

Since I didn’t sense any malice or mockery in his tone and just pure curiosity, I returned a polite response.

“Yes, senpai. Do you need something from me?”

From the way he looks, he’s just an average guy or in other words, there’s nothing noteworthy about him. However, there's a certain air around him that’s somehow nagging at me. It’s my gut feeling that he was a little dangerous.

Or maybe the attention I suddenly acquired from everyone was getting to my head. I don’t know.

“Nothing in particular. I’m just curious, you see. For President Asakura to use her powers to establish a new branch, she must’ve seen something in you.” He smiled. It should’ve been a normal, harmless smile but the same gut feeling tugged on me.

I shouldn’t ignore this and… at least get to know this senior. Who knows? He’s probably someone important.

I mean, his words were clearly trying to garner a reaction from me. Checking me out, perhaps?

“I see. I honestly don’t know how to answer that.” I answered normally and maintained a polite tone. It’s a little different from what I used in my speech yesterday but I guess it probably sounded the same.

However, for a split second, I noticed how his eyes appeared sharp. If I wasn’t paying attention, I would surely miss it.

The 3rd year senior then laughed and waved his hand, “Oh, did I put you on the spot. Sorry… By the way, good luck with your new position. You’ll be under everyone’s eyes but don’t succumb to the pressure.”

“Thank you for the advice, senpai. May I know your name?”

“Oh. I forgot to introduce myself, huh? No matter. You can call me Enomoto. I’m from Year 3 Class 5.” He stretched his arm for a handshake and I took it without thinking twice.

At least, to show him that I didn’t notice anything.

“I understand. It’s nice meeting you, Enomoto-senpai. I’ll go on ahead.”

“Oh sure. Sorry again for blocking your way.”

After saying that, he stepped to the side and let me pass by him. Without looking back, I reached the bathroom and finished my business there.

Upon returning to the classroom and for the rest of our exam, no other incident or important event happened.

Before preparing to go to Eguchi-sensei’s office, I noticed how the girls somehow gathered in one corner. And that included even my girls.

“It’s that time. Huh? A week has already passed. They’re probably going to start with the Year-level Popularity Poll.” Sakuma, who noticed me looking at the girls, said.

So that’s today? No wonder my girls felt like they were keeping something from me earlier. They’re containing their excitement for this…

There’s that bet, after all. If I ranked on the Year-level even without their votes, I would be granting a request from them…

I better prepare for their requests then… My popularity just got boosted yesterday… Only a miracle can drop me from that ranking by now.

Or maybe, a miracle would really happen… Hopefully.

“I see. Wanna get something to drink then?”

“Oh? What’s this Onoda? You’re going to treat me?”

“Yes. You look like you’re about to be buried down under. Come, tell your older brother your worries.”

“Huh? Wait, how did you…?”

Surprised at what I revealed, the guy almost jumped back in fright… Truthfully, he’s just too easy to read. He’s been down in the dumps ever since the lunch break ends.

I said I was going to Eguchi-sensei but since there’s a vending machine near the Administration Building, I’ll just hear this guy’s troubles.

Am I treating him as a friend now?

I don’t know. But if I could connect this to something, it’s probably because of how Satsuki confessed her guilt to me… I was also slightly affected. I mean, I stole Satsuki from this guy and pushed him to her sister who may or may not like him the way I spun his mind back then.

“Wait for me outside, I’ll just do something real quick.”

“A-alright.”

Once he left, I stealthily approached my girls to update them on where I would be.

Surely, I was noticed by the others but without knowing what we talked about, they could only speculate.

A while later, Sakuma and I went to that vending machine. The guy was silent along the way but I could still feel a hint of vexation. Must be a problem with Setsuna again.

“Here. Take it,” I handed a can of soda to the guy before buying a lemon juice for me.

“Man, I didn’t know you liked lemon juice that much.”

“Oh. It’s because of Satsuki. You know, this juice is rather significant for our relationship.”

“Huh? A juice?”

“Don’t pry. I won’t tell you. Come on, out with it. What happened?” While opening the can of lemon juice, I brushed his question away and changed the subject.

Although he’s really curious about the juice, he became gloomy again when I put the focus back on his troubles.

“I… How do I get Setsuna-nee to say yes to a date?”

This guy… This is his problem? Seriously? Did he get turned down?