Stealing Spree

Having been caught in the act, the first act that we should do was to stop. However, Satsuki failed to notice her sister. Her eyes were closed and she’s already let go of her temporary reluctance from earlier.

Besides, I noticed that the girl liked it a lot whenever I would be the one to make the first move.

Due to that, even though Setsuna became a witness to our intimate relationship, we only stopped after having satisfied ourselves.

When Satsuki noticed her sister who was a little flustered and her hands partly covering her eyes, the girl froze a bit and muttered, “Nee-san...�

Clearly, she didn’t know what to say. Was it wrong for a couple to make out? No, right? That’s why the girl quickly regained her composure as she stepped forward and faced her older sister.

Well, I pulled her to the side on impulse – I couldn’t resist how much I wanted to dote, pamper her and console her. Even if I made sure not to show it to her sister, I never really accounted for when she’d regain her mobility and run after her sister.

In a way, what happened was like a repeat of what happened four years ago. But it’s not as traumatizing since it’s Setsuna who witnessed us and she didn’t have any particular attachment to me.

Nonetheless, it, at least, opened her eyes that our relationship wasn’t light at all.

The Maemura sisters didn’t utter a word to each other right there. Instead, Satsuki grabbed her sister’s hand and guided her to a room.

On the other hand, the girl looked at me, silently conveying her intention to talk alone with her sister.

I simply nodded and waited in front of the door of the room they used.

I could faintly hear their voices inside but I made sure not to eavesdrop. I didn’t need to do that, after all. For sure, Satsuki would tell me about it.

Around ten minutes later, the Maemura sisters emerged from the room, Satsuki dragging her older sister who stuck to her like a certain animal.

Judging from the exhausted expression on her face, Satsuki possibly gave up on how her sister acted. And as for Setsuna, she looked like she was in her own world. I even started to wonder if I was looking at the same annoying girl from earlier.

But that’s what happened. In the end, Satsuki asked me to take her sister away while she returned to their clubroom for their post-game meeting.

That sounded a little mean but considering Setsuna’s state, I could understand.

Although she wailed when I plucked her off Satsuki’s arms, Setsuna recovered quickly and glared at me. I thought she would run off her mouth again. But I was wrong. After Satsuki walked off and disappeared into their clubroom, Setsuna bowed, gratitude filling her voice, “You’re a hateful guy but... I owe you one, Onoda-kun.�

“This is unlike you, Setsuna-nee-san.�

“I know, right? But just this once, you helped us out. It’s been so long since I got to talk to her like that.�

“I see. I’m glad to help then.�

“Be good to my sister and I’ll stop messing with you.�

“Setsuna-nee-san need not say it.�

Perhaps irritated at how I answered, Setsuna clicked her tongue and strode towards the side door.

Since I already talked to Satsuki and I confirmed that she’s fine, I also have no reason to stay. Or I still have but I lacked the time. Anyway, she’s aware that I couldn’t stay and wait for her because of my part-time job. Regardless of the outcome of the match, I already planned to meet her before leaving.

Well, getting Satsuki to talk to her sister was a plus. I had no idea the extent of their conversation but at least, it was a positive one.

-

-

When we emerged from the side door, Setsuna was met with Koizumi-san and Sakuma.

The former also looked and smiled at me before asking Setsuna what happened. On the other hand, Sakuma’s focus was entirely on Setsuna. I failed to notice earlier but her eyes were slightly puffed. She probably cried there.

In any case, since they decided to wait for Satsuki, I bid them farewell.

Naturally, I was interrogated by Setsuna. But I simply said that I have my part-time job and Satsuki was aware.

Before I could walk away, Koizumi-san ran after me. Turning around to face her, I was met with her gentle and beautiful smile. She then gave me an approving nod before saying, “You did great today, Onoda-kun. I liked how you handled every situation.�

Huh? Is she praising me? Do I deserve praise from her? I don’t know. Or does this have to do with the interest that changed her mind to come and accompany Setsuna?

“Thank you for the praise, Koizumi-san. I didn’t do anything, really.�

“Nope. I was watching you all this time and... sorry for doubting your propriety. You did possess it, quite a lot even. You never got angry even if Setsu was being unreasonable. You took the initiative to protect us from unnecessary encounters. Last but not the least, you sacrificed your time to watch Satsuki-chan get us a drink. I can list more but it’s probably enough for you to understand what I’m trying to say.�

Hearing all that while admiring her beautiful voice and face, I could only act embarrassed. Most of what she listed was a selfish act in my eyes, after all. “Uh... Thank you. But I think you're overrating me, Koizumi-san. I’m not that great. At least, in my own judgement.�

“I used my eyes and ears to judge, Onoda-kun. I will believe it. Anyway, take care on your way.� She simply shook her head at my answer and stood by her evaluation. And to stop me from arguing more, she dropped it there and waved me goodbye.

Honestly, I had no idea why she suddenly became this fixated on my ‘propriety’. I even doubted that it concerned Satsuki. It’s just her own interest.

Anyway, since she’s returning to college and I seldom used my phone to contact other people, she would definitely forget about this interest soon enough.

I admit. Being praised by her feels nice. However, it still won’t beat my girls’ praises.

-

-

With the game ending, our classmates, along with my girls, went out together. They apparently gathered everyone to eat somewhere together as a group. Not to celebrate but to heal their frustrations.

And obviously, I was included in it. They’re also inviting Satsuki but given that the girl would still stay for a while, they probably gave up on it.

After separating from Koizumi-san, I made my way to where they were gathering. I still have a little bit of time so, why not? I also wanted to at least send my girls home. I bet they would just pick a ramen shop or fast food so it wouldn’t take long to eat.

However, on my walk there, I noticed that the students from the Seven Stars Girls’ Academy had just started to return to their bus. Due to that, it was unavoidable for me to observe them.

They all appeared to be high-class ladies but at least, there were still a few rowdy ones, jeering and cheering at the same time.

When they noticed me walking alongside them, they all veered away from me like I am a plague.

That’s fine for me. I was about to ignore them and just continue on my way when I somehow heard someone uttering my name.

I quickly searched for the owner of that voice. However, I was met with the questioning gazes from the girls of the opposing school, some even straight up looked at me weirdly as though I was a pervert trying to check them out.

A minute of searching later, I failed to pinpoint who muttered my name. Maybe I misheard it or there’s someone with the same name as me? That’s probably right... but my sense of hearing has never failed me yet.