Stealing Spree

Two hours later, the eighth lesson for the Basics of Boxing Program ended.

It was the same scene as earlier. Everyone blanked out for a few seconds as they took their time to recognize that I am their Instructor. When they did, they all gaped in shock and eventually praised my new look.

Some of the girls even failed to resist stepping forward to see me clearly, including Ichihara-san’s daughter and some of the mothers. They all wanted a closer look.

However, since I acted the same as in the previous lessons, they eventually returned to their places. Some were embarrassed at how they acted. Some remained entranced.

In any case, a surprising result was seen throughout the lesson. Everyone behaved, and performed even better than ever – and that included the five idiots who returned for the lesson.

Naturally, I was happy with the result. So, as a bonus for them, I didn’t dismiss them quickly and let them crowd around me again. With that, they barraged me with questions that I honestly answered for their satisfaction.

Well, the most prominent question was, as expected, about my relationship status.

There’s no need to think twice there, I called Sena to my side and showcased our relationship.

It’s not like they’re unaware of it. I mean, our relationship hasn't been a secret ever since the first lesson.

That’s why I made that out as their attempt to make me behave or react in a certain way.

Now I know how hard it is to be popular. If I’m just a regular guy who suddenly rose to fame, I will probably be exhausted from all the attention. But being an indifferent guy and someone who could act out a character, I managed to stay cool until they calmed down.

Unfortunately, that only heightened my popularity. Some girls called me the Cool Prince, Handsome-sensei, and similar nicknames instead of just calling me Onoda-sensei.

When I returned to the changing room, the five idiots who bided their time crowded around me. I thought they were going to utter some idiotic phrase like ‘Riajuu, go explode!’ or ‘You’ve fooled us!’. But instead of renouncing their worship of me for being a handsome and capable guy that they couldn’t hope to achieve, they became even more fervent to ask for my tips.

“Huh? I only got a haircut. Stop hyping it like those little girls.” I shrugged, telling them honestly what changed in me.

But as I expected, they put on faces of disbelief. They couldn’t accept that answer.

“Unbelievable! That kind of shit only happens in manga and anime!” One of them argued and the other four followed suit.

“Look. I don’t need you to believe in me but that’s the truth. Alright, why don’t you all get a haircut? And don’t come to your local barbershop. Find a professional hairstylist who can give you tips on what kind of hairstyle will fit you.”

Well, it’s also fine for just any barber. As long as that barber was skilled enough to imagine a better hairstyle for their client, that’s enough. But I guess some barbers wouldn’t be that into their customers' choices.

“And you, Kinjo. I don’t know the kind of policy your high school has but that long hair and thick-rimmed glasses don’t suit you. Are you announcing to the world how much of an otaku you are? And stopped talking in an old-fashioned way.”

To add, I singled out that one guy who was the most distinctive among them because he’s like a template otaku.

“Ugh. Tis’ my lost, sensei. I shan’t ignore thy advice.”

“Dude, what did I just say?”

“…Y-yes, sensei! I’ll get a haircut and buy a new pair of glasses.”

“Great. That’s all for today. There are only two lessons left. You five better take my advice to heart. You did stop ogling on girls but you five still stink like a creep. Raise your chin and straighten your backs, alright?”

“Yes!”

And there, the five idiots answered in chorus. They even saluted as though I’m their commanding officer.

Anyway, I quickly changed after that and went to see Sena. She’s aware that I was going to talk to Coach Ayu today and she’s going to stand by nearby.

Just in case Coach Ayu’s fever made a surprise comeback.

Although that’s unlikely, it’s still better to be prepared.

“Ruki, if Coach said yes… Will you tell her everything about you?”

On our way there, Sena raised a question. Looking at the slight contortion of her brows, I guess she’s also concerned about what’s going to happen if Coach Ayu couldn’t accept our complex relationship.

“Let’s see. Since I never really courted her. I also lacked the chance to tell her about me… Besides, even if she said yes today… that doesn’t mean I will instantly have her integrate into our complex relationship.”

“I see. I never thought that she’s going to fall for you.”

“Aren’t you supporting her for it? You’re the one who made her conscious of it.”

That’s right. There’s that time when she asked if Coach Ayu had a crush on me. Starting from that, the passionate boxing coach started being sucked into the vortex that is me…

Well, I was probably also at fault. I teased her not just once or twice during these lessons.

“Uh… I don’t know. At first, I’m just teasing her. But last week... knowing how serious she is towards you, I found myself split between supporting her and discouraging her. Just this week, every time I finished my training for the day, I would sit face to face with her and we’d talk about a lot of things. But most of it concerns you.”

“I see. Then what do you think? Will she accept it and pursue her feelings or not?”

“She’s too concerned about our relationship. It’s like she didn’t want to become the third wheel even if I told her that I was fine with it. She’s ready to suppress what she’s feeling for my sake.”

“She’ll say no then…”

Coach Ayu’s behavior was just normal… In the first place, our interaction was only here and we never had time to hang out and get to know each other better. My image in her mind was nothing more than how I acted in this gym. And my interest in her was born from how much she cared for Sena.

In a sense, it’s like my relationship with Hitomi. It was only when Otoha sent her to pick me up for school did we get a chance to have a real interaction. The difference is… Hitomi was aware of my multiple relationships, Coach isn’t. She’s suspicious of the girls but without confirmation, she only recognized Sena as my girlfriend.

“You won’t know for sure.” Sena eventually answered. And at this point, we already reached Coach Ayu’s room. “Anyway, knowing you, you’ll be able to pull out an honest answer from her. I’ll be waiting here, Ruki.”

Sena pulled my head down for a kiss, before pushing me to the door. Looking at her one more time, the girl’s eyes were filled with trust. She’s confident that I could handle this perfectly…

That kind of expectation could usually put pressure on someone but for me, it simply encouraged me.

“Alright. Let’s rest somewhere afterward.” I said before pulling for another kiss.

And understanding what I meant by that, the girl punched my shoulder before bashfully nodding her head, “That’s great. I’m gonna get the first dibs on our handsome boyfriend.”