Stealing Spree

The girl chased after me to ask me to investigate. But when I refused, she changed it into a request to pull Kujou Marika out of Ichihara Jun’s influence.

What was that if not confusing and suspicious?

If I could easily be bought by it, that would be so stupid of me.

In any case, I also couldn’t discount the fact that she waited and chased after me. It led me to wonder whether this was a deliberate attempt by Kujou Marika or someone else entirely.

I totally lack the information.

That’s why despite my immediate refusal, I stamped on my mind to get to the bottom of it as soon as possible.

I mean, if they’re truly going to mess with me, there’s no way I would let them get the first strike.

Before I could get very far from the girl, I faced her once more and acted as though I was moved by her sincerity. I told her to look for me at my office after school if she’s really keen on employing my help.

With that, the girl’s dejected expression transformed into a gratified one. If what she showed was just her acting, then that’s very convincing of her. I never noticed any malice from her.

Ichihara-san told me that Ichihara Jun was a spoiled brat who always had his father wiping his ass for all the trouble he caused.

Even though I didn’t find him a threat in the bigger scheme of things, an unbridled playboy could still be troublesome if I left him alone.

At least, I had to be aware of the true extent of his influence as well as what he could do.

From the past week, his influence was the highest among the third years.

Anyway, as always, I put that issue back to the back of my mind to savor the time I would be spending with Shio.

-

-

Around half an hour later, I left Shio’s room, satisfied not just with our intimate moments but also with the fruitful conversation I had with her.

Our main topic was my new position and how I was going to act like it later today. Also, I got to hear the teachers’ opinions about me. And I focused on the opinion of the other two Guidance Counselors; Umemura and Toyoda-sensei.

I remembered that after that introduction last Thursday, Umemura-sensei gave me some encouraging words while Toyoda-sensei reproached me for my actions.

This time, Shio mentioned that their expectation of me wasn’t that high. Only Eguchi-sensei argued and told them to wait and see before judging.

One of the three was also going to check on me later. To give me the rundown of issues they handled and to assess my first day.

When I returned to the school building, I noticed the crowd of students in front of the bulletin board. They already posted the Rankings and everyone was trying to see how high they ranked.

I thought of checking my rank as well but before I could do so, someone near me spoke, “This… Why is my rank lower than before?”

Recognizing the voice, I looked at the speaker, checked her rank, and smiled wryly at the disappointed expression that I saw on her face.

So there really are people who are too competitive when it comes to their grades. Besides, it's a high enough rank to brag about … Why does she look so disappointed? Is it because of her status?

“Why the long face, Itou? Not satisfied with your scores?”

Perhaps she hadn’t noticed that I was next to her or she failed to recognize me, the girl reflexively jumped back and raised her arms in defense.

“Eh? Is that you?” Without mentioning my name, the siscon girl slowly lowered her guard and went closer to confirm.

So, it’s the latter. Most of those who know me personally had to take a moment before fully recognizing me.

“Nope. I’m not me…”

Hearing my sarcastic answer, Itou annoyedly glared at me and chose not to respond with it. However, she remained on my side as her eyes returned to the posted rankings.

A few seconds later, I heard her voice again, a little smug this time.

“If you’re satisfied with your rank then don’t compare me to you. I have to produce results.”

Following her gaze and seeing my name at rank 35, I would probably be satisfied with it if I hadn’t encountered her here. I mean, it’s above 50%.

The number of first-year students was only 120+. Knowing that I’m in the top half was an achievement considering I had never bothered with studying before.

But because of the way Itou worded her sentence, I started asking myself. Am I truly satisfied with it?

Furthermore, her last sentence also got me a little worked up. She said ‘have’, after all. It’s like she had an obligation to produce results. Is her grade going to reflect on her role as future hair of the Itou Family?

“Do you really have to?” Instead of commenting with the other or focusing on the fact that the girl quickly dismissed my new appearance, I pressed her on that topic. “In my book, Rank 11 is already an achievement.”

“You don’t get it, Onoda. I consistently ranked within the top 5 during middle school. This is… unacceptable.” Itou bit her lip as frustration sets in on her voice.

I see. No wonder she looked that disappointed.

“It’s only the midterms. Don’t beat yourself on it. If Himeko sees you like this, she’ll worry.”

“Don’t bring up nee-sama’s name. I won’t tell her this score. I don’t want her to be disappointed as well.

Although I tried sounding optimistic, even using her beloved elder sister’s name, it’s not effective on the girl. In fact, it got even worse.

“This girl… Do you think she’s gonna be disappointed just because you ranked lower than before?”

“No! Of course not!” An instant answer.

That’s Himeko we’re talking about… I could imagine her being angry at me if I did something wrong but she would never be disappointed with her younger sister. On the other hand, she’s more like her pride. Even through our chats, half of our topic was about Itou’s exploits so… I was fairly informed about this ojou-sama.

“There you go. Cheer up, will you? Instead of being dejected, why not be optimistic about the finals? You can have your revenge by then.”

“Huh? Are you trying to cheer me up?”

“I believe that’s what I said.”

“No… Let me rephrase it, why are you trying to cheer me up?”

Ah… She’s right. Why am I wasting my time talking to her like this? But I have a simple answer for that.

“Let’s see. Because you’re Himeko’s little sister.”

Upon hearing my answer, the reason for her disappointment changed. She then walked away, not even giving me a second glance.

Obviously, I failed to cheer her up. She was expecting a different answer, after all.

I guess I wasted my time and disappointed somebody.

Anyway, before I also walked away to return to our classroom, my arm was hugged by someone. I instantly felt the right amount of softness pressing on it.

Considering Itou’s presence in this area, I easily guessed the identity of this arm-hugger even before I turn my head to check on her.

“Ruki! I heard you got a haircut. So, it’s true!” With her signature forehead and paper fan, Misaki innocently and excitedly stared at my new appearance.