Stealing Spree

“Don’t mind it, sensei. With the rumors flying around about me, it’s hardly a problem if my nickname from the students increased by one.”

Although I said that to erase Eguchi-sensei’s apologetic expression, that’s the truth. What’s another nickname for me? It’s not like I cared about it. As long as the rumors, those nicknames or the achievements I was accumulating wouldn’t affect any of my girls, I’d choose to ignore it.

“I feel responsible... I should’ve called on you during lunch to help me but you’re nowhere to be found.”

Uh... I was always missing during lunch anyway. Unless that was scheduled early just like before when Eguchi-sensei told me to see her in her room, I wouldn’t go out of my way to change my schedule.

“I see. Is it about the activity for today?”

I intentionally ignored her first sentence to dump that topic away. For sure, if I responded to that again, Eguchi-sensei would once again apologize which was somehow out of her character.

Well, I was more than aware that she’s not scary or strong as she seemed to be. The perception of the students about her was also wrong. This woman was just an awkward person who didn’t know how to deal with the opposite gender. Moreover, she’s afraid to express her thoughts lest people misunderstand her.

She’d rather create that misconception that she’s a soldier-like teacher who liked to give collective punishment.

At least, those basketball club girls know her for who she is. She probably treats that club as her comfort zone.

“That and...”

“Hmm?”

“... the Student Assistant application.”

As I expected, she’s also bringing that up now.

“Does sensei really want me? I’m not an all-knowing student who can help you at all times... I only know what I know and I am only applying it based on the circumstances.”

“I am aware. And that is why I want to ask you. There are no other students like you, Onoda-kun... I won’t ask for your assistance all the time. Only when your class has PE or I am having trouble balancing the activities.” Eguchi-sensei stepped forward and although faint, her voice was about to crack.

Is she about to cry? I don’t know.

Or this was her trying her best to convey what’s on her mind.

“I thought sensei had already given up about this. You said so yourself last Friday. And I already agreed to help you whenever I can.”

“That... You’re right... I’m taking that back. But the choice is yours Onoda-kun. I just thought that since you’re already willing to help me, why don’t I give you compensation for it.”

“Sensei, I didn’t reject you though. I just want to know why you changed your mind.”

Well, she already stated her reason for changing her mind.

Compensation, huh?

With Eguchi-sensei saying that she’d only ask for my help during days like this, it’s no different than what I was already doing. So, it’s just like we’re making my position as her ‘helper’ official.

Furthermore, continuing to help her regulate her activities will also help my girls like Aya and Rae. They won’t be pushed to the brink of exhaustion anymore.

In the first place, that’s the reason why I dared to stand up, pointing out Eguchi-sensei’s mistake in her reasoning about that dodgeball activity.

My apprehension about taking up that position was brought about by the possibility of having my time with Shio conflicting with hers.

Shio also told me the reason why she gave me two copies... that lovable teacher of mine was moved by Eguchi-sensei’s words during that drinking party of theirs.

But still, like I always did for them, Shio wanted me to make a choice by myself whether I would sign up to help Eguchi-sensei or not.

“I can’t always ask you to eat somewhere as ‘thank you’ for your help. It will be suspicious and most will think we’re in a relationship. With this, you can be compensated by additional grades and if you want, I can always let you off when you’re late.”

After elaborating and suggesting that, Eguchi-sensei lowered her gaze. She also put her hand to the side, letting that front of hers bounce from the gravity.

Ugh. Why am I fixated on that?

Anyway, at this moment, Eguchi-sensei was putting out everything she could offer. And like she said, I was probably the only one she could dare to ask. There were those basketball club members but she’s not like this with them, she’s also a bit strict with their training regime after all.

Only with me could she put out her honest thoughts.

Wait, that’s probably me just getting ahead of myself so scratch that.

“I understand, sensei. I’ll accept the compensation instead of letting you feel indebted to me. Also, it’s fine to be strict on my tardiness. I will always own up to my mistakes rather than get an easy way out. Besides, I am already benefiting from how you seemed so lenient to me. Just like yesterday.”

As soon as that last sentence of mine dropped on her ears, Eguchi-sensei suddenly flinched as if she remembered something. But a few seconds later, she returned to her stoic expression but that’s after flashing a truly cheerful smile at my acceptance.

“Then... can I expect your application soon?”

“Un. I only needed to fill that up. Maybe later, I’ll pass by the faculty to send it in.”

Although it will still be deliberated before being approved, Shio already assured me that with the number of students sending in their application to become a Student Assistant, I only needed to pass a simple interview whether I will have the capacity to become an assistant to be accepted.

“Thank you, Onoda-kun. You’re my best student. You can run now.”

After her words of gratitude and praise, I didn’t expect that last sentence.

“Huh? I still need to run?”

“Didn’t you say so yourself? I shouldn’t give you special treatment. Now go and run, Onoda-kun. I will lecture on a subject today so there’s no activity.”

“Sensei, aren’t you afraid I will take back my words?”

“You’re not that kind of student, Onoda-kun. I believe in you.” Eguchi-sensei smiled again and this time, she even tapped my shoulder, showing how proud she is of me.

“... Alright, you win.”

What kind of student am I anyway? Perhaps if I asked everyone, only one answer would come up.

The diligent teacher’s pet.