Stealing Spree

Unlike the previous instances, I helped Shizu tidy up the Student Council room and left with her.

And while dodging the other student’s eyes, I dropped her to the Student Support Club. And using that chance, I also got to check on Nami, Hina, Saki as well as Arisa-senpai.

Well, they’re still on about fixing their circle. Shizu’s status in there was like the clip that’s preventing them from being torn apart. Without Shizu taking the helm, it would be too awkward for them to still walk and go home together.

I might have been secretly planning to slowly wreck that circle and take the girls away from those creeps but I could not just tell them to stop mending what’s about to be broken. Nami still treated them as friends and there were at least bonds created from the years that they were together even if underneath all of that, they’re just gathered because of the attachment of some of the members to that coward.

Besides, it’s not like they’re just playing in that club. At least, I’m aware that they’re enjoying their club activities.

That’s why I have to be subtle about that plan of mine. Among those three guys, I was fairly okay with Tadano since he stopped meddling after two instances. But still, after that night with Nami, he probably had renewed hatred towards me.

As for Ogawa… I couldn’t care less. He’s still obsessed with Nami but lately, his fantasy-filled head has settled down. He’s gradually transforming into another silent guy. From my observations on him, the guy hasn’t done anything noteworthy ever since that day I slapped him with the truth. But one thing is clear. He still hasn’t given up on Nami.

According to Arisa-senpai earlier, Izumi-senpai is taking care of him but still, their relationship hasn’t progressed. She also talked to him last week but Arisa-senpai only described him as someone who’s somewhat disconnected from reality. He knows it’s over but he’s still hoping that there would come a time that Nami would once again look at him the same way she did during the past few years.

That’s some wishful thinking right there…

However, Arisa-senpai was slowly losing patience with him. And that’s because he’s still taking it for granted that Izumi-senpai remained at his side.

Well, since that fake delinquent girl was also avoiding me, my hands were tied on her issue. True, I thought of also stealing her away from him to bury him more to his despair but without having a chance to do so and with her choice of not even dropping by to tell me that she won’t be meeting me for the Mentor Program, that’s not going to happen.

Anyway, that’s it. The silent guy was still the same and Saki also couldn’t care less about him. With her inferiority complex slowly easing up, her relationship with the other girls in their club was also improving, especially her relationship with Nami and Hina. They’re all connected to me, after all.

After going around to see the others; Satsuki, Chii and lastly the girls at the Book Club and Poem Appreciation Club, I returned to the Literature Club with Aya in tow.

I had a promise with Kana to walk her home and… because her novel passed that 1st round of selections, I thought of taking the three girls out somewhere for a little celebration.

At first, the plan was only the three of us; Kana, Rae and me. But the two brought up Aya on the table as well. She’s also involved with helping with the novel. That’s why Kana didn’t want to exclude her from the celebration.

However, when we arrived at the club room, I was met with a little surprise.

No. I somehow expected this sight.

“Finally. you made us wait, Onoda-kun.”

Ishida-senpai remarked with a hint of impatience. She’s still at her favorite seat, her arms crossed. Compared to how she was yesterday, she returned to being that irritable yet diligent senior.

“Hello, Ayase-chan! Hey, Onoda-kun. Where are we going?” Otsuka-senpai first greeted Aya before running up to me, her purple eyes were already resplendently shining with curiosity as well as excitement and her lips arched in a brilliant smile.

I pinched Otsuka-senpai’s cheeks without answering her and that made her take a step back. And using that chance, my eyes search for Kana.

I first saw Rae who was slightly shaking her head. Perhaps, her way of saying sorry for not informing me earlier that the plans would change.

Then Kana, who had just stood up from her seat, ushered me towards her.

As soon as I went near her, the girl jumped in my arms, raised her head and stared at me with an apologetic expression plastered on her face, “Sorry, Ruki. Can we also bring Rumi and Karen?”

She probably thought I would be mad at her for not telling me about this as soon as possible.

I gently stroked her hair and tightened my embrace, “This girl… that’s not something you should apologize for. Besides, if we leave them out, I doubt I will hear the end of their nagging.”

I intentionally said that last sentence playfully to lighten the mood.

And as expected, the two seniors shot back.

“Eh?! Is that how you think of me, Onoda-kun? When did I nag at you?” Otsuki-senpai acted as if she was hurt but that brilliance in her eyes and her smile didn’t disappear.

Ishida-senpai raised one of her eyebrows.

“Onoda-kun. Have you hit your head somewhere? Or have you buried your face in some other girl’s bosom? Just say so if you don’t want us going with you.”

And with that, I started to think of another alternative for the plan of going to a restaurant to treat the three… Upon remembering Kana’s hobby, I consulted them and it’s been decided that we’re going to karaoke.

I know. It’s only been two days since that karaoke session that got too heated up.

This time, however, it’s solely for Kana’s enjoyment. We did go to karaoke once and although it also partly went in that direction, I got to know her fondness for singing. And now, she’s going to do it with her friends.

When I brought it up, her eyes became similar to Otsuka-senpai as she looked at them with renewed enthusiasm. Totally different from her shy and cute demeanor.

Around 10 minutes after leaving the school with the four girls, we arrived at the same karaoke box Kana and I went to back then.

Fortunately, compared to two days ago, we didn’t gather a lot of attention. Perhaps, it’s mainly because only Kana stuck close to me while the other three walked ahead.

As soon as we entered the room we rented, Kana ran excitedly to input the songs she wanted to sing while pulling me with her. “Ruki, let’s sing together. Like last time.”

Looking at how enthusiastic she was, there’s no way I could refuse that. That’s why for the next ten minutes of our time there, Kana and I hogged the microphone while the other four watched in their seats.

Ah. No. Otsuka-senpai was cheering like there’s no tomorrow. Ishida-senpai stared in wonder. Perhaps it’s because she didn’t know this side of Kana.

Rae and Aya on the other hand were clapping their hands every time we finished a song. However, more than enjoying the atmosphere, they’re more elated to see me singing.

I still had no idea if I was any better at singing but seeing Kana and any of my girls enjoying it, I would do this any time.

After three songs, we passed the microphone to Otsuka-senpai who livened up the atmosphere from her cheerful voice.

However, after sitting down, Kana settled down on my lap while Aya and Rae took both of my sides, resulting in Ishida-senpai clicking her tongue in annoyance, not towards the girls but to me.

“You three… How is this a celebration if you’re going to stick to him?”

“I can’t help it, senpai. You forbid us from getting chummy in the club room. Before our turn to sing, we’ll be like this. Am I right, Aya?” Rae teasingly answered Ishida-senpai while also roping in the quiet girl.

“Y-yes.”

Ishida-senpai’s question was quite valid. If we remain like this, it’s more of flaunting our relationship rather than making it enjoyable.

So, for the time being, I told the two to behave after giving them both a kiss, much to Ishida-senpai’s chagrin. As for Kana who remained on my lap, I guess it’s fine to spoil her a bit. Besides, this trip to karaoke was for her.