Stealing Spree

Following that little punishment – or reward – from the two girls, I informed Shizu what I came there for and left the room with Satsuki. Although it didn’t show on her face, Shizu was clearly not happy hearing that I would be late again.

Perhaps noticing that as well, Satsuki returned to her and whispered something before we left.

Whatever it was that she told Shizu, it made the girl burst into sweet laughter while stealing glances at me. I was surely confused about what could make her laugh like that so I tried asking Satsuki. However, my inquiry was only met with a simple, ‘Hmph’ before the two girls shook their hands as if they had just reached an agreement.

“Don’t look at me, I also won’t tell you. Just come back soon. I’ll tell them that I sent you to observe the Basketball Club.” With a gesture as though she was shooing me away, Shizu sent us off while smirking.

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On our way out of the Club Building, we ran into Watanabe.

Upon seeing that I was with another girl, the girl’s eyes curiously checked Satsuki.

“What’s this Onoda-kun? Cheating on the President already?”

“That’s a great way to greet someone, Watanabe. Don’t you know her?” I shook my head and presented Satsuki, assuming that her popularity had already reached her ears.

Watanabe stepped back and scanned Satsuki. Her clear eyes blinked a few times.

However, before she could respond, Satsuki glowered at the girl, “Huh? What am I? A school celebrity? I’m running late to my club, if you’re still going to observe, let’s go now. Otherwise, entertain her questions.”

Because of her height, Watanabe who’s already on the shorter side appeared even shorter when they stood right in front of each other.

And that completely intimidated her.

The girl stuttered an answer and it turned incoherent.

To save the girl from collapsing from Satsuki’s unintentional intimidation, I stepped in between them.

“Uh… You heard her. I was sent by the President to observe their club.”

“Uhh… I-is that so? I… I’m sorry for interrupting you. Go on ahead.” The girl recovered from her shock as she hurriedly stepped to the side, opening a path for us.

When we passed by her, I looked back for a bit to see the girl hugging her shoulders in fear.

Thinking about it, I always found Satsuki adorable, lovely even. But for the others who weren’t used to how she always acted, Watanabe’s reaction was the normal one. In any case, it’s also partly her fault for saying that even if she worded it as a joke.

Even if they accepted each other, they’re still feeling slight jealousy when being compared to one another.

That’s why on our way to the Gymnasium, I stuck close to the girl, even holding her hand when we passed by the populous spots of the school ground. And before entering that side door leading to their clubroom, I gave her the present I prepared for her.

“What’s this?” Satsuki asked while checking out the unlabeled rectangular box.

“My present for you.”

“Huh? Present? What for?” Even though she still spat out questions, the girl’s indifference gradually disappeared as she began opening it.

“For staying with me and always being this lovely.”

“Stop sweet-talking me, idiot.” Satsuki clearly blushed as she quickly turned around to not let me see it.

Watching her back as she energetically pulled what was in the box, I perfectly captured her shuddering in delight.

Well, like what I gave to the other girls, the present I prepared for her was inexpensive, it’s a container that she could use whenever she’s practicing. Obviously, with a lemon design.

Before I could react, Satsuki already turned around and hugged me tightly while chanting ‘Thank you’ and ‘I love you’ over and over.

This kind of reaction was something I didn’t expect but after giving presents to the first four and seeing their varied reactions, I could somehow understand why even a simple present like this was enough to make them very happy.

Despite my overly considerate personality, I probably came off as someone who wouldn’t even bother with giving presents. I mean, I truly wouldn’t do it without any reason before but right now, I couldn’t stay being like that kind of guy. To keep them by my side, I better step up my game in making them satisfied with our relationship.

Well, if they heard me saying this, I would be in for a long sermon.

“I’m glad you liked it. I can’t always be seeing you practicing and working hard so… That container will be my replacement. Think as if I’m kissing you whenever you’re drinking on it.”

“Replacement? That’s cringe, you idiot. Don’t make me laugh. But I will treasure this.” Satsuki pinched my cheeks, nibbled my ear, bit my neck before ending up with a long passionate kiss.

Following that, the girl clasped my hand as we entered the Gymnasium and straight to their club room.

We passed by other students from the other clubs and they stared at us in curiosity, especially with our connected hands, muttering things like ‘How bold’ or ‘How lewd’.

Whether they recognized us or not didn’t matter anymore. Let the rumors roll.

And during my visit to their club, the same as the first time, the other club members surrounded us. Naturally, all of them were directing questions to me.

I answered all those questions rather vaguely because most of them were too personal. And while doing so, I maintained my gaze locked on Satsuki. To keep her from sulking like before.

Perhaps noticing that, the girls around me all smiled meaningfully and slowly retreated before pushing into one corner.

“Lovebirds should be left alone, guys. Let them have their moment.” Their Captain and Club President, as the first one who did so, shrugged her shoulders while sending us a thumbs up.

“But can’t we be envious?”

One other senior who looked like she wanted to tease us more complained.

“Then bring your boyfriend as well.”

“I don’t have one!”

With that answer, everyone, even Satsuki laughed before jokingly said, “I can lend you this guy, senpai.”

To which I played along by saying, “For only 1,000 yen per hour.”

And upon hearing that, the others shouted in chorus, their eyes widening in incredulity. “Are you in that kind of industry?!”

Following that, everyone laughed, even the envious girl as they took that in as a comedic act on our part.

“Really, I didn’t think our Satsuki could joke like that. Onoda-kun, you’re doing a great job here.”

“Ah. I only played along with her, senpai. I also didn’t know she had this side.”

“Idiot, don’t out me like that.”

And another laughter ensued.

Following that, the atmosphere in their clubroom became light enough that it didn’t feel like I was intruding. Obviously, they’re all taking precautions not to be too familiar with me, perhaps in consideration for Satsuki.

But with what happened, it felt like Satsuki’s relationship with her seniors and fellow club members went up to a higher level.

When Eguchi-sensei arrived for the start of their short meeting before moving on to their training, she was shocked at how lively the room was when they should be feeling pressure for their upcoming match against the number 1 school in the prefecture.

However, upon seeing me on the corner with Satsuki, Eguchi-sensei had a look of understanding as she beamed a smile filled with her gratitude towards me.

For the next ten minutes or so, I listened in to their meeting but as if it’s an extension of my Student Assistant duty, Eguchi-sensei would occasionally ask me for my opinion which once again surprised everyone.