Stealing Spree

I messed up. That much was true given the reaction of not just the crowd below but also those watching me from behind.

Where did I go wrong, I wonder? Was it because my speech was short? Or was it because of how I told them to come and knock at my office if they had doubts about my ability?

Anyway, Shizu quickly recovered. As I passed by her, she put her hand on my shoulder and consoled me, “You did… good. Let me take care of this for you.”

After flashing a quick smile, Shizu took the microphone and went back to the center, picking up where I left off.

The eerie silence that was created by my speech mellowed down as everyone listened intently to her. Shizu described the special branch clearly, its function as well as its responsibility.

At one point, she also mentioned the cooperation with the Guidance Counselors. Eguchi-sensei and the other two stepped forward after that, providing more details about their role.

Out of the three Guidance Counselors, Eguchi-sensei stopped next to me. “Don’t let it get to you, Onoda-kun. In truth, your introduction seemed alright, it’s what you said next and how you ended it without elaborating was what made us react that way. You can still improve. Asakura and I will help you with that.”

That confirmed my inference. It’s really because of how I delivered that speech… Besides, hearing Shizu and the other Guidance Counselors save the situation, I fully understood where I messed up.

“Thank you, sensei.” I genuinely muttered my gratitude before stepping forward again and standing next to Shizu.

For the next few minutes, although I didn’t get to hold the microphone again, Shizu presented me to the whole student body as the undisputed Disciplinary Officer.

With the presence of the Guidance Counselors, none of those listening raised a question about my appointment.

At least, not at the moment.

Once we finished with the announcement, the Principal took the stage again to announce that they were free to return to the classrooms and begin the midterm exams.

Before returning, Umemura and Toyoda-sensei also stopped and left some words for me. One was rather encouraging while the other was a reproach.

I took both of those in the face and thanked them.

Rejoining the rest of the Student Council, the couple also encouraged me and as expected, Inugaki used that chance to put me down.

“What a joke. Now the flawless President Asakura will be questioned on how she selected you. You just ruined her reputation.” After leaving those words, Inugaki strode off.

There’s no reason for us to gather again after all and everyone had exams today. A while later, the couple also left, leaving me alone with Shizu.

“Ruki…” Shizu started on our way out of the gymnasium. We walked side by side as we became the last students to return to the school building.

But before she could add more, I cut her off, “If you’re going to cheer me up. There’s no need to. I understood where I was lacking up there.”

“Is that so? Then good.”

“Still, I think it’s just correct to thank you. So… Thank you, Shizu.” After making sure that no one would be able to spy on us, I reached for her hand and clasped it.

Shizu didn’t avoid that. She even cheerfully welcomed it. Looking at her reaction, the girl was clearly influenced by her feelings for me. Too different from how she was before meeting me.

“Are you not disappointed in me?” I added a question.

Shizu looked up and stared into my eyes. She then squeezed my palm and shook her head. “Why will I? I thrust you out in the open like that when… I know as much that you’re someone not used to the attention. In a way, it’s an error on my part.”

“Nope. It’s not your error but mine. Also, don’t put on that face like you’re blaming yourself. You did all those fully trusting my capabilities, it’s me who failed to perform well… Uhh, some will argue that you forced me into the position but I knew as much that it’s the only way for me to continue being by your side.”

“There you go. You said it yourself. I did put you in the position because of my selfishness to keep you by my side.”

“I can reject that though. Wait, let’s stop taking the blame off each other’s shoulders. No one was at fault, alright? But the truth of the matter is… I need to improve myself and I will be relying on you for that.”

Right. Rather than continue to dwell on this topic, I better just think of a way to improve. Shizu was amazing. Despite her inherent fear of being seen as a weak person and hiding behind a mask, she could stand strong in front of the whole school without faltering. No wonder she’s so popular.

Compared to me who’s only used to doing things in the shadows, we’re virtually worlds apart. One incident put us together though and as a result, she now didn’t want to be separated from me…

All I could do was to continue improving. That way, I could prove to everyone that she’s not wrong with her choice.

After a long silence, Shizu finally reached an answer, “Alright, stubborn…”

We’re now at the entrance of the School Building, a few more steps and we had to separate.

That’s why we both stopped our feet and faced each other. With our hands still clasped together, it would only take one student to turn around and catch us. But well, everyone moved back to their classrooms, giving us this chance.

With the same confident smile lining her face, Shizu endearingly stared at me as though she was trying to memorize my face. She then put a hand on my cheek before pulling my head down.

With only a few centimeters of the distance between our lips, it seemed really risky considering we were out in the open. But that didn’t stop Shizu…

Feeling her undeniable affection for me, I naturally accepted it and reciprocated, “It should be the other way around but… You’re always making me feel special, Shizu…”

“Idiot. As if you’re not doing the same for me. You know this, no one is built perfectly. One way or another, we’ll notice our flaws. And even if we fix that one, another will rise. It’s a horrible cycle that we had no choice but to live through...” Shizu lightly shook her head. And seconds later, she pulled my head closer, sealing our lips with a kiss.

The kiss was a quick one and we had to separate after it due to the incoming footsteps. Most likely, the teachers returning from the Gymnasium.

However, we remained standing there. Shizu still had much to say, after all.

“Ruki, you know? Even if you don’t say it, I can see it. In this case, you’re probably thinking like, ‘I have to better myself’. Am I right?”

I nodded. Well, there’s nothing to hide from her.

“Stop that thought. There’s no need for you to rush. Just like how you became patient with me, this thing should also not be rushed. You’re already a shameless guy so the only thing you need is a little practice. If you rush it then you’ll just dig yourself a deeper grave. Understand?”

I fully understood this piece of advice from her.

Slow down.

But, why do I feel unsatisfied? No. Unsatisfied was probably incorrect, it’s more of a feeling that my time is running out that’s why I couldn’t slow down… If I didn’t improve fast, I feel like the consequence that would fall on our heads would be massive.

It’s a feeling that I couldn’t shake off…

Haa… This was a ‘me’ problem that I had to identify by myself…

“Mhm… I understand. Thank you, Shizu.”

Hearing my answer, Shizu’s beautiful smile bloomed once more. Following that, we continued on our walk and separated soon after. She had to go up to her classroom while I had to make a turn to reach mine.

Although I didn’t want to lie to her, that was one of the instances where I decided that I should… If I told her what I was feeling at that moment then it would surely affect her as well.

This was a case of being not the right moment to be fully honest. Perhaps later, I would be able to confide in her about this and hopefully, get it out of my chest…