Stealing Spree

Chapter 2696: Gratitude

After dropping Umeda in Class 3, I went to pick up Aya and Chii in our classroom. They were on cleaning duty, after all.

When I showed up there, I found my Aya wiping the board while standing on a stool to reach the tap. She’s adorably trying her best to clean the top edge. Chii, on the other hand, was wiping down desks with meticulous care. The moment they noticed my presence at the door, their faces brightened instantly.

Of course, that’s not the same case for our other classmates, especially the boys. Ogawa and Taku were there. The former tried to be unbothered but it was easy to notice that he’s just putting up with it. Meanwhile, Taku immediately lowered his head, still afraid of meeting my gaze after that incident during Saki’s birthday.

Well, I ignored them and waved to other girls in the room before moving to the teacher’s desk to look after Aya. She was stretching on her tiptoes, trying to reach the top of the board.

I straightforwardly supported her by holding her hips to steady her. "Aya, careful. You’ll fall."

"Thank you, Ruki." She placed her hand on top of mine and glanced back with a soft smile.

Really, I couldn’t stand her cuteness. I should dote on her on our way to the Club Building.

Just like this, I stayed to help my girls out just to finish their cleaning duty faster. And while doing so, I checked my phone, which was already flooded with messages.

I got some from Sumire, complaining to me about how hard their last exam was for the day and she subtly hinted to me to buy her an ice cream later.

That was sent an hour ago. They’re probably with the others already.

Nina also sent me a message, but it’s completely filled with her ramblings about being my minion. But then, she attached a photo of her, showing her fangs to me with a caption, "Look, Night Prince. Aren’t they growing? I’m becoming a vampire like you! Your bite is really magical!"

I inwardly facepalmed upon reading that. She’s really not going to drop her fantasy that I was this Noble of the Night. But I guess it’s fine. She’s cute in her own way.

As for the most recent message, it was from the egotistic girl, Azusa. She said, "Shameless junior, we’re coming. Prepare yourself."

She attached a photo of herself and the others boarding the train. There’s Nao carrying not only her school bag but also another bag, possibly containing a few clothes she’s going to wear during their stay.

Then, there’s the lovely goofball Hanabi wearing a white straw hat as though she’s about to go on a summer vacation instead of a sleepover. Her grin is blindingly bright even through the photo. As for Azusa, she’s already out of her uniform. She’s wearing the one I picked a few days ago when she asked me to choose her clothes. A sleeveless white top with a plunging neckline and a pair of shorts that barely cover her thighs. Her arrogant smirk didn’t even affect how attractive she looked.

I guess I should compliment Azusa later to stroke her ego.

Still, I decided not to reply to her yet. I’ll let her stew in anticipation.

Unfortunately, after bringing Chii and Aya to the clubroom for our Cultural Festival Booth, I could only stay for a few minutes, checking on my girls’ work and doting on them. It’s Friday. I have my duty as the Disciplinary Officer. Besides, Shizu and Haruko would probably need my help again. Today’s the last day for the room or booth assignment and budget deliberation for the clubs.

Naturally, I didn’t forget about paying attention to Reira-senpai who was pouting again, acting like I was neglecting her. Nikka-senpai, on the other hand, had already familiarized herself with everyone, even with our juniors who came to help.

Before I left, Rumi dragged me to a corner, handing me the revised, or rather, improved script and scenarios for our interactive booth.

"Read that when you’re free... This Monday, we’ll focus on setting this place up and practicing the scenes." Rumi said while looking at me with an expectant gaze.

"Mhm. Got it. But don’t we need to review this together?"

"With how busy you are? Impossible. Like I said, leave this to us. Isn’t that the reason you brought everyone together? You just need to do your part."

"Right... Sorry, your man’s too much of a busybody." I grinned, tucking the script into my bag. Rumi rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile as I squeezed her hand briefly before heading out.

As I descended the stairs to the clubroom Shizu and Haruko were using to receive the Club Presidents, I received another message, this time, it was from Misaki. Right. She’s already using the phone that I bought for her. Later, Maaya would take it for safekeeping so that her parents wouldn’t know she possessed one.

Anyway, her message wasn’t anything serious, it’s just the girl telling me she wouldn’t be able to leave the club early to meet up with me at the clubhouse because the Drama Club President called for a meeting for their Cultural Festival play. She ended her message with a sad face emoji and ’I miss you already, Ruki-kun.’

That girl. She’s truly adorable.

"Huh? Onoda-kun? Why are you here?"

Right as I reached the bottom step leading to the makeshift reception office, Masato-senpai, the current Secretary of the Student Council, was surprised to see me.

"Mhm? What’s wrong? Should I not be here?" I tilted my head in confusion. Am I forgetting something?

Masato-senpai narrowed his eyes before lightly shaking his head, "No... I just... Tomiko, I mean, Watanabe and Miura came to get you. They should be at your office."

Hearing that, I couldn’t help but put a hand on my forehead. Right. I forgot that I should check that place first.

Anyway, I get that Komoe probably wants to accompany me as my assistant but Watanabe? Shouldn’t that girl be with Shizu and Haruko as the treasurer of the Student Council?

"Yeah... About that, I came down here without checking," I admitted, scratching the back of my head.

Masato-senpai nodded. "I see. Well, can you pick them up? I have to bring these to the faculty room."

He gestured at the stack of papers under his arm.

Huh... Weird. Is he not wary about me being close to his girlfriend anymore? Or maybe it’s because Watanabe successfully assured him? Either way, I nodded. "Sure. I’ll go fetch them."

With that, I climbed up the stairs again and turned to the corridor leading to my office. As expected, Watanabe and Komoe were already inside.

Watanabe was flipping the folder file on my table which contained the problematic students I still have to deal with, while Komoe was holding a teapot, pouring tea into my cup.

The moment I entered, Komoe immediately brightened up while Watanabe glanced at me with a frown.

I approached Komoe to pat her head. After that, I turned to Watanabe and asked, "You know you shouldn’t be looking at that, Watanabe."

She flipped the folder shut and met my gaze, "What? I’m curious, okay?"

"That doesn’t mean you can just snoop," I replied as I walked towards her. Komoe clung to my arm, enjoying our closeness. "Besides, those are disciplinary cases. Not exactly light reading."

"Ugh. Fine. I’m sorry."

"You think sorry will cut it?"

"Eh...? Y-you. What do you mean by that?"

"Look at you getting flustered right away. Relax, I’m just teasing you. Anyway, I bet you’re here for something. Did you miss me too?"

"Wha! What a shameless thing to say!" Watanabe snapped, cheeks flushing crimson as she shoved the folder away. "I’m here because Komoe asked me to accompany her. Also... I have to thank you."

"For what?"

"You know... Kaede. Her motivation... it’s slowly coming back. And I’ve seen her smile for the first time again. You’re really... something."

"I didn’t do anything grand, you know? It’s all her."

Besides, it’s been a while since I talked to that girl. I mean, when I offered to be her friend, she was already grateful. And whenever I would escort Shio to their classroom, she’d just nod at me.

"Shut up. You’re her inspiration. And you becoming her friend is a huge factor."

"Like I said, I haven’t done anything yet. I haven’t even dealt with those seniors who forced her out of the Track Club yet."

"That’s a different issue. Ugh. Anyways, that’s what I want to thank you for." Watanabe sighed before moving towards the table, picking up a cup and pouring herself a tea. "Hurry up and finish pampering Komoe. President, Haruko-senpai and Minami-san are waiting for you."

"Alright. But Watanabe. Are you gonna stay here and watch me pamper my girl?"

"D-don’t tell me you’re going to..." Her words trailed as she immediately gulped down her tea, avoiding my gaze.

Komoe giggled beside me as she moved to my front, burying her face against my chest. "Ruki, do you mean that?"

"Well, I missed you too. Why can’t I?" I gently caressed Komoe’s hair and planted a swift kiss on her lips.

Watanabe made a choked noise behind us, teacup clattering against its saucer.

Somehow, as much as I love doting on Komoe, seeing Watanabe writhe in discomfort was equally entertaining. Should I tease her more?