Stealing Spree

Chapter 2698: Compromise

"So, senpai, is it fine here?" I said as I turned to face the Archery Club President. After my arrival, instead of the girl taking back her words, she ran up to me and dragged me away, saying she had to talk to me. Possibly to plead to me to help her.

I could easily pull my hand away but Shizu and Haruko silently signaled me to play along. Minami Shouko even winked, mouthing "Go tame her."

Tame her? Do they think anyone I touch will instantly be beholden to me? That’s ridiculous. Still, I allowed the Archery Club President, Suzuki Yumika, according to her name tag, to pull me into the hallway. Her grip was surprisingly strong for someone so lean but then again, she’s not going to be the club president without skills.

But Suzuki, huh? She doesn’t happen to be related to Suzuki-san, does she? I mean, it’s a fairly common surname. It’s highly likely that they simply shared the same surname.

"I... I guess it’s fine here." The girl almost stuttered as she glanced around her. Looking at her like this, her earlier bravado seemed to have vanished. Her shoulders were tense, and she kept fiddling with the hem of her uniform. "Onoda-kun, I really need your help. President Shizu is being unreasonable."

"Unreasonable? Why do you think so, senpai? She’s fairly reasonable in rejecting your request."

Although I only heard bits of it earlier, this girl wanted to increase their budget for the Cultural Festival because she didn’t want the club members to open their wallets and contribute. That’s not a valid reason at all.

"It’s not. Do you know how much it costs to set up a proper archery range along with its equipment? Our budget can only cover what we usually need. But for the festival, we need to prepare for the visitors. We need to ensure their safety. That alone requires additional mats, barriers, and more arrows. Plus, the possibility of a bow snapping is always there. So we need to prepare replacements. That’s why we need more budget!"

"I see. But I believe the President’s decision accounted for all of that, senpai. Be honest with me so I can help you. Why do you not want your members to contribute?" I asked as I took a step closer. She flinched but held her ground. "Is it because you’re afraid of losing face? Or perhaps... you promised them something?"

Her eyes widened slightly. "I... I told them it would be fully funded. I didn’t want anyone to back out because of money. Especially not after I bragged about the magazine feature."

Ah. So it’s the case of her pride getting in the way.

"Senpai, the budget that the Student Council can allocate is not unlimited. That’s why only the reasonable requests are approved." I met her gaze, watching her eyes dart away. "But... there’s another way. If you’re willing to compromise."

"What?" Her voice wavered with hope. "What compromise?"

Well, it’s not that I want to help her, this is just me alleviating what might be a headache for my Shizu.

"I will fill in the gap," I said without any hint of hesitation. Suzuki Yumika blinked rapidly, confusion written across her face. "The Archery Club’s budget remains unchanged. But I’ll personally cover the shortfall as sponsorship, under one condition."

Her hopeful expression faltered. "Condition?"

"Make it truly a worthwhile experience. Senpai, it shouldn’t be all about you." I leaned closer, my voice dropping sharply as if I was reprimanding her plans for it. "Your members are skilled archers too, right? Why not make it a team showcase? Visitors pay to compete against any club member they choose and winners can get a photo with whoever they beat."

Suzuki Yumika’s eyes widened, her lips parting slightly as the idea sank in. "But... my feature..."

"Think about this, why does it have to be about you, senpai? Is it also the reason you don’t want them to contribute? Then shouldn’t your booth be separated from the club?" I kept my voice firm, watching her flinch. "The Archery Club is a team, not your personal stage. Make it about everyone. That way, your members will feel valued enough to pitch in voluntarily. And if you do that, I’ll cover the costs. No strings attached."

She stuttered again but this time, there was now a clear conflict in her eyes.

Let’s see. I guess I should finish this off before she can think of another justification. Her pride was really too high but at the same time, she also knew that she shouldn’t impose on her club members. Hence, her request for a higher budget.

"I haven’t seen the magazine where you were featured yet but I understand. You’re quite beautiful, senpai. But growing your fame and popularity by doing this will only become a stumbling block for you. Let them recognize your skills and your beauty without forcing it." I paused, letting the compliment sink in. Her cheeks flushed slightly. "If you’re worried about your image, this approach will make you look like a leader who cares about her team. Isn’t that better than being seen as a diva?"

Upon saying that, I reached for her face, brushing her cheek gently before tucking her stray hair behind her ear.

I’m not exaggerating though. She’s truly beautiful. Her eyes are a deep, striking amber, sharp and focused like a hawk’s, framed by long lashes that flutter nervously under my gaze. Her features are refined. High cheekbones, a straight nose, and lips that naturally curve into a proud pout. Her dark hair is pulled back in a high, practical ponytail, revealing the elegant line of her neck, though a few rebellious strands had escaped to brush against her flushed skin. She’s tall and lean, with the kind of athletic build that speaks of years drawing bows, shoulders squared even now under tension. Her uniform sits perfectly tailored, not a crease out of place, emphasizing her disciplined aura. But in this moment, that polished exterior cracks, revealing something raw and uncertain beneath.

"F-fine, I accept," Suzuki Yumika stammered, her amber eyes darting away as my fingers lingered near her ear. Her posture softened, the rigid pride melting into reluctant surrender. "I’ll... talk to the club. We’ll make it about the team."

"Great. But first, let’s go back and get your unmodified proposal approved." I stepped back, breaking the sudden intimacy. "As for the sponsorship funds, just tell me when you need them. Of course, I also expect a return."

Her eyes widened slightly. "R-return?"

"Mhm. We can discuss that after the festival," I said as I began walking back to the conference room. Suzuki Yumika followed, her steps hesitant at first but growing steadier. Her amber eyes remained fixed on the floor, though I caught the subtle shift in her expression. It’s like her pride was warring with newfound humility.

Inside, Shizu raised an eyebrow as we entered. Haruko leaned back in her chair, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. Minami Shouko merely tapped her pen against the table, eyes gleaming with amusement. The remaining club presidents watched with open curiosity.

"I’ve handled it. Did I do well?" I smilingly asked Shizu as Suzuki Yumika quietly took her seat, avoiding everyone’s gaze. Her earlier defiance had evaporated, replaced by a thoughtful silence as she fiddled with the edge of her proposal.

Shizu gave a curt nod, her expression unreadable but her eyes approving. "Efficient as always, blockhead. Now take your seat... there. Minami-san needs your assistance."

"Are you sure? And here I thought I could pamper you and Haruko." I quietly whispered.

"Pfft. Hubby, while that was tempting, we have to finish this all today. Pamper us after. For now, make yourself useful?" Haruko chimed in as she pointed at her empty teacup.

I could only shake my head at Haruko’s subtle request. Still, I grabbed the teapot from the side table and refilled her cup, then Shizu’s. The warmth of the steam mingled with the lingering tension in the room as I took the seat Minami indicated beside her. Suzuki Yumika remained quiet, her gaze fixed on the table as if studying its grain, but I caught the way resolve appeared on her face. Pride wasn’t easily swallowed, and she had just swallowed a lot.