Stealing Spree

Chapter 2699: Let’s go on patrol, senpai

"I heard you need my assistance, senpai? That’s a first," I whispered to Minami Shouko so as not to disturb the ongoing consultation with the Drama Club president.

"Hmph. Did Kojima-san say that? I’m not... I just..."

"Just? There you go again, senpai. I thought we’d already reached an understanding?" I leaned closer, my voice dropping to a murmur only she could hear. "You don’t have to pretend with me."

I even blatantly told her to stop thinking of how to get ahead of me. She should just be herself. But Minami Shouko only huffed softly, her cheeks flushing slightly as she slid a stack of papers toward me. "Fine. Just... help me sort these budget revisions. The Drama Club wants to build a replica castle facade, and their cost estimates are... optimistic."

"The Drama Club, huh? I guess they’re also going all out."

So, their meeting later should be about this. Misaki told me about her role in that play. With the Drama Club President being fond of her, she was given quite a significant one even though she’s a first year.

"You didn’t know? They said you’re also going to appear in their play. That’s why Kojima-san and Asakura-san eagerly sent you to me," Minami Shouko murmured without looking up from her notes. Her pen paused mid-sentence as she added.

Alright, that’s the first time I heard about that. Should I ask Misaki? Perhaps, even that girl would be surprised to hear this. That Drama Club President probably schemed for this.

"Haa... Looks like I got dragged in without my consent," I sighed lightly as I began scanning the Drama Club’s proposal.

Just the first page alone, I could already smell how staggering their ambition was.

A full-scale replica castle facade stretching across the stage, complete with turrets and drawbridge mechanics.

What the hell are they going to perform? An epic? And for such a tight budget.

Wait.

Marika mentioned something earlier... Their Theater Club scrapped their plans to produce their own play for the festival and instead, they’re going to collaborate with the Drama Club for a joint performance.

That must be why the scale exploded. Still, their budget request was laughably low. Either they planned to cut corners dangerously, or someone was trying to shoulder costs personally.

Although Marika’s family could be considered rich, her current situation wouldn’t allow her to do that. And it’s the same for Misaki.

Are there some other students from a rich background in those clubs?

"So, what do you think? Crazy, right?" Minami Shouko muttered, tapping her pen against the castle blueprint. "It seems they already commissioned this to be ready for next week. But instead of asking for more budget, they’re cutting costs everywhere else to justify it."

"Mhm. Looks like you have already come to a conclusion on what they’re planning to do, senpai?"

"Of course. I’m just not sure if they’re truly going to use those cheap alternatives." Minami Shouko flipped open a supplier catalog, pointing to circled items.

"Probably not. Where is the Drama Club President anyway? Did she already leave without getting approved?"

At this point, the Archery Club President finally finished her revised proposal and bowed stiffly before stopping by the door. Her head turned to me as though she wanted to say something but hesitated. Instead, she gave a small nod before slipping out silently.

Looks like I can’t skip a day on my part-time job now. But it will be difficult to do it on Sunday. After all, I’ll be coming to watch the practice game of the Girls’ Basketball Club against Hirari High.

"She excused herself earlier, claiming she needed to consult someone," Minami Shouko murmured, flipping through the Drama Club’s revised proposal. Her brow furrowed as she tapped a section detailing structural supports. "These calculations are flawed. Cheap plywood won’t hold that weight safely."

"Well then, I guess we can only wait until she returns. By the way, senpai. You’re coming with me, right?"

"Coming with you? To where?" Minami Shouko stopped as she heard my question. Her pen hovered mid-air as she turned to me with narrowed eyes.

"Patrol, of course. Once we finish sorting these out, I still need to do my job as Disciplinary Officer," I replied.

But that answer confused the girl more. "You... When did I agree to that?"

"Let’s see. Tuesday? I told you, senpai. We’d better work on your desire to connect with someone than attempt to get ahead of me. And I’m volunteering for you. That way, you’ll get the first-hand experience of how I go about my day rather than relying on rumors."

As if still confused about what I meant, Minami Shouko stared at me blankly for a moment. Then, slowly, realization dawned, and with it, a flicker of panic. "That’s... not what I meant when I said I wanted to understand you better."

"Too bad. That’s how I interpreted it." I put on a playful smile before turning my attention back to the Drama Club documents.

The girl remained frozen in her seat but after that, I didn’t bother bringing it up again and just focused on what we were doing.

Club President after Club President continued to enter the room as they all submitted their revised proposal, hoping to be approved. But Shizu and Haruko rarely give them approval without pointing out flaws. In the end, most of them would settle for the original budget allocated to them.

It’s already the last day for this. They cannot revise it anymore or find another justification. Even if some also tried to glance at me to ask for my assistance, Haruko and Shizu were quick to shut it down.

"Alright, it’s time to go for that patrol, senpai. Let me call in Komoe to take over," I announced, stretching as the last club president exited the conference room.

"Blockhead, where are you taking her?" Shizu called out as I guided Minami Shouko toward the door. "Bring her back quickly. We’re not done here."

"Just a short patrol, Shizu. We’ll be back before you miss me too much," I winked at her and decided to come over to them first.

Haruko didn’t waste a second to hold my face between her palms and kiss me deeply. "Be quick, hubby.

Shizu rolled her eyes and pouted, clearly unhappy that Haruko got it first.

I leaned down, catching Shizu’s pout with a kiss. When our lips separated, the girl pinched my nose, "Psh. Shameless blockhead"

After that, Minami Shouko and I slipped out into the hallway. I called Komoe, who was assisting Watanabe in advising the remaining Club Presidents waiting, telling her she should go back inside and help Shizu and Haruko. Komoe nodded enthusiastically, her eyes darting curiously toward Minami Shouko before hurrying off.

As for Watanabe, she’ll be fine. She had Masato-senpai around anyway.

And with this, we started our patrol. We walked around the floor, Minami Shouko trailing half a step behind me. Going down the second floor, I visited the Game Club for Maaya, reminding her about my promise earlier to take her and Himeko on a short date. Then, I also didn’t forget about my Arisa and Izumi at the Student Support Club but because they’re too busy with requests, I briefly greeted them and continued.

"Hey, are you really going to drag me around like this?" Minami Shouko muttered as we descended to the first floor and exited the Club Building.

"I’m not dragging you around, senpai. You’re the one avoiding walking next to me. Should I hold your hand then? I mean, we’re going around the whole school. If that’s what you want... here." I stretched my hand to her and put on a teasing smile, knowing she’s not going to accept it.

But still, she stared at it for a good five seconds before turning away sharply as she caught up to me. "Don’t be ridiculous. Just... hurry up."

"Alright. First stop... School Building. Let’s catch some couples making out in empty classrooms," I announced as I resumed my steps.

Minami Shouko huffed indignantly but followed closely next to me before saying, "Shouldn’t you report yourself first?"

"Why? No one caught us yet. Maybe you can report me to me, senpai?" I maintained my playful grin as we entered the School Building.