Stealing Spree

Chapter 2701: Who’s the sponsor?

"Ruki, you’re here!" As soon as the door of the Drama Club’s clubroom opened, I was greeted by Misaki’s enthusiastic tackle-hug that nearly knocked me off balance. Her arms wrapped tightly around my waist. I reflexively held her steady as she beamed up at me. "Did you come to see me?"

"Of course, I can’t miss a day not checking on you, no?" I ruffled Misaki’s hair, which the girl really liked. Anyway, she’d clearly just finished practicing, her shirt that she’s using for rehearsals and practices was clinging to her body.

Behind her, the Drama Club President, as well as the other members, watched us in amusement. Clearly, they’re already preparing for that meeting.

"Hehe... I’m happy, Ruki. Oh, right! President said you’ll appear in our play too. Only for one scene though. Is that true?" Misaki tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Well, since you heard it from your president herself, it should be true. I wasn’t informed about it."

I raised the volume of my voice there for a bit, just enough for those behind her to hear.

The Drama Club president put a hand on her forehead, "Kukuku... Onoda-kun, you don’t have to sound so betrayed. I was going to surprise you with the script when I returned to get my proposal approved."

... This girl. There’s already a script even before she asks me for it. What if I turn her down?

Ah. Forget it. From the few times I have interacted with her, this is consistent with her behavior.

"So, you still have a plan to return, senpai? And here I thought you’d already forgotten to submit your proposal," I said as I gently moved Misaki to my other side while she kept clinging to me. Minami Shouko stood stiffly beside me, observing the scene with her sharp analytical eyes.

The Drama Club President, whose name still eludes me, simply smirked before waving her hand, "Come on, Onoda-kun. I can’t be that irresponsible, can I? I’m only waiting for our sponsor who can guarantee the quality of our props."

"I see. So, that’s the case. I wonder who’s the rich sponsor?"

"Since you’re here. Why don’t you wait with us? You can pamper Misaki-chan in the meantime. As for your companion... Minami-san, was it? Feel free to join us."

The president gestured toward the plush velvet couches cluttered with costume sketches. Her gaze landed on Minami Shouko’s rigid posture and added, "Minami, relax. You’ve already apologized last time. We’re not one to hold grudges. Come in."

I looked at the girl and sure enough, there was a complicated expression on her face.

Right. I somehow forgot that I had her apologize to everyone she inconvenienced by those harmless pranks. That included the Drama Club when she used their old storage room to hide the items her followers took from various clubs.

I reached for her wrist and squeezed it lightly, making her sharply turn her gaze to me. "She’s right, senpai. You’ve already apologized. They’ve forgiven you. So stop looking like you’re about to face a firing squad."

Minami Shouko stiffened for a moment before exhaling slowly, her shoulders relaxing slightly as she nodded. "Right. I... know that."

"Well, based on your reaction, you genuinely apologized. That’s already a step forward," I murmured, guiding Minami Shouko toward the couches while Misaki clung to my other arm, chattering excitedly about her role.

"By the way, senpai. We won’t take long. You see, we’re currently on patrol. I just thought of passing by here to see Misaki and check on you if you’re still going to get your proposal approved," I said after settling Misaki beside me on the couch. Minami Shouko sat stiffly on my other side, looking like she didn’t know where to look. The other members of the Drama Club were already busy preparing for their meeting.

"No problem, Onoda-kun. They should be coming right about... now."

At that, we suddenly heard shuffling footsteps from outside. Even without looking, I could already tell who was about to come.

The members of the Theater Club. Marika’s club.

Is she actually the sponsor? No. It must be someone else.

The door swung open again, revealing Marika followed by the members of her club. Back when I had yet to steal her from Ichihara Jun, more than half of their members answered to Ichihara Jun. But now, most of that guy’s followers had already left. Or rather, got kicked out by Marika after taking the mantle of club president. Only a few remained loyal to Marika. Those who stayed were the ones whom Marika trusted.

That’s also the reason why they accepted the collaboration request from the Drama Club. They lack the members to set up a decent play for the festival.

"Welcome, Kujou-san and the rest of the Theater Club." The Drama Club President rose gracefully, extending her hand toward Marika. "I’m glad you could make it."

"Tsuchiya-san, it’s our pleasure." Marika gracefully shook her hand, her sharp gaze sweeping the room before settling on me. Almost instantly, sparkles seemed to dance in her eyes,

"My, Junior-kun! What a delightful surprise." Without breaking her character, she glided over to me and jumped straight into my lap.

"Eh? Sister Marika, that’s not fair!" Misaki protested as Marika settled comfortably onto my lap, draping her arms around my neck.

Her golden ringlets brushed my cheek as she flashed Misaki a triumphant smile, "Junior-kun is everyone’s treasure, Misaki-chan."

"Alright, don’t tease her too much. I’m here to see both of you." I whispered to the girl as I hooked an arm around Marika’s waist to keep her steady.

With the two girls settled comfortably against me, Misaki tucked under my arm and Marika perched on my lap, Minami Shouko shifted awkwardly beside us, her analytical gaze darting between the intimate display and the club members’ amused expressions.

The Drama Club president, Tsuchiya-senpai, cleared her throat pointedly. "Kujou-san, while I appreciate your... enthusiasm, we do have sponsorship details to discuss. Where is she?"

"Oh. I am going to represent her." Marika lifted her head momentarily before turning back to me and whispering, "You are curious as well, aren’t I right? It’s Aunt Kagura. She said she wants to watch her niece’s performance."

I see. I guess that’s better than hearing it’s going to be Ichihara Jun. If that happens, I’ll have them reject his attempt and take his place as the sponsor. Good thing it’s Kagura-san.

"Is she aware that I’ll also be appearing in that play?"

"She does. You know how she is, Ruki-kun."

Honestly, I don’t really know what’s going on in her mind. On one hand, she appeared to be only here to follow the orders from the Kujou Patriarch, ensuring Marika’s betrothal to Ichihara Jun. And on the other hand, she also appeared to be quite concerned over her niece’s well-being. She took her time to meet and hear us out, after all.

After I involved Otoha’s grandfather, she slowed down on pushing Marika toward Ichihara Jun. But Kagura-san remained cautious, considering she’s aware of how many girls are connected to me.

"I guess I have to impress her in my small scene, huh? But Marika. Will it be a scene between you and me or... will that include Misaki?"

"Hehe. Just wait until you see the script. Right, Misaki-chan?"

Next to me, the innocent forehead girl enthusiastically nodded her head, "Read it when you get it later, Ruki."

"Alright. Well then, since you’re both going to be in this meeting, we should get going." I gently nudged Marika off my lap after giving a quick kiss and stood, helping Misaki up while also sneaking in a kiss that made her blush.

Minami Shouko stood stiffly beside me. I heard her exhaling softly as if exhausted from watching me interact with my girls.

"Hmm? You’re not going to sit in and listen?" Tsuchiya-senpai raised an eyebrow as we walked toward the door.

"Well, I can just ask Marika and Misaki later. As for the script... I’ll leave it to you to hand it to President Asakura later."

"Got it." The Drama Club President nodded and winked as she walked us to the door.

Upon stepping outside, Minami Shouko remained quiet until we exited the Theater House. Whatever is in her mind, I guess it has to do with me. So, without waiting for her to speak, I broke the silence first. "Alright, senpai. Let’s go to the clubhouse. That’s our last destination."