Stealing Spree

Chapter 2784: Starting again

The moment I slipped out of the door, the cool air of the back hallway hit me like a reset button. The muffled thuds of gloves on bags and the sharp shouts of other coaches barking instructions filtered through.

After seeing Marika and Sena scuttling towards the bathroom, I continued on my way and returned to the main area.

The second I stepped into the view, the chatter from the waiting group quieted.

A dozen pairs of eyes turned my way, some shy, some openly curious, a few outright appreciative.

The housewives were clustered near the front, already stretching in their new workout gear like they’d coordinated outfits. Bright leggings, cropped tops, ponytails bouncing as they whispered and giggled when they spotted me. Of course, only a few of them had a little of the alluring figure of Ichihara-san. But well, I wasn’t one to judge. Most of them were here to become fit, after all. Ogling a young coach like me was just a plus.

Those who finished my course, and possibly the ones who recommended enrolling, had already shown progress in terms of their physique. Not drastic changes yet, but enough to notice the subtle firmness in their arms, the way their posture had straightened, and confidence starting to show in how they carried themselves.

The previous batch had been proud of it, flexing subtly when they thought no one was looking, bragging to their friends about how ’Sensei Onoda’s course is magic’. And that’s why I had also gotten a lot of bonuses from them. They appreciate it too much.

The only thing missing is their husbands coming to thank me for making their wives slim down a bit. That hasn’t happened yet but who knows? It might happen in the future.

I couldn’t help the small smirk that tugged at my lips as I approached the group and walked towards the front. Ayu, who’s a bona fide boxing coach, stepped aside, giving me the spotlight.

"Everyone, good afternoon," I greeted with a polite bow, keeping my tone professional but warm. "Welcome to the basic boxing course. I’m Onoda Ruki, your instructor for the next ten days."

A chorus of excited murmurs and giggles rippled through the group. A few of the housewives waved enthusiastically, one even calling out, "We’re ready, Sensei! Make us strong like you!"

Then the eager students, with a few of them being as young as grade school students, followed suit.

I let my lips stretch into my usual amiable smile as I clapped my hand once.

"Strength comes with time and effort. Today, we’ll start with the basics. I’m going to hand you the set of exercises that I personally created for this course. The previous two batches could attest to its effectiveness.”

A ripple of excited chatter went through the group, the housewives exchanging knowing glances and little nods like they’d already heard the glowing reviews from their friends.

One of them, a woman in her late thirties with a bright pink sports bra and a ponytail that bounced when she moved, raised her hand shyly.

“Sensei, my friend said you’re really patient. Is that true?”

I smiled, keeping it professional but warm. “I try to be. Everyone learns at their own pace. I won’t judge anyone here. However, I might scold you if you keep making the same mistake even after I correct you.”

That earned me a chorus of appreciative murmurs and a few more giggles.

Ayu stepped forward from the side, handing me the stack of printed exercise sets she’d printed for easier dissemination. After all, the previous two batches relied on their memory to memorize the set of exercises.

After thanking her, Ayu put on a sly smile as she gave my side a quick jab as though hinting that she was aware of what transpired back there.

Of course, she probably counted the seconds we were away. I should make it up to her later.

I passed the sheets around, watching as the new enrollees scanned them with varying degrees of excitement and nerves.

The sheet was simple but effective. It was the same before, focused on building up their stamina first. Then, Ayu also added the basic stances, footwork, shadowboxing sequences, and a few light bag work progressions with a strict instruction to only attempt them after they could finish the set exercises with energy to spare.

As always, nothing too intense for day one. The goal was to build confidence, not break them.

“Alright,” I said once everyone had a copy. “Let’s start with the warm-ups. You can roll that paper first and refer to it later. For now, follow me.”

I led them through jumping jacks, high knees, arm circles, and torso twists, keeping the pace steady but challenging.

The younger students, with a few who were near my age range, picked it up fast, bouncing with energy.

Surprisingly, there were fewer boys than last time. I guess it’s becoming more uncomfortable for them to be mixed with girls and women.

I couldn’t care less though. It was much better for me not to have a lot of them. Just like the first batch with the five idiots, there would be fewer dissenting voices in the way I approach my lessons.

Anyway, the housewives were a little slower, some laughing breathlessly when they got tangled in their own feet, but they kept going, encouraged by the group vibe.

Every time I corrected someone’s form, walking over to adjust a stance or demonstrate the exercise closely, I could feel the appreciative stares. A few of the bolder housewives even asked for ‘extra help’, letting me lean close when I guided their arms.

I kept it professional, but I wasn’t blind. The attention was flattering, and a small part of me, the shameless one, always enjoyed it. It’s not as exciting as feeling the stabbing glares from my girls though.

Halfway through the footwork drills, I caught sight of Ichihara-san and her daughter, Koharu-chan, slipping in through. They were quiet, trying not to draw attention, but the younger girl’s sharp eyes found me immediately.

When our eyes met, she mouthed excitedly, “Sensei~”

After that, she went over to join Marika and Sena in the neighboring area.

As for Ichihara-san, she first greeted Kagura-san before continuing to where Ayu was standing. She’s her boxing coach after signing up for membership, after all.

At this point, they were already on good terms and I wouldn’t be surprised to hear them calling each other by their first names soon.

Ayu had that effect on people. Even though she could be seen as aloof at first, she could turn even the most reserved ones into comfortable acquaintances with her straightforward personality.

I continued guiding the class through the drills, demonstrating proper stance shifts and basic jab-cross combinations in the air. Just like before, despite telling them the first session would only consist of exercises, the group mirrored me as best they could, some wobbling on their feet, others finding the rhythm quickly.

Due to that, I could only let it go.

Then, every time I walked the floor to correct form, I’d catch snippets of whispered conversation.

“Sensei’s so patient...”

“Look at those arms when he throws the punch...”

“He’s younger than my son, but damn...”

I pretended not to hear, keeping my focus professional, but the corner of my mouth twitched anyway.

By the time we moved to light footwork, everyone was flushed and sweating, but the energy in the room was high. No one had dropped out. No one was complaining. They were hooked.

I wrapped up the session with cool-down stretches and a quick rundown of what to expect tomorrow.

“Remember,” I said, clapping once to get their attention as they gathered their things. “Consistency is key. Show up, put in the work, and you’ll see results. I’ll be here every time to push you. Questions?”

A few hands shot up, mostly about form tweaks or how sore they’d be tomorrow. I answered each one patiently, demonstrating again when needed.

With that, I declared the first session over.

When the last enrollee filed out with tired but satisfied smiles and promises to return tomorrow, I finally let out a slow breath as I slumped down on the nearby bench.

Ayu appeared at my side, handing me a towel and a bottle of energy drink.

“Good work, Ruki.” She teased, nudging my arm. “You’re getting better at this.”

“Well, with you assisting me, will I have trouble?”

“Tsk. That silver tongue of yours is still full at work. Anyhow, how is it? Anyone special from the new batch? It won’t be long before someone brings you a bento. You’re too attentive, I can’t help but feel a little jealous.”

I snorted, wiping sweat from my brow. “I don’t know yet. They’re eager. But as long as they keep showing up and working hard, I don’t care what they bring.

I paused for a moment, leaning in and whispering in a voice only Ayu could hear, “In any case, is my Ayu jealous? Should I shower you with my affection now? Right here.”