Stealing Spree

Chapter 2785: Flirting?

She rolled her eyes, but the fondness in it was clear. “Shut up, shameless pervert. I’ll go to my office. Finish up here and meet me there. We have to tweak your schedule. You’re not going to hold a session tomorrow, after all.”

I reached for her hand and squeezed it before nodding, “Got it. I’ll just chat with Ichihara-san for a bit. Her daughter was already eager to jump into training. Also, there’s Marika’s aunt.”

“What? I thought you already handled her?”

“Not yet. It’s right in the middle. Since there’s still no news from their family, she’s still trying to hinder me from pampering Marika.”

“Hinder you? Did she block you earlier? No, right?”

I scratched my cheek as a shameless smile peeked from it. She’s not wrong, after all.

As Ayu walked away, I stood up and approached Ichihara-san.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Ichihara-san,” I said, offering her a polite nod as I wiped the last beads of sweat from my brow with the towel draped over my shoulder.

Ichihara-san turned fully toward me, her posture straight and elegant as always, that mature beauty radiating from her like it was second nature.

She’s not wearing workout attire this time. After all, she’s only accompanying her daughter as I coach her privately. Still, many members of the gym, especially the men, couldn’t help but glance at her.

But well, with Ayu, Sena, Marika and even Kagura-san here, we had long become the center of attention. Thankfully, there wasn’t any douche among them. And even if there were, Hisa-jii would surely prevent any trouble before it escalates. He’s got eyes everywhere in this place.

Ichihara-san’s lips curved into that refined smile of hers. I could tell the burden on her shoulder had lightened a bit. She probably had a meaningful conversation with her husband, like addressing her concerns.

As for whether everything was resolved or not, I had no idea. And I also didn’t want to pry. The most important thing is... she didn’t look gloomy anymore.

“No need to apologize, Onoda-sensei,” She replied, “Watching you teach is... quite the sight. It reminds me of when I was among those waiting for your instruction.”

“Well, it looks like the gym membership is doing you great. Coach Ayu is truly phenomenal. As you would expect from a former Olympic-level athlete.”

Ichihara-san giggled at my remark, “Indeed. She’s a great coach. But Onoda-sensei, are you not praising her too much? It sounds like a man boasting about his woman.”

I paused there because it’s true. I guess I just can’t help it. But to hear Ichihara-san sound this playful with her eyes sparkling with quiet amusement, it was a little refreshing.

“Maybe a little,” I admitted, “But it’s true. Coach Ayu’s the best. Though...” I put on my usual teasing smile as I let my gaze linger on her a beat longer, taking in the subtle flush still warming her cheeks from watching the class, the way her fitted blouse hugged her curves just right. “... I’ve got a soft spot for someone who works as hard as you do, Ichihara-san.”

Her lips parted on this tiny, surprised exhale before shaking her head. After all, she already tried roping me in before and I turned her down. She understood that this was just me playing around.

“You’re terrible, Onoda-sensei,” She murmured, voice low and velvet-smooth, the kind that could melt steel if she wanted. “Flattering a married woman right in the open like this. If I didn’t know you better, I’d think you’re flirting with me.”

“Well, both things can be true, no? It’s harmless anyway,” I shrugged before waving my hand, moving on to what we should really be talking about. “Anyway, you may have to wait for a bit longer, Ichihara-san. I gotta have a quick meeting with Coach Ayu. After that, I’ll accompany you back to our house. The mini-gym for Koharu’s lesson has been prepared. And you can relax in our living room while you wait.”

Ichihara-san’s smile softened, the elegant curve of her lips turning just a touch warmer, more genuine.

She adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder. The motion was subtle but it drew my gaze to the way her blouse shifted against her curves. Quite dangerous.

“You’re too kind, Onoda-sensei,” She nodded, “I’ll try not to impose too much on your home. Though... I admit, I’m curious to see where a young man like you lives.”

Curious, huh? I guess after interacting with me for quite a few times, she’d be curious about how different I will be at home.

I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck. “It’s nothing fancy. Just a normal house with a mini-gym in the basement. And a lot of girls who’d probably fight over who gets to bring you tea.”

Her eyebrows arched delicately as amusement danced in her eyes. “A lot of girls? You’re quite the popular guy, aren’t you?”

She really didn’t need to ask that. She already knew, after all. She was here when Akane and the others also started attending my course. Although they didn’t come back again due to giving way for more enrollees, Ichihara-san had seen how they acted around me.

“Something like that,” I said with a shrug, keeping my tone light. “But don’t worry. They’re all well-behaved. Mostly.”

Ichihara-san laughed softly, “I’ll take your word for it. Koharu’s been talking nonstop about her ‘Ruki-sensei’ all week. I think she’s more excited for these private lessons than her regular classes. She won’t miss a day of the set exercises you provided. But I think she’s also looking forward to punching her cousin.”

Ending that with a wry smile, Ichihara-san’s gaze shifted to her daughter, who was already bouncing on her toes near Marika and Sena.

“She hates her cousin that much, huh?”

“Well, it’s because of his attitude as well. Koharu is very honest and Jun-kun is too overbearing even to his cousin.”

Ah. Of course. He’s the spoiled young master of the Ichihara Family, after all. And Ichihara-san’s husband was even cleaning up all the mess he made.

I nodded toward her. “Alright. I’ll wrap up with Coach Ayu quickly, then we can head out. Sena or Marika can keep her company in the meantime. Also, please keep Kaoru-san occupied.”

Ichihara-san glanced at the woman I mentioned. A second later, a meaningful smile appeared on her lips, “Got it. I’ll help you out. This time.

With that, she turned and walked toward Koharu, her hips swaying just enough to draw a few lingering glances from the remaining gym members cleaning up.

I watched her go for a second before turning to Sena and Marika, signaling for them where I would be going.

They both nodded and gave an ‘OK’ sign.

Sure enough, they’re giving Ayu a moment to be alone with me.

Upon reaching Ayu’s office, I pushed the door open and stepped in, closing it behind me with a soft click.

Ayu was already sitting behind her table, her elbows resting on top of it as her gaze locked on me the second I stepped in.

“Kept you waiting?” I smiled as I walked towards her.

“What do you think, idiot? Should I give you a straight to your chin first?”

“A kiss will be better though.” I shrugged as my smile curved up further into a grin.

She put a hand on her forehead and sighed, “We’re here to review your lesson. Don’t start it with flirting right away. There’s a time for that.”

“Mhm. But I missed my Ayu though? Besides, we can still be productive while flirting, no?”

“What an audacious bastard. Come over here then. I can’t have you tonight so... I’ll get the best of this moment.”

She pushed her chair back just enough to make space, then crooked a finger at me like she was calling a disobedient puppy.

“Come here, idiot. Before I change my mind and actually punch you.” She repeated.

Did I tease her too much? Nah. This is just her trying to even out the score.

I closed the distance in two steps, rounding the desk until I was right in front of her. Ayu reached up, grabbed the front of my shirt, and yanked me down until I was braced on the armrests of her chair, caging her in.

Her face was inches from mine. She glared at me enough until she couldn’t keep her focus anymore before slowly backing away to capture my face fully.

“You’re really shameless, you know that?” She muttered with the same edge as when she was barking out instructions.

“I know. And you love me like this,” I smirked before my arms moved to her hips, lifting her slightly until I could slip behind her. I then sat on her chair, opened my legs and guided her down to take the space I opened up.

The moment she settled on it, my arms wrapped around her toned stomach, pulling her back flush against my chest. Ayu let out a frustrated sound that turned into a soft sigh before relaxing.

“We’re supposed to be reviewing your schedule, idiot.” Or so she said but she put her hand on top of mine, clutching it like she didn’t want me to let go.

I anchored my chin on her shoulder, “We are. But isn’t this better? I can hold you like this while we deal with official business. Also... I won’t be here tomorrow, let me pamper you for a bit, alright?”