Stealing Spree

Having expected the initial shock that my answer brought Eguchi-sensei, I quickly came up with how to clear that up without actually revealing the whole fiasco involving Marika and Ichihara Jun.

I mean, if I didn't follow up on that, I could already imagine her pressing me for it.

And so, to clear that up and also turn it into a situation we could laugh about before we go to Hayashi-sensei, I decided to summarize the events while also altering some of the details leading to the guy becoming hostile to me.

Eguchi-sensei listened attentively to me, looking like she slipped back to being the Guidance Counselor, scrutinizing every word coming out of my mouth. Due to that, there were a few instances where she pointed out a detail that she wanted me to clarify.

Naturally, I obediently did but the clarification still fell within the bounds of what I decided.

Furthermore, since it's only a summary, I soon reached the part I decided to use as the focal point of why I am now on that guy's bad side.

"... Three days ago, during my duty as the Disciplinary Officer, he knocked at my office, looking for senpai. From his own mouth, someone apparently told him that she was inside the room." Upon saying that, I paused for a moment to wait if she had something to say about it.

And sure enough, Eguchi-sensei gestured for me to pause. Her lips then curved up, showing a faint proud smile as though she already managed to connect the dots, understanding the full story.

"Alright, Onoda-kun. You mentioned that she sought you for help last week... That senior girl... She was with you when he showed up knocking on your door, correct?"

Upon saying that, Eguchi-sensei leered at me, anticipating my admittance that she was right.

Well, I didn't disappoint her. I scratched my head and put on a rather awkward smile as I replied, "Yes, sensei. She was there. She visited me because she wanted to get away from him. That's why I sent him away at her request. Wait. No. I decided to send him away when I sensed how she didn't want to see him."

Eguchi-sensei grinned. "What a reliable junior. I can now understand why you managed to steal her attention, Onoda-kun. Let's see... I'm guessing he did not believe you and that became his reason for confronting you today."

"Mhm. You got it, sensei. Unreasonable, no?"

"Unreasonable? Not really. Onoda-kun, he's at least entitled to be upset with you. Like you said, he is her fiancée, someone he's going to marry in the future. Yet you put yourself in between them." Eguchi-sensei shook her head before directing her eyes filled with concern toward me, "I commend you for helping the girl when she sought you for it. However, here's my take based on what I heard and saw from your attitude towards it..."

She took a small pause to close our distance again and started patting my head. By doing this, I could clearly sense her real adult qualities. Perhaps, the same feeling when Shio or Miwa-nee would share their adult views with me.

And unsurprisingly, her next words clearly showed that.

"Onoda-kun. I hope you have a valid reason for putting yourself in that position. I won't ask for more details but remember that you can also count on me. You can talk to me or ask for my advice. I may be inexperienced in a lot of things and I showed you my embarrassing side but don't forget that I'm also an adult and a Guidance Counselor of this school, I have a good grasp of what's right and wrong."

After saying that, Eguchi-sensei continued patting my head, comforting me with it.

I have no words to refute, of course. And upon hearing all that, I could only feel thankful and maybe... a little guilty for not telling her the whole truth.

And so, I responded with a small nod and enjoyed the feeling of being comforted by her.

Naturally, I refrained from ruining the moment by hugging her which could certainly bring out 'Ryouko-san'. To show my gratitude, I raised my head and put on my genuine smile. She welcomed that wholeheartedly resulting in her pats becoming a little intense, just enough to convey how pleased she was with this interaction.

After a while, we soon prepared to leave the room to make that report.

We talked about the schools we visited and what we observed. And obviously, we also touched upon what happened between us. In the end, we mutually agreed to act normally in front of Hayashi-sensei.

Nonetheless, Eguchi-sensei openly admitted how she was jittery at the thought of lying in front of Hayashi-sensei.

And so, to calm herself down, she opted to meditate for a moment, taking a few deep breaths.

I joined her in doing that just for added effect. Hopefully, it helps.

At the same time as we arrived in front of the Director's Office, the bell signaling the start of the 1st Period rang out.

I already messaged Shio and the other girls about this so there's actually no problem even if I show up late in the classroom.

Actually, I tried looking for Shio first to inform her of this personally before continuing to Eguchi-sensei's room.

She's usually waiting in her room for the 1st period to start. However, she was dragged by the other female teachers to the faculty room today which resulted in us missing each other. As for their reason, 'early morning gossip' or 'lifestyle checks'.

Well, it's not like they're all stuck-up adults who only have work inside their heads. If I had to guess, it's like a little breather for them before they put their heads in teaching the rowdy students again.

Next time, I'm going to message her first so we won't be able to miss each other like that.

That aside, since the task was originally for Eguchi-sensei only, my report on the task given to me by Hayashi-sensei was separated. I didn't print it like Eguchi-sensei. Instead, I sent it to Hayashi-sensei's email this morning.

Whether she already read it or not, I have no idea. I'm about to find that out.

After knocking twice and announcing our arrival, Hayashi-sensei's faint voice from inside reached our ears, telling us to come in.

Perhaps to make sure that she won't trip in front of the Director, Eguchi-sensei took another deep breath before pushing open the door and stepping inside.

I followed behind her and closed the door before placing myself just a step closer to the side, acting unassuming and obedient.

As always, Hayashi-sensei was in her unblemished white lab coat with a stethoscope hanging around her shoulder. Yeah, she's in her school nurse attire even in this room. Possibly, she was there for most of this morning.

Her lush purple hair wasn't adorned with any ornaments today, looking a little shaggy as it fell down freely on her back. She still looked a little stressed but with makeup, it's hard to notice. I noticed because of my observer skills, I guess? As for her lipstick which usually had a darker hue appeared lighter today.

Sweeping us with her rather authoritative gaze, I noticed Hayashi-sensei's eyes lingered on me for a few seconds. A faint, intriguing smile could be seen on her lips.

Hmm? What does that mean?