Stealing Spree

Going back to the boxing gym two weeks after concluding that last session, the first thing I checked was if something had changed.

Nothing, of course. It’s the same boxing gym that was no different than the others of its kind.

Anyone could come in for a trial but it’s more often that the premises were filled with those who signed up for membership. They were either taking boxing as a hobby or training themselves in hopes of one day becoming skilled enough to turn it into their profession. It's actually rare to find someone picking it up just to improve their physical fitness since there were a lot more alternatives for it.

Naturally, there were also some amateur boxers but no one was a pro.

From what I heard, those who managed to debut as a pro with this boxing gym as their starting point would move to another branch – which Hisa-jii also co-owned. The facilities available there and the location were better for pros who would train for their upcoming matches.

In a way, this could be considered an entry-level boxing gym. Maybe Sena would also be sent there in the future. But well, it’s too early to think about it.

For now, what’s in front of her is the Interhigh. And for me, it’s my new students.

Or so I thought that was all.

After greeting Hisa-jii and checking out the supposed students that signed up for the course, a surprise awaited me.

Apart from middle schoolers, grade schoolers and their guardians, I found someone that shouldn’t be here. Or rather, I didn’t expect her to come without telling me about this. She had my contact details, after all. Furthermore, we even exchanged messages earlier before I met up with Juri.

“Junior-kun, you must be surprised chancing upon me here, no? However, this is no coincidence. I elected to enroll in your course without telling you. I missed it the last time, remember?” With a graceful smile that seemed to draw the spotlight to her, a certain girl with her iconic golden ringlets stood out after most of those who signed up were already guided in by Ayu.

Yep. It’s none other than Marika.

Before replying to her, my head quickly moved to check our vicinity and sure enough, I could see one of the two men in suits that was serving as her driver and bodyguard outside.

Their car was probably parked somewhere and because I arrived here with Ayu, I didn’t notice him there...

In any case, with what she just said, I got reminded of what happened nearly two weeks ago. During the tenth session, she showed up here. Because she heard Ichihara-san’s daughter, Koharu, talking about ‘Onoda-sensei’, she opted to come and check this boxing gym out.

At that time, I was still wary about her but thanks to Sena accompanying her throughout that last session, not only we got to know more about her, but she also somehow befriended this golden ringlet. It’s actually a surprise that with how our relationship had progressed, she never brought up Sena...

But thinking about it, there’s probably no window for them to talk again after that day. Sena didn’t get her number and surely, Marika was the same.

Uh... Admittedly, I forgot that she wanted to enroll in the course. She also never brought it up whenever we were together, after all. I probably assumed that she already dropped that thought.

But now that she’s here... there’s no other choice but to accommodate her. Besides, more than being surprised, I’m glad to see her. This meant that nothing bad happened to her. Ichihara Jun was a fangless hound who could only bark.

Not that I was hoping for him to make a move but with everything that happened, I was expecting him to do something, you know? Like using his daddy’s power and authority again. If he’s waiting for things to escalate further then... I’ll be his guest.

Pulling back my surprise and putting on a genuine smile while also keeping up with how I presented myself here, I replied to Marika,

“Indeed. However, I never thought you were serious about it. You really got me there, senpai. Shall we go then? I still have to change.”

“Un. Let’s go. I’m excited about this, Junior-kun. I heard a lot of good things from Koharu-chan.” Marika cheerfully claimed. I thought she was going to jump and hug my arm but surprisingly, she’s exhibiting great restraint today.

Most likely, she already accustomed herself to how things go here... if she thoughtlessly clings to me, it might reflect badly on me considering I would be instructing another sixty students.

Anyway, like last time, despite donning sports attire, this girl’s elegance couldn’t be hidden completely. Just by standing up and speaking shortly, it drew a lot of attention to her. It’s already a surprise that no one tried to hit on her yet.

When we were about to enter the inner area of the boxing gym, Ayu showed up from that door. Most likely, she’s about to check on me.

Upon seeing Marika next to me, the first thing she did was to look her up and down before turning to me, her eyes demanding an explanation from me.

However, before I could even start introducing the two to each other, Ayu looked at Marika again and realized that she had already seen her before.

“Wait. You’re that girl with Sena. Are you also here to sign up for his course?”

Right... Although they were both present that day, they actually didn’t interact with each other. Ayu was helping me conduct those sparring matches while Sena and Marika were only watching from the side.

Marika gracefully nodded before inquiring, “Yes. You are Junior-kun’s assistant, am I right?”

As soon as I heard that, I couldn’t help but feel a chilling sensation landing on me.

Obviously, the source of it was none other than my lovely Ayu...

“Junior-kun? Assistant? Ru-kun, do you care to explain this?” Along with a chilling tone of her voice reminiscent of a blizzard, Ayu showed a smile that’s not a smile as she demanded an explanation from me.

Oblivious to the sudden change of Ayu, the ringlet girl tilted her head and probably started wondering what was happening.

Well, I should clear this up before proceeding, right? While I have nothing to hide from Ayu, I have to be careful around Marika. Even if she’s aware that I might be close to others, she’s like Juri. Mostly unaware of how complex the situation truly is.

Before answering, I gestured for us to continue inside and instead of going straight to the area allotted for my course, we stopped to the side as I introduced the two women to each other.

“Senpai, Coach Ayu here isn’t my assistant. She’s my boss. And Ayu, she’s a senior from my school.”

“Oh! Junior-kun’s boss. It’s nice meeting you!”

“Ugh. Yeah. Likewise.”

Marika’s reaction was just as I expected. Even if she’s your typical high-class lady that was always surrounded by followers, she’s well-mannered enough to not be condescending to anyone. In any case, there were times when she was oblivious. Like our first encounter in that convenience store.

On the other hand, Ayu awkwardly smiled at Marika. For sure, she’s wondering who Marika is to me. Unfortunately, there’s no label for us yet. Maybe friends that were all over each other? Alright, that sounded wrong.

In the end, I decided to escort Marika to our area first before coming back to Ayu who immediately dragged me to her office.

As soon as the door closed behind us, Ayu pushed me against the wall and pressed herself against me, “So, Ru-kun. That senior... Is it safe for me to assume that she’s among us? A girl involved with you?”