Stealing Spree

Upon arriving at the vicinity of the sports complex, we narrowed down our path to the indoor basketball court, evading the crowded place leading to the main entrance.

Since it’s city-wide, a lot of people have congregated in this part of our city and most of them were fellow students coming in to support their classmates or just their whole school in general.

The 1st to 3rd High Schools were obviously present as well. Even if their uniforms were nearly identical to ours, it’s pretty easy to distinguish one from the other.

There were also students from the school that Akane and the other girls were attending.

We got some curious gazes but that’s just normal in a crowd like this.

We just continued on our way, keeping close to each other to make sure that no one would be lost or left behind. I especially put Umi at my front. She’s the odd one out after all.

Apart from that, Izumi, Maaya, and Hana walked alongside me. Though I already planned to do that, they beat me to it. Izumi even stealthily interlocked our fingers while acting oblivious to it.

She’s adorable that way and like always, I didn’t miss the chance to tease her for it. It was kind of regrettable that we only have so much time on the bus, otherwise, I would also be spoiling her.

Well, I could still spoil her while we’re together, just that, it will be more subdued than when we’re in a private space. I guess I’ll just have to create more chances for it.

As for the other two, Maaya was a little reserved but she secured her spot next to me, not letting Hana beat her to it.

Somehow, for the past few hours since I brought the two of them together to the Student Support Club, their familiarity with each other had gone up a few levels but at the same time, they haven’t befriended each other.

It’s the type of familiarity for someone more than an acquaintance because of their shared interest. They could be called rivals but they had no intention to tear each other apart. Besides, one of them knew where she was standing in the grand scheme of things. It’s something she induced herself, after all so complaining would be useless.

At one corner of my mind, I had this certain thought; if they could befriend one another after this day then that’s a win in my book.

Both of them need that.

Maaya never had any intention to befriend anyone, not even the ones in her club. Himeko was enough for her and Misaki was a special case. That innocent girl was more like a small follower that she decided to guide and protect.

On the other hand, Hana might be known to be the most approachable girl but her angelic mask wasn’t real. She acted like that to keep everyone at bay without being hated by anyone. Chii and Hifumi were special cases because of their connection to me. Furthermore, the girl continued to refuse to acknowledge the friendship that blossomed between the three of them during that summer years ago.

Anyway, bringing them both here – even if one asked me to bring her and the other was persuaded by my invitation – it’s within my responsibility to ensure that they won’t be out of place.

Earlier, in the karaoke room, I spent most of my time with Saki and the other girls. And on the bus, I got so lost in Arisa’s irresistibility and Shizu’s follow-up.

This time, I’ll make sure to accommodate them properly.

Knowing the two of them, this would also be the first time they’re going out to this kind of event. It’s because of the same reason; one was busy preparing herself to inherit their family’s legacy while the other couldn’t really be bothered to be interested in it.

Upon entering an indoor stadium that’s close to the size of our Gymnasium, we made our way to the audience stands overlooking one of the basketball courts designated for the Girl’s Basketball category.

There was still an ongoing match but it didn’t matter. Only five minutes left before it’s over. Looking at the name of the schools competing, it’s the 2nd High and a high school probably located on the other side of the city; I haven’t heard of it.

The crowd cheering and hollering for their respective teams weren’t that many as well. And most of them were probably friends or family of those players.

Well, of course, there was a group of boys unaffiliated from the two high schools ogling the players and spectators alike. They’re troublemakers who were clearly here to hit on girls or act creepily around them.

Yeah. I couldn’t just leave my girls here without dealing with the irrelevant flies to meet up with Satsuki in their waiting room.

Not that my girls couldn’t defend themselves from being hit on, it’s simply my duty as their boyfriend to man up and prevent them from being inconvenienced.

When they saw us approaching from a distance, my first impression of them was truly spot on. They became like crazed idiots who had just seen a parade of goddesses as they excitedly and pointed at my girls in an unbridled manner.

Some of them had even started preparing to stand up and block their way. I could sense their maidenless behavior from a mile away.

My girls are just too beautiful that anyone will be tempted to look, admire or hit on them given the chance. They’re probably thinking along the lines of ‘I’ll take my chances. No matter who I land with, it’s a jackpot.’ And even if they saw me among them, they would just think that I wouldn’t be a concern since they have the numbers on their side.

What do I expect from idiots whose tenet revolved around being a creep to the girls?

“Alright. I assume you already noticed but, pay no heed to them. Go and pick your seats. I’ll handle them before joining you.”

I said when we started going down the aisle leading to the seats. There were still a lot of open seats. It wouldn’t be hard for them to pick a spot.

“There you go again. You’re in public this time. Will you throw your fist at them? You might get kicked out.”

The one who spoke up was Izumi. I felt her grip tightening instantly when I said that.

This girl keenly expressed her concern for me before and after that day I was ambushed by Uchiyama and company. For sure, it’s the same feeling today. Moreover, on top of what she just said, my fist was still bandaged from hitting Taku a lot earlier. Her concern was certainly not misplaced

Surely, the other girls shared the same sentiment as I found them stopping in their steps to look at me. Even Umi was no exception.

“Throw my fist? Don’t worry. I’m not that barbaric. I know when to do that and where.” I smirked at the girl, resulting in her scowl. She’s doubtful, of course. It’s like I’m talking nonsense, after all.

But then again, it’s understandable. How will a single guy deal with a group in a public space without it turning into a brawl? Most of the time, the guy will be too scared or incapacitated by the group for not knowing his place.

But I’m not just some flimsy guy.

As someone who dealt with annoying flies numerous times for the past three to four years, I have my methods.

Besides, who says I’ll be alone? I prepared insurance since I anticipated this kind of situation to happen.

My girls probably didn’t notice them. However, in one corner of the audience stands, another group had been waiting.

Let’s just say they’re the idiots who voluntarily went under my command after that certain event that I just mentioned.