Stealing Spree

As lively as it is, the first period continued without a hitch. Those who didn't like what we planned were sidelined. No one even bothered to convince them.

What for? So they could disrupt our harmonious mood? No thanks.

They could seethe in anger if they want to but that's all they could amount to. At least, at the current state of things.

On the other hand, those who took part in it had a great time. It became something like a class project for us wherein the interactions between those who were cooperating became mine for a good amount of laughter.

I didn't actively participate in it after I finished one personal banner that I would be using later. Nonetheless, I became some kind of supervisor, watching over everyone.

At one moment, I would be chilling around my girls, observing them on their projects. Then at the next moment, some of our classmates would call for my attention to get my opinion on their work.

The influence of Fukuda and his lackeys had long been overshadowed by how high-key I’ve turned out to be. Not to mention, Chii’s obvious interest in me further lowered whatever prestige he had accumulated as the resident delinquent starting from their middle school days.

The idea that he propped up to me when trying to recruit me into their group had also lost its essence. If they’re only being feared by some weak-willed students – which our class seems to have a lack of – it’s as useless as being the leader of the group without any leadership.

As for Ogawa, there’s no more fight in him anymore. After he went into his deluded phase, the nice guy image of him had long deteriorated. He already lowered himself close to the silent guy. If he doesn’t step out voluntarily, no one will even check if he’s there or not.

Of course, they’re still a bit popular because of their looks but having me in the same classroom as them – the most controversial first-year student – they’re doomed to be the afterthought.

In fact, from what I heard, if someone mentioned Year 1 Class 1, they would always point at me. Even if it was never my intention to stand out, I ironically became the representative of our class in the outside circle.

The thought of Ogawa and Nami being a possible couple had long been erased from everyone's minds. Nowadays, the moment Nami kissed me became the defining moment in our class. It even overshadowed Hana who openly kissed me first.

Because one, Hana immediately showed her interest in me. And two, Nami and Ogawa’s mutual interest in each other were too obvious before.

And that’s why Nami flipping like that was more impactful in everyone’s memory.

Anyway, going back to some of the notable moments during the first period, I’d put Yamada’s antics on top.

The loudmouth once again tried acting as the class clown. He was successful in drawing smiles and raising the jovial mood in the class. However, at the end of it, he approached my side and pitifully muttered something along the lines of, ‘How can I be as popular as you? Am I doing it right?’

The guy approached me for advice too. I handed him over to Sakuma and let the two talk it out with themselves. I only stood by and acted like I was paying attention to them.

I mean, I couldn’t be bothered answering that question when I became popular with unconventional means. Right?

Apart from that… Kanzaki took the initiative to assist me in supervising the class, using her position as our Class President.

At the moment, we’re traversing the quiet hallway together. Our destination? The school store sells supplies to students and teachers alike.

It’s like your mini-stationary supplies store inside the campus, just that it’s owned by the school like the cafeteria.

As it turned out, the supplies that my girls produced were not enough for what our class planned so we’re out to get some more.

Though a lot of supplies were trashed because of some error done by them, it’s not really that big of a deal. They’re just being too passionate about their work.

Given that they’re doing it for Satsuki, I didn’t mind running a small errand like this.

As for why Kanzaki followed me, she volunteered to accompany me. She took the opportunity before my girls could even present themselves as another volunteer. And with the two of us not doing anything extensive compared to the others, Shio gave the green light for us to go together.

Of course, she hinted at me not to do anything funny, or at least, stick to our objective first. She trusted me enough to be responsible, after all. Just that, she also knew that if given the opportunity, I could also take advantage of the moment for my convenience.

She experienced it herself back then.

“Onoda-kun, are you going to come out with your relationship with them?”

Breaking the silence between us, Kanzaki started with that question. I glanced at her and found her wincing. Perhaps because she realized how forward her question is.

She’s probably trying to be very careful on how to approach this subject but in the end, she failed to even start at building up on it.

That made me chuckle, honestly.

And upon noticing that, Kanzaki’s interest was piqued.

“It’s not a secret to you anymore but yes, that’s the plan.”

“Huh? Aren’t you being too hasty on that? I thought you were going to keep it low-key.”

“You misunderstand me, President. I didn’t mean it like we’re going to realize it right away. I meant it as our plan for the future.”

“... I see.”

I had no idea if that’s enough clarification but well, I couldn’t go into detail on it. Who knows? Someone might hear our conversation.

“Well, it’ll be ideal for us if society can simply accept it. But for now, we’re fairly satisfied with what we have.”

“It’s amazing to think but at the same time, frightening.”

Kanzaki wryly smiled.

Even though her words were also vaguely explained, I could somehow understand their meaning. It’s simply the same thing that we’re concerned about. No matter how much the girls accept their situation with me, we’d undoubtedly receive so much criticism for it.

That’s just how our normal society works.

“Heh. Thanks for the concern, President. Let me change the topic here. I’m also curious about you. How is your experience at the club?”

“That… If I have to be honest, it’s an eye-opener for me.”

And another wry smile.

Kanzaki then started explaining why that is in a lower volume of her voice.

“Their affection for you is insurmountable. Compared to my interest in you, I’m like a sapling while they’re trees that have been standing for decades… Don’t take it negatively though. They’re all treating me kindly. You saw it yesterday.”

Sapling and trees, huh? I guess she’s not wrong on that. Especially Haruko. That girl had devoted herself to me. Even if there was a year of a gap that she probably thought it’s over, her affection for me never went away. It stood tall, just that, she also became the shade for the others.

And recently, they’re now all standing at the same height, with me as their sun – well, except Minori and Yuika-senpai.

Using the same analogy, Kanzaki was probably overwhelmed because she could only catch the sunlight breaking past the gaps of those trees.

“I know. That’s why I brought you to them. And seeing how you’re enjoying their company, I’m satisfied. In the end, it’s still up to you what you want to do in the future.”

“Un. Thank you, Onoda-kun…”

“Well, there’s no need to thank me. Didn’t I technically push you away?”

I thought she’d agree with that but Kanzaki looked at me with an incredulous expression before giggling to herself, “That’s a good one, Onoda-kun. I never see it as you pushing me away. You’re always checking up on me. Comforting me, even. That’s why… I don’t think my mind will change at all.”

Upon saying that, the girl looked around us. With the classes still ongoing, the chances of another student walking around were low.

And so, upon making sure that no one was around, Kanzaki took the opportunity to walk closer before hooking her arms on mine.

That made her blush instantly but with determined eyes, she bashfully said, “I hope you don’t mind this, Onoda-kun.”