Stealing Spree

"Hey, Onoda-kun. Can you stay for a bit?"

On my way out after bringing Shio's teaching materials to the neighboring classroom, Watanabe ran up and stopped me from going. She did it so casually that even I was a little taken aback.

But thinking about it, we’re both in the Student Council and this wasn’t the first time we’re talking to each other. The attention that I thought would be, at least, considerable was swept away instantly.

I guess that’s pretty much normal. Despite still being a hotshot from all the rumors surrounding me, losing interest in a normal interaction like this was understandable.

They’re not paparazzi who would want to know everything about me. Only those spicy rumors that would make them gasp in amazement or disgust.

Anyway, I turned around from that call and found Watanabe sporting an impish grin. Whatever was running through her head, I could only imagine it to be related to her fun.

She once again looked spirited as if her concern from the last time had already been solved and she was back to her full interest in my romcom situation.

Not far from behind her, I also spotted Komoe who was just pleased to see me. Since I kind of put her on the sidelines yesterday at the Student Council, I kept in contact with her through the messaging app which somehow made up for it.

Well, she misunderstood Shizu and decided that she had to do better to be deserving of the same treatment as my girls. Not taking the lead in approaching me today was probably a part of that.

There’s also Yanagi Kaede but even though I converted her from a stalker to a friend, she opted not to show that to her class openly. She simply remained in her seat, admiring me from there.

When I openly waved my hand to her, some of the boys – those who were probably trying to woo her – warily looked at me.

I ignored that and so was Kaede. She smiled and waved back before slumping down on her desk.

Watanabe, who caught that small interaction and was still waiting for my reply, snorted and began scribbling on her notes again. As for Komoe, it’s as if she found another rival in the making. She alternately looked between us before eventually deciding to come to Kaede’s side, perhaps to ask what’s her connection to me.

And with that, Watanabe and I got left alone. I walked out of their classroom and she followed. This way, no one would hear our conversation even if only a few of them were seemingly interested.

"Stop scribbling there. I’m already staying. What is it that you want to talk about?" I addressed the girl who immediately hid her notes behind her.

And then while giggling in a good mood, she said, “Pfft. It’s nothing too important but I think I have to say it to you directly.”

“Stop putting me in suspense, will you? Alright. Let me guess. Is it about you and Masato-senpai?”

As if I hit the right mark, the girl immediately stopped and stared straight at me.

“Eh? How did you manage to guess that?”

“Girl. Between the two of us, there are only a few things that we do talk about. If it’s not about me, then it’s about you. Did you reconcile?”

“We do. We’re not really fighting, just so you know. I just… cleared things to him and he understood. Thanks to you.”

“Oh? Congrats then. But ‘thanks to me’? What did I even do?”

If I recall correctly, I didn’t even talk to him yesterday and I spent my time in the Student Council just pampering Shizu.

“He said after talking with you, he sorted things out in his head. He apologized for doubting me and it’s wrong for him to act like that based on his own assumption. He took me on a date yesterday.”

Ah… I see. So the help I rendered wasn’t but last week when he questioned me about Watanabe. I assured him that nothing was going on and this girl was simply appointed to help me.

But then again, I didn’t even give him advice back then. He sorted out his shortcomings by himself if he truly meant that apology.

On one hand, it could be sincere but on the other, it sounded more like a bait for Watanabe to slip on. If the girl revealed what exactly was happening between us then he’d have a justification to be mad at me.

In any case, if Watanabe was this pleased by Masato-senpai’s apology and subsequent actions then… I was probably overthinking it.

“Wow. If I’m hearing you correctly… Are you here to brag about your date? Good for you, huh?”

“Eh? Wait. That’s not what I…”

Perhaps realizing that it’s actually how she’s acting, the girl’s face immediately turned to shock before an embarrassed expression replaced her elated look.

“Well, don’t beat yourself to it. I’m glad you settled your difference. If there’s something I can take away from that brag, it means you can work more efficiently for me from now on. I’m looking forward to your hard work.”

“That… Onoda-kun, that’s sly!”

“Girl, you set yourself on an easy difficulty. That’s not even the extent of how sly I can be.”

I don’t even see how sly that is. But this girl… She’s probably expecting me to praise her and not just congratulate her, right?

I don’t really know what’s going on in her head but at the very least, she’s already proven herself helpful in some situations. I should make use of her more. She’s going to be pleased about it anyway.

Let’s see… What about this…?

“Alright. You can pause pooling news for me, Watanabe. Instead, look after Komoe and Kaede for me, alright? Also, if you can approach Kujou-senpai again, I’ll appreciate it.”

Right. Given that this girl was willing to do more for me, perhaps to satisfy whatever interest she has in our situation, I should take advantage of that.

Of course, it’s not an excessive request and it’s up to her to do that.

She already approached Marika last week, she can do it again. That way, I can have someone close to me near her. As for Komoe and Kaede, I only added it to confuse her a little. They’re already classmates and friends with each other. Even if I didn’t ask her for that, she’s still going to look after them, much like when she requested for me to motivate Kaede again.

Upon hearing that, Watanabe took a few seconds before his eyes glittered brightly. Then with another one of her weird salutes, she happily declared, “Roger that. See you at the Disciplinary Office later Onoda-kun. I’ll report to you.”

This girl… Would you look at that? She’s now more proactive. I didn’t even mention needing a direct report and yet here she was presenting it by herself.

If Masato-senpai heard this, I wonder what his reaction would be.

Soon after that, I watched Watanabe run back to their classroom and I returned to ours.

Unfortunately, even if I have time, all the advisors of Year 1 and Year 2 were called back to the Administration Building through the intercom and that included Shio, of course.

From what I heard from her, it’s probably related to the upcoming camping trip. While the event would be handled by Setsuna-nee and Juri’s college department, teachers would still be there to supervise us.

They’re going to hold a meeting there to prepare for it.

On the bright side, the first few minutes of the 2nd period were going to be another free time.