Stealing Spree

“Hey, Onoda. Are you sure you didn’t pick wrong? Shouldn’t you be with the girls?”

Scratching his head as he followed behind me, Sakuma inquired. He’s honestly confused why I, who would rather spend time with my girls than deal with his antics, called for him.

While he was aware that Setsuna-nee should be in our school today, he hadn’t made any plans to meet up with her. Either he’s chickening out or he already doomed himself to not make any progress.

From how I found him ready to go to his club. Maybe to pass the time until our class’s departure to the venue.

While it’s already okay for everyone to leave, Satsuki’s match would be at most, two hours from now. There's still plenty of time to do other things such as club activities. And thinking about it, if ever our basketball team wins, the final match may not even be held today due to how unfair it would be for the winner of this upcoming match to play again after only an hour or two of rest.

“What? You still don’t get why I called for you. Dude, I’m giving you an opportunity.” I answered, giving him a rather belittling side glance.

Sakuma awkwardly laughed like a fool as he finally managed to complete the puzzle.

Then as energetically as possible, he ran to catch up on me, his nose flaring wildly as he tried to make himself appear confident. Too bad, it just made him look more like a clown.

“You’re a brother to me, Onoda. I won’t forget this.”

“Save your thanks when you actually made progress. Hearing about you from Setsuna-nee, it’s not looking bright.”

“Eh? What did she say?”

“Nothing much.” I shrugged.

Recalling the few instances that Sakuma was brought up a few days ago, I could only count it on one hand. And most of it was the result of Juri and I bringing up his name to the table.

Like Juri said, Setsuna-nee might be comfortable with Sakuma but she had yet to see him as more than a little brother who she could always tease.

Though she could be wrong with that assumption, I could base on our recent interaction that Setsuna-nee’s head was only filled with her little sister’s well-being. In fact, between Sakuma and me, Setsuna-nee most likely thought of me more times than him even if they’re all on a negative note because of her previous prejudice. And even now that we settled our differences and she told me she’d do her best not to act that prude whenever she sees me, the girl would still think of me more but in a different light than before.

“Ugh. If that’s true, I’d rather hear that she’s making fun of me than only becoming an afterthought.”

“Heh. So, you’re at least aware that you need to be someone that she can always think of even if it’s not at all positive. But Sakuma, remember, it’s all about your effort. And honestly, you shouldn’t force yourself to act differently around her. Just be yourself. Follow my example.”

Well, when I said example, I didn’t mean my shamelessness to make a lot of girls fall in love with me. Hopefully, he could understand that.

Sakuma went silent for a while. Possibly attempting to understand what I meant. And that lasted until we reached the Administration Building.

The guy pulled himself back to reality just before we ascended the stairs.

With a clenched fist as though he was crushing something within his palm, the idiot looked up at me with renewed determination.

“Just be myself. Okay. I’ll follow that advice.”

“Sure, whatever.” I shrugged again, dismissing his attempt to look cool.

If not for Setsuna-nee and Juri sticking together, I wouldn’t really need him here... In my head, he’s just a distraction for me so that I could spend some time with the girl.

“Dude, I can feel your encouragement from that.” He bitterly smiled but at least his resolve hadn’t been dispersed.

Let’s see. His determination wasn’t actual shit when he still hadn’t made a lot of progress with the time given to him these past few weeks.

I should rile him up further. The more Setsuna-nee could focus on him, the better it would be for Juri and me.

“Is that not enough for you? What about this? Time is ticking. Who knows when my interest in Setsuna-nee will bloom? Do you want a repeat of what happened before?”

Sakuma’s face darkened instantly upon hearing that. In fact, he even flinched as though he was about to take up an offensive stance against me. He managed to control himself and eventually issued a set of awkward laughter.

“You can’t be serious, Onoda... Even if that’s a joke, my heart stopped for a moment. You’re not that cruel, right?”

“Hmm? What do you think?” I looked straight at him and slightly tilted my head without any change in my expression.

Sakuma loudly gulped down as a cold sweat ran down his face. He’s feeling the pressure.

And that’s good.

Indeed, I was just joking there. But given that I was the one who delivered those words and he was aware of what I was capable of, that’s enough to be considered a threat.

If he didn’t step up here, he might lose his shot to make Setsuna-nee fall for him.

“I’m not the type to joke around, Sakuma. You know that well. That’s why I told you I’m giving you this opportunity.”

I left him another reminder before continuing to ascend the stairs.

He froze there for a moment. Nonetheless, he soon returned catching up to me not long after.

“Oh! They’re here, Setsu.” Juri exclaimed as soon as I stepped into the room with Sakuma.

The excitement in the girl’s voice couldn’t be concealed anymore. She once again threw her propriety out of the window for me. They’re in their usual outfit that college women often wear.

As always, Juri looked like a fashion model no matter how simple her clothes were. Her presence alone was enough to give her that vibe. On the other hand, as the short-stacked version of Satsuki, Setsuna-nee’s chest was the focal point of her outfit. Despite trying to make it inconspicuous by making it a little tight there, the clothes she picked actually did the opposite. It managed to emphasize how big she truly is.

In any case, I only gave Setsuna-nee a passing glance, just enough to say hello with my eyes before focusing my attention on the girl standing behind her.

On the surface, she’s waving her hand at Sakuma and me but with her eyes locked solely to me, I didn’t really need to guess what’s in her head at the moment.

To make a situation where we could be alone...

“I know, Juri. I’m seeing them with you. What is this? When did you become like this?” Although puzzled at how her friend acted, Setsuna-nee wasn’t really that bothered by it.

This room wasn’t the infirmary or anything but something close to a guidance counseling room. There are chairs and tables but no label can be seen outside.

When I received Juri’s message earlier, she said that they’re going to wait in the room next to the infirmary so it’s not hard for us to find it.

“Don’t mind me, Setsu. I’m just happy that we get to see them like this. Shouldn’t we tell them the result of the meeting?” Juri answered before gesturing to us to come in and sit across from them.

Ah. No. She moved to the opposite side and sat across Setsuna-nee. Due to that, the chairs next to them automatically became our designated seats.

Sakuma cautiously walked towards the seat next to Setsuna-nee. Likewise, I unhesitatingly dragged myself next to Juri.

While the two across from us were awkwardly greeting each other, Juri stretched out her hand below the table.

Understanding her intention, I grabbed it, entwining our fingers together.

Juri’s lips stretched into a beautiful grin as her excitement got magnified. If Setsuna-nee and Sakuma weren't around, I doubt she could hold herself back from throwing herself at me.

Well, I could say the same to myself. She’s becoming another irresistible honey for me... Furthermore, with how we both held back last night, my head was already in the process of making plans on how to fully utilize the time we have in our hands.

“Ruki, I’m in your care today.” Juri sweetly whispered while acting like she was going to fix the fringes of my hair.