Stealing Spree

Upon exiting the Administration Building, Juri and I didn’t have any set destination apart from the excuse she used for our exit; walking her around the school.

With the classes for the day already over, students littered the school grounds. They were either going to their clubs or just wandering as well to pass the time. It’s still just midday so few were rushing to go home.

We walked past a lot of them and more often than not, we’d be gathering their attention even if they’re locked in their own conversations.

It’s probably because of my recognizable face and the head-turning capability of Juri’s charm. It’s the usual recognition of me being the Disciplinary Officer and the boundless rumors surrounding me. But for Juri, both boys and girls would be mesmerized by her elegant aesthetic.

Well, I couldn’t blame them for that, I would do the same if I were in their shoes. Besides, Juri wasn’t that bothered by the attention. She’s already used to an excess of it for being a model.

However, since she was opting to protect me from further rumors or simply to not become an addition to the troubles I was facing because of my popularity – or notoriety, whichever was the most prominent between the two – she refrained from clinging to me or outright showering me with her affection.

That’s fine for me. Because every time we would reach an area where no one was around, she wouldn’t miss that opportunity.

First, at the side of the School Building and later on, behind the Club Building.

Obviously, I matched her friskiness to the point that we almost got caught again because of getting so lost in it.

After that, we just continued our walk while conversing about other things. Trivial or not, it provided us with more information about each other. She also brought out a small digital camera with her to capture the nostalgic scenery of the school for herself. Also, whenever she would find a good spot, we'd also take a photo together.

Minutes later, we were on our way back after circling the Gymnasium.

Juri was humming jubilantly next to me as her great mood showed no signs of ending.

“It’s been a while since I’ve taken a walk on this ground. The last time I was here, I went straight with you there.” She said while pointing back at the Gymnasium. With a meaningful smile on her lips, she’s probably reminiscing about the moment we shared there. “You’ve shown how gentlemanly you are. But halfway through, you disappeared somewhere. I kept wondering where you went after bringing us to your classmates... I think I now have an answer for that.”

Juri turned her attention back to me and her eyes narrowed slyly. There’s no need to guess what she’s trying to imply. It’s obvious, after all.

“Mhm. I apologize for that. I have other matters to attend to back then. Important matters.”

“Taking care of your girls, right? Geez. That’s too inappropriate, Ruki. Maybe if I found that out that day, I might not be this accepting of whatever you revealed to me...”

Although there’s a hint of frustration in her voice when saying that, the girl still pulled a bright smile, sweeping away the negative aspects of that realization.

“You still didn’t want to hear all of it though. But you’re right. That information alone should be enough to feel resentment towards me. I picked you and Setsuna-nee up to watch Satsuki’s match and yet... I also spent my time with other girls.”

There’s no need to lie about that anymore. I was more than ready to tell her everything about me, after all. It’s just Juri who’s refusing to be bogged down by it all at once. Much like how Eguchi-sensei wanted to understand me slowly through our future interactions.

Anyway, Juri went silent for a moment, perhaps trying to figure out what to say next.

In the end, she took a step closer to me and asked a question.

“Do you regret it?”

Whatever she meant by that – whether it’s about my audacity to be with my girls during that match or ditching her for them – my answer would never change...

“No.” I looked her in the eyes as I said that, conveying my thoughts on it that couldn’t be put into words.

Juri matched that and inspected my face for a moment before eventually pulling back.

“Yup. This is another reason why I also became drawn to you. You’ve shown no fear at all even if that might lead to a negative outcome. No regrets, hmm? How inappropriate.”

Ending her words with a chuckle, Juri then hugged my arm before poking my cheek multiple times, each one digging deeper than the last.

I guess that’s her way of forcing out her frustration.

When she eventually stopped, her lips landed on my cheek before whispering in a compassionate tone, “Ruki, don’t ever force yourself to change. Your charm lies here. However, I believe you’re already aware of how to adjust yourself to take care of everyone around you. A lot of people will not like it if they find out, however, as long as we believe in you... you don’t need to conform to the outsider’s perspective.”

This woman... She’s not going to stop with her glib tongue... But if that’s her honest thoughts about how I act then... she’s so damn supportive of a playboy. Her propriety was truly taken off of consideration when it comes to me.

She’s so precious that... It's making me lose control of myself. Should I just take her home?

Maybe if I brought that up to her, she might truly bite at it... That’s how much she’s doting on me.

“Mhm. Thank you, Juri. You’re already aware of how I am as a person... I couldn’t care less about anyone but for those I care about, I’ll do everything for them. That’s why I don’t mind pitting myself against anyone if it’s for your sake.”

“Pfft. Are you trying to outdo me in a battle of words?” Juri giggled and this time she pulled her finger back to cup my cheek again and endearingly caressed it.

“No, I’m not. Like always, it’s just my honest thoughts. But well, if that’s how it looks to you, wanna see who will win between us?”

“No. I know I’ll lose against an expert like you.” And her sweet giggles continued.

After a while, we resumed our steps to return. While doing so, she once again started taking photos with her and each time, she would show it to me and ask for my evaluation.

Upon arriving at the vicinity of the Club Building, Juri acted as though she just remembered something.

“Oh. We still have time, right? Why don’t we visit my previous club? If my memory serves me right, I should still have a junior there.”

“Your previous club?”

“Un. Did I forget to tell you? Heh, wanna guess which club it is?”

“You like photography so... the Photography Club?”

I first thought of a modeling club but not only does it not exist in this school or perhaps any other school, but that’s not where her passion lies. Besides, there’s an obvious hint clutched by her hand.

Juri unhappily pouted at my answer, “Was it too easy? Ugh. I shouldn’t have tried to make it a game.”

I smirked at that, finding this a chance to tease her, “You know, I can act like I don’t know and throw wild guesses. Are you up for it?”

“What for?! You do love to tease, huh? That’s correct, it’s the Photography Club. Let’s go and visit them.”

Puffing up her cheeks, Juri grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards the entrance of the Club Building, fully ignoring the other students who were confused as to who she is or why she was dragging me with her.

Well, that’s adorable of her so... I played along. Besides, going to her old club could bring me another treasure trove for things related to her.