Stealing Spree

Without any mishaps happening on the road, the bus arrived at the venue ahead of time. The moment that Satsuki and I shared wasn’t that long and we didn’t really go at it like we’re starved for each other. Well, our desire was obviously ignited but we held back just because it’s impossible to hide when every few minutes, someone would stand up.

Some of the members would also join us at times. They would be scolded by Kawakami-senpai or Kanno-senpai though, saying they should read the air. In any case, to make it less awkward, we just moved out of that place and joined the others a few seats ahead.

Eguchi-sensei possibly wanted to sit with us too but since it’s her job to look after everyone, she could only sometimes visit us. Sometimes she would sit behind us to converse with me in whispers.

Anyway, once the bus stopped at its parking space, everyone started moving.

While most of them instantly went ahead to prepare their waiting room, I helped out in carrying the supplies and other equipment that they needed.

They’re not heavy and anyone from the team could carry them but shouldn’t I at least work my muscles for them?

I convinced myself that I was helping the team for both Satsuki and Eguchi-sensei’s sake.

The first hour after settling down in their designated waiting room, Eguchi-sensei called for a small meeting while the others who had yet to eat breakfast were eating.

Since there was nothing for me to do, I went to the side to prepare hot drinks for them; either tea, coffee, milk, or chocolate. Thankfully, they had it prepared.

However, while doing so, some of their members approached me.

“Onoda-kun... That... You don’t have to trouble yourself for it. It’s our duty.” says one of the second years, looking troubled at seeing me doing their job for them.

“R-right. You can sit down and relax there.” says another who already moved to my side to take over. She’s the other first-year student who joined the club but unlike Satsuki, she’s not that good yet. Hence, she’s doing odd jobs as a junior. I think she’s from Class 3 since I’ve seen her in their classroom whenever I visited Maaya and Misaki. I just don’t know if she’s aware of my closeness to them though. Probably yes.

Anyway, I turned around to face them and smiled, “It’s fine. I can do this for you all today. I just need help on what everyone prefers.”

I also added that since this was a rare occasion, they could leave things like this to me and they could relax and listen to their small meetings too.

Well, that worked quite well – possibly more than that since they both got flustered and covered their faces that were about to turn red.

Luckily, they quickly recovered from it and they listed which drink each member preferred.

When they walked back to their seats, Orimura-sensei, who also had nothing to do, approached me. I noticed her presence and glanced at her.

She had this sarcastic smile as if she was finding my act laughable, “So, even the other members aren’t safe from your grasp, huh? Good job, Onoda.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, sensei. It’s a normal conversation, no?” I feigned ignorance and just continued what I was doing.

However, she’s probably not going to let it go.

“True. It is normal but haven’t you noticed how they act around you? You’re emitting this awful charisma that makes girls drawn to you.”

Awful charisma? Which is it? A positive or a negative trait? Ah. She’s just seeing that negatively.

“Uh. I think that’s not my fault anymore, sensei. I’m only acting normally. Should I act brusquely and turn them off with my behavior? That’ll be even more awful.”

“Look at this student...” She clicked her tongue in annoyance but she knew her argument was already cut down. She couldn’t accuse me of anything I wasn’t doing. But then again, it’s making me wonder why she’s so hellbent on taking me down in this way. Pettiness perhaps?

“I heard even our Sachi is looming around you. What the hell did you do?”

“Oh. Sachi is a friend, sensei. And like you said... it must be my charisma drawing her in.” I told her the truth which she surely would deny again.

From this, isn’t she just making things hard for herself? If she’s going to interrogate me like this, it would end up fruitless.

In any case, I didn’t stop with my task. While she nagged at my side, I finished it. And as a solution to stop her from it, I handed her a tray full of cups to distribute to the girls.

She looked enraged but she couldn’t say no to it. And following after her, I also did the same.

Eguchi-sensei, Satsuki and the rest of the Basketball Club thanked us before continuing their meeting.

And when we returned to that side, Hayashi-sensei finally decided to let it go. She’s still annoyed though but I couldn’t care less about it anymore.

Thanks to her newfound silence, my focus turned toward Eguchi-sensei’s voice.

The small meeting was her usual pep talk and introduction to the team they’re going to face today. The 1st seed of the tournament. The one expected to win and get further in the prefectural tournament.

Each of their players is apparently considered famous within the city. Not just because of their skills but also their appearances.

Well, I haven’t seen them yet so... I can’t say I agree with that sentiment. And even if I do, I doubt they’ll top any of my girls.

Ten minutes later, I excused myself out of the room to scout outside. Of course, I'm not scouting for any couple. I graduated from that already.

I just thought I should at least check out the other athletes or maybe tour the whole venue to broaden my horizons.

Today was a busy day for this place, after all. Not only the Basketball Club, half of the qualified sports would be holding their final matches today then the rest would be tomorrow – for example, the boxing or tennis finals.

However, as if she was waiting for that chance, Orimura-sensei followed after me.

Really, what’s wrong with this woman?

“Oi, where are you going?”

I stopped and glanced back at her. “Just outside? Why? Does sensei like to accompany me? Are you not afraid of my awful charm? Or maybe you’re already subjected to it?”

Yep. I intentionally bring that up to provoke her. Maybe that would make her take a step back, right?

I mean, if I want a companion to walk around, I’d prefer someone who’s not going to nag at me at every chance she gets.

“You’re being rude right now, Onoda. I’m still your teacher. Can’t you tone down your condescending attitude?”

“Sensei, I’m not being rude, you’re just seeing me as one because of how you’re seeing me like some kind of enemy you need to cut down. I may be brash but I still respect you as a teacher. Besides, don’t I still owe you one?”

Well, she’s probably also not wrong because the way I talked to her was more dismissive than respectful. Maybe I was also tired of her bullshit but anyway, I truly still feel indebted to her.

Orimura-sensei’s forehead creased and she immediately put a hand to cover it, looking glum, she clicked her tongue again before exhaling.

Her stiff body visibly relaxed and her expression improved a bit.

“Alright. It’s my mistake. But wherever you’re going, I’ll accompany you.”

“Uh. I can’t say no to that, right?”

“No. I decided. I’ll keep watch over you. Who knows how many girls you’ll charm on your way out.”

“I don’t know if I’ll take that as a compliment or not.”

“Don’t give meaning to it, shameless brat. Hurry up.” With a frown, the woman hastened her steps and strode past me.

I stared at her back and shook my head... Yeah. She’s a troublesome woman.