Stealing Spree

1826 Not wasting a chance

When Shio finished speaking, everyone once again began their own discussion. Mostly, it’s about what she listed as Dos and Don’ts.

Once we arrived there, we were supposed to line up according to our Student Number, not the seating arrangement. That way, it would be easy for the camp managers to split us into groups.

Originally, the plan was to squeeze in six students in one cabin. But thanks to Hayashi-sensei that was reduced to four.

This means with 12 boys and 19 girls – since Hana transferred in, our class will be split into 8 different cabins. Boys will be divided exactly into 3 cabins while the girls will be divided into five, with the fifth cabin being shared only by three girls.

The other classes’ distribution will be the same.

Apart from that, the cabins will also be split into two different areas to separate the genders. We’ll probably only meet each other during an activity that involves cooperation between boys and girls.

That’s a bummer for a lot but this is actually quite normal.

If one is caught trespassing in the area of the opposite gender then a punishment will be handed out regardless of the excuse they can come up with. The only way for someone to step foot on the other side is if a camp manager who will be the college students from Setsuna-nee and Juri’s department gives someone permission to do so.

For sure, it’ll only be allowed when it relates to an activity or something similar to it.

Casual meetups will be prohibited.

From that, looks like it will take a lot of work for me to sneak in. But well, I’ll find a way to do so. Aren’t I used to be sneaky when I was investigating my target?

Wait... That’s in the past already but then again, it’s like my second nature, you know?

If I get caught then... I’ll accept the punishment.

Anyway, apart from the cabin area, Shio mentioned that there would be three other areas where our activity would be held.

Inside the woods.

Near the stream.

A clearing in the middle of two cabin areas.

She said it might get expanded but generally, that’s all the places we could go to.

I remember the woods since we walked in there during my scouting with Juri and Setsuna-nee. The stream is located further from it. With the hill not really that steep, there are freshwater fishes that can be caught there.

As for the clearing, it’s probably just an open area where they can gather everyone.

Ah. Right... 1st years and 2nd years will also be separated by different hills.

Yep. It’s called Akimitsu Hills for nothing. There are at least five hills next to each other that they’ve developed for use.

The one we visited before was just one of those five.

It’s also prohibited to go to the other hill even though it’s actually easily accessible. But Shio said that there might be an activity that will require both year levels to join up and cooperate.

I’ll look forward to that.

On that side, there will be Shizu, Arisa, Izumi, Haruko, Himeko and Mina. Ah. Right, the orange-haired girl, Yuika-senpai is also a second year. So, they’ll probably be together at some point.

I’m more concerned about Himeko but I guess she’ll be fine as long as she’s with Haruko and the other two.

Arisa and Izumi won’t have any problem. The former is quite energetic as she is playful while the latter always sticks close to her regardless of her mood.

And obviously, Shizu will be fine wherever she is. I just hope she joins up with them. That way, she can relax without having to put on her usual mask.

“Ruki, it looks like I’m really in luck to have this time with you.”

With the softness of her valley bringing me back to the present, I heard Kanzaki’s elated whisper as she once again slipped into her previous state of not wasting this opportunity with me.

“Yeah. But do you think those rules can stop me from meeting up with all of you?”

“Right. If it’s you... impossible, I guess? You can even get your way with us regardless of place and time.”

Kanzaki only thought for a moment before responding with that. Looking at her clear eyes that spoke no falsehood, that’s really what she believed.

“I love that directness. You’re not mincing with your words anymore.” I praised, “And yep. That’s about it. Just wait for me. We have until tomorrow. There’s no way I can’t find an opportunity by then.”

“Pfft. Let’s not talk about things that haven’t happened yet then, Ruki...”

Oh? That’s a surprise. I thought she wanted to hear my silly plan to knock on their cabin’s window and enter from there – as if that was easy! Anyway, this is good too. Kanzaki knows what she wants now. And after getting this chance, she’ll make it worth our while.

“Sure. What do you want to talk about?”

“Hmm... Let’s see. I wonder what will interest you?”

“Anything about you, Mio” I answered in a heartbeat, catching her off-guard.

Using my shoulder to hide her expression, Kanzaki inched closer to me as her muffled voice reached my ear.

“That’s pretty straightforward of you too, Ruki.”

“Why? You should’ve been ready with this. I’ve made up my mind about you. Unless you want me to slow down or stop then... I’ll sprint toward capturing your heart. Or something like that?”

I made it sound a little playful and given how easily someone could hear our conversation here, I spoke in a lower volume.

We’re sitting in the middle row of seats and on the right side of the bus. Kanzaki took the window seat while I took the one directly to the aisle. On our left, there’s actually Miyoshi and one of Fukuda’s lackeys. It’s the one whose name I still couldn’t remember. He’s not Mushitani but his name also has a kanji related to bugs. Is it Hino?

Anyway, whatever it was, they’re the ones closest to us. And it’s to no surprise that Miyoshi was still trying to steal glances at Kanzaki. As for the lackey, he’s just frowning since he knew he’s not my match.

As for those in the row in front and behind us, they’re occupied by my girls. Aya and Satsuki in front then Hana and Chii behind. An-rin and Kushii are on the other side, behind Miyoshi and Hino. As for the pair in front of them, it’s Sakuma and Tadano.

Nami, Saki, and Hina are seated around the front rows so it’s probably impossible for me to see them from where we are sitting unless I stand up.

“I understand now. This is what they meant when they say be careful of your tongue. It’s not about your kisses.” Kanzaki eventually replied after pressing a hand on her chest.

Did I make her heart skip a beat? Maybe. That’s a good sign, no?

“Don’t you find it cringe?”

“Hmm? No. It’s too far from that. You even delivered it with confidence. Ruki, you have that gift to always say the right words, I think? You’re also not holding back with your thoughts. That’s why you managed to open my eyes back then...”

Raising her body for a bit, Kanzaki pushed her face close to mine. With our noses already on the verge of touching, I beautiful smile spread across her lips.

Angling her head so that she won’t be hindered by her glasses, Kanzaki parted her lips, “... Ruki, if you’re out to catch my heart. Can I attempt to do that as well?”

She stopped right before our lips collided. Nonetheless, a small movement of our lips would be enough for them to brush against each other and if I lowered my head just a bit, capturing her lips would be a done deal.

“Wait. You aren’t doing that yet? And here I am falling for you already.”

As I delivered that kind of response, I stretched my arm to her back and eventually held her by her waist.

Kanzaki’s eyes widened not because of feeling my fingers pressing against her soft skin but because of not expecting to hear that from me.

Her face turned bright crimson and the lens of her glasses seemingly fogged up in an instant. She sucked her lips back into her mouth as though she was holding herself back from letting her voice out.

But a moment later, she released them again and pushed in to catch my lips.

Beneath the fogged-up lenses, I could make out her eyes shining in unflinching determination and delight.

“... That’s not fair, Ruki. I’ll lose without even putting up a fight.” She whispered after pulling her head back.

Unfortunately for her, my response is to chase after her. Catching her lips right away, I bridged our bodies’ remaining distance by tightly gripping her waist and tugging her towards me.

“Sorry. I’m called the man of action for nothing, Mio. Besides, only cowards can resist the temptation of your lips.”

I've added that last bit to throw shade over to Miyoshi. Luckily for him, he won't even hear it.