Stealing Spree

1833 Price of being too popular

As soon as Sawano finished speaking, they all turned around to look behind them. There, other college students popped out from somewhere.

Most of them are carrying folded long tables and stools to be set up in this wide, open clearing.

We parted in the middle to give way and as expected, they started putting those down – without setting them up. They’re definitely going to let us do it.

Not long after that, a few more college students appeared carrying small, portable stoves, cooking utensils, dishes, bowls, spoons, and chopsticks.

And obviously, there’s another group bringing in the food supplies. Meat, vegetables, trays of eggs, sacks of rice, and other condiments to be used in cooking are dropped in front of us.

Even without explanation, everyone was already expecting what they would say next.

“To commemorate this day and before we separate you from each other, you boys and girls are going to cook breakfast for yourselves.”

“You have ten minutes to send representatives.

Given that there’s a lot of you here, we’re expecting at least ten from both sides to handle the cooking. Some of you should be capable enough to cook simple dishes, right?”

“Those who will step up as representatives need not worry as the others won’t be idle. They’re also going to do something and not just wait for the food to reach their tables. They will fetch water, set your dining areas, and help wash or cut the ingredients.”

Sawano took a step back after saying all that. Shiina then took over to add more information about the task.

“We’ll be monitoring you and helping out depending on the situation. But with more than 100 of you here, we’re expecting that you’ll be cooperating with each other. Enjoy the moment and have fun eating something you all worked hard for.”

Shiina scanned her eyes around us and put on an encouraging smile. Then, with their explanation done, they all took a step back to let us start discussing amongst ourselves.

Since it would be a joint effort between boys and girls, we both turned to each other’s group while separated by the tables and chairs that had yet to be set up.

At first, no one was saying anything, they’re all trying to gauge the situation.

I also didn’t want to stand out a lot so I simply looked on.

However, as though they were pinpointing the most influential individual around them, everyone started looking at me, even the boys from the other classes.

Furthermore, with the boys parting in front of me, I saw most of the girls also looking in my direction. They’re silently nominating me to lead them through their gazes.

What the hell is this? Is this the curse of being popular? Or is it because I’m someone who everyone knows by name and face now?

Ugh. This is annoying.

If this continued, Shiina and Sara would also find it intriguing that they’re all looking at one student. I should break this situation right away before the college students’ attention also focuses on me.

Putting on the mask of my amiable smile, I stepped forward until I reached the side facing the girls.

“Alright. Looks like I got unanimously voted to have the first say on how we’re going to do this. I apologize for my incompetence but I believe Class Presidents should also step up. Let’s help each other out, shall we?”

Upon saying that, I scanned my eyes behind and in front of me.

I already saw my girls looking wildly entertained at how things progressed. They surely didn’t step up to help me out because it’ll be interesting for them to see me taking the lead.

In any case, with that, I pointed out the supposed leaders of each class.

Obviously, Kanzaki was the first to step out. When our gazes met, my face possibly relaxed into my more genuine gentle expression. That made her rather stern expression crack. In the span of a few seconds, her lovely face adorned by her glasses became a little bashful. Anyone who caught that sure got their voices stolen for a moment.

Then, like most horny boys do, they started murmuring, pointing out how charming she was or how they didn’t know she could look that beautiful. Moreover, I even heard Hino saying, “Ah. It’s over. She’s already head over heels for him.”

That guy has a loose mouth. But that’s fine. He should just keep at it and make the other cucks annoyed.

Anyway, since Kanzaki already stepped out, the other Class Presidents soon did the same. Two more from the girls’ side and one guy.

I looked at the guy. He didn’t look like a Class President material like the other three. He’s probably the same height as me, if not taller by one or two centimeters. His body build was larger but not at all muscular. Quite chubby, I guess? His face wasn’t all that bad. Some girls would possibly find him attractive. And lastly, he’s not slumping on his shoulders. He either has enough confidence in himself or he’s just ignoring any criticisms thrown at him.

I had no idea if he was made fun of and voted to take the role or if he volunteered to do it. Maybe both?

He’s from Class 4 so the other two girls are from Class 2 and 3. I recognized their faces as I probably ran into them once or twice already and exchanged a few words.

The girl from Class 2 has shoulder-length hair and is also wearing glasses like Kanzaki. If I recall correctly, she’s seated right in front of the teacher’s podium. I’ve noticed her quite a few times whenever I would bring Shio’s things into their classroom.

As for the girl from Class 3, she’s an outlier. She’s a short girl with a rather playful personality much like Arisa. Even now, she owned up to it by waving and smiling at me as though we were close to each other.

I didn’t even know her name.

In any case, I still acted amiable and did the same before nodding at the girl from Class 2.

Before long, the guy from Class 4 stood next to me and introduced himself, “Onoda, right? Sorry for making you do this. I’m Kobayashi.”

“It’s fine. I’m probably paying my dues for being too popular.”

“T-that... seems to be right.” He awkwardly laughed at my response.

Now with the five of us stepping up, I brought the guy to meet up with the other three in the middle.

Of course, we didn’t step on the piled-up tables and stacked stools that we had to set up. We took the same spot where the camp managers were standing earlier.

Kanzaki immediately went to my side and we formed a circle to discuss.

As I expected, it was the Class 3 President who first spoke up, owing to her cheerfulness, “Heh. I didn’t expect Onoda-kun to call us out like that. And here I thought I would be off the hook.”

“Umeda-san, that’s rude.” The Class 2 President interjected, calling her out. They’re probably acquaintances as the girl, Umeda pouted at her.

“You can tell me your grievances later, Umeda-san but I can’t do this alone, no? I’m not at all familiar with everyone.”

“Oh. For sure. But you, we all know about you. You’re quite a hot topic. I’m also curious how everyone is gushing out for you.” Umeda smirked and took a step forward. Maybe to look at my face closer.

Seeing that, Kanzaki immediately stepped out, blocking her, “Umeda-san, we’re not here to discuss Onoda-kun, are we? We have to select representatives. I can volunteer to be one, what about you three?”

Umeda meaningfully smiled at Kanzaki but she didn’t push it. She took a step back and nodded. “I will volunteer too if Onoda-

kun here will. And before you can ask me if I’m capable, my family owns a small eatery. I’m quite skilled at the kitchen.”

Alright. This girl was somewhat interesting but at the same time, she smelled like trouble.

With that kind of declaration, Kobayashi and the Class 2 President looked at each other, possibly thinking of the same thing. Are they going to volunteer as well or not?

In any case, it looks like I won’t be able to step out of this situation anymore...

With Umeda setting her eyes on me and Kanzaki possibly wanting to do this task with me... my answer soon came naturally, “Sure. I used to live alone so I also know my way in the kitchen. Only on simple dishes though.”

“Great! Then I’m onboard!” Umeda rejoiced, making Kanzaki perplexed and the other two at a loss of words.

That’s three. Even if all of us volunteered, we still had to fill our numbers up. We’re going to cook for hundreds, it won’t be an easy task.