Stealing Spree

"Have you heard?" Furtively coming over to my side while everyone was busy, Shiina began with that question.

It lacked context but it's pretty understandable considering she's like Sawano. Additionally, with her connection, she'd be more informed than him.

I glanced at her and nodded before putting my attention back to the onion that I was chopping.

"Mhm. Someone got caught. He's gutsy, I guess."

Presently, I was once again among the representatives who were picked to cook our breakfast – Ah. No. I became one of the volunteers again among the Class Presidents. I didn’t really have a choice when everyone’s eyes pointed at me when Sawano and Shiina called for a volunteer.

I could’ve refused, of course. But it’s not like I’ll be able to slack off while waiting for the food to be served. This way, I could once again bond with my girls who joined our crew.

In any case, since my role was the same as yesterday, Kobayashi asked me to help his class with these onions. The two girls in charge of it gave up after their eyes started tearing up uncontrollably. They made the rookie mistake of staring at it intently.

Thanks to that, Shiina found a window to approach me like this. Maybe if not for holding up her position as the leader of the Camp Managers, she’d draw nearer to help with this task just so she could have the excuse to be closer to me.

Anyway, Shiina was amused at my words. It made her chuckle.

"Indeed. He is gutsy to think he could sneak in.” She paused for a moment, lowering the volume of her voice. “You see. I thought it was you at first. I almost ran out to check. Thank God, it’s not you or else…"

“Or else? Will you help me get away with it?”

“Yes. Is there a problem?”

This woman… She’s not kidding. She wouldn’t hesitate to help me if the guy who got caught turned out to be me. I had no idea if it was just her dedication to me or if she wanted to prove herself.

“I appreciate the sentiment but Shiina-san, that doesn’t feel right.”

“I know. But that’s the least I can do for you.”

I stared at her for a few seconds, causing her to be a little stiff at the pressure coming from my gaze. Then, I shook my head.

“No, Shiina-san. You should scold me too if I ever got caught in that kind of situation. You see. I’d rather be disciplined than have you get implicated by my actions.”

While it was making me feel warm and fuzzy to hear that she was willing to go that far for me, I just couldn’t accept it. In the first place, it’s my decision to sneak in, not hers.

That made her pout unhappily. But since she understood my point, she put that matter to rest.

She stayed with me for a few more minutes before continuing with her task of supervising everyone.

Soon, I also finished with the onions and handed it over to Kobayashi.

I thought of returning to Kanzaki and the others but Umeda pulled me over to help them when I passed by. Unlike yesterday, Maaya wasn’t among the other two students from Class 3 who volunteered. She probably wanted to do so but two girls from their class stepped up before her. Due to that, even Shirai was spared from this task.

Not expecting that I was going to be sandwiched by the two girls when she brought me over to help, I saw Umeda clicking her tongue as though her plans were thwarted as unhappily did her task on the side.

Well, I knew she was going to be mischievous when she pulled on my arm. She’s the type who would only behave if you got her flustered, after all.

Most likely, because she ended up being teased by us yesterday, coupled with the fact that I also invited her for a dance, Umeda was thinking of getting even today.

Unfortunately for her, she couldn’t even get that chance.

Anyway, I pretended to focus on helping the two girls just to annoy her more. I don’t know what’s her deal but her playful nature was giving me the urge to tease her whenever possible. That way, I could slowly chip away at her smugness until she eventually becomes docile.

Recalling our short conversation during that dance, she’s not really like that originally. It became like a mask for her to prevent herself from being made fun of.

Or so she said.

But in my eyes, she’s someone who tends to be insecure and unlike me, she’s easily affected by the rumors about her. So as much as possible, she’s portraying herself as the playful girl who was borderline annoying.

That’s just my assumption, of course. With how short that conversation was, I wouldn’t claim to understand her character completely.

When I finished helping out the two girls, I went over to Umeda’s side and startled her by whispering close to her ear, “You know, you should’ve been more straightforward if you wanted my help. Why did you step back?”

Along with a surprised yelp, the girl almost hit me with her elbow. With a flustered expression, she replied, “You’re asking me that? Weren’t you pleased that you didn’t have to deal with me?”

“Maybe?”

“See! You’re not even denying it… Ugh. Anyhow, it doesn’t matter. You still helped us out. How is it being sandwiched by girls?”

This girl. What is she getting at with this question?

“How? Well, it’s alright. I’m used to it.”

Hearing that answer, Umeda rolled her eyes before staring at me with an incredulous expression.

“... It’s amazing how you can say that in a straight face.”

“Should I be flustered?”

“No. It doesn’t suit your character.”

Right. It doesn’t But then again, my girls could always make me flustered, especially when we’re alone. Naturally, Umeda wouldn’t know about it.

“Sure. Well then, if there’s nothing else. I’ll get going.”

Upon saying that, I stepped away from her side. I thought she’s going to stop me but I guess I was overthinking this. She just nodded and smiled in gratitude, thanking me for my assistance.

Like Arisa, she’s a good girl if you take off the layer of playfulness.

After Class 3, I also stopped by Class 2. I mean, Komoe was one of the two girls who volunteered apart from their class president. To make up for not being able to visit her last night, I spent some time next to the girl, helping her out with her tasks.

Naturally, I didn’t make it so obvious to avoid getting more attention.

Following that, I finally got to return to my girls’ side. Mio, as our class president, was naturally the one in charge. And this time, Nami and Satsuki were the volunteers.

Together, we finished the dish that we were in charge of while taking our chances at bonding whenever an opportunity arose.

Just like this, the second day of this camping trip progressed smoothly.

After breakfast, we were immediately sent to start our next activity.

Since there’s free time in between activities, I did the same thing as yesterday; visiting the girls’ area and trying my luck if I can get in.

I failed both times though. But still, it’s a fruitful journey.

The first time, I ran into Shiina who attempted to bring me back to their cabin again. But because the Dean and some of the professors didn’t leave for a walk, she settled on accompanying me for a walk.

Then, during the next free time, I found Sara on the pathway to the girl’s side.

However, she’s not alone.

She’s with her boyfriend. Although I could only see his back frame, I wouldn’t mistake that coward with someone else.

Judging from the atmosphere around them, I can sense that she’s not here to meet with him. Rather, he probably brought her out here to talk.

“Sara, why are you being so cold to me? Did I do something wrong again? Yesterday, you didn’t tell me you were going back to your cabin to sleep. I could’ve looked after you. And last night, I messaged you but you didn’t show up.”

Ah… I see. So that’s what this is about… She must’ve been giving him a cold shoulder since yesterday.

It’s not because of me, is it?

Yeah. Right… As if that’s the case.