Stealing Spree

Like Eguchi-sensei said, after we all returned from running, she had us sit on the ground to listen to her lecture about a topic in Physical Education.

Because Eguchi-sensei had me stay behind, I was the last one to return to the Gymnasium, giving me no choice but to sit at the back.

Furthermore, it also robbed the chance for Nami and the others to crowd around me.

Well, it would be too obvious if they stood up and walked towards the back. That’s why I had them remain where they were sitting. At least, they’re together with the other girls and not around the other guys in our class.

In any case, there’s still one girl who could move without being suspected.

As soon as our gazes met, Rae, slowly but surely, inched closer to me.

Twenty minutes into Eguchi-sensei’s lecture, Rae reached my side and stayed there acting nonchalantly on the surface.

And in the remaining time for the PE, we just enjoyed each other’s company without drawing too much attention.

With Eguchi-sensei’s notoriety among the students, none of them did something excessive like turning their heads away or doing something else during her lecture.

And that actually gave us that chance.

Within that timeframe, Rae first sat by my side. Then when I got the chance, I reached for her hand.

Following that, we once again slowly moved wherein Rae would be out of Eguchi-sensei’s line of sight. Behind the tallest guy in our class.

And using that blindspot, I placed myself behind her and let her use my chest as her backrest while my arms were clasped around her navel. While pretending I was listening to Eguchi-sensei, we also began conversing with one another through whispers.

Ah. No. It was mostly Rae who talked.

I listened to her progress on getting used to thinking for herself and how she started joining in the discussion of her friends without turning it awkward because of how she’s only presenting her knowledge.

Honestly, she’s already far from the girl of a month ago. The change in her was too fast or rather she’s that adaptable. When she found out the positive effect of what I told her, she diligently worked on it.

All that was needed for her change was that push on the back that I gave her. And that remained the thing she’s most thankful for.

“It also became the origin point of why I can accept you in my life. For you, it might be just a small thing but for me, it’s the trigger to my change. And I love you so much for it, Ruki.”

Rae’s whispers ended with that. She once again stealthily returned to their class’s side as soon as we heard that Eguchi-sensei’s lecture was about to finish.

That was risky, I know. But it’s all calculated in the end. We got quality time even if we’re in the middle of a lecture. Seeing how comfortable and happy Rae as well as hearing the progress on her side during that time was enough to sweep away any negative thoughts about being caught.

I guess I also owed that time to Eguchi-sensei for painting herself as someone scary which made the other students listen attentively to her.

In any case, with me becoming her Student Assistant, I’d put that under the tab of the perks I could receive from her.

When Eguchi-sensei dismissed us, Satsuki told me that she’s going to keep my uniform in her locker in the meantime.

The risk of going inside their clubroom was already higher now that it’s the Mentor Program time. There were pairs of Mentors and their Mentees using that part of the Gymnasium to look for places to conduct their imparting of knowledge.

After I agreed to that, I separated from her and walked towards the five girls crowded together and discussing amongst themselves. Naturally they’re my girls, pretending to stay behind because of their discussion when in fact, they’re waiting for me to approach them.

After checking on Aya, Hina, Saki and Chii, the four left the Gymnasium together, leaving Nami behind with me.

They probably picked up that Nami was unusually quiet. Moreover, being two individuals who could somehow understand each other even without words, I discerned that silence as her way to say that she wanted to be alone with me.

Whether they talked about it or not, I had no idea.

As the students inside the Gymnasium began to thin out, I grabbed her hand and discreetly walked towards the other side of the Gymnasium and left from that side door.

“Where do you want to go?” I asked the girl beside me after I finished checking our surroundings.

“Anywhere, Ruu. You already guessed why I stayed behind, right?”

“Well, without you saying it, it will stay as a guess. Or my Nami is just missing me.”

I smirked and that earned me a burst of stifled laughter from Nami. And since she said anywhere, I kept my hold on her hand as I began walking.

“You’re really something, huh? Of course, I miss you. Come and give me a kiss.” Nami jokingly commanded along with her lovely giggles.

And following my words, I stopped in my steps for a while and checked our surroundings. After making sure that it’s clear, I lowered my head and took her lips like she requested.

Once that’s done, I smilingly pinched her cheeks before resuming our walk.

We still had a few minutes before the official time of the Mentor Program so it’s fine to spare this moment with this girl.

“Hey Ruu, is it bad that I’m already used to us eating our lunch together? You see, I think I got a little grumpy back there at the cafeteria earlier...”

What she felt was understandable. It had already become our daily routine to meet and spend the lunch break in that clubroom. Satsuki and the others only joined recently. Originally there’s only the two of us. That’s why suddenly changing it surely made some kind of impact on her.

“It’s not bad, I also felt that. Anyway, did Ogawa get a scare from you?”

“... Un. He did. He acted as if we’re back to normal. I gave him a reality check. But don’t worry, with how chaotic the cafeteria with that many students, our relationship remained inside our circle.”

“I see. That guy assumed because you suddenly stopped seeing me during lunch.”

And that’s one other effect of changing our routine. But since it’s Nami, she handled it flawlessly.

It’s just a bit sad on both our part that we needed to make sure that no one else would know about our relationship...

However, we could only live through it... It’s better to transform the negative thoughts about it into motivation to do better rather than overthink about it again.

“Yes... But that’s fine. I still like him as a friend and if he can move on from me then all the better... And you better not think of apologizing.” Nami stopped in her steps, puffed her cheeks and pinched my nose.

As I expected, the girl predicted that I might do that.

Anyway, she’s right and that’s in line with my thoughts just now. What good will my apology do? It will just complicate things again.

I already learned my lesson last Sunday. As much as possible, I’ll stop myself from apologizing to them over my own thoughts. Only when the situation truly deserves an apology or explanation would I do that.

“The circle might’ve been deformed but I believe we can still put it back to normal. Just like how it was before. Naturally, our affection for him will now be gone. And I think that will be better than having that kind of silent competition again.” Nami continued as we resumed our walk.

“Considering how he’s acting today, what Shizu started yesterday is working. Moreover, I think the result will be better if I minimized my interaction with him. What do you think?”

“Yes, I am about to suggest that. But only with Kazuo! Don’t neglect us.”

“This girl... I will never neglect any of you. As if you don’t know me.”

“Oh! I know. You’re the Ultimate Great Pervert, Onoda Ruki.” Nami playfully declared in between her laughs. “What do you think? A befitting title for your stature.”

“It truly is... Even if you’re joking, I cannot deny that title.” I wryly smiled while scratching my cheeks. It’s definitely befitting of me.

“This idiot... I’m joking, of course!” Nami annoyedly glared at me with her cheeks puffed once more. Following that, she’s hastened her steps resulting in our roles changing. If at first I was the one guiding her on this walk, she’s now pulling me with her. As for our destination, to where her feet would drag us.