Stealing Spree

As careless as we were for being caught by Hayashi-sensei, we were still fortunate that it was her; otherwise, it would have been really damaging to Marika’s reputation if it was another teacher or the old principal.

A few minutes after that, Hayashi-sensei scolded us in her office before kicking me out so she could have a private conversation with the girl. Marika also expected but her readiness before coming here had taken a hit from the shame she felt for being caught by her.

Due to that, I didn’t leave right away and stayed for a bit to calm her down first, assuring her that she could be as open as she could to Hayashi-sensei. And backing me up, Hayashi-sensei also guaranteed her that if she ever feels uncomfortable answering a question, she can choose not to answer it.

Hearing that put me at ease. I understood that, despite everything, Hayashi-sensei also cared for Marika’s well-being. She may not be a traditional educator since she simply inherited the school from her family but she’s still someone who would put any student before anything else – maybe except the troublemakers.

I mean, she’s willing to dig into her own pockets to cover the cost of our upcoming camping trip. While I couldn’t predict how other school directors or principals might act in a similar situation, not many would be willing to fund an event that wasn’t within the school’s budget.

Schools, whether public or private, can still be considered business – except those that truly have a free tuition fee and every miscellaneous fee is covered.

That’s why I can put my trust in Hayashi-sensei that she won’t put a one-sided lens to nitpick only on the negatives, instead sees the bigger picture after talking with the people involved.

For sure, to make an unbiased decision, Ichihara Jun would also be invited by her for a talk.

When I left the Administration Building for the second time today, I scanned my surroundings to check if Ichihara Jun or any of his followers were already staking out my presence.

I didn’t find any. There’s not even a hint of their presence at the school gates or anywhere near the three main buildings.

If I have to guess, it’s either he chickened out on confronting me again or they are waiting for me outside. Whichever the case, I couldn’t really care less anymore about whatever he was planning.

Besides, even if I agreed to Shizu and the other girls’ decision to deal with the pompous idiot or repel him away from Marika, it was in the condition of running into him.

And because of that, I still have the freedom to deal with him myself.

But first... I should prepare to leave, right?

Sena’s match will be at the same time as yesterday. They’re already waiting for me there and obviously, I was once again employed to be a stress reliever for her clubmates. Even if that wouldn’t really propel them to winning their matches – as evidenced yesterday – it’s enough for them to go up in the ring and showcase all of their skills.

Fuyu’s tennis match was also at the same time it was held yesterday. With my promise earlier this morning that I’d be there to watch her play, I wouldn’t miss it.

In a way, my plan for today is similar to the past two days. The only difference is ... I will be coming to the venue alone.

And that’s why, as part of my preparation, I decided to do my usual routine of visiting my girls in their respective clubrooms and offices.

First off, I went to find Satsuki who went to the Gymnasium along with her clubmates. They’re going to have a meeting today to watch their opponent’s recorded games and strategize for their match.

As though I was already a part of their club, I was welcomed and invited to sit in by Kawakami-senpai and the others. Satsuki found that amusing but at the same time, she made sure to stick close to me, not allowing anyone to take her spot, not even Eguchi-sensei.

After that, I went to see the adorable forehead girl, Misaki.

The same as yesterday, we got the clubroom for ourselves... Really, they’re so considerate that I was already thinking about asking Shizu to give them a raise in budget…

Misaki listened to my story with enthusiasm as though she was exploring another world through my perspective. She had even gotten infected by my excitement of watching Satsuki win that basketball game. She cheered alongside me and imagined the festive atmosphere when the game ended.

Yep. She’s so adorably innocent that it’s making me more afraid to corrupt her.

Unfortunately, it’s already too late.

A minute after I finished my abridged story of yesterday and the silence consumed us, the girl tugged at my collar and asked me with her innocent and pure eyes.

“Ruki... Kiss. Can you show me how it is done?”

Stumped on how to answer that, I scratched my cheek and forced a smile, “Kiss, huh? Do you know what that means?”

“I do. The same as this hug, it’s a form of intimacy, no?” The forehead girl blinked and looked down, presenting our current situation. My arms wrapped around her and the girl comfortably curled up inside my embrace.

“Yes. That’s correct but where did you pick that up?”

“Uh... I know about it. But you see, the President asked me if we already kissed. I said no and she looked horrified. Is it that bad?”

Aha! So, it’s the club president’s fault!

Ugh... I know, it’s only a matter of time before Misaki brings that up herself. Still, what a mess. I should have a talk with her for corrupting my girl’s mind… What good will it do though? Ugh.

“It’s not bad but...”

“But?”

I stopped my words there and Misaki tilted her head, imploring me to continue.

Haa. This girl’s purity is like holy water to me who is a demon. I feel like I’m being burned.

Anyway, what happened to Maaya teaching her this kind of knowledge? Has she not reached this topic yet? Possibly

“... it’s not something you can ask someone to show. You have to mean it. Also, most of the time, it’s something you don’t ask for, it will happen naturally.”

I tried to be as concise as possible but with her innocent eyes focused on me, I could feel my back sweating.

How was it this hard to explain to someone I pampered a lot? I guess this was just my desire to continue protecting her from being corrupted.

Marika’s innocent eyes sparkled at my answer and as though she had reached an epiphany, the girl pulled herself up, leveling her head with mine.

Then as an affectionate smile bloomed from her lips, she pushed her head forward, pressing her lips with mine.

One second, two seconds, three…

With her arms wrapping around my head, the girl gradually closed her eyes.

I could’ve reacted and stopped her but seeing that eagerness in her eyes, I found myself not being able to muster any strength.

And the same as what I always felt with my girls, the restraint holding my affection for the girl gradually loosened.

Supporting her innocent endeavor, I pressed a hand on her back and gently pulled her closer, relaxing her posture.

Following that, my lips parted open to give her my honest response.

She already started it. What else can I do, right?