Stealing Spree

Honestly, even though I planned for the incident to end up like this, everything went so smoothly that I didn’t even need to lift a hand or make up a bunch of excuses to get them on my side. While they emphasized that I did more than I should, they easily swept that away to protect me from dealing with the consequences of my actions.

Is it just my luck or is there something else in play? No matter what, I expected some disciplinary action like watching me closely or preventing me from leaving the camp.

However, even as they were about to leave, the Dean only reminded Shiina to escort me back to the gathering area and told me to consider this issue resolved. She said I should focus on the camp more and enjoy the activities they prepared for us.

Well, everything worked in my favor so I should just accept this, right? No point in complicating things more just because of my sense of responsibility. Better to put a cap on it than trouble myself further.

“Let’s go, Onoda-kun. Let me escort you.”

Following the Dean's words, Shiina soon went to my side, pulling me up from my seat.

Since they also had nothing else to do, the other two women in the room followed after us.

Yep. I didn’t have a say in this. With both Juri and Shiina flanking my sides, the best I could do was enjoy the feeling of being sandwiched by them.

Looks like even without saying anything to each other, they already sensed their counterpart’s connection to me.

A meaningful yet crafty smile bloomed from their lips as they silently competed.

On the other hand, Setsuna-nee eventually voiced her confusion about my connection to Shiina. She had no idea, after all. She thought Shiina was here as the representative of the Camp Managers for the 1st years. However, when the woman talked to me in a familiar tone and even attempted to guide me by linking arms with me, alarm bells rang in her head.

They might not be friends but they’re definitely acquainted with each other and perhaps, on good speaking terms.

With creases on her forehead and a frown, she started interrogating Shiina regarding her relationship with me. And occasionally, I would feel her sharp gaze burrowing into me.

At first, I helped clear up whatever misunderstanding that could crop up by telling her how I met Shiina during the hiking trip and how Shiina recognized me today.

That failed to convince Setsuna-nee though. And so, she turned to Shiina, pressing her to tell her side of the story.

Because of this, while Juri and I drew wry smiles at how Setsuna-nee was acting, the rest of our walk back to the gathering area was spent just listening to them as they conversed about each other’s connection to me.

Of course, Setsuna-nee was possibly doing this because of Satsuki. I’m her sister’s boyfriend, after all. Seeing me close to another woman triggered something in her. As for whether her personal feelings are invested in it or not, only Setsuna-nee knows.

In return, Shiina also probed Setsuna-nee about her connection to me.

Satsuki was brought up in the conversation wherein Setsuna-nee sounded like she was flaunting her little sister’s relationship with me as some kind of measure to deter Shiina from getting even closer to me.

Little did she know, Shiina was already aware of it and most likely, laughing inwardly at Setsuna-nee.

Furthermore, because of that Shiina sensed something different with Setsuna-nee’s intention to interrogate her.

Before we arrived at our destination, Shiina closed in on me and sneakily whispered something regarding Setsuna-nee.

“Onoda-kun… Color me surprised. I understand that she’s protective of her little sister for any thieving cats. But seeing Maemura who’s notorious for being a man-hater acting this concerned and interested in your affairs is something else. You know, I can’t help but suspect that there’s another underlying reason behind her actions. Not that it concerns me though. But you see, if any of the guys in our department find out about this, they’ll all flock to ask you for advice. You possibly don’t know. Maemura is as famous as her best friend on your other side. A lot of them are up to the challenge of courting her.”

A notorious man-hater, huh? That sounds about right. That last part was also understandable. No matter how much she portrayed herself as someone who didn’t like being involved with the opposite gender, guys would only take that as a challenge.

That’s why Sakuma could truly be considered lucky by being the only guy she considered trustworthy.

Too bad for him though, I probably climbed up to the same height if not higher just because of our interaction today...

Shiina also said something about Juri. However, since she was more certain about my connection to her than Setsuna-nee, it was brief and she exchanged meaningful glances with the girl on my other side.

After that, without giving me any chance to respond at all, Shiina soon separated from us. We already arrived at the gathering area, after all. She walked away to join Sara and the other Camp Managers who were preparing something for whatever they planned related to the bonfire they lit up.

Students were already gathered around it, basking with the warm glow of it. There were already couples excitedly waiting for the dance to commence but because of my appearance, I became the center of attention too.

Did someone spread my feat of beating up those three idiots? Maybe. But it’s more likely that they’re just surprised to see me being escorted by the three.

Ignoring all of their attention, we continued on our way.

With Shiina leaving my side, Setsuna-nee took over the place Shiina vacated at my side. While still looking displeased, she nudged me on my shoulder and pouted. However, she didn’t complain or say anything to me.

That’s just her way of expressing her discontentment with finding out my close connection to another girl like Shiina and perhaps, Sara as well.

Knowing that nothing would change even if I said something to soothe her mind, I silently accepted her displeasure. Besides, there’s no longer a chance for me to hear her inner thoughts.

With Satsuki and Nami’s lead, the girls and everyone from our class welcomed me back into their fold.

Yeah. It’s like a homecoming. Before long, I found myself in the middle of them with Setsuna-nee and Juri taking a step back.

Why are the others here as well? I mean, given that there’s a possibility for a fun event to happen along with lighting up the bonfire, aside from the couples who wanted their moment, those from the same class gathered together.

Now that their attention was temporarily focused on my return, some of them voiced their curiosity about the reason Shio brought me away earlier. That proved that no one found out about what I did except those already in the know. To answer their question, I simply told them that it had to do with the task I did before dinner.

Unfortunately, that didn’t end there. As though they didn’t want me to feel left out, a lot of them started filling me in on everything that I missed while I was away.

Nothing was actually interesting to me but I listened to them nonetheless and acted like I was having fun. I mean, I don’t want to spoil the festive mood.

After a while, I excused myself to return to my girls’ side who were already starting to become impatient.

If I remained stuck in the middle, I could already imagine them dragging me back and barricading my vicinity using their bodies so no one could approach me.

Not gonna lie. That would be an interesting sight.

A few minutes later, Shiina, Sawano, and the rest of the Camp Managers soon finished their discussion. As the leaders, Shiina and Sawano stepped up in the middle, taking everyone’s attention.

“Alright, listen up! We know what you’re waiting for. For boys, it’s your chance to invite your crush. And for girls, don’t be too harsh on rejecting them, okay?”

“The stage is already set but to prevent overcrowding the space, let’s limit it to twenty, okay? We’ll play the music for you. You have a minute to prepare. For the record, you can also invite any of us here. We’ll dance with you. Let’s take this chance to enjoy the festive atmosphere of our camping trip. You won’t have another chance tomorrow.”

Even though Shiina had yet to finish talking, the couples who were already waiting nearby started moving and likewise, boys started approaching the girls they wanted to invite for a dance.

It wouldn’t be the same as the bonfire dance during the end of cultural festivals but it’s still going to be lively, I guess?

And obviously, my girls wouldn’t miss this chance. Being surrounded by them, I could already feel how they were waiting for me to pick who to dance with first…

Well, do I have a choice? With Setsuna-nee still around, I grabbed Satsuki’s hand and started guiding her to the dance floor among the other couples waiting for the music to start.

From the corner of my eyes, I also saw Sakuma springing up to his feet to invite Setsuna-nee.

Good for him to take the initiative, no? Will she take his hand or not? We'll see.

“Idiot Ruki. Save your energy. Knowing you, you won’t stop until you dance with everyone…” Satsuki voiced her concern.

Ah. Of course. Even if everyone pointed at me, I’d make sure to dance with all of my girls. No exceptions. Let's see who will have the gall to call me out for my shamelessness.