Stealing Spree

"I'm asking seriously here, Onoda!"

Upon hearing that last phrase, Sakuma seemed agitated as he suddenly raised his voice to rebut it.

Judging from how he also deflated after shouting it, he probably had just realized that there's some truth within it.

"And I'm being serious here. Sakuma. Remember how you and Satsuki were before? You were always against each other but you wouldn't be able to deny that you're getting along."

"… If what you're saying is true then. I don't have a chance?"

"Not really. Although she's treating you like that, there's no doubt that she's fond of you. And I heard that… you two…" I stepped forward and whispered what I heard from Satsuki about their past.

The one where Satsuki's sister disguised as her and made out with the young Sakuma.

As if his safely guarded secret got exposed, panic filled Sakuma's expression as he hurriedly attempted to block my mouth and stop me.

However, my reflexes made me easily dodge what he wanted to do, putting some distance between us.

Frustrated, Sakuma could only stomp his feet and clench his fists before shouting. "Onoda. What the hell are you? How did you know that?!"

"Do you even have to ask? Who's my girlfriend?"

"… That's right. She… Maemura caught us."

"There. See, you're not out of chances. If your goal is to take the next step with your relationship with her then… What you need to do is to man up and make her know that you're not just her pet or toy. Can you do it?"

"You made it sound so easy, Onoda. Man up? How will I do that?"

"Alright… I wanted to say figure it out yourself but for the sake of Satsuki… I will give you free advice. Listen, Sakuma."

"Yes!"

"Don't yes me like I'm your master, idiot. Stand upright and straighten your back."

"Is this enough?"

Following my instruction like a good boy that he is, Sakuma looked like he was at Eguchi-sensei's PE Class where we had to remain standing straight.

"Good enough. Well then. Here's some advice… Take the lead. The next time she calls on you, don't be like a pet who's waiting for a pat on your head. Take initiative and… make a move that will put you on top."

"Huh? Take the lead. How? Setsuna-nee will… smack me in the head!"

As if he was already imagining the smack he would receive, Sakuma put a hand on his head and began rubbing it.

This guy… I forgot that he's too much of a coward. Even until now. He might've gotten some kind of courage to want to confess to Satsuki back then but… that's also the result of my urging him to do something.

At least he's not like Ogawa who's aware but was acting oblivious. This guy only needed some kind of push.

"What's a smack or two? Are you telling me that's the extent of your courage? Then forget taking her on a date or actually dating, just become a pet of hers who she will grow tired of taking care of in the future."

That's too much advice now. Well, at least, the bad air around us because of what actually happened had almost faded, if not completely.

This guy was truly listening to my advice and what happened about Satsuki and me was already way past him. He's focusing all his efforts on Satsuki's sister.

"I… I understand. I'll brave a smack or two and make a move to take the lead from her."

After a few minutes of deliberation and contemplating about what he will do with my advice, Sakuma took in a deep breath before releasing it in one swift exhalation. Perhaps he's trying to clear the cowardice that was building up in his mind, who knows?

Since he came to me even knowing that… I basically stole Satsuki's affection from him, giving him proper advice was the best I could give him.

Well, my advice was based on my own experience. If those normal guys had different methods, I had no idea. Since it somehow worked for me, even if the circumstances were different, it should also work with her if what I deduced about her personality was correct.

"That's the spirit. Then we're done here. Good luck." I clapped my hand to remove imaginary dust on my hand before giving his shoulder a pat.

"Wait, Onoda. If… if it worked, can I ask you again for advice?"

"My advisory fee is expensive. Will you pay up?"

"Huh? What advisory fee? Are you kidding me?"

"No. It's my way of saying that sometimes, you have to do something by yourself. Don't always think that there's someone out there that will always be willing to help you. Most of the time, they're helping you for their own gain."

Just like what I did to you back then...

Not including that last sentence was for his peace of mind. The guy might suffer a relapse of what happened in the classroom where Satsuki confessed about what she's feeling for him before completely falling for me.

After saying that, I controlled my feet and began walking out of the area.

Five steps later, I heard Sakuma's voice behind me. "You're my friend, right?"

"Am I? I don't know. After what I did to you, you still consider me as a friend?" I paused on my steps to reply to him.

I didn't want to rub it on him again but asking me if I'm his friend? Considering I am a witness of a number of great friendships, I don't think I can be his friend. I'm not a friend material after all. What if I betrayed him again? Not that I was considering stealing Satsuki's sister from him. However, the future is filled with infinite possibilities.

Instead of being a friend to someone, I'd rather seek comfort in my girls' embrace to feel it.

"Even if I hate to admit it. I ended up pushing you two to be together instead of telling you off. It's my fault and it's my loss. And for this advice you've given me. I appreciate it, Onoda."

Even if I didn't turn my head around to look at him, it's easy to guess that Sakuma was shaking on his knees while saying that. His voice cracked a bit but in the end, he steeled himself and he most likely stared straight at my back by saying his appreciation.

Instead of answering him, I only lifted my right hand and waved it before continuing on my way.

If he wanted to treat me as a friend then so be it… but… There's no way I would be able to do the same. I had these shocking secrets that he wouldn't be able to take. Moreover, it would be dangerous for anyone other than my girls to know about it.

If in the future, he comes to me for advice again then… we'll see if I will give him one.

Well then, I better tell what happened to Satsuki first. They probably hadn't begun their training yet.

Sending messages to Kana, Rae and Ishida-senpai that I would be a bit late, my feet led me to the place that was now considered special for the tsundere and me.

After waiting for a while, Satsuki messaged me that I can come in and see her inside, in their clubroom.