Stealing Spree

Student Assistant. It’s the same thing that Shio asked me to take back then. It’s for us to actually have a more valid and reasonable excuse why we could be seen together.

However, this time, Eguchi-sensei’s reason for wanting me to become her Student Assistant was just to help her familiarize herself with a male student as well as someone who could help regulate her excessive PE activity ideas. That way, her title of a terror teacher would be erased and it would lead for her to have an easier time with the classes assigned to her.

As for Orimura-sensei, even though she’s pushing for Eguchi-sensei’s sake. I could easily see that she also had the same idea. She wanted to be better but she couldn’t just lower her pride to ask me or what happened yesterday changed her mind.

Nonetheless, the issue here is… will it be possible for me to become a Student Assistant for two teachers? Because if I can only pick one, no doubt, I will pick Shio in a heartbeat.

“I’m flattered that sensei thinks so highly of me. However, I already promised to become Kinoshita-sensei’s Student Assistant.”

Upon hearing my answer, not just Eguchi-sensei, even Orimura-sensei showed a downcast expression.

I guess a student can only become an assistant to one teacher.

That makes sense, actually. Otherwise, a student’s time would be spent only by assisting the teachers.

“As I thought. She already contracted you, huh? Well, it’s worth a shot. What do you think, Ryouko?”

“Un. It’s understandable. She got to you first.”

Eguchi-sensei forced a smile and averted her gaze. Following that, she tried so hard to keep a straight face.

She’s truly dejected that I couldn’t be her Student Assistant, I see.

“Well, if sensei needs my help in the future, I will be happy to help you.”

At least, even if it was just lip service, I wanted to lift that dejected face of hers. Even though it’s something most of the other students wouldn’t get any chance to witness, it’s not a great look for this usually straight-faced teacher.

“No. You don’t need to, Onoda-kun. There’s no merit for you in doing so.”

Eguchi-sensei immediately rejected and this time, her forced smile switched to an appreciative one.

I expected that answer. And honestly, there’s no merit in helping her. I guess her being warm and cordial to me was the greatest merit in doing that. Look at this, I got free ramen in a Ramen House I wouldn’t normally go to.

Additionally, she wouldn’t be glaring at me and show me her scary face if I ever ran late to the school gate.

Well, that’s still a lot of merits. It’s more than one after all.

“Wait a moment. You two. There’s not a rule that a student can only be a Student Assistant on one teacher, is there?” Orimura-sensei who seemed to have fallen into contemplation earlier suddenly blurted out as if she suddenly got enlightened.

If one would stare at her, he would notice the imaginary stars in her eyes. They were shining brilliantly.

However, contrary to the excitement that Orimura-sensei felt, Eguchi-sensei’s response was somewhat lukewarm.

“True, there’s no rule but isn’t it common courtesy? Forget it. Let’s go and drive Onoda-kun to his neighborhood.” She drank her last cup of sake and picked up her handbag, “It’s already late. I’ll pay our bill, you two can go ahead to the car.”

After saying that, Eguchi-sensei left the room, leaving Orimura-sensei and me alone again.

“Hey, Onoda. Apply to become her Student Assistant. If you do this, I will put down my prejudice against you.”

As soon as the other teacher left, Orimura-sensei who was still sipping onto her cup immediately called out to me.

Prejudice, huh? As if she could still use that when she would always feel the embarrassment she felt during that time.

But the way she’s using that as leverage for the sake of her friend… I began admiring their friendship and it’s making me lean onto saying yes.

I guess I have this soft spot about true friendship. I was admiring Akane and her three friends, Arisa and Izumi-senpai, Kana, Ishida-senpai and her friends, Hina and Kikuchi, perhaps Nami and her whole circle as well.

“So, sensei now has a prejudice against me… It’s my fault, this is normal.” I wryly smiled before standing up from my seat.

Upon noticing that I didn’t give the answer she was expecting, panic immediately filled Orimura-sensei’s expression as she downed the cup that she was just sipping. Although they only shared a bottle of it, it’s clearly apparent to this teacher’s flushed face that she was beginning to be affected by the alcohol.

She immediately stood up and held onto my arm, “Where are you going, Onoda? Won’t you say yes? I mean, I won’t be glaring at you again just… help Ryouko.”

“Eguchi-sensei already rejected the idea, sensei. Won’t she feel bad if she finds out that you used that as leverage to make me move?”

“That woman isn’t always honest with her feelings! She’d rather give way than take a chance for herself. Of course, school rules and such are different, she’s abiding and enforcing them as part of her duty.”

“I see. What about you, sensei? Didn’t you mention that you’re also thinking of employing my help? Aren’t you giving way as well?”

“Ugh. Forget about me. I can learn by watching how you help her.”

“I see. That’s your plan. Alright, if it’s possible I will do so. But don’t bet on it, sensei.”

“Great! That’s great, Onoda!” Orimura-sensei laughed and tapped on my back continuously to show her appreciation.

Ah no. She’s just slightly tipsy that she’s starting to get physical now.

To escape her, I moved out of the room and followed Eguchi-sensei’s instructions to go out and wait for them in the car.

Around 10 minutes of waiting outside the car since Orimura-sensei didn’t follow me, the two teachers left the establishment together. Most likely, they both went to the washroom to retouch their thin makeup.

Orimura-sensei mentioned that they were being called to that drinking party where Shio was currently at. Surely, they would continue drinking there.

After asking me for directions to my neighborhood, Orimura-sensei began driving towards it.

This time, Eguchi-sensei sat with me in the backseat. I thought she would talk to me or ask me about something but apart from talking with Orimura-sensei, who kept on glancing at the rearview mirror, she didn’t do anything I expected.

That’s why I was silently listening to the two of them for a good 30 minutes of the ride to my neighborhood. We’re in a car so it’s a lot faster than if I rode a train.

I had them stop the car just before the turn to our street. “Thank you for the ramen, Eguchi-sensei. And for the ride home. Take care and… don’t drink too much if you’re going to drive again after that drinking party.”

“This student… Don’t worry about us, we’re adults!” shouted Orimura-sensei, her face sporting a streak of red once more. The number of times she was embarrassed today could not be counted on one hand anymore.

On the contrary, Eguchi-sensei calmly nodded and smiled back at me, “Un. You take care as well, Onoda-kun.”

The contrast on how they answered me was kind of adorable but I guess it was because Orimura-sensei experienced my shamelessness yesterday while Eguchi-sensei only knew me from the few instances that I helped her. Although she heard the full extent of what happened, it didn’t change her view of me that much. Or she’s just trying not to bring that up.

In any case, my day was already about to be over. I guess, I just need to check on my girls and especially Shio before I could rest with Miwa-nee.

For sure, Akane was already waiting for me at the door. That’s for her to see me before she goes to their house where she’s going to sleep today. She’s serious at giving way for my promise to Miwa-nee to be fulfilled without any problems. She even asked if she could bring Minoru with her but Miwa-nee rejected that idea thinking the boy might bring Akane trouble instead.

He’s not used to sleeping without his mother at his side after all.

Ah. I would be expecting Aunt and Uncle’s nagging tomorrow morning when I picked up Akane next door.