Stealing Spree

“Just a little more, Ruki. I believe I can make a dent in your stalwart resolve. If that happens, I’ll consider it my victory and surrender to you at the next moment.” Hana wholeheartedly declared in between our exchange kisses.

Like always, there’s a clear determination in her eyes. But with the words she had just spoken – victory and surrender – she already accepted that she couldn’t fully make me hers. It's enough for her to have a short-lived victory after proving that it wasn't impossible to shake me.

And by declaring it, it also shows her trust in me. She believes that I won’t ever cheat by pretending she weakened my resolve to give her an easy win and eventually surrender...

What can I say? I’m not that amazing of a person. Yet, my girls always put me up on a pedestal.

While it’s not practically a bad thing, there’s a particular thought in my head that couldn't help but linger in one corner of my mind...

'I’m only pushing myself to continue meeting their expectations.'

That's too negative. I know. But then again,

I don’t think I can judge myself by my own biased view. If someone can tell me if it's true or not, that will be someone who’s watching me every second of the day.

And there’s no such person... Not even Akane.

"Hana. You do love making things difficult for you, huh? Your situation back then could’ve been resolved easily if not for this particular trait of yours. What’s wrong with being too mature for your age? You could be like that and no one should judge it wrong of you. And yet, you put on your angelic mask and pretended to be someone you’re not.”

Setting aside the conflict in my head, I expressed what I thought about her declaration.

Hana attentively listened to it without any change in her expression. She's thoughtfully analyzing it.

Then after receiving another kiss that resonated with our feelings for each other, Hana nodded in understanding.

“Indeed, that’s one way to look at it. However, Ruki. I’ve arrived at a better outcome because of it. Remember, I got to meet you. My kindred spirit.”

“Kindred spirit. You know that we’re not that similar anymore. I’ve changed.”

“I know. I’ve heard and seen enough of the new you. I’ve been severely mistaken for believing that I can steal you away. That much I acknowledge.”

“I see. Then, Hana. I accept your declaration. Try to make a dent in my resolve. On the other hand, I will continue acting this way toward you.”

Upon saying that, I pressed myself further to her and conveyed my innermost thoughts through the intimate connection of our bodies.

Likewise, Hana also conveyed her reply through the same method.

When we started getting attention from those who spotted us having our intimate moment, the two of us brushed it off and promptly walked away to continue to our destination. This time, however, the girl excitedly hugged my arm, relishing the result of our heart-to-heart conversation.

Upon returning and distributing the drinks to my girls, my feet turned in the direction where the third-years were seated.

I excused myself on the narrow aisle and squeezed into the tight space between their legs as I boldly stood before Marika.

And while they were still trying to comprehend what was happening, I stretched my arm out to the golden ringlet girl.

“Senpai, if it won't be any trouble, can I ask you to come with me?”

Without hesitation, Marika grinned widely as she placed her hand on top of my palm.

“Gladly, Junior-kun.”

Given how quick that exchange between us was, only after the fact passed that their followers, Ichihara Jun, and the other third-year seniors managed to react.

From the look of their faces, one phrase was definitely running in their heads. 'The audacity of this guy!'

Whether they instantly recognized me or not, that was clearly the immediate response in their heads. And when my identity sank in, one by one, they pointed at me as if they were seeing a ghost.

"That guy... He's not trying to hide it anymore. What the hell?"

"Wait. Is he the one Kujou-sama often talks about recently? Her very helpful junior… But I never imagined he would…"

"Ssh. He's the Disciplinary Officer who's not even afraid to go against Ichihara-sama. I don’t know what kind of courageous potion he chugged down but does even know what he’s doing?"

Those were only some of the audible reactions that I picked up or cared to understand.

Because my whole focus was concentrated on guiding the girl up from her seat, I filtered out the unnecessary meddling that wouldn’t really amount to anything.

Or at least, I tried to. But the one seated next to her addressed me directly. And guess who it was.

Tanaka-senpai.

“Wait. Onoda-san, where are you taking her?”

Obviously, she’s also confused. She hadn’t contacted me after that one time she led me to Marika’s club. She’s out of the loop that it gave way for our connection to be more solidified especially when Ichihara Jun showed up not long after.

Even when she deliberately pointed Marika to take refuge at my office to run away from that guy, she probably never expected that this would play out in her least expected moment.

“Where? To my seat? She looked uncomfortable here so…”

Upon answering like that, I tried looking around the other third-years, searching for the figure of that Takashima that was supposed to be the one holding her string.

However, with what minuscule time I allocated to it, there’s no way to find out who he is. Furthermore, Ichihara Jun who was feeling humiliated had already stood up from his seat.

“Oi. Stop right there! Marika, don’t go with him.”

While the first part was delivered as a shout, the second one that’s directed to Marika was as gentle as possible. It’s as if he finally realized that being angry at the girl wouldn’t bring her back to him.

Unfortunately for him, he’s too late.

“Hmm? Why, Jun-kun?” Marika replied to him. And she sounded really innocent with that

Nonetheless, knowing how well she could act, the clue had been a little obvious that this was one such performance. She’s already standing next to me, her hand clasped tightly with mine.

I could sense her pulse screaming her current elation. And from the furtive glances that she kept on throwing at me, I could put out a guess that she’s been eagerly waiting for me.

“You… You’re asking me why? Who is he to you? You said you wanted to sit among your friends yet you’re coming with him?”

Ah. This dude. Is he setting himself up for another humiliation? How desperate has he become?

In any case, even if I want to be the one to bury him under, the golden ringlet girl wouldn’t let me take that chance.

“My… Jun-kun, I don’t see what’s wrong. Junior-kun here asked me politely. Should I reject him?”

“Yes, you should!”

“That’s troublesome, Jun-kun. Look, I have accepted his invitation. Won’t it reflect badly on me if I renege on this? Will it, Junior-kun?”

Perhaps to amplify the effect of making a fool out of Ichihara Jun, the girl raised our joined hands and sweetly smiled before turning to me, asking for my opinion.

Matching her act, I returned the same smile and then looked straight at Ichihara Jun before replying, “I believe we should respect Ichihara-senpai’s wishes. I don’t want to create conflict between you.”

Upon hearing that, hope seemingly got reignited from Ichihara Jun’s eyes. His clenched fists loosened and his ugly grimace also turned to a pleased grin. “G-good! I know you’ll be this understanding, junior.”

Well, it’s good that he bit onto it right away. Because at the next moment, Marika shattered his hope right away.

Tightening her hold on my hand and stepping closer to me, the girl then gleefully said with the same innocent smile that’s enough to make anyone’s heart skip a beat.

“Fret not, Junior-kun. Jun-kun is an understanding guy. He won’t think badly of this. Right, Jun-kun?”

Hammering the final nail in his coffin, Marika turned to face Ichihara Jun whose whole body instantly froze at the realization that he had been played.

With all the eyes concentrated on us, he instantly understood his situation. If he didn’t agree with her claim, he’d be the bad guy.

And amidst the turmoil in his head, Marika slipped in another whisper to me, “Junior-kun, let’s go. Take me away from here.”