Stealing Spree

Chapter 2327: Class Event?

After meeting with my girls at the cafe and spending time with them, I arrived at our school just before the gates closed.

That encounter with the newspaper guy was already set aside in my head. Apart from telling him about the cuck, I also gave him other scoops concerning those flies that I had yet to meet. Since that guy would surely write an article about me, I decided to use them to sow those seeds.

Of course, I had him give his word that heʼs going to put it in their column for the next paper release. He agreed but Iʼd probably need to confirm it when their club printed it. If thereʼs nothing in there, Iʼll make sure to give him a piece of my mind. Or maybe Iʼll just direct my grievance to the Newspaper Club President. If itʼs the same senior that I interacted with once before during my 1st year in middle school, she might just listen to me.

But thinking about it, if that President still remembers me, sheʼs probably the one behind that persistent dude.

Thatʼs a possibility but I wonʼt count on it. I mean, our interactions can only be counted on one hand and itʼs not because sheʼs a target. Just a curious senior.

After getting scolded by Ryouko-san for coming in at the last minute, Sachi was once again at the shoe locker area, waiting for me with a grin.

”Hey, Onoda-kun. Good morning. Youʼre just in time for homeroom. Running late, huh?”

”Mhm. Good morning to you too. I got delayed somewhere but Sachi, are you waiting for me all this time?” I asked her as I took off my shoes, opened the locker to place them inside, and switched to my indoor shoes.

”Not really. I just so happened to check again and here you are. Should I start waiting for you every day then?” Sachi cheekily replied.

She hopped closer, her lips stretching further as she stared at my face.

”Sure. I donʼt mind being greeted by a friendly face every morning,” I replied. ”But Sachi, donʼt you need to practice every morning too? Iʼm impressed you can still take your time here. Am I getting special treatment?”

Sachi giggled, her cheeks blushing slightly. ”Well, if itʼs for you, I can always make time.”

This girl... Itʼs hard not to appreciate her dedication.

”You know, if you keep acting like that, I might just fall for you as well.” I teasingly said as I walked over to her, placing my hand on her shoulder before giving it a light squeeze.

Sachiʼs cheeks instantly turned crimson before trying to compose herself with a cough. ”H- hah! Donʼt tease me like that, Onoda-kun!”

She swatted my hand away playfully acting like our exchange was nothing serious, ”But in all seriousness. We still practice every day, Onoda-kun! Itʼs just... the seniors are starting to ease up on it after our loss during our interhigh. Theyʼre transitioning to focus on their studies more to ensure they can get into a college of their choice.”

”I see. That makes sense. Everyone will reach that point where they have to choose between their hobbies and their future.”

I couldnʼt help but think about Kana, Rumi, Marika and Nao. Those girls would also be busy with their studies once summer vacation was over.

Kana would soon have her debut as a novel author but she still couldnʼt feel secure about it. Who knows how it will be received? Or will she be able to write a new book?

Then thereʼs also Marika whose life was still marred with issues regarding her family and the arranged marriage.

The future was indeed uncertain for us all. But as always, we could only look at the present and work on it for our desired future.

After that, the two of us continued to our respective classrooms.

Upon entering, my presence once again stirred the calm atmosphere within it.

Itʼs like I was a rock thrown in the middle of a calm lake, causing ripples as my girls jumped up from their seats or ran to greet me.

When Shio arrived for our first period, the woman didnʼt start the homeroom right away, instead, she called for our Class President.

Mio stood up from her seat and walked to the front, facing us.

Even though they had yet to say anything, her expression was already enough to draw the classʼs attention.

Mio adjusted her glasses, cleared her throat, and began speaking in her usual composed tone. ”Good morning, everyone. I have an announcement to make on behalf of our homeroom teacher.”

As she said that, the classroom instantly became abuzz as they tried to guess what kind of announcement it would be.

I looked at Shio and saw her grinning, acting like she had prepared something I might find delightful.

Soon, as the clamor died down, Mio continued, ”There will be a class event this week. Itʼs related to the upcoming cultural festival. And no, weʼre not going to vote about what our class is going to do yet. Instead of jumping straight into planning, the school administration has decided to host a pre-festival activity to foster class unity and creativity.

Each class will send representatives to participate in a brainstorming and team-building workshop to come up with innovative ideas for their cultural festival presentations.”

The announcement stirred up more excitement and curiosity among my classmates. Whispers and chatter filled the room as they speculated about the details. Meanwhile, I leaned back in my seat, glancing at Shio, who still held that mischievous grin.

Not gonna lie, neither Shio nor Mio told me about this. Since there was no mention of the Student Council, this was probably something that was decided by the faculty or... Hayashi- sensei herself.

Next to me, Aya had a sparkle in her eyes. The shy girl was also excited about it even though she probably wouldnʼt volunteer for it.

As for Satsuki, she was pretending to not be interested again but she was already poking my side as though hinting at me that we should do it together.

And after glancing at my other girls, they all had the same looks on their faces.

After a while, Mio raised a hand, signaling for everyone to quiet down.

”Okay. You donʼt have to get excited yet. The workshop will take place on Thursday, during the last two periods of the day. Attendance is mandatory, and itʼll be supervised by the teachers. Weʼre expected to come prepared with at least one preliminary idea to discuss as a group. So, if you have any suggestions, start thinking about them now.”

”What about the representatives? How are they going to be selected?” Yamada, the

loudmouth, raised his hand.

This time, it was Shio who spoke, taking over Mio in standing before her podium.

”What do you think? Do you want to vote for representatives or-”

Before she could give a second option, Fukuda sitting at the far back raised his hand and grumpily said, ”Sensei, whatʼs the point of voting if itʼs going to be Onoda again?”

Well, I cannot argue with that. With my girls here, theyʼd surely vote for me to become one of the representatives and then compete over the remaining spots.

”Oh? I never thought youʼd be interested in this one, Fukuda. Okay. Letʼs not do it by vote or nomination. Letʼs draw lots. For the record, we will select five representatives. These five will have to work together during the workshop. I wonʼt tolerate conflict. If you do well in the workshop, our class will receive additional funding for the festival.” Shio announced with a pleasant smile, emphasizing that last part.