Stealing Spree

Chapter 2347: Following up on the recruitment

Before coming to the Literature, my feet led me to another location.

Standing before the Alchemy Research Club, I tried sensing any activity inside.

Have they already come to a decision about my offer? Most likely, I only delayed a day as a consideration for the Nikka-senpai in case she suddenly changed her mind. It was partly on a whim, after all. On top of that, I donʼt need Enomoto coming to the door of the Literature Club.

I knocked lightly and waited. A part of my mind is kinda excited to see my seductress senior again.

The door slid open and there she was, wearing her usual lab coat, covering her wonderful figure that was enough to twist every guyʼs head just to follow her if ever she walked by.

As though expecting my appearance, her upturned eyes immediately met mine as a pleasant smile peeked from her lips, ”Ruki. Weʼve been waiting for you.”

”Heh. I miss you too, Reira-senpai.”

”You... I never said I missed you.”

Her brows clashed as she pretended to be upset.

”Well, I just said it in advance. Just in case, you know?” I shamelessly winked at her.

Her cheeks tinted slightly as she stepped aside, allowing me entry into the dimly lit room, filled with beakers, flasks, and the faint glow of whatever substance they managed to concoct at the corner of the clubroom. Furthermore, the air was filled with a peculiar mix of chemicals and the scent of a mature womanʼs perfume.

Ah. No. That last part was just Reira-senpai. Sheʼs as fragrant as ever.

”Thereʼs no end to your shamelessness, Ruki.” She chuckled, closing the door behind me. ”Still, youʼre the only one who can act like this with me.”

”Not even Enomoto?”

”Him? Everything is just a transaction with him. He provided me sanctuary, Iʼd do some favors for him like delivering his message. Iʼm glad he did ask me to deliver a message to you, otherwise... I wonʼt find a cheeky junior like you.”

”True. I guess I also owe him a bit, huh?”

Reira-senpai didnʼt deny that but she chuckled and pinched my cheek as though silently telling me to be careful and not antagonize Enomoto, something she always reminds me of.

I guess since she had been sheltered by him in this Clubroom for the last two years and counting, she did have a clear understanding of what that guy was capable of. Itʼs understandable why she didnʼt want me to get into his bad side.

Anyway, we walked further into the clubroom, stepping into the partitioned space. There, Nikka-senpai and Enomoto were sitting on the sofa Reira-senpai and I used yesterday.

Wait. Used? That sounds dirty. We only rolled on it a bit while holding each other.

”Youʼre here. I heard about your offer.” Enomoto started, acting cool as always. This guy was always this composed. Well, except that one time when I somewhat threatened him.

I nodded, ”Yeah. I came to talk about it. I know you wonʼt just let them go, right? Especially Nikka-senpai.”

”Not really. You may be dangerous to deal with but youʼre not the type to do something so illogical.”

This guy. He clearly never heard about my past yet. If he did, he would never let me see a speck or even a glimpse of Nikka-senpai. He would hide her somewhere I wouldnʼt be able to reach.

But if he did his research properly, either he was confident that I wouldnʼt steal Nikka or he believed I already changed.

Well, thatʼs unlikely. After all, he was there when I was confronted by Ichihara Jun. Heʼd know that Iʼd successfully steal the girl from someone as notorious as that pompous bastard.

Anyway, how should I answer him? Pretend I was harmless? Ah. Forget it.

”What does illogical count to you?” I smilingly asked, matching the coolness in his voice. But before Enomoto could respond, Nikka-senpai interjected with furrowed brows, ”Enomoto-kun, why do you consider Onoda-kun dangerous to deal with?”

From out of nowhere, heʼs the one getting interrogated. This was the result of his own doing. Heʼs just sheltering her without even telling her a lot of things that are happening around him. She wonʼt know that weʼre not really that friendly to each other. We only had an agreement.

Enomoto cleared his throat and still acted like he was unbothered before answering, ”Because heʼs the Disciplinary Officer. He can report this club to the Student Council for using ghost members to fill up the number.”

Alright. Iʼll give him that. Heʼs pretty quick to come up with that explanation.

”Eh? You wonʼt do that, right, Onoda-kun?”

”Of course, senpai. Iʼm the type to look away for the benefit of someone close to me.”

”Pfft. Youʼre saying youʼre corrupt, huh?”

My answer made her laugh. On the other hand, Reira-senpai who was standing next to me pinched my side again.

”Just as what youʼd expect from a cheeky brat like him.”

I glanced back at her and grabbed her hand, ”Come on, Reira-senpai. Iʼm being corrupt

because of you.”

”Yeah. Yeah.” She rolled her eyes.

”Anyway, letʼs get back on topic,” I said clearing the air. ”So, since you said you trust I wonʼt do something illogical, itʼs fine to bring them with me to do Literature Club?”

Enomoto didnʼt answer with words but only by a small gesture. A nod.

His eyes were anything but calm though. There was a silent threat within them as if telling me to not do something funny to Nikka-senpai.

Should I assure him?𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Nah. Thatʼs too troublesome. Iʼll let him agonize somewhere, thinking of the possibilities.

I put on a smile and then turned to the two seniors, ”Well then, weʼre finally cleared. Will you follow me, senpai? Or should we just wait for you in the clubroom?”

”Oh... Iʼll stay for a bit here,” Nikka-senpai answered while furtively looking at Enomoto. For sure, sheʼs trying to capitalize on the opportunity to be alone with him. I just told her that she should be proactive and sheʼs already acting on it. Good for her, I guess?

Reira-senpai also noticed that. And besides, sheʼs also in favor of leaving with me.

”Okay. Have Enomoto escort you to the Literature Club later. Ruki and I will go first.” She said while secretly making some hand gestures, cheering for the girl.

”Alright. See you later, Nikka-senpai. Weʼre still in the preparation stage anyway. Thereʼs not an extensive script for your roles yet. You can take your time.” I winked at her, signaling that I also understood her intention.

Following that, Enomoto, who looked like he still had something to say, nodded at us.

Clearly, he decided not to say that in front of Nikka-senpai. Most likely, it concerns Ichihara Jun or what was left of that idiotʼs reputation.

As we stepped out of the clubroom, I tightened my hold on Reira-senpaiʼs hand, entwining

our fingers together.

”Shall we?” I shamelessly said, making the beautiful senior blush slightly.

”... Geez. Youʼre taking advantage of this, Ruki.” She murmured under her breath, but the sparkle in her eyes couldnʼt be hidden behind her thick-rimmed glasses.

”I know... And Iʼll shamelessly admit it. I love being this close to you, Reira-senpai.” ”Stop, you cheeky brat. Just start walking. I... Iʼll follow you.” The natural seductress pursed her lips and turned her head away, hiding how the redness was slowly creeping up to the

entirety of her face.