Stealing Spree

Chapter 2392: Selected Classes

To decide who would pass, Tachibana-sensei called for two teachers sitting at the panel to join her in evaluating each classʼs outline. They split into three directions.

The other two teachers went to evaluate the second and third years while Tachibana-sensei walked toward our area.

As our table was the closest to her, she approached us with an air of undeniable curiosity, her clipboard held tightly against her chest.

She stopped just short of us offering a welcoming smile as she gestured for our group to give her our outline.

”Alright, Year 1 Class 1, let me see what youʼve prepared.” She began with a jubilant tone as though she was expecting something great from us.

I donʼt know. She was probably watching us too closely during our discussions.

Nami confidently handed over our outline, her arms trembling slightly from excitement.

”Here it is, Tachibana-sensei. Weʼve outlined the concept, logistics, and even included a safety plan.”

Tachibana-sensei took the paper, her eyes scanning the document quickly but thoroughly. As she read, her expression shifted a few times. First curiosity there was curiosity, then amusement, and finally a slight nod of approval.

”A haunted house with a mystery twist,” she mused aloud, tapping her pen against her clipboard. ”Clever. The idea of offering different difficulty levels and a time limit is a nice touch. Itʼll keep the flow steady and ensure participants have a tailored experience. However, you have to be very thorough on that. Wonʼt your classmates complain about having to switch gears depending on the visitorʼs preference?”𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

She raised a question and looked at us one by one, her eyes lingered on me quite a bit longer than the others. If it was a second later, I wouldʼve thought she was waiting for me to answer her question.

I thought my charm had already subsided weeks after the haircut but it seems to still have been working.

Nami eventually answered, ”Thatʼs the thing, sensei. Itʼs still an outline for now. When we present this later or if ever our class chooses this plan for our cultural festival booth, weʼll make adjustments.”

Tachibana-sensei nodded in approval, satisfied by Namiʼs answer,

”Fair enough. I can also see that youʼve considered safety. Thatʼs an excellent move. Events like these can sometimes overlook practical concerns in favor of excitement.”

”Thank you, Sensei,” Nami calmly replied but her voice carried a hint of pride.

Tachibana-senseiʼs gaze shifted to Chii. ”I heard your voice earlier. This is your suggestion. Great creativity and you have a good group around you to build on that. Iʼm looking forward to hearing screams coming from the classroom if ever your class adopted this.”

Chii grinned. ”Hehe, youʼre right sensei, it wonʼt be possible with only my idea. And if visitors donʼt scream at least once, it shouldnʼt be called a haunted house at all!”

Tachibana-sensei chuckled. ”Just make sure you donʼt scare anyone too much. A balance between fun and fright is key.”

After that, she turned to Ogawa and praised him too on his part.

Then turning to Shimura, Tachibana-sensei also nodded approvingly. ”The logistics section is clear and well-thought-out. Assigning a reset crew to keep things running smoothly was a great idea.”

Shimura blushed at the praise, mumbling a soft ”thank you” under her breath. She then looked at me, possibly expecting me to praise her as well. And so I did, I stretched my arm from behind Chii, squeezing Shimuraʼs hand softly.

Yep. I couldnʼt stop myself from showing my appreciation again.

In any case, Tachibana-senseiʼs eyes finally landed back on me, ”And you, Onoda-kun. You seem like the linchpin of this group. Whatʼs your role in all of this?”

My role, huh? She already got the answer. Iʼm nothing more than the glue binding our group, ensuring that everything will run smoothly.

I shrugged with a playful smile. ”Iʼm just here to make sure everything ties together, Sensei. Teamwork makes the dream work, after all.”

”Is that so?” Tachibana-senseiʼs eyes twinkled and she made a note on her clipboard. ”Well, you all did an excellent job. Your outline is detailed and creative. Apart from the few things I mentioned, I can say that youʼve clearly put a lot of thought into this. The other classes will have to show something better than this.”

With that, she moved on to the next group, leaving us to exhale collectively.

”She seemed impressed,” Nami said as she leaned her head on my shoulder, finding comfort in me again.

Likewise, Chii pumped her fist in the air before taking my other shoulder. ”Of course she was! We nailed it!”

Shimura simply nodded. Her face was still slightly pink from the praise and perhaps the sensation of my hand on hers.

Ogawa was still reluctant to say something so he just nodded at his side. The guy had been so traumatized to be talked down by Nami again he was turning to mute.

And even if theyʼre still in the same club, Nami and the others had collectively stopped talking to him, or at least, only when necessary. It was only Arisa, the most considerate of them all, who would not exclude anyone from their clubʼs activity.

”Well, we canʼt be too relaxed just yet,” I said, tapping the table lightly. ”There are a lot of other good ideas floating around this room. Letʼs hope ours stands out.”

Although I said that, I was confident that we could pass this round flawlessly.

The next ten minutes felt like an eternity as we waited for Tachibana-sensei and the others to finish evaluating all the outlines.

I looked around the room and it was easy to tell who among those who were already evaluated did great. Some were smiling while others were depressed. Still, some never lost confidence in

what they made.

Finally, after bringing their clipboards - most likely filled with notes and scores for each class - to the panel of teachers presiding over this workshop, Tachibana-sensei returned to the front of the room. She clapped her hands to get everyoneʼs attention.

”Alright, everyone! The results are in. First, I want to commend all of you for your creativity and hard work. We had a tough time deciding, but weʼve selected two outlines from each year level that stood out for their innovation, practicality, and engagement potential to move to the next round.”

The room grew tense as everyone leaned forward, waiting for the announcement.

”But before announcing the winners, as I said earlier, you will have to present your ideas to us better than just bullet points on a paper. We want to hear the bits that you canʼt write and the vision you want to realize with these creative outlines.

Tachibana-sensei let the anticipation linger for a moment, her sharp gaze scanning the room. Sheʼs clearly enjoying the suspense, her clipboard resting lightly against her curvy hips. ”Now, for the selected outlines from the first-years,” She began, her voice resonating through the room. ”The first group moving on is... Year 1 Class 3, with their ʼGrand Ball Cafeʼ concept!”

A table not far from us erupted in cheers. Naturally, I heard the familiar jubilant voice of Misaki along with Umeda and the other two from their class. Only Maaya remained calm as if she was already expecting their outline to be chosen. Or maybe, sheʼs just so mindful of her public image that she couldnʼt fully lose her composure like that.

I donʼt know what exactly Grand Ball Cafe means but itʼs probably inspired by those medieval

balls where royalty or prominent nobles will invite guests for a huge party.

It didnʼt necessarily have to open a dance floor as it was a socializing event but if theyʼre

turning it into a cafe, they mustʼve included that too.

Maybe Maaya will be playing the Queen who invited everyone to the ball? How will it be a cafe

though? A lot of them have to act like nobles too.

Alright. Letʼs stop overthinking that. Weʼll hear their presentation later anyway.

”And the second group...” Tachibana-sensei glanced at her clipboard again, a slight smile

playing on her lips. ”Year 1 Class 1, with your ʼHaunted Mystery Roomʼ!”

Our table collectively exhaled in relief before Chii launched into an excited cheer. ”YES! Weʼre

in, Kii!”

Nami smiled with restrained excitement,

”We did it,” she said softly, her hand finding mine under the table.

Shimura clapped her hands together with a soft but satisfied smile. Even Ogawa looked slightly relieved, though he remained his usual quiet self.

Unfortunately, Class 2 and 4 had been eliminated, Watanabe and Komoe werenʼt depressed but they sure were disappointed for failing to pass the first round. As for Rae and Sachi... I could see Rae looking unbothered. Sheʼs also a little pissed. Most likely, some of her ideas werenʼt adapted to their outline. I mean, even though she already warmed up to us, her classmates mustʼve still only known her as the knowledge girl.

Tachibana-sensei continued to announce the selected groups from the second and third years. Arisa and Marikaʼs classes are both selected for the next round. ”Congratulations to both groups. Youʼll be presenting your ideas in front of the panel and your peers after a short break. You can discuss it with your group again. Be prepared to expand

on your concept, showcase your creativity, and answer any questions that may come up. For now, great work!”