Stealing Spree

Chapter 2539 Late Punishment

When we arrived at the Gymnasium, both our class and Class 4 were already lined up properly. I had the girls from our class quietly join that line from the back while I escorted Rae to the other side, all while knowing that Ryouko-san and Orimura-sensei already noticed our arrival.

I mean, they could call us out but they pretended not to notice. Or at least, they were waiting for me to come to the front and receive the punishment in everyoneʼs stead.

Of course, given my identity as Ryouko-sanʼs student assistant, everyone already knew that I might just get a pass from her.

To their surprise, Ryouko-san and Orimura-sensei both gave me a pointed look as I approached the front.

The faint smirk on Orimura-senseiʼs face told me she was relishing this moment. On the other hand, Ryouko-sanʼs expression was more neutral but itʼs easy to tell sheʼs not going to get soft on me. After all, she couldnʼt just show blatant favoritism in front of everyone, she had to make an example out of me. And naturally, sheʼs going to pretend that. I was the only one late, sparing the girls who came with me.

”Onoda-kun,” Ryouko-san began, her voice carrying just enough authority to make the entire gymnasium fall silent. ”... care to explain why you decided to grace us with your presence so late?”

I scratched the back of my neck, offering a sheepish grin. ”My apologies, Eguchi-sensei, Orimura-sensei. I got... held up with some administrative matters. As your Student Assistant, I failed to set an example to the other students, Please do as you will with me.”

The gymnasium remained quiet as everyoneʼs attention pressed down on me. I could sense my girls looking at me worriedly but it was not to the point that theyʼre blaming themselves for this. I told them what I was gonna do and they agreed to it. Other than that, there were curious glances from my classmates and the subtle amusement radiating from Class 4, likely wondering how Iʼd wriggle out of this one. Those who hated me or just found me an eyesore either gloat from where they were standing or frown, suspecting this was all an act from me.

But, well, let them believe what they want. Theyʼre unimportant anyway.

Ryouko-sanʼs eyes narrowed slightly, her silence truly enhancing the intimidating feeling coming from her. Of course, I was immune to it. Sheʼs my woman, after all. Still, I feel like I disappointed her a bit because she told me not to run late earlier.

On the other hand, Orimura-sensei was just enjoying this spectacle. Sheʼs just here as Ryouko-sanʼs helper but given our relationship, sheʼd always find it amusing to see me acting like this.

Soon, Orimura-sensei crossed her arms, her tone dripping with fake skepticism. ”Administrative matters, huh? Thatʼs a new one, Onoda-kun. Care to elaborate, or are we supposed to take your word for it?”

I kept my expression neutral and bowed slightly for effect. ”Iʼd rather not bore everyone with the details, sensei. Letʼs just say it involved some... urgent paperwork and a very insistent director.”

A few snickers rippled through the crowd. Mostly from those who knew how much of a busybody I was, those who knew my knack for dodging trouble with just enough charm to make it believable. They probably think I finally got in trouble with someone in a high position.

Ryouko-san raised an eyebrow, clearly catching my reference to Hayashi-sensei but she didnʼt press further. Instead, she let out a small sigh, stepping forward.

”Be that as it may,” She said firmly, making those who were chuckling to stop right away, ”... tardiness disrupts the class, and as my assistant, youʼre held to a higher standard, Onoda-kun. You know that.”𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

I nodded, keeping my posture respectful. ”Yes, Eguchi-sensei. Iʼll accept whatever punishment you deem fair.””

Orimura-sensei chipped in again as she stepped closer and tilted her head as if sizing me up. ”Oh, donʼt think youʼre getting off with just a lecture, Onoda-kun. Weʼve got something special in mind for you today.”

Somehow, the way she said ”special” sent a ripple of curiosity through the students, and I caught a few of my girls exchanging glances, probably wondering if they should be worried or amused.

Ryouko-san shot Orimura-sensei a quick look, almost like a silent warning not to go overboard, before turning back to me.

In any case, looks like those hating me were feeling great to see me getting my comeuppance.

Little did they know, this was all nothing but a show. If anything, the punishment that I might receive was only going to appear heavy, but in truth, it was lighter than a slap on the wrist.

Or maybe Ryouko-san had another idea? Either way, Iʼm up for anything. If this meant our tardiness wouldnʼt disrupt her lesson, then so be it.

”Since youʼre so eager to make up for it,” Ryouko-san continued as I noticed her lips curving up slightly, ”why donʼt you run a few laps for a start? Run until we finish explaining todayʼs activity to everyone. Think you can do that?”

When everyone heard that, their reactions were mixed. Those hating me thought it was too light. Unfortunately for them, if they voiced it out, theyʼd surely be made an example by having them join me in running.

Due to that, they could only keep their mouth shut and watch me give them a show.

”Yes!” I answered a little enthusiastically, drawing a few snickers from the two classes. ”Is that all, sensei?”

”It is. But thereʼs a condition, Onoda-kun.”

”Sing while you run. Let us hear your voice.”

... Alright. That one was out of left field. How can I sing and run when I donʼt even know if Iʼm good at singing while standing up?

Wait...

I glanced behind me and noticed my girls raising their thumbs.

Yeah... Looks like this oneʼs something that they collectively agreed with.

Itʼs for them anyway. Why not?

I put on an act of being embarrassed, scratching the back of my ear, ”Uhm... What

song, sensei?”

”Letʼs see...” Ryouko-san glanced at Orimura-sensei, who seemed to be ready with a song choice.

”Sing any of Mabushisa Asahiʼs singles. Preferably, her most popular one. What was it again? Steal your heart.” With a devious grin, Orimura-sensei recited that song title in

a louder-than-normal voice.

This woman... Should I get back at her the next time weʼre alone in her office?

The gymnasium erupted in a mix of gasps and stifled laughter as Orimura-senseiʼs choice echoed through the space.

I knew it. Orimura-sensei didnʼt know about Yue yet but I guess her popularity put her on her radar. Besides, she held a concert in our city not too long ago. Maybe Ryouko-san told her? Well, thatʼs not important anymore.

Picking that one song that propelled her to stardom and was written to invoke deep emotion as she vaguely retells her experience with me... Mhm... this wouldnʼt be a

challenge.

I mean, except for my unsure tone, I had long memorized its lyrics. Itʼs my Yueʼs song. Ever since I reconnected with her, I made it a task to listen to everything she produced. When her new song collaboration with Akane and Miho is released, Iʼd probably spend days listening to it until its tune and lyrics become etched in my head.

I caught Ryouko-sanʼs gaze, and though her face remained composed, there was a

flicker of exasperation in her eyes. It was as if she was mentally scolding

Orimura-sensei for escalating things.

Still, she didnʼt intervene, which meant I was on my own.

”Steal Your Heart, huh?” I said, rubbing the back of my neck with an exaggerated sigh.

”Sensei, youʼre really not making this easy for me, are you?”

Orimura-senseiʼs devious grin widened as she tapped my shoulder, ”Oh, come on, Onoda-kun. A charming guy like you? Iʼm sure youʼve stolen plenty of hearts already.

This should be a breeze.”

The crowd burst into more laughter, and I could feel the weight of every pair of eyes on me my girls included.

I glanced back at them again, and sure enough, they were barely containing their giggles. Rae was covering her mouth, her glasses fogging up slightly from her suppressed laughter, while Aya gave me an encouraging nod, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Even the usually jealous Satsuki, whoʼd joined the line with the others, had a smirk tugging at her lips, like she was daring me to go through with it.

Well, if they wanted a show, Iʼd give them one.

”Alright, sensei,” I said, rolling my shoulders and cracking a grin. ”Iʼll do it. But donʼt blame me if everyone falls for me by the end of this!”

That earned another wave of chuckles and even Ryouko-sanʼs lips twitched. She

quickly masked it with a stern cough. ”Less talking, more running. Onoda-kun. Letʼs see if you can keep up with the song and the laps.”

I gave a mock salute and jogged to the edge of the gymnasium, where the track looped

around the perimeter.

The polished wooden floor gleamed under the fluorescent lights, and the faint echo of my sneakers against it set the rhythm for what was about to come. As I started my first lap, I took a deep breath and began to sing.