Stealing Spree

Chapter 2822: Reward?

Maybe not expecting me to initiate things like this, Kawakami-senpai’s body shuddered slightly when I placed my hand on her. She stared at me with uncertainty, unsure whether to step back or let my hand linger.

Meanwhile, Kanno-senpai’s eyes narrowed a bit, and I noticed a slight curve of her lips, as if she found this situation amusing.

I quickly withdrew my hand, which made Kawakami-senpai sigh in relief and relax her shoulders. She met my gaze steadily, but there was a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes that made me realize I shouldn’t have done that.

I thought I should apologize. However, before I could say anything, Kawakami-senpai shook her head, as if to signal that it was fine.

Then, she admitted quietly as she glanced at Kanno-senpai for support.

”It’s... a bit of everything, Onoda-kun. The crowd’s loud, yeah. Hirari High’s fans are still bitter about losing the title to us, and they’re not shy about reminding us. But it’s more than that. For us third-years, this feels like... the beginning of the end. Our last shot at leaving a legacy before we graduate. What if we choke? What if it’s not enough? I know. We shouldn’t feel like this but it’s making us freeze up even during the warm-up.”

”Yeah. Like that... and personally? I’ve been off my game lately. Jumps aren’t as high, shots are missing the mark. Feels like my body’s betraying me at the worst time. I don’t want to let the team down, especially Chiho here and Maemura, who looks up at me.” Kanno-senpai nodded and continued after her.

Somehow her voice came out softer than I’d expected from someone who dominated the court with such power.

I listened without interrupting, just letting them be more relaxed at opening up to what they’re currently feeling.

I guess it wasn’t just pre-game jittering. They were being weighed down by the expectations they had of themselves. They fear falling short when it matters most.

It was a familiar territory for anyone who’d pushed themselves to the limit.

”Alright,” I said after a beat, reaching for Kawakami-senpai’s shoulder again but instead of grabbing her, I just gently tapped on her like giving her my assurance.

”First off, you’re not choking, senpai. You’ve already proven you are champions. That title wasn’t luck. You got it through skill, heart, and the drive you built together. The help I provided before was just a small part. As for this crowd? Let them yell. Use it as fuel. Every boo is just proof you’re in their heads. Prove to them that your win isn’t a fluke.”

Kawakami-senpai’s lips curved slightly. I could see a spark igniting in her eyes.

I guess my pep talk is effective? Well, I’m not done yet.

I turned my gaze to Kanno-senpai, who straightened a bit as my words were also directed at her.

Somehow, her lanky form seemed to uncoil like she was shedding some invisible weight. It was quite adorable for someone with her figure. But well, my Satsuki is more adorable, especially when she’s expressing her jealousy boldly.

”But here’s the real talk,” I continued, ”It’s not just about you leading the team to victory. I can tell that you’re also the reason why they fight so hard. Satsuki and the others want to give you the glory of being champions before you, third-years, graduate next year. They want to graduate having accomplished a lot for the club.”

At those words, the two seniors reacted differently. Kawakami-senpai instantly became teary-eyed while Kanno-senpai’s eyes widened slightly before she averted her gaze, rubbing the back of her neck again like she was trying to play it cool. However, the faint quiver in her lower lip gave her away.

Eventually, she swallowed hard and let out a shaky laugh, “Damn, Onoda-kun... you really know how to hit where it hurts. In a good way, I mean. The first-years like Maemura... they’re hungry for it, yeah. But hearing you say that... it makes me want to go out there and crush it for them too.”

Kawakami-senpai wiped at the corner of her eye quickly, sniffing once before straightening her posture like she was snapping back into captain mode. Her voice came out a little softer than usual, but the fire in her eyes was unmistakable now.

“Y-yeah... thanks, Onoda-kun. You’re right. We can’t let them down. Not after everything. Let’s get back out there and show Hirari why we’re the champs. We shouldn’t be intimidated by just this much. There’s still the prefecture-level tournament coming up.”

I nodded, giving them both a reassuring smile as I stepped back to give them space. “You’ve got this, senpai. Besides, I’ll still assist you if you need it. I’m gonna sit alongside everyone at your benchside.”

“Oh. Yeah. You do that... You’re now one of us.” Kawakami-senpai said while Kanno-senpai raised her thumb.

“One of you, huh? I’m honored.”

“No. I’m serious, Onoda-kun. I’ll request Eguchi-sensei to add your name to our club registry tomorrow. That way, we can bring you to the tournament.”

I tilted my head, blinking at Kawakami-senpai. The way she suggested that was like she was asking me to join a knitting circle instead of a sports club.

“Eh? What do you mean, senpai? Your club is the Girls Basketball Club. I’m a guy. Besides, I’m already part of the Literature Club.”

Kawakami-senpai waved her hand dismissively, that captain’s confidence kicking back now that her earlier vulnerability had been tucked away. “Details, Onoda-kun. We can make it work. You wouldn’t be a player. Obviously. If the boys at the Baseball Club and Soccer Club can have a manager. So can we, no?”

Oh... I didn’t think of that. But she’s not wrong... However, in our school, this would be the precedent. Because normally, the role of a manager would always be given to girls.

“Eguchi-sensei is already on board with how much you helped during Interhigh. She mentioned something about ‘special exceptions’ for valuable contributors. And the Literature Club? Pfft, that’s not going to be a conflict. You can do both.” Kanno-senpai added with a casual shrug.

So, it’s not only Satsuki. Ryouko-san was also in on this. I guess that’s decided now.

I would become the Girls Basketball Club’s manager or advisor, whichever they pick.

“It’s not like we’re asking you to suit up and shoot threes, you know? Just... be there with us. Your strategies and pep talks can turn games around. And honestly? The team likes having you around. You’re like our secret weapon. Maemura would probably kill us if we didn’t at least try to rope you in officially.”

I scratched my cheek as a sheepish smile crept onto my face.

Secret weapon, huh? That sounded flattering, but I could already imagine the chaos if word got out.

A guy in the Girls Basketball Club? The rumors alone would be legendary. And with my... reputation? It’d be a field day for anyone looking to stir drama.

But then again, helping Satsuki and the others? Watching them crush tournaments up close? That wasn’t something I’d turn down lightly. Plus, more time with the seniors like these two... well, let’s just say the shameless part of me wasn’t opposed.

“Alright, senpai,” I said after a beat, meeting their expectant gazes. “If Eguchi-sensei’s cool with it, I’m in. But only if it doesn’t mess with my other commitments. And... what’s in it for me? Besides the glory of being your unofficial hype man?”

Upon hearing that, Kawakami-senpai’s eyes widened a fraction. It took her by surprise. She hadn’t expected me to negotiate, but then her lips curved into a playful smirk.

She stepped closer, fidgeting slightly in a way that her arms somehow accentuated everything under her jersey, her ponytail swaying with the movement. “What’s in it for you? Besides getting to hang out with a team of amazing girls who owe you big time?”

Kanno-senpai chuckled from her spot before joining her friend. Her height made her tower over both of us, but there was a softness in her eyes now that the earlier tension had melted away.

“She’s right. You already got a ‘reward’ after Interhigh, remember? But... if we win prefecturals? Maybe we can talk about an upgrade. Or maybe, we can give you one right now. Your choice.”

Her voice dropped lower on the last part. It was clearly laced with a teasing lilt that made me wonder if she understood what she was doing.

They were enticing me, right?

I looked at Kawakami-senpai whose cheeks flushed a deeper pink. Her eyes shifted to her friend. Clearly, she couldn’t believe Kanno-senpai had just said that out loud.

However, there wasn’t any hint of her correcting the notion. If anything, she stepped a little closer, her athletic frame brushing against my arm in a way that felt more deliberate than when I placed my hand on her shoulder.

Alright. Are they actually serious right now? Or maybe I’m not reading this properly. The reward they’re going to give won’t be what I am imagining, right?

Uh... I guess I’m about to reap what I sow from asking them what’s in it for me.