Stealing Spree

Chapter 2836: Reward from the Team

Upon returning to the locker room of our team, I was immediately greeted by the festive atmosphere. The girls were still riding the high of their hard-fought victory, with laughter and excited chatter filling the space.

Of course, they had long changed out of their sweaty jerseys. There was nothing more for me to see other than a few skins since I was out there with Nagisa for quite a while. It’s also quite great that Kawakami or Kanno-senpai, who gave me the ‘preview’ reward earlier, was quietly resting on the bench.

They’re the only ones who played from start to finish without getting subbed out so... it’s natural that they’re exhausted.

“Dumb-senpai, you’re back.” Ria greeted me first as she’s the one who opened the door for me.

Her intelligent eyes sparkled with mischief and genuine affection. After all, she already knew exactly where I’d been and who I’d been with. She didn’t say anything about it right away, though. Instead, she tugged me inside and gathered everyone’s attention to me.

The first one who caught my eye was Ryouko-san. She gave me a knowing nod and a grateful smile. If any other student saw her expression, they’d think they were seeing a different Eguchi-sensei.

I would love to run up to her and give her a hug but with everyone around, I had to hold back. I mean, the last time we did something daring in the same room as the others, Orimura-sensei caught us.

And that led to having a relationship with her as well.

Anyway, Ryouko-san walked forward and placed a hand on my head, patting it dearly.

“Welcome back, Coach.” She said, almost teasing.

“Come on, sensei. You’re still the coach. Can’t I just be your assistant in this club? Just like how I am your Student Assistant in your classes?”

“Oh! That’s a good suggestion, Onoda-kun!” Kawakami-senpai chimed in.

Since they wouldn’t let me say no to being part of their club anymore, defining it like this would make it easier for everyone.

“If no one’s against it, then it will be done. I’ll have you submit an application tomorrow at school, Onoda-kun. Look for me at lunch break.” Ryouko-san said with a sneaky wink that was more playful than her attempt to tease earlier.

After all, it was already a habit for me to come and see her during lunch. Like this, she gave me a more valid reason to look for her.

Meanwhile, I saw Orimura-sensei clicking her tongue in a corner. I guess I should also look for her tomorrow, right? As for whether that meeting will turn into something more intimate for the nth time, it doesn’t matter. I love that she’s so adamant about not admitting what exactly our relationship is when it has long been defined by what we’re doing whenever we’re alone together.

“Alright. Since Onoda-kun is here now, let’s talk about how we should celebrate this win.”

Kanno-senpai jumped up from her seat, bringing that up.

Almost instantly, the girls’ gazes at me became more intense. I don’t know what they have in mind when it comes to celebration but it should be safe, right?

I mean, they already changed. They couldn’t let me watch them again.

As I was thinking of that, the seniors who played earlier took a step forward. Aside from Satsuki, Kawakami-senpai and Kanno-senpai, there were eight more who played, both starters and substitutes.

“Onoda-kun,” One of the second-year seniors started as she was the first to reach me. Her position was just a substitute for a third-year senior who played as the shooting guard of the team. “We won because of you again. And... I heard from Captain. We owe you a reward.”

I held my ground but inwardly, I couldn’t help but wryly smile. And here I thought nothing would happen anymore. I guess I was naive.

But let’s see. Better not to make this awkward than it already is.

“Mhm. But that didn’t mean I helped because of it, senpai. I think I’ve already gotten my reward for seeing you all rejoice at winning against Hirari High again.” I replied, scratching my cheek with an embarrassed smile on my lips.

“You’re too humble for your own good, idiot,” Satsuki commented from the side. She then clicked her tongue and moved behind me, pushing my back.

Because of it, I closed the distance between me and the senior in front.

She was startled for a bit before a shy expression covered her face.

“Sorry, Onoda-kun. Looks like we put you in an awkward position.” She said while giggling as she raised her hand.

Given that I was at least a head taller than her, she had to tiptoe in order to pat my head.

Right. That’s what she’s been meaning to do, just pat my head.

However, I doubt the others had the same idea.

“Well, it’s not as awkward as me trying to run away from the blessing.”

That made her giggle even more.

I bent my back a bit, making it easier for her. And soon enough, her palm landed on top of my head. She gently caressed it before whispering, “Uhm... Sorry if this is all I can give you, Onoda-kun. Maemura might bite me if I hug you.”

“Senpai, I can hear you. But don’t mind it. If it’s that idiot, he’s the most shameless guy in the world. So, don’t hold back. He deserved the praise we’re gonna give him.” Satsuki chimed in from behind me. Even without seeing her face, I could already imagine her smug expression.

I guess she’s also being generous this time. Furthermore, since she’s the one who suggested to Kawakami-senpai and Kanno-senpai that they give me a proper reward for turning the game around, she also couldn’t just back out of it.

Perhaps I had to be prepared tonight though. She’d definitely team up with Akane to keep me up for as long as possible.

With Satsuki’s urgings, the second-year senior’s hand lingered on my head. Her fingers thread gently through my hair like she was testing how far she could go before Satsuki really did bite.

Although she had already recovered, her cheeks were still flushed from the game, but the shy smile she gave me now carried a different kind of heat.

“Onoda-kun... Uhm. How to say this? You really saved us out there,” She continued, “If a head pat isn’t enough... maybe this?”

Before I could answer, she rose on her toes again and pressed a quick, warm kiss to my cheek.

The touch was light and quick and contained her innocence. If I wasn’t wrong, she’s the kind of girl who has never had a relationship before. Or even if she did have one, it hadn’t progressed to showing more intimacy than holding hands.

Soon after that, she covered her face, which was about to turn as red as a tomato, before running to the back.

I guess that’s one down. But that’s just the start.

Seeing that bold attempt, the other seniors exchanged glances, then stepped forward one by one.

A third-year forward who’d subbed in during the final stretch cupped my face with both hands and planted a firmer kiss on my other cheek.

“You made me look good with that block setup. Thank you, Coach.”

Another second-year just went and pulled my head down to her chest, giving me a tight hug.

“We’ve gotten Maemura’s permission. So this is how I will reward you, Onoda-kun.”

And from there, the other seniors continued to give me some sort of reward.

Fortunately, not everyone was as bold as the others. Nothing more than a hug or a kiss on the cheek happened. Still, it was something any guy could only dream of having.

Then, with everyone finished with their turn to pamper me with their rewards, it rounded back to Kawakami-senpai and Kanno-senpai.

The two seniors looked at each other first before focusing on me. It’s like they had silent communication on what they planned to give me.

Kanno-senpai stepped out first and chuckled while ruffling my hair roughly, “Told you we’d give you an upgrade if we won. So, tell us, Onoda-kun. What do you want us to do for you?”

As she said that, Kawakami-senpai quietly stepped forward. Her gaze at me seemed to say, “It’s all up to you, Onoda-kun.”

They’re really putting me on the spot here... But with everyone still around watching this all transpire, I doubt they’ll do something more than a hug or kiss on the cheek.

Or am I being naive?