Stealing Spree

Chapter 1198: Be Careful

As I put down the book and illustration at some corner, I could feel Orimura-sensei’s eyes following me. I took a glance at her and caught her right in the act. However, instead of being flustered, she just raised an eyebrow as though saying, ‘What? You have a problem?’     

She’s being difficult again, huh? Well, no matter. She’s not the one I’m here for anyway.     

Taking my eyes off her, I switched it to Eguchi-sensei who went to her mini-fridge and picked a drink for me.     

Ignoring the teacher watching me on the sofa, I walked to Eguchi-sensei’s side and squatted next to her.     

Upon seeing me, she moved a bit to the side, allowing me to see the contents of her fridge.     

Well, it’s still mostly filled with what Orimura-sensei was drinking but there’s now a variety of non-alcoholic drinks and water.     

I pointed at lemonade and Eguchi-sensei picked it up for me.     

With a refreshing smile on her lips, she handed it to me. When I closed my fingers to hold onto the can, Eguchi-sensei’s hand remained at the top of my palm for a few seconds which made it look like I held her hand by myself.     

Luckily, Orimura-sensei’s eyes couldn’t see that, or else, we’d be in another meddling from her.     

It’s a deliberate action by Eguchi-sensei and considering she didn’t shiver from being touched by me, the woman had overcome her fear. Though I could feel like I was the only exception for it.     

If Orimura-sensei wasn’t here, I could somehow test that theory. But then again, contradicting as it may be, I welcome her presence here.     

“Here you go, Onoda-kun. Now, why don’t you sit for a while? I remembered. Let’s also talk about that visit next week.”     

“Thank you. But sensei, won’t it be better if I leave, sensei? I feel like I’m not welcomed here.”     

To not be subjected to the suspicion or just the unfriendly gaze of the other teacher, leaving was the best course of action.     

However, I doubt Eguchi-sensei would let me leave after braving it to invite me here.     

“Don’t mind Sanae, I think she’s jealous of me. Or rather, she’s lamenting the fact that you’re not a 2nd-year student; it might not look like it but she also looks favorably upon you and wishes to get you as her assistant.” Eguchi-sensei implied. She lowered her volume so that only I could hear it. She even put a finger on her lips, gesturing for me to be quiet and not let Orimura-sensei notice anything.     

Although there’s merit to Orimura-sensei also wanting me to be her assistant, I don’t think she looks favorably at me. If I’m not wrong, she still has a bone to pick with me. The shower room incident still lingered in her mind.     

“I understand, then I’ll stay for a while.”     

I stood up and walked to one of the single sofas in front of Orimura-sensei. Even if she didn’t occupy that long sofa, I would surely not be able to sit next to her, unless I wanted to be nagged at by her.     

I looked to the side, averting my gaze from the woman, and opened the can of lemonade to take a drink while I waited for Eguchi-sensei’s return.     

It would be nice to have peace and quiet. Truly.     

However, like a sore spot in her eyes, Orimura-sensei proved that she couldn’t ignore my existence.     

After chugging down the can of beer, she called out to me and said, “Oi, Onoda. You’re not thinking of getting too chummy with your teacher, are you?”     

Alright. Let’s not talk about how this should still be her work hours. To drink like that without any care if there’s a student in front of her or not, she’s surely too brazen. Then again, this woman was truly a pain in the ass. Where did she pull that idea from anyway?     

“Hmm? I would never. But sensei, can you tell me how I can improve my standing in your eyes? I know I’m not some model student but you see, it’s uncomfortable to always be the subject of your glares.”         

Although I said I would ignore her glares and act undisturbed by it, it would be bad if she started throwing that kind of accusation at me. We might be in a private room today but what if someone else hears her? Even a tiny seed of suspicion could bloom and become a thorn in my side. As they said, prevention is better than cure.     

If I could stop this woman from being like this when I’m around then… it will be great for the two of us. Besides, if what Eguchi-sensei revealed about her, then I had more than a chance to turn her attitude around, right?     

“Heh. You’re a shameless student. No way you’ll get uncomfortable just because I keep my eye on you. What? Do you want me to favor you the same way as Ryouko does?”     

“Well, that’s preferable. However, it’s enough if sensei can stop assuming I’m up to no good all the time.” I intentionally put on a bitter smile followed by a sigh.     

Whether it was effective or not, I had no idea. But I acted as though those weren’t intentional. I quickly took a sip of my lemonade before lowering my gaze down.     

A few seconds later, I heard the sound of a can clanking on the coffee table. I raised my head to see Orimura-sensei letting go of her empty can. Her eyes still focused on me but the intensity of her glare already lessened.     

Then, she tapped the empty space next to her. Sure enough, she wanted me to sit there.     

I tilted my head to the side, acting puzzled. And I took a glance at Eguchi-sensei who’s still rather busy compiling something.     

When Orimura-sensei noticed that, she clicked her tongue and said, “Don’t you want me to go easy on you? Come here.”     

And she tapped the seat once more.     

Now that I think about it. Based on our previous interactions, this woman was probably trying to reestablish her image in my mind. She wanted to be the scary teacher that I would submit to. Not the one I easily overpowered inside the shower stall.     

And that could explain why she’s always acting like this around me.     

Should I give in to that or not? Well, let’s see what she’s going to do.     

“Alright.” I stood up and moved over to where she was tapping.     

The woman lifted her hand and let me sit down. However, as soon as I did, she put that hand on my shoulder and pulled me close to her. With her breath that smells of what she drank hitting my cheek, she muttered with a hint of playfulness and contentment, “There you go. If you keep being this obedient, you won’t see me being unfriendly to you anymore.”     

“Sensei, isn’t that a little unreasonable?”     

“Yes, it is. But what can you do? I’m a teacher and you’re just a student.” The woman confidently answered followed by a chuckle. Then, her hand on my shoulder slid forward, tightening her hold on me.     

“I want to say that’s an abuse of power but I guess I’ll let this pass. That aside, are we good now, sensei?” After thinking for a while, I decided to just give in to this unfunny humor of hers. If that’s enough to make her satisfied then all the better.     

“For now. But let me tell you this first…” At this point, her tone changed from a little playful to full-on seriousness. The woman then pressed her lips closer to my ear as she whispered, “I’m aware of Ryouko’s infatuation with you. I don’t how that came to be but take this as a reminder, Onoda; always be careful. Do not ever let her get in trouble. If need be, turn her down. I don’t want to lose my best friend. And that goes the same to you, cheeky bastard…”     

After saying that, she loosened her arm, allowing me to extricate myself from her.     

I didn’t answer right away and just stared at the woman. But as though she used up all her courage to say all that, she instantly became flustered.     

Moments later, she picked up her can, stood up and went straight to the door.     

Without looking at me again, she addressed Eguchi-sensei who had just finished her preparation, “I’m leaving. Thanks for the beer, Ryouko.”     

Puzzled at her friend’s sudden decision to leave, Eguchi-sensei failed to reply to her right away.     

Orimura-sensei also didn’t wait for it. As soon as she finished speaking, she opened the door and left, leaving us alone in this room.         

Alright. What should I say? That’s kinda unexpected of her. What should I make of that exit? A show of her consideration or a timely escape before I could get a proper read on her? Perhaps both…