Stealing Spree

Continuing with the act as well as what we planned together, Saki started by telling Hayashi-sensei that we’re all from the same class as well as their supposed friendship.

That was necessary for setting the stage for the fake school nurse to put down her input in the situation. While her current identity was enough for her to dole out a verdict, I only needed her as a mediator.

No. There’s nothing to mediate, actually. She’s nothing more than a witness. Because at the end of the day, I wouldn’t let this guy off lightly.

He could run to Ogawa or Tadano for help but his connection with my girls would be severed completely. Kikuchi might also have a say on it but even with only Saki’s testament, she’d definitely stand down and not defend him anymore. Their ‘friend’ crossed the line he shouldn’t cross.

For the next ten minutes, Saki didn't hold back at all. The only detail she omitted was our intimate moments. It’s unnecessary and, of course, it’s something that should only be between us.

Since Hayashi-sensei was aware that I’m not just sticking to Shizu, the only reaction she had when Saki confirmed our relationship was a raised eyebrow. Other than that, nothing.

As for the silent guy, even if he’s already grimacing from the scorching pain of his bruised face, his ugly turned even uglier as though got shot multiple times by invisible arrows.

Maybe, as his last respite, he's still hoping that Saki's previous kindness to him would once again resurface and prevail, letting him off lightly.

He's delusional like that. Of all the things that he could pick up from Ogawa, it's that trait.

Anyway, Hayashi-sensei continued her treatment while listening to Saki. That was not an act, she's really doing her job as the school nurse.

However, once she finished, the hidden director who was exerting precise control over herself when handling the silent guy’s face, switched gears. As though she donned another identity, the air around her changed as she straightened her back and crossed her arms as her gaze swept at us.

That, alone, made the guy shake in fear again. He looked like a wet chicken already, shivering from the cold after rolling himself on a mud field.

Saki and I didn't falter at that. I even met her Hayashi-sensei’s gaze. With how confident I appeared, she almost cracked her neutral expression. Maybe I would get scolded by her later. But that’s fine. Knowing her, I’m certain that she’s going to call for me and narrate everything in detail again later.

I guess I can consider that as the price of troubling her this early in the morning. I mean, students and teachers had just started arriving at the school. For her to drive here early, we probably interrupted her beauty rest.

After a few seconds of silence, Hayashi-sensei released a sigh before starting.

"I take it that you're supposed to be friends with each other. Why resort to stalking? Student, stalking is a criminal act. You can say that you’re just admiring her if it’s once or twice. But to do it almost every day… you’re turning yourself into a ticking time bomb who’s on the verge of assaulting someone."

“You like her. Is that it? Then why didn’t you confess to her and shoot your shot when you still have a chance?”

“You can blame no one else but yourself for this turn of events.”

Although those words were already thrown at him by us earlier, having Hayashi-sensei deliver the same essence again buried him even further in his ditch.

At the moment, apart from fearing me and my fists, he also got pushed and kicked to the edge of despair. It won’t be long now for him to break.

But even so, many would consider this as letting him off lightly. We could’ve killed his social life. His parents might even disown him for turning into what he is today. But well, I’m still feeling a little merciful or it’s just more convenient to stop the buzz that will also trouble us if things go that way.

“However, in case you’re being intimidated by Onoda-kun as well as to be completely impartial to you, I’ll send them out. You’ll have to tell me everything from your side. But do remember, if you lie. I will know about it. Any leniency that I may give you will be off the table.”

And there’s the next part. It won’t just be Hayashi-sensei being impartial, it will be another proof that his statement and confession that we managed to fish out of his mouth are valid. By acting like a reliable adult that can help him avoid the worst outcome, it’ll solidify his crime.

Was it devious? Well, not quite. In the end, he will just be cut off from their club and he could still be the same silent guy who seldom talks.

I’ll just have to deal with him from time to time to reinforce his fear of me. Remind him that even when I use violence against him again, I will still be the one on the right.

“I trust sensei’s judgement. We’ll be going then.” I stood up and respectfully bowed to the woman.

Saki did the same but before turning around to join me on my way out, she added, “Can I say one last thing to him, sensei?”

Although she didn’t expect that, Hayashi-sensei found no reason to reject it. She stepped aside to clear the view for the both of them. “Hmm? Sure. Go ahead.”

“Thank you…” Saki expressed her gratitude to Hayashi-sensei first while also squeezing my hand tightly. Perhaps channeling courage from me. A couple of seconds later, she continued. With her stern, unfeeling voice, she said to the silent guy, “Taku, you’ve never been put in my eyes before. Not once have I considered you to be my friend. In my head, you’re just a guy in the same circle. Whether you’re there or not, I won’t notice. Next time, don’t take one act of kindness and make it an obsession. Reality is this cruel. You cannot view it on one, narrow lens. You have to widen your perspective. I may have shown you kindness but I don’t consider myself kind. I’m simply an opportunist, living the best life I could.”

This girl… Although she said she isn’t kind, delivering all of those words can also be considered kindness on her part. Even with how harsh it sounded, it was her last advice to him.

Hayashi-sensei couldn’t help but be pleased with it.

And naturally, I also felt proud of the girl.

Following that, we didn’t wait for Taku’s response anymore. We stepped out of the infirmary and left the School Building together.

There’s still an hour before the start of classes. And due to that, we can resume our morning date and celebrate her birthday with just the two of us. 𝒃𝙚𝒅𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝒍.𝙣𝙚𝙩

As for our destination… there’s a suitable one where we won’t be disturbed.

Our clubhouse.

-

-

“Alright, class. Sugiyama has called in sick. Maemura is among the ones competing for the Girl’s Basketball Club. The others who are absent have been dragged by their clubs to watch and cheer for them in their competitions. And in light of the Interhigh, the Director decreed that the school day will be concluded early. Classes will end after the fourth period. You’re free to go. You can go to your clubs or cheer for our sports clubs competing today. That’s all.”

Time passed and the first period soon arrived. After the usual morning greeting and scanning the empty seats in our classroom, Shio started with that morning announcement.

Looks like we predicted it right, a lot of free time today and perhaps in the following days too. Unfortunately, even with that, my days will still be packed.

Looking to my right, Saki was borrowing Satsuki’s currently empty seat. Even if we already spent that much time together in the clubhouse, it’ll never be enough.