Stealing Spree

Chapter 2649: Another Popularity Poll?

Upon returning to the clubroom, we spent the next hour finalizing the scenarios. The original chain scenarios that our Literature Club had written had been expanded to include more branches. Instead of two possible routes, it became three.

Rumi and Kana would see to it that the script for that new route would be in a usable state by next week. Of course, I asked to help finish it with them but the two girls just stared at me as if they were looking at a crazy guy who just wouldn’t stop piling up things he had to do.

Well, I am a crazy guy. That’s not wrong.

Rumi scolded me and pretended to ignore me. And before I could approach her from behind, Kana once again showed her mature side by gently pulling me away, her hand then landed on my head, ruffling it before saying, “Leave it to us, Ruki. We can handle the script. You just focus on not burning yourself out, okay? We’ll show it to you when we’re done.”

She paused momentarily, pulling my head down to her bouncy chest, hugging it tightly. “Now, don’t try to use your charm to appease Rumi. Let her sulk for a while. As for me, let me sulk too, I’ll hug you like this until I’m satisfied, deal?”

This adorable girl... How is this sulking? It’s so comfortable I could sink into this forever.

In any case, what else can I do? With my head already buried in her softness, I could only move my head to signal a nod.

After a while, Kana’s hands cupped my cheek and lifted my gaze to her. And before I could say anything, our lips overlapped.

Her sulking was truly extraordinary. Somehow, I wanted to see her sulk more.

When Kana eventually released me, I found Rumi with her cheeks flushed red, her earlier frustration melting into a reluctant pout as she crossed her arms. “Look at this shameless junior. You got pampered by Kana again. But let me say something too.”

With that, Kana passed me to her like I was a ball that was about to be shot. Rumi caught me perfectly, clutching my head between her arms, “Leave the writing to us, alright? I’m starting to think you’re overcommitting just to avoid admitting you cannot be with us all the time. We’re in this together, remember? So if you’re gonna be all ‘I’ve got this,’ at least let us pitch in without you acting like a martyr.”

I scratched the back of my head, feeling that familiar tug of guilt mixed with affection.

Rumi wasn’t wrong. No, they were never wrong, of course. This had become a habit of mine. Instead of searching for new targets, I was now too focused to answer them at any moment. Piling commitments more than I should, thinking I could handle it all to keep things smooth for everyone... that’s just selfish, right?

“Mhm. I know that. But you know... I just can’t stand idly by. It has truly become my habit so... if I continue acting like this, I’ll leave it to you and everyone to scold me.”

“What’s the scolding gonna do with you when you’ll just keep doing it again?” She scoffed before tightening her hold on my head.

“Right. I’m such an idiot.” I playfully stuck my tongue out, causing the girl to fume. But I stifle her annoyance at me by wrapping my arms around her back, holding her just as tightly even with the other girls in the room. “Alright, you’ve got me. I’ll let you handle the heavy lifting on the script. But only if you promise not to stay up all night perfecting it. Deal?”

She huffed and then leaned down to bite my lips, “You got a deal, idiot Ruki. But don’t slack off either. We’re counting on you, too.”

At that, Kana closed in beside us and nodded, her gentle demeanor a soothing contrast to Rumi’s fire. “Un. We’ll make it shine, Ruki. Just... take care of yourself, okay? You’re no good to us if you collapse from exhaustion. But once we’re done... let’s sleep over at Rumi’s house. The three of us... or maybe Mirae-chan can join too?”

This girl... her words hit a soft spot but her last sentence implied she’s already looking forward to that night.

I glanced up at Rumi and she didn’t counter what Kana said. They probably talked about this already...

A night with the two of them. Or three, if Rae could also come with us... Looks like it’ll be another fun night.

But I don’t think it will happen right as the cultural festival ends. Summer vacation, maybe? I’ll make it a task to visit all of them. Or maybe go somewhere together with everyone.

“Thanks, Kana. You’re too good to me.” I kissed Kana’s forehead, which made her blush again.

“S-shameless as always. Go on, the others are waiting for you to do your rounds again.”

With that, I moved on, checking in on the groups scattered around the room. The festival prep was in full swing, with props being sorted, scripts being tweaked, and decorations taking shape.

I wove through the groups, stealing moments with each of my girls. Quick whispers, playful teasing, and stolen kisses that left their cheeks flushed and their eyes sparkling. Yumei, still buzzing from our private chat, had rejoined Nami, Hina, and Saki. They seemed to be planning to go down to the Student Support Club.

Not to bring Yumei to Tadano but because Izumi was calling for help, they seemed to have taken a request that the three idiots with them wouldn’t be able to do.

When I asked what it was, Saki whispered to me, “Remember the popularity poll, Ruki? Someone wants to do it again... but this time, they’ll be ranking you bows with your body builds.”

“That... how will they do that?”

“Everyone has a swimming class, no? Someone will sneakily take photos of each of you.”

... Where’s our consent in that?

But then again, knowing the boys, most of them would probably be proud to show off their bodies and be ranked higher than in the popularity contest.

“I see. I guess I’ll have to wear a shirt tomorrow, huh?”

“Boo... You don’t want to be crowned as Mr. Hot Body, Ruki?”

“Nope. No thanks. It’s enough that you girls can see me as hot, no?”

“Pfft. That’s right. If they see how built you are, those girls will find another one of your charming points. We can’t have them swooning over you.” This time, Hina was the one who answered. The glint in her eyes told me she’s already scheming something.

As for Nami, the way she was staring at me felt like I was already being stripped by her.

Luckily, Yumei seemed to be acting innocent, even though she knew very well what we were talking about.

After sorting out what they were doing, I escorted them out of the room and walked them to the stairs. They then took their turns getting pampered by me while trying to hide it from Yumei. One would pull me into a blind spot, while the other two would distract the girl.

Anyway, the three girls bringing Yumei with them would ensure Tadano would not think I was the reason why his little sister visited. An avoided conflict.

On my return to the clubroom, I found Nina dramatically arranging a stack of ribbons as if they were sacred relics. Upon seeing me, they presented it to me, her Night Prince.

That earned her another flick from me, which she countered by sticking close, even ignoring Mami, who was wondering where Nami and the others went.

Yep... They forgot about her. Or rather, they probably thought she was busy.

After shaking off Nina, I approached her again, “Mami-chan. Do you want me to escort you downstairs? Nami and the others went to the Student Support Club.”

“Eh? Is that why they’re not around? Uhm... Won’t it be bad if you escort me there? Kazuo-senpai will... think you’ve laid your hands on me.”

Ah. She’s not wrong. However, I was just trying to be nice, you know?

“You’re right. But you know, I’m also aware of our bad blood. So, we’re not going to be alone. Nina, Sumire, and Umi will also come with us. I’m bringing them to the clubhouse.”

“Oh... That place. Okay...” Mami nodded before looking around for the other three.

Nina was still nearby, and she didn’t miss our conversation. Without wasting a second, she’s back at my side, looking up at me like a servant waiting for an order from her lord.

As for Sumire and Umi, they’re wrapped up in some kind of discussion with Otsuka-senpai. Looking at those sparkling purple eyes, she’s certainly feeding her curiosity again. Maybe about softball or... what the two juniors have in common, their admiration for Yue, or their relationship with me.

Good timing, should I just bring her to the clubhouse too? That wouldn’t be a bad idea.