Stealing Spree

Chapter 2858: Guiding Kaoru-san (2)

“Ha! Juggling is putting it mildly, Onoda-kun.” She replied with an amused snicker. “Asahi told me how involved you are in this school. Then there are your personal matters. I can’t imagine how you’re dividing yourself. Don’t spread yourself too thin. She worries, you know.”

“I know. I’m trying to pace myself. Besides, most of it overlaps anyway. The girls help keep me grounded.”

Kaoru-san nodded and didn’t press further. Still, I noticed how she kept looking at me. She probably wanted to say something unrelated. As for whether it’s related to her own problem that I advised her about before, I had no idea.

Well, no need to press her for it too. She’ll tell me about it if she gathers enough confidence.

Soon, we arrived at the Theater House. Since I’m already a regular at this place, I led her to the side entrance that led directly to the clubrooms. Further inside was the hallway that connects to the backstage and other essential rooms.

I pushed open the side door, holding it for her.

The hallway inside was quiet. No one was around, after all.

“Impressive,” Kaoru-san murmured as we walked through. “This place could truly give a lot of privacy. The dressing rooms?”

“Down this corridor,” I said, guiding her past the Drama and Theater clubrooms. “There are three unused ones here. Further inside is the backstage which was then connected to the main stage via a short hallway, so talent can move without crossing the audience area.”

”Security is easier to manage too. Only one main entrance and the fire exit at the back. I’ll make sure no one can rush the stage. Her safety will be my priority.”

Kaoru-san looked at me for a few seconds before nodding.

What’s that? Is she trying to gauge the truthfulness in my words? I thought we’re already cleared on that. I mean... after that visit to Tokyo, she couldn’t deny my significance to Yue anymore.

We checked each room methodically. Kaoru-san tested the lighting, measured sightlines from the wings, and noted power outlets for equipment. The largest unused room had a long mirror already mounted on one wall, perfect for makeup and costume changes.

“This one,” she decided after a moment, tapping her tablet screen. “It’s private, spacious enough for quick changes, and close enough to the stage for smooth transitions. We can bring in portable racks and a small vanity. Asahi will like the mirror.”

I nodded, ”I’ll prepare it. Maybe I’ll let the Theater Club and Drama Club in on the surprise. There will be fans of hers there. Not to mention, I have a girl in both clubs.”

Kaoru-san’s lips twitched upon hearing that. “A girl in both clubs? Onoda-kun, restrain yourself. Do you want Asahi to be jealous?”

“Well, she already knew,” I replied with a light shrug. “Besides, I love all of them.”

”Haa... You’re really something else.” She put a hand on her forehead but she didn’t ask further.

We stepped back into the hallway, Kaoru-san already typing notes. “I’ll send the full specs to the crew tonight. Setup can happen after classes tomorrow once we confirm the final venue. The Theater House seems better for control, but we’ll keep the gymnasium as a backup if crowd size becomes an issue.”

“Sounds good. I’ll coordinate with the school side so nothing overlaps with other events.”

As we headed back toward the main path, Kaoru-san slowed her pace slightly, her professional mask softening.

“Onoda-kun... first of all. Thank you. Asahi has never been better ever since you returned to her life. All the issues around her, she can now take with a smile because there’s you who will always give her the wings to continue on this path.”

”Come on, Kaoru-san, it’s all her. All I contributed to her was a little push. And I know she’s stronger than you think. After all, she reached that point before reconnecting with me. I think I even became her weakness now.”

”Don’t call it weakness!” Kaoru-san’s voice snapped sharper than I’d ever heard, ”Don’t frame it like that, Onoda-kun. You’re her strength. Without you, she would’ve given up... Also...”

She paused for a moment and bit her lips before silently muttering, ”... You’ve also given me a bit of hope.”

“Hope that I can eventually stop criticizing myself at every step.”

Kaoru-san then looked up at me, her eyes showing a glint of her determination, “I’m still far from it, but I’m working on minimizing it. I only criticized my decisions around five times today.”

Upon hearing that, I couldn’t help but put on a wry grin. What did she mean by that? Which decisions is she not pleased with?

In any case, hearing her working on her issue of over-self-criticism gives me hope that one day, she’ll truly be rid of it. And if she does, there’s also hope for me to cure my desire, right?

“I see. I’m glad to hear that, Kaoru-san. So, does that mean if we invite you to eat the next time you cook for us, you won’t decline anymore?”

At this point, our topic had already shifted to her.

“...You really don’t forget anything, do you?” She glanced sideways at me, her eyes carrying a mix of embarrassment and reluctant warmth. “I turned down your invitation last time because I didn’t want to impose. And because... well, I kept thinking I might ruin the mood by overthinking every little thing I said or did. But now...”

She trailed off, biting her lower lip for a second before continuing in a quieter voice.

“I’m working on it. So... if the offer still stands, I won’t decline next time. Just... don’t expect me to be completely normal right away. I might still count how many times I said or did something awkward after I got home.”

I chuckled softly, keeping my tone light to ease the tension I could feel radiating from her. “The offer always stands, Kaoru-san. And don’t worry about being ‘normal.’ None of us are, especially not me. Besides, if you overthink too much, I’ll just have to pull you back like last time.”

Kaoru-san’s lips twitched into a small, genuine smile. “You’re too smooth for your own good, Onoda-kun. But... thank you. Really. Talking to you like this helps more than you know.”

We continued walking in comfortable silence for a moment. Before we reached the point where our paths would split, Kaoru-san slowed down again.

“One more thing,” She said, “Asahi asked me to tell you... she’s really looking forward to seeing you this weekend. Even if it’s just for a short while, she said she’ll clear her schedule no matter what.”

I nodded, warmth spreading through my chest at the thought of Yue. “Tell her I’m looking forward to it too.”

That girl. Did she really have to pass a message when she could easily call or message me? I guess she’s just riding on the fact that Chisato-nee sent a surprise to me.

Kaoru-san studied me for a second, then gave a small nod of her own. “I will. Take care of yourself, Onoda-kun. Don’t push too hard.”

With that, she turned and headed toward the parking lot where her car waited. I watched her go for a moment before turning back toward the school building.