Stealing Spree

Chapter 1236 Help in Deciding

Shortly after the cakes and my drink arrived, Koizumi-san finally moved our topic to the reason why we were meeting today. I mean, all those minutes were spent by us flattering and complimenting each other. Although I lost on that front considering she could dish out compliments out of nothing at all, I still managed to see her getting slightly flustered when I mentioned our last interaction.

And from what I discerned, she’s not that great at being flustered, or rather, she probably didn’t want to be seen in that state. Hence, she quickly changed our topic.

Understanding that, I made a mental note to remember that trait of hers. Who knows? I could probably use it in our future interactions to see more of her slightly hidden side that she didn’t want anyone, not even me, to see. The girl wanted to portray herself as this cool, propriety-freak beauty that wasn’t easily flustered.

“I called you here for this. Our department picked out five locations to scout next week, Setsu even recommended one. But as you know, we might not have the time to visit all of them. I want to hear your thoughts, help me lower the locations to three.” After taking another sip, Koizumi-san slid her cup and plate to the side before presenting me with the printed information about the locations they chose.

With her cheeks still recovering their natural color, the meaningful smile on her lips somehow made her more charming. Nonetheless, I couldn’t tease her about that. At least, not for now or not ever?

Anyway, it’s great enough that we’re moving forward, I still have a date with Ayu, after all.

“I understand. But is my input really needed? I thought I was only invited as an added escort for you, Koizumi-san.”

“You thought. However, Onoda-kun, let me be honest with you. My intention lies elsewhere.”

“Huh? Can you clarify that with me, Koizumi-san?”

If I had to guess, it’s still about inviting me to model with her. Or there’s another reason?

To somewhat hide my intention to observe and read through her character, I took a sip of my coffee and a bite of my cake.

It’s sweet but it didn’t turn my coffee to become bitter which is… great. As for Koizumi-san, she also did the same. Her lips then stretched wider as she seemingly enjoyed both.

She then timidly averted her gaze for a moment, preventing herself from getting flustered by my gaze.

Once she recovered, the girl composed herself and started with her explanation.

This time, however, she seemed more serious than ever. She leaned slightly forward and placed one of her hands on the table, seemingly trying to reach for my hand.

“My intention is to spend some time with you, Onoda-kun. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not because I like you or anything. I’m merely really interested in how you are as a person. Ever since meeting you in Setsu’s house, I can’t seem to get you off my mind. You have this unique and mysterious air around you that it’s hard to put down.”

Koizumi-san said all that with a straight face. As I took that all in, I dissected them in my head, discerning whether she was telling me the truth or it was all a lie.

Given that she never broke eye contact with me as well as the serious tone of her voice, she sounded sincere enough.

Those were her honest thoughts about me… But thinking about it… didn’t she just basically say that she’s interested in me? Not in a romantic way though. And perhaps, that’s the reason why she’s not afraid of asking Satsuki for permission.

“That’s flattering, to say the least. I never thought I’d be catching your interest from the start, Koizumi-san,” I cordially answered which resulted in the girl dropping her serious expression followed by hushed giggles.

“I feel the same, Onoda-kun. I never thought that a few minutes with you will get me this worked up over a guy younger than me. Still, don’t take this in a romantic way, hmm? Satsuki-chan will be sad.”

“Don’t worry. I understand that there are certain differences when it comes to being interested in someone.”

I couldn’t say the same for myself though… Because most of the time, my interest would lead to more than just an interest.

Surely, it’s different for other people. And here’s Koizumi-san as an example.

“Great. I’m glad you’re quick on the uptake. Now, let’s move on.”

“Alright.”

Dropping that topic right there, I picked up what she presented and started reading them.

Five camping locations. Each of which could accommodate hundreds of people.

Their college department would be working together with the school which means, they’d be sending their students as well to lead us.

I forgot if they’re going to take all year levels or if it’s just us, 1st years. Either way, while it was important for us, high school students, Koizumi-san, and possibly everyone in their department would also be benefiting from it in one way or another. They’ll be with us there.

I never asked but from what I heard from Satsuki, they’re from the Fine Arts department. As for their course, it’s most likely related to fashion or close to it.

Anyway, after considering the view, comfortability as well as hazards of each location, I picked three that are reasonably close to each other.

One of which was Setsuna-nee-san’s recommendation.

"I think these three should be good if we wanted to finish it in a day and decide which one to pick right away; Hinatsu Lake Camp, Greenwood Forest, and Akamitsu Hills.” I put them back down and showed them to Koizumi-san. And following that, I gave her my opinion on why I picked them; one by one.

The lake camp was clearly centered around a huge lake. People camp next to it or use the lodgings that could be rented from the landowners.

The forest was obviously inside a dense thicket located north of our city. It’s close to the mountain I climbed with Miwa-nee and Minoru. While the place had no lodges for campers, there was at least a small center where people could get supplies.

And lastly, the Akamitsu Hills was the one Setsuna-nee-san suggested. It’s a popular camping destination in the whole prefecture. The place was huge and it was said to have been preserved to its natural state despite building up cottages and lodges for the campers. There’s also a lot of activity that could be done but all of those might be shared by other campers.

Well, it’s irrelevant to me since the responsibility for those would fall on the teachers or Koizumi-san and her fellow college students.

“Wonderful, I knew I could count on you, Onoda-kun. It’s these three then. Setsu will be overjoyed that we also picked Akimitsu. Expect her to call you and barrage you with praises.”

“Eh? Wait. I thought you were only taking my opinion?”

I could ignore her comment about Setsuna-nee-san but this… she’s deciding just like that?

“And I find your opinion great, Onoda-kun. If it’s you, you must have considered everything before picking. I’ll be booking us our trip there next week.” With a very satisfied grin, Koizumi-san praised me again before pulling up her phone and perhaps sending a message to those in her department about the locations she decided to visit.

I guess I should just accept that she’s going to be like this most of the time. Always having a positive outlook when it comes to me.

However, in a way, I couldn’t help but think that she was a little too excessive. Is she 100% sure that she doesn’t like me?

Uh… Let’s not overthink. I should be thankful enough that she stopped bringing up the modeling gig or else I might reject her multiple times until she gives up.

A few minutes later, Koizumi-san and I left the coffee shop together.

I thought it was about time for us to separate but when we walked before a clothing store, Koizumi-san stopped in her steps and dragged me inside without even asking whether I wanted to or not.

“Come on, accompany me a little longer, Onoda-kun.” She said while beaming her iconic attractive smile soon after pushing me into one of the dressing stalls and handing me the fashionable clothes she picked for me.

Yeah. This is probably what she comes up with to satisfy herself by seeing me model some clothes.

I mean, her camera, a real professional camera, was already in her hands, ready to snap my photo.

Unfortunately for her, the employee of the store walked over to her and reminded, “Uhm. Miss, you cannot take a photo here.”

However, instead of following the employee’s words, she rebutted while pointing at me, “Hmm? I apologize but can’t you see him? It’s a waste not to snap a photo when he changed in those.”

And with that, the two women stared at me, and not long after, even the employee’s gaze became intense as she feebly nodded.

Seeing that, I could only wryly smile before succumbing to my fate. I could refuse, of course, but I guess it’s not bad to play along with Koizumi-san. For her satisfaction.

I’ll also be asking for a copy that I can give to my girls. Yep, that’s the plan.

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