Stealing Spree

When I arrived at the gymnasium with Ryouko-san, I maintained a one-step distance behind her, keeping up the image of her student assistant. After a quick scan of the area, I joined our class, already lined up on one side opposite Class 3.

Although most students were aware of my role as her assistant, it wouldn't hurt to be cautious about our relationship. Unlike my interactions with the girls in class, things with Ryouko-san could get complicated.

No. It would be disastrous.

Just take Shio's ex-husband as an example. He's still on the run after getting ordered to surrender himself.

While people might dismiss my flirting with Nami and the other girls as typical playboy behavior, being seen with Ryouko-san, Orimura-sensei, or even Shio would cause serious problems. For them, not me.

It wasn't too late to keep things private for the next three years before coming public. We could still enjoy our time together, whether at their offices, apartments, or on secret dates away from the public eye. There was no rush.

Anyway, I planned to join my girls for the warm-up and give them a heads-up about today's activity. I slid into our group and I instantly got sandwiched between Nami and Satsuki. Aya moved in front of me while the space behind me was eventually claimed by Chii who arrived there quicker because her klutz trait activated, tripping her over to me.

That caused little commotion but the gaze I got from Orimura-sensei who was standing from a distance was a disdainful glare as though she was looking at a troublemaker.

I could also see Misaki and Maaya on the other side looking in our direction.

I waved at the innocent forehead girl, Misaki, who quickly covered half her face with her paper fan. Maaya, true to her tsundere nature, reacted with a mix of annoyance and embarrassment when I smiled at her.

Really, their reactions were priceless, and I couldn't help but feel warmth bloom in my chest. Bringing my attention back to Nami and the others, I briefed them on what to expect today. When they asked if I would be participating, I simply shrugged and gave them a knowing smile. That was enough to clue them in that I'd be assisting Ryouko-san and Orimura-sensei. After a few minutes of warming up under Ryouko-san's supervision, she gave everyone a moment to catch their breath before explaining the main event: a creative team relay.

The atmosphere in the gymnasium instantly shifted. The low hum of casual conversations between the students faded into the background and was replaced by an air of anticipation. Even with the light tension hanging around Orimura-sensei's stern glares, the students' excitement for the upcoming activity was noticeable.

Standing between Nami and Satsuki, I straightened up, mirroring the disciplined posture of the other students, setting an example. With that, Aya and Chii as well as the other girls around me shift their focus towards the front.

"Alright, everyone," Ryouko-san began, her voice a mix of authority and encouragement.

As they were already used to her commanding tone that could strike fear in anyone, no one dared to fool around.

"We prepared another creative activity for you today. I'm certain you've already heard about this if you have friends from Class 2 or 4." She continued.

"With the help of my assistant, Onoda-kun, and Orimura-sensei, we've made some adjustments that should benefit everyone. Today's activity will not only test your physical abilities but also how well you can work as a team."

She paused for effect, allowing her words to sink in. Some of the students exchanged glances, excitement and nervousness apparent on their faces.

I could feel the familiar weight of expectation settle on my shoulders. Even though I wouldn't be directly participating in the competition, being part of the planning meant I had a role to play in making sure everything ran smoothly.

Also, who am I not to root for my girls? If I can bend the rules a bit for them then I surely will.

Not to mention, I won't need to deal with the boys in our class. Sakuma, Ogawa or Fukuda can show off all they want. I'm still the one winning anyway.

Ryouko-san continued, "Now, onto the details. This will be a team relay consisting of ten students per team. We'll call it the Creative Relay for simplicity."

"Can you see what Orimura-sensei prepared behind me? That's going to be our activity field. As I mentioned, it will be a team relay with a twist. There will be four stations, each with a different challenge. These include both physical and problem-solving tasks. Each team will have to work together to complete them as efficiently as possible. And remember, if you struggle too much, you can use the lifeline option, but doing so will incur a time penalty." As she outlined the details about runners and drifters, my attention briefly drifted to the students from Class 3. Misaki still had her fan covering her face, though I could tell she was sneaking peeks at me. Maayai, on the other hand, was focused, her serious expression betraying how much she was taking this competition to heart.

I guess her gamer mindset is getting stimulated. This activity can relieve some of her stress. I'll also pay attention to them later.

Soon, when Ryouko-san mentioned the reward for the winning team, the special privilege to influence the next class's activities, an excited murmur spread through both classes. Even Nami and Satsuki perked up beside me, their eyes gleaming with interest. Whatever they were planning if they won, it would surely be related to me or us.

However, Ryouko-san added a twist to the reward system. Instead of giving the privilege to all three winning teams from the planned three matches, it would go to the team with the quickest overall record.

Though she offered to add a handicap since the girls might be slower than the boys, Nami and Maaya rejected the idea outright. They weren't about to let the boys gloat over a win handed to them by a handicap.

In any case, I also agreed with their sentiment. And my girls love challenges. I can see it through their eyes.

Following that, Orimura-sensei stepped forward, her sharp gaze cutting through the room. "Now, let's get started. I want to see effort from both sides, but no dirty tricks. You're here to improve, not sabotage. Understand?"

The students nodded in unison before their collective voices confirmed their agreement. They immediately set about organizing their teams.

Before I joined Ryouko-san and Orimura-sensei to take my post as Activity Assistant, I lingered a little longer with my girls, helping them finalize their team lineup.

In the end, they decided on this lineup for the Girls Match.

The five runners are Satsuki, Chii, Saki, Nami, and Kushii.

The five helpers are Aya, Hana, Mio, Hina, and Shimura.

Originally, we considered taking Maaya and Misaki from Class 3. However, as soon as Ryouko-san told us to create the teams, those two girls were already surrounded by the other girls in their class. Hence, Kushii and Shimura got added after deliberating it with the other girls in our class.

Wakaba, Kashiwagi, and Misumi were also considered, but Wakaba and Kashiwagi held back because of my presence. On the other hand, Misumi quietly took a step back, patting my shoulder in understanding. They, and the other girls who were eager to participate, would just join during the Mixed Match.

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