Stealing Spree

Ryouko-san and I immediately got to work. We only had a few minutes, after all. I still needed to interview the club presidents, and she had to return to supervise the Basketball Club.

Despite the lingering tension between us, we naturally fell into a professional rhythm as we discussed the next student they wanted me to "correct."

Yep, That's the word Ryouko-san used.

Furthermore, she emphasized something else.

"Ruki-kun, I don't want you to get too involved with this student."

"Are you worried I'll be influenced by them?"

"It's not that... Because they're not the type who will take your consideration kindly."

I nodded, listening carefully to Ryouko-san's warning. Her expression had shifted slightly, a seriousness replacing the usual warmth in her eyes.

For her to warn me like this despite already knowing my character, that student must be one hell of a troublemaker.

I tried flipping the pages of the 'problem student folder', checking them out one by one. And my hand stopped at the page where Ryouko-san's description matched.

I then lifted my head and asked, "What makes them so different?"

Ryouko-san crossed her arms, her gaze briefly drifting toward the window before returning to me. "This one has a history of being... difficult. They've resisted any kind of intervention so far. Teachers, counselors-even the principal have had little success."

"Even the principal? What about the Director?"

"Oh. She locked this student in the infirmary once. She jumped out of the window."

My lips twitched. Although the infirmary was only on the second floor, who would be reckless enough to jump from it?

No wonder the windows in it were now closed shut and only Hayashi-sensei could open them.

This was some serious unruliness. A lot more intense than Aoi or Ohori-senpai. I mean, those two were just more playful by doing what they wanted. But this student wasn't deferring to anyone.

Thinking about it, I had probably run into this student once or twice before... I just didn't keep her identity in mind.

I tapped my fingers lightly on the desk, pondering her words. "So, you're saying they don't respond well to authority? So, still a little similar to Komoe's case."

"You can say that. But Miura was a simple case of not wanting to go back to school. This student... she never missed a day but the amount of headache she's bringing her teachers is overwhelming."

"I see. I can see the picture now. And you believe I can 'correct' her? You know how I am toward girls but you're also telling me not to get too involved with her."

“Uh... That part may be mixed with my personal opinion," Ryouko-san confessed with a guilty smile. "I'd rather not see you involved with someone like her, but if you can change her unpredictability using your gift for connecting with girls, then... disregard my words."

She then hesitated to continue as searched for the right words, "But remember, this student doesn't trust anyone. Not even her parents. She also has a knack for manipulating situations to her advantage. I don't want you getting caught up in whatever game they might be playing."

Her concern was understandable, but Ryouko-san's description made that problem student a little more interesting than what was written in this case file for her.

"If that's the case, it sounds like they need someone to understand them on a deeper level. Maybe that's why the usual methods haven't worked."

As I said that, I couldn't help but shake my head inwardly.

This would mean I might get involved with another girl again.

Well, looking at their photo, I don't feel really interested in her. I can just treat her like any other student.

After a while, Ryouko-san shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips but her eyes remained serious. "You always think you can figure someone out, don't you?"

"Not really. If I find it hopeless, I will immediately give up. But this time... it's my job. I'll do my best." I answered before looking down, memorizing the student's name.

Minami Shouko. Class 2-6. Seat No. 26. Member of Air Hockey Club.

I rolled her name around in my head. It had a sharp edge to it, much like the reputation Ryouko-san was describing.

Ryouko-san sighed as if resigning herself to the inevitable. "Alright. I trust you, Ruki-kun. She's in her second year, just like some of your girls. She constantly ranked within the top 10. Brilliant, but a constant troublemaker. She's caused more than a few incidents in the past year, and there's a growing concern she can influence others negatively. Like turning them to be like her. You can usually find her in the club she belonged to but be cautious."

I was about to ask for more clarifications but the door to the office swung open. Led by Komoe, some of the club presidents who sent a request for inspection arrived, looking a bit anxious.

I quickly refocused, remembering the task at hand.

"Well, I guess we'll put a pin in that for now, Ryouko-san," I said, standing up to greet the student while adjusting the armband on my right sleeve. "I'll deal with the club situation first, but I'll keep your warning in mind."

"Please do. Just be careful, Ruki-kun." She replied in a softer tone.

With a brief nod and a reassuring smile, I escorted Ryouko-san to the door before turning my attention fully to the club presidents who were already guided by Komoe in their seats, ready to address the mysterious incidents plaguing their clubs.

As I closed the door after Ryouko-san left, I turned around, putting my full attention to the club presidents seated in front of me.

Expectedly, there's someone familiar among them. I've seen the names of the clubs, after all.

Photography Club, Drama Club, Science Club and Kendo Club.

I smiled and nodded at the presidents of the Photography and Drama Club, trying to ease their anxiousness.

I already interacted with both of them, after all.

On the other hand, the Science and Kendo Club president was someone who I'd be interacting with first.

It's also quite a coincidence that they're split by gender. 2 girls and 2 boys.

That clearly shows how indifferent I am to knowing the boys in this school.

In any case, the most anxious-looking was the guy from Science Club. It was as if he wasn't used to going out of his lab. He's fidgeting crazily. On the other hand, the Kendo Club president was quite skinny for a Kendo Club president, but like I said, despite his sharp gaze I could sense his anxiety. As if the incident plaguing his club was taking a toll on him.

Komoe, standing by the door, had her usual chipper expression. She's really happy to help. And she's already prepared to take notes and assist me with this.

"Alright, thank you all for coming," I began, resting my hands on the desk. "We've received your requests regarding the missing or misplaced equipment. I want to get a better sense of what's been happening, so I'll ask each of you to describe what's been going on in your clubs. Is that possible?"

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