Stealing Spree

I held the girl's gaze for a moment, assessing her demeanor. She looked nervous, tense even. However, not entirely guilty. More like, I could sense she was someone who got caught up in something bigger than she expected.

So, did Minami Shouko pull some tricks on them? It's unclear yet.

The Kendo Club president cleared his throat, pulling my attention back to him. "This is Maeda. She... well, I'll let her explain."

Maeda glanced at the president and then back at me.

Her face was pale, her lips pressed into a thin line.

I put on a gentle smile, calming her down.

Thankfully, it was effective.

After a long pause, she finally spoke in a quiet, shaky voice. "I-I didn't mean for things to go this far. I thought it was just a game."

I crossed my arms, leaning slightly forward. "What kind of game?"

She shifted uncomfortably, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her uniform. I signaled for the Kendo Club President to leave us alone but he was one who couldn't pick up a clue right away. Or maybe, he just wanted to be here for his junior. He knew my reputation, I guess?

"Minami Shouko asked me to help her with something... It seemed harmless at first. Moving some stuff, hiding things. She said it was for a school project or... something. I didn't ask too many questions."

"And then?" I pressed, keeping my voice calm but firm, egging her to reveal everything about her connection to Minami Shouko.

"She..." Her eyes darted around, maybe afraid of her president before continuing, "...she got me involved in more things. Like taking equipment from the Kendo Club and hiding it in the places she sent me."

Her voice wavered at this point, "I didn't realize how serious it was until recently, but by then, I didn't know how to back out."

I nodded slowly, piecing together the information. It made sense. Minami Shouko was using people like Maeda, students who didn't fully grasp what they were getting involved in, manipulating them for her own purposes.

So, they weren't entirely her followers, but players playing her game.

"Senpai, Minami Shouko is the same year as you. You should've heard about her past exploits. Yet, here you are, fooled by her. Do you really believe I will take your words as the truth?" I put pressure on my words, making Maeda's knees tremble.

Once again, she confessed, altering a few things she mentioned.

Apparently, she was convinced by Minami Shouko with the game because it sounded fun. That's all. She was also seeking a thrill from doing it all.

Upon hearing that, the Kendo Club president shook his head, clearly frustrated. "I can't believe this... Maeda, why didn't you come to me sooner?"

She lowered her head even more. "I was scared. I thought I'd get expelled or something... Also, I'm afraid of you, President."

Afraid of him, huh? Bullshit. If I was this guy, I'd already expel her.

I took a deep breath, glancing between Maeda and the president. "We'll handle this properly. I'll take it from here."

I had no time to meddle with their relationship in the club so, I'd let him handle that. The president nodded, still looking troubled, but he stepped back and let me approach Maeda. I softened my tone as I spoke to her. "Alright, I'm not here to punish you, Maeda-senpai. But we need to get to the bottom of this. You'll come with me to the Disciplinary Office, and we'll talk about everything. Quietly, without causing a scene."

Her shoulders relaxed slightly, and she nodded. "Okay."

I turned to the president again. "I'll let you know if we need anything else. For now, try to keep this under wraps. No need to spread rumors."

"Understood." He nodded solemnly.

With that, I led Maeda out of the Kendo Club's dojo.

As we started our walk, I spotted Arisa from a distance, a bottle of energy drink in her hand.

I stopped and waited for her approach, a pleasant on my lips.

"What a thoughtful girlfriend, is that for me?"

Arisa glanced at Maeda who was a little surprised but only momentarily. Her eyes focused on me and nodded, a pink tint on her cheeks, "You've been running around all this time. You needed some replenishment, didn't you? I passed by the vending machine-"

Before she could finish her sentence, I already made my move.

My arm slipped from her hips to her back as I pulled her close, taking the bottle from her hand. "I get it. My Arisa is so thoughtful. Should I give you a kiss?"

"R-ruki... We're in public. And there's... that girl."

I glanced back at Maeda who immediately turned her head away. "She's not looking, see?"

"... You shameless junior. You're lucky to have such a thoughtful girlfriend like me."

"I know... Isn't that why I love my Arisa so much?"

Before our exchange of sweet nothings could lengthen, I pushed my head, capturing her lips for a swift yet intimate kiss.

After savoring that one, I had her walk alongside me as we continued on our way.

Maeda felt uncomfortable, of course. But I paid it no mind.

I sent a quick message to Komoe and Watanabe, updating them of the situation before telling them to return to the Disciplinary Office.

They could keep watch but the last thing I needed was to spook Minami Shouko too early.

She was the big fish I was wishing to catch.

Maeda was just the bait. Furthermore, even if I couldn't see her yet, I was certain Minami Shouko was already around. Even before I met up with Arisa.

Kissing the girl had taken that into account. Just the second reason why I did that, of course. I just love my girl's thoughtfulness.

They were just playing Air Hockey. I even had Arisa drop hints about her connection to me.

If Minami Shouko was smart, she'd know I had already seen through her ruse and she'd have no choice but to come and confront me herself.

So, where's a better stage than my office? Sadly, I'd have to set aside the clubhouse but I'll make sure to visit it once I'm done with this.

It's time to turn the tables.

With Arisa clinging happily to my side, Maeda stayed quiet beside me, her steps slow and tentative.

Although she probably already said a lot in front of the Kendo Club president, I knew she was still keeping some details. Or just the exact structure of their relationship with Minami Shouko.

I didn't push her to talk, giving her space until we reached the Disciplinary Office. Once inside, I closed the door and gestured for her to sit down.

Arisa along with Komoe and Watanabe also exited, not to leave but to get the tea from the other room. I don't know if Shizu will appreciate Arisa's presence but I can only hope so. I mean, they're all in the same circle and my Shizu's jealousy only flared up to girls outside our complex relationship.

Maeda hesitated for a moment but eventually took a seat, her hands still fidgeting in her lap. I sat across from her, resting my hands on the table between us.

"Alright, Maeda," I began, my voice calm but serious. "I need you to tell me everything. How did Minami Shouko involve you? And what exactly is this game she's having you and the others play?"

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