Stealing Spree

After the 7th period where my girls and I spent all the remaining time in that empty clubroom, I passed by the Literature Club to make sure everything was in order before taking up my duty as the Disciplinary Officer.

Earlier this day, Shizu already announced through the Broadcasting Club that she's calling all the Club Presidents to attend the first meeting of the Festival Organization Committee. She took the role of the Chairman and Haruko accepted the Vice Chairman role to help her out. As for the rest of the Student Council, they're also going to assist.

According to Shizu, they'd start with the deliberation of the budget after confirming the application of each club. The Class Presidents were also called but only to submit their application and listen to the guidelines that the committee would be setting.

I thought I only needed to patrol around the area but Shizu tasked me to work with Minami Shouko, the General Affairs Officer, in ensuring that their meeting wouldn't be disturbed.

And that's my current situation.

After escorting both Haruko and Rumi to the conference room where it was going to be held, I stepped out of the room and looked for the girl.

Not long after, I found her sitting on the stairwell on the fourth floor of the Club Building, clutching her hair.

"Senpai, what are you doing here? Not feeling good?" I asked as I climbed up the steps.

Her head snapped up upon hearing my voice. She quickly composed herself, "Oh, no. I'm good. I just... feel tired standing."

"Hmm? Is that so?"

"Yes, it is! Don't mind me, Onoda-kun. But really... I shouldn't have approached you back then. Now you got me tied to the Student Council... My school life was pretty lax, now I have these responsibilities."

Minami Shouko said as she curled up her legs and leaned against the railing, her eyes wandering to the floor below.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her predicament. It wasn't the first time I'd seen her like this, but it was definitely the first time she admitted it outright.

"Well, it's your fault, senpai. Who told you to play those headache-inducing pranks and lead me to you? If it's too much, it's not impossible to resign, senpai. But you're not doing it, right?"

I continued climbing and eventually reached her side. I sat down next to her and glanced down at the floor below.

"If I resign, my life will revert to being colorless and will occasionally be painted with our mischief. You thought I'm a great manipulator but that's only because I have nothing better to do. I tried to act like something great when in fact, I'm just the same as them. Vain."

"Come on, don't put yourself down like that. You probably already know this, senpai but we're pretty similar, aren't we?"

"Similar, yes. But you've found your happiness. On the other hand... I've always felt like I was just pretending," She murmured, looking at her own hands.

"Hmm? Not really. You're not pretending right now, are you? Come on, senpai. It feels like you've lost your fangs ever since you approached me. While I may be responsible for that by convincing you to stop with your games, I believe you're the same smart yet lonely girl."

I get it. She's struggling to suddenly be in the Student Council where she had to deal with official work. Moreover, there's the constant reminder that Shizu and Komoe were my girls. The one I claimed to love.

While she's holding onto our supposed 'genuine connection', she probably couldn't help but compare herself to them. Or at least, compare how they're happy with me while her followers remained to be nothing else but that. Followers.

Of course, they've probably grown closer ever since the day I exposed her but there's still a lot of work to be done.

"Y-yeah. That might be the case. I've been defanged by you, Onoda-kun."

"Don't worry. It'll grow back soon. You just have to be more comfortable with your current position, senpai. And if you need help..." I trailed my voice there before inching closer to her, "... just call for me. I'm responsible for turning you this way. Then, isn't it also my responsibility to ensure you won't end up worse than before I reformed you?"

"What reform? You haven't reformed me at all!"

"Heh. Is that so? Then why do I hear from Maeda-senpai that you switched your games to those that can help the other students rather than annoy them?"

That's right. That girl from the Kendo Club who I dubbed as the closest to her was reporting to me about the changes in their little organization.

I told them to found a club of their own but I guess, Minami Shouko didn't want the extra trouble of gathering them all in one place.

"Because you told me to... Oh..."

Minami Shouko's eyes widened upon realizing the subtle influence I had on her. Her cheeks flushed a faint pink, a rare sight on someone who was usually unflappable.

"Y-you're right... I guess I have changed a bit. You've reformed me."

"There you go. You finally admitted it." I patted her head before sliding down to cup her cheek, "Senpai, I'm serious though. If being in the Student Council is proving to be difficult for you, you can resign anytime. Shizu won't keep you there against your will. I just want you to find something more worthwhile than what you're previously doing."

"I... It's not that hard. I can do it. I just need to get used to it, I guess," Minami Shouko looked up at me and forced a smile.

"Alright. If you say so, I won't push you to leave, senpai. But remember, you have us to back you up. Now, let's get to our posts," I said, standing up and offering my hand to her. She took it with a nod, and together we descended the stairs.

As we reached the bottom, she suddenly stopped, her grip on my hand tightening. She leaned in and whispered, "But if I can't get used to it, will you... still...?"

Her eyes searched mine, filled with a desperate hope that I couldn't ignore. "Still what, senpai?"

"Will you... still look after me?"

I turned to her, my arm wrapping around her waist before answering, "I will. I promised you that, remember? And I don't break my promises."

And for the first time in a while, a genuine smile formed on her lips. It wasn’t the one she used to manipulate or deceive; it was the kind of smile that reached one’s eyes.

"Thank you, Onoda-kun," She said softly before leaning into me, her head resting on my chest.

We stayed like that for a while before she straightened up and walked ahead of me. Clearly, she was embarrassed to show that side of her to me.

In any case, I only thought of looking for her but I ended up comforting her again... But then again, there's still a lot that I don't know about her. Why is she sickly? What is wrong with her family?

I can't just ask that from her. I have to wait until she opens up to me more.

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