Stealing Spree

Chapter 832 - Bantering Couple

Being given the task to read what she drafted for the new position she created just for me, I spent the next few minutes doing just that.

Cleaning the next room could be done later. And I doubt it would be as dirty or dusty as the clubhouses at the side of the school.

With the meeting adjourned, those who had tasks to do left the room. And that included Shizu who told me she’s going to go and see Hayashi-sensei again.

She thought of bringing me with her at first but changed her mind. Perhaps, she saw how I was seriously trying to study what she wrote.

The Disciplinary Officer is just like its name. It’s to instill discipline but only according to school regulations.

That’s why my main job as one should be patrolling the school grounds and being on the lookout for violators. Or so I thought…

Given that I only have two days in the Student Council and I have such a busy schedule, Shizu modified it. Instead of patrolling, I would mostly be on standby in my office, waiting for reports. Furthermore, she clearly stated there that the position wouldn’t mean the creation of a student police force as it would restrict the freedom of the students. So, there would be no subordinates for me.

The Guidance Counselors or the teachers, in general, would be the ones going around the school whenever they could.

Earlier, Eguchi-sensei mentioned that the Disciplinary Officer would deal with problems similar to what happened at the Baseball Club. That’s true. But of course, it didn’t come with the permission to use violence to settle the problem.

Anyway, that’s that. After looking over and reading it twice to better understand the other details, the remaining time was spent preparing tea for when Shizu or the others returned and checking on the would-be Disciplinary Office.

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Although not as big as the Student Council Room, the room was more than enough for the Disciplinary Office. It’s the size of a clubroom, after all.

It’s currently not empty as it was filled with boxes, chairs and tables. There were even shelves that were left empty.

I quickly went to work and began checking the whole room in its entirety. The room was as I expected, it didn’t need that much cleaning. But organizing everything was in order.

I first carried the boxes that contained assorted objects that were probably taken from different clubs. Either they were confiscated or they were left behind by the previous occupants when a club relocated or a new one was formed.

Apart from those boxes, I also moved chairs and tables that I deemed unnecessary.

From everything that was littering the room, I intended to only leave one small table, one wooden coffee table and a few chairs. Of course, even if it looked like a storage room from how many miscellaneous objects were inside, there’s no comfy couch or sofa.

That’s something rare or rather, expensive to get… which made it a mystery why there’s a sofa in that clubroom we’re using. It’s also a mystery how Haruko and the others managed to bring a bed in that clubroom.

Uh… I guess that bed was assembled by them. Right? That’s the only plausible explanation unless there’s tacit permission to bring it there.

Anyway, knowing Shizu, she might get me a real office table and even comfy couches for those who would be visiting me there. But even if this room became as luxurious as the Student Council, I could see myself still spending most of my time with the girl.

The scenario would either be Shizu visiting this room or I would stay with her in the Student Council Room.

“Huh? What are you doing? Why didn’t you call on us?”

“That’s right, Onoda-kun! I even said earlier that I will help you.”

Around ten minutes after I started organizing the room, The Secretary and Watanabe showed up outside. They’re already done with their task, I guess.

“It’s just organizing, senpai. Besides this will be my office. I can’t afford to trouble you for it.” I answered as I carried another chair outside.

After I put that down, I observed the two newcomers who were offering their help. Although they looked like they were still as close as before, I noticed the rather strained atmosphere between them.

Well, it’s definitely rude to do this but it’s too obvious not to pick up.

Upon hearing my rejection or rather, my turning down their offer to help, The Secretary readily nodded while Watanabe’s enthusiasm deflated.

“Hmm… Alright. You heard him, Tomiko? You don’t need to. Let’s go back.”

“Hmph. He’s just being polite Ma-kun. Let’s go and help him. Despite my looks, I can carry a chair, just so you know.”

Ah. I see. While the secretary offered his help, it was just a courtesy as well as answering to his girlfriend’s whim. If I accepted it, he would surely do so out of duty and it didn’t matter if I rejected it as it’s something he only did for Watanabe.

“Who says you can’t? You’re as strong as a bull – when you’re throwing a tantrum. Anyway, don’t trouble him anymore. Why are you even interested in him?”

“Eh? Could it be…? Are you jealous, Ma-kun?”

“Huh? No, I’m not! W-why will I be?”

“Yes, you are! Now I understand why you always seem unenergetic when I’m bringing Onoda-kun up as a topic. You’re cute, Ma-kun.”

“I said, I’m not! Why will I be jealous?”

Before I knew it, I became a witness to the couple’s bantering and flirting. They even seemed to forget that I was in front of them.

And from what I heard, the answer to why there’s a restrained atmosphere between the couple was answered.

Looks like Watanabe was extremely interested in me. But not in a romantic way. More specifically, she’s probably interested in me, as the guy responsible for the overly serious President’s change. My relationship with Shizu made that interest overflow; hence the reason for her recent actions.

“Because I’m interested in Onoda-kun? Ma-kun, if you keep being jealous, I will really cling to him. Will you like that?”

“No… Ugh… Okay. You win.” Scratching his head in frustration, the Secretary shifted his eyes to me. “Onoda, forget this happened. I’m not jealous of you.”

“There you go again! You said I won!”

Seeing all this… I guess I picked up another trait of Watanabe, she’s rather spoiled and wily that the Secretary was already having a crease on his forehead.

“Yes, you won! So, let’s go.”

“No. I’ll stay here and help. I have a lot of questions for Onoda-kun regarding the Pres—”

The secretary grabbed Watanabe’s wrist and tried to pull her with him. However, Watanabe easily pulled her arm out and ran to my side. She aimed to cling to my arm but she suddenly froze, failing to finish her words.

Moments later, someone arrived behind me.

“What kind of questions do you want to ask Ruki? I’m here, Watanabe-san. Why don’t you ask me?”

Obviously, it’s Shizu. And as if asserting what’s rightfully hers, she easily slipped her arms from my sides, hugging me from behind.

“Eek! No. President. I have none.”

Watanabe squealed and she almost jumped in fright as she retreated behind her boyfriend.

To clear whatever weird atmosphere that’s trying to form, I chose this moment to open my mouth.

“Mhm… Welcome back, Shizu. And I guess I can say the same to the two of you. Why don’t we get some tea?”

Well, it would be fun seeing Shizu scare Watanabe more; for being that wily. But I’m afraid she might go overboard in doing so and leave a scar on the girl’s mind. Settling this over this was in order.

And because of this… I failed to finish organizing the room. The next few minutes leading to the end of the club hours were spent in the Student Council Room, serving the three and ultimately flirting with my girlfriend along with a lengthy discussion about the reason why she went to see Hayashi-sensei.

As for the couple, Watanabe became like a scared cat, shaking behind the Secretary. But from the look in her eyes, that interest hadn’t diminished even in the slightest.

Well, I saved her from execution but if she pulled the same stunt and Shizu found her clinging to me, I wouldn’t help her again. But all things considered, Watanabe was like a moodsetter for the Student Council. Everyone was too serious with their jobs, after all. That’s one of her good points, I guess?

Also, her boyfriend better man up and hold onto Watanabe better. I couldn’t guarantee that my ‘stealing’ desire wouldn’t be ignited by them because it wouldn't be disappearing anytime soon …

Naturally, I better do my part and put some distance as well…