Stealing Spree

Just like what everyone expected, the morning assembly became a borefest. The acting Principal, the one Hayashi-sensei put in place to become the face of the school in her stead, prepared a long-winded speech that made even the teachers behind him yawn in boredom.

And as though oblivious to everyone’s reaction, the Principal, an old man in his sixties with his hair already thinned enough to see his scalp, passionately delivered his speech, encouraging everyone for their betterment in the terms of academics. He possibly even prepared a speech for each year level, since he still hadn’t finished. Everyone was already cringing at where they’re standing but no one dared to call him out or put a stop to his madness.

At the moment, we, the members of the Student Council, were lined up below the stage, facing the whole student body. Because of the boring speech of the Principal, those at the front were occasionally staring at us, some were whispering to those behind them. Most likely, even at this moment, they’re already wondering about the new members of the Student Council.

Likewise, I was also observing them, especially the third years. That’s where the delinquent leader should’ve been after all.

However, I quickly caught a hostile glare at me… And who would’ve thought that he’s already back to school? The bald captain of the Baseball Club.

That incident in their club was the one that Shizu used for the creation of my position.

And well, I understood that hostile glare, I did knock him out back then, after all. I just had no idea if he’s still the captain of that club. From what I heard from Shizu, someone manipulated those two who wrecked the pitching machine and put the blame on him. After that, I already lost interest in their case…

But considering they’re still functioning as a club, they probably resolved that. They also replaced the machine they destroyed.

“Don’t mind him. He’s already afraid of you.” From my side, Shizu whispered. She also noticed the bald idiot.

“Well, I’m not worried about him. As long as he behaves then I also don’t have any bones to pick with him.” I answered as I removed my eyes from him.

“Big words.” Inugaki snarled at my answer. But his voice was too low. He didn’t want Shizu to hear it.

Well, I ignore his remarks. It’s irrelevant.

Continuing my observation, I saw Ichihara Jun and Kujou Marika. They’re in the middle of their class and judging from the position of those around them, they’re probably the followers. It looked like their whole class was just under the two. Good thing, none of my girls were from the same class as them.

Ah. No. I also saw the green-haired Minori-senpai. She’s located on the far right. Just standing there, looking up at the stage, emotionless as though she didn’t really care about anyone and anything. More than an introvert, it’s more apt to call her antisocial. Well, she’s a bit different in their club though. Especially if she’s with Haruko or the other four from the same club. However, because of my presence, she’s always together with Yuika-senpai.

There’s also Edel at the back of another third-year class. She’s there because of her height; the tallest girl in her class. Due to that, no one noticed her unusual behavior. The adorable koala was smiling brightly and exuded a really lovely countenance directed at me. Perhaps, she’s already restraining herself not to run out of the line to jump at me.

Apart from Edel, most of my girls that were near the front of their class were all staring at my direction rather than listening to the Principal’s speech.

“Won’t we be more sluggish because of this? I bet some students who crammed a lot last night and this morning will have their brains muddled, forgetting most of what they had just studied.”

“Shut it, Tomiko. This is something we also experienced last year. Look at them. Just endure it. It’ll be done soon.”

“Yes, Ma-kun…”

Perhaps bored out of her wits, Watanabe voiced her complaint. The Secretary quickly rebuked him though then pointed at the students lined up in front of us.

Well, we already noticed that earlier. Everyone was just looking ahead, waiting for the Principal and the teachers to announce the end of the assembly. Only the 1st years who were experiencing this for the first time still retained a little attention to listen.

Fifteen minutes later, the Principal finally arrived at his closing speech.

“… and so, once again, I hope that all of you do your best not for the school but for yourselves. That’s all.”

As soon as he finished, the previously languid and drowsy students seemingly regained a boost of energy as they cheered and clapped loudly. The Principal, thinking that the cheers and claps were because of his beautiful speech, proudly puffed his chest out to shower more on their praises.

Well, I guess being oblivious has its perks.

Before the cheering died down, Shizu turned around and grabbed my wrist, pulling me with her to go up the stage. “It’s time. Let’s go, Ruki…”

With the other three covering us, no one noticed that and well, she also let go of my wrist soon enough.

Once we arrived there, Eguchi-sensei and three other teachers, probably the other Guidance Counselors, joined us.

The other three were probably teachers for the higher year levels as I could only remember seeing them in the faculty room. One male and one female teacher.

“I see. So, this is who you choose as Disciplinary Officer? A first-year?” The male teacher asked, from his attire and posture, although he didn’t seem fit to be a PE Teacher like Eguchi-sensei, he didn’t look weak at all. His presence alone let me deduced that he’s one of those terror teachers that was always frowning. Although he’s probably just in his late thirties, he already looked like he’s in his fifties because of the wrinkles on his forehead.

“He has the capabilities, don’t worry.” Shizu answered confidently and to back it up, I stood straight and faced his sharp gaze without faltering. And to not let him think I was disrespectful, I quickly lowered my eyes and bowed to him.

“Oh. I can vouch for that. Onoda-kun is a capable student.” Eguchi-sensei proudly tapped my shoulder, boosting my worth in the other teacher’s eyes.

“Huh? Isn’t he your Student Assistant, Eguchi-sensei? If I recall correctly, he’s also accepted as assistant for the newly admitted Kinoshita-sensei. Isn’t he already loaded with responsibilities?” The female teacher commented. What she’s wearing as her uniform was more formal than most teachers from the school. I guess she's the one who’s more nitpicky when it comes to school regulations.

Hearing that, the male teacher raised his eyebrows, seeking clarification. It’s easy to guess what’s on his mind, he’s not convinced that I could take the position since I was already filled with other responsibilities.

“I understand Umemura-sensei and Toyada-sensei’s worries. However, all I can say is… there’s no one else fit for the position other than Onoda-kun here. You’ll understand later.” Shizu didn’t falter with her confidence in me. She even emphasized it with that answer.

“What confidence. Are you not putting more pressure on him, Asakura-san?” Umemura-sensei, the female teacher, raised another question before putting me in her eyes.

Taking that as a cue for me to talk, I stepped forward to stop hiding behind Shizu, my eyes first met Eguchi-sensei who smiled at me before facing the other two.

Although I had some qualms about being given this position by Shizu, I thought a lot about this and decided to just roll with it and use this as another experience generator for me.

“Uhm, if I may, I understand the responsibility that will fall on me for being given this position. I will perform to the best of my abilities and not let you down, sensei”

Right after I said that, the claps and cheers from the students had already stopped and the Principal, who they expected to leave the stage and disperse them, remained on the stage.

He lifted the microphone in his hand and began talking again, much to every student’s dismay. But they didn’t have any choice but to listen.

“Oh… Before returning to your classrooms, the Student Council will be announcing something. Be sure to listen as this will affect everyone in this school. President Asakura, the stage is yours.”

Upon hearing that, Shizu bowed to the three teachers before turning her heels to go to the middle, taking the microphone from the Principal.

As for me, I followed behind her and stopped a step behind her, placing myself on her side.

Looking down from the stage, I noticed that half of the students’ attention was already focused on me while the other half was on Shizu. Obviously, I earned curiosity from them while Shizu was basking in their admiration.

Let’s see. In a few seconds, Shizu will be handing that microphone to me. To introduce myself to the whole student body… Even though some will surely dismiss my presence, my name and face will now be known to everyone…

It's time to bury the Classmate A status that I was dreaming of…