Stealing Spree

Once the lesson ended and everyone went to take a shower or change out of their sweaty sports outfit, I went to the free area beside the changing rooms.

There, I waited for a bit for the one who requested to talk to me. Ichihara-san.

Truthfully, she never said what could be the reason for wanting to talk to me so… I could only come up with a guess.

I doubt it would be about her husband though. Ichihara-san might be amiable and easy to talk to but she seemed to be the type who wouldn’t just reveal her private life. Nonetheless, even if that’s the case, she’s somehow wearing her emotions on her sleeve. Otherwise, I wouldn’t notice that expression of her with the mere mention of her husband.

My wait didn’t take long. Around two minutes later, she showed up, still in her skin-tight sports outfit. Her hair was wet from sweat but her face was already refreshed. It looked like she just washed her face and then ran out to meet me.

Her daughter was also nowhere to be found. Possibly still showering among the others.

When her eyes found me, I raised my hand and waved. She returned it before approaching me.

“I’m sorry for this, Onoda-sensei. Did you wait?”

“Uhm. Not really, I’m more surprised that you came out so soon.”

“Ah… This… I will feel bad taking up more of your time.” Ichihara-san apologetically said. She even lowered her head.

“I see. No worries. I think it’s my job to assist you if you have questions about the lessons.”

“This isn’t about the lesson… Uh. How do I put this? This is something a little personal.”

Although I expected that considering how she seemed a little giddy, I intentionally raised a brow to indicate curiosity.

“You see, I’m thinking of the possibility of employing you to continue… instructing my daughter, Koharu, after we finished the program.”

“There’s still another week, Ichihara-san… Isn’t this a little too early?”

“Not really. It might be too late if I ask you next week. Do you remember? I told you that my daughter isn’t interested in any physical activities. Only sensei made her be this enthusiastic every week or every day. She didn’t miss any of the set exercises. My daughter is becoming a lively child. Something I never thought would happen. I owe that to you, Onoda-sensei.”

“That… I’m flattered, Ichihara-san. But I have to argue that the credit goes to you. I think Koharu-chan is enjoying the lessons because you’re doing it with her.”

Truthfully, I never really thought of any of that. For me, I only focused on their engagement in my lessons. Whatever their circumstances before, I never wanted to pry on it. It’s enough as long as they come back and they’re keeping up with the lessons.

But now that she mentioned this, the way those mothers who were absent today willingly paid for their slots could also be explained by this. They’re also thankful…

“It might be so… However, I believe I’m right with what I said. You have a lot of us to focus on while I can split my focus on you and my daughter. I may not be that good at reading people but Onoda-sensei, I honestly think that my Koharu has started idolizing you.”

“Uhm… It looks like I will not win here, will I?” I rubbed my nose and acted embarrassed.

I could actually say more to reason out that it’s not because of me. However, I lost against Ichihara-san’s radiant eyes. I predicted that she wouldn’t back down no matter what I say.

“No, you won’t.” Ichihara-san laughed heartily. She covered her mouth but the way her chest moved, it was quite a sight.

Ah. I only noticed now since I focused too much on what she was going to say… The padding on her chest has been removed, making it jiggle, bounce and sway as she moves. It could compete against Miwa-nee… There’s also her compact butt that was truly soft to the touch… Not that I got the chance to dig my fingers and squeezed them in my hands.

Alright. Enough being a pervert. If that’s her evaluation of me then… it’s not wrong to assume that the others also saw it.

“Honestly, this offer seems too surreal, Ichihara-san. I’m not a full-fledged Instructor. I’m just a simple first-year high school student doing part-time here. I don’t think I will have enough time to… expand my instructing job outside of this gym.”

“Is that so?” Ichihara-san was dejected. But seconds later, her eyes lit up again with renewed enthusiasm, “Once a week is enough, sensei. To not take up more of your time… It can be after giving your lessons here. I also won’t short you with your pay.”

Ichihara-san then grabbed my wrist and raised it as her eyes implored me once again. She’s really hoping for me to say yes.

“Uhm… Can I think first before giving you an answer?”

“Definitely… I believe it will not result in a positive result if I pressured you.”

But yeah, you already pressured me into it…

“I understand. I might be able to give you an answer next week. After we wrapped up the tenth lesson.”

“Un… That’s fair. Take your time, sensei. Uh… I’ll be going then.”

“Ah. Wait, Ichihara-san, can I also ask a question?”

“Sure.”

“Ichihara Jun, is he related to you?” Since we’re already here. It’s the right moment to confirm this guess.

“Eh? Jun-kun? Why do you ask about him?”

“So, is he?”

I pushed on with my question instead of giving a reason.

“Yes. He’s my nephew. I believe he goes to… Oh!” Ichihara-san appeared as though she had just solved a puzzle, “Are you his junior at his school?”

“Mhm… He’s a famous third-year student..”

“I see. Our city is really small, huh? Should I tell Jun-kun about you?”

“Uhm. It’s unnecessary. I’m someone unimportant. I just thought about you when I first heard his name.”

Ichihara-san had a look of understanding. “Jun-kun is kind of, you know, a troublemaker. He’s the child of the eldest son of my father-in-law. It’s not wrong to say that he was thoroughly spoiled.”

Thoroughly spoiled… I bet they’re fixing the troubles he made. What a problem child. If that’s the evaluation of a relative or someone who knows him at home, then it might be true.

But this…

“Is it fine to tell me this, Ichihara-san?”

“Well, I, at least, have to warn you about him. You’ll be my Koharu’s instructor. If you get into trouble because of him, I’m going to help you.”

I haven’t said yes yet but she’s already trying to help me out… What is this woman? How high is her favorable impression of me? Not that I hated it but… you know, it seems a little excessive considering I’m just a measly instructor.

“That’s… a great assurance, I’m honestly grateful. But don’t worry. I’m pretty behaved so it would probably not happen.” I assured her which was answered by an approving nod.

Well, it would not happen because there’s a huge possibility that I would be the one to bring him trouble… Right?

He already tried to pick up Kana and Ishida-senpai. Who’s to say that he wouldn’t try it on my other girls? It won’t be long before he expands his selection on who to hit on.

Before that happened or before he became a headache for me, I would plan a method to contain him.

Well, he’s a playboy and a spoiled brat who probably relies on his father’s influence. It’s easy to deal with him when the time comes.

It’s actually Kujou Marika who I think I should worry about.