Stealing Spree

With the arrival of Setsuna and Koizumi-san, most of our classmates, be it boys or girls, became a little lively. And that was even heightened when Koizumi-san also introduced herself.

Because of that, the fact that Sakuma and I accompanied the two were somehow overshadowed. Their focus was to get to know the newcomers, after all.

Ah, well, Sakuma remained in the middle of it. Setsuna never let go of his arms and used him like a bodyguard to prevent the boys from approaching. Or so I assumed.

Anyway, while grinning like the idiot that he is, he’s also being barraged by curious questions by some. The question was obviously about his relationship with Setsuna. However, the guy looked like he was on cloud nine and he failed to answer it. In the end, they lost interest in him.

As for Koizumi-san, before she got crowded by the girls who were amazed at her fashion sense, I noticed that she searched for my figure. Most likely, she’s concerned that I would be left out because of the sudden attention that they’re getting.

That’s why when our eyes made contact, I sent a little nod in her direction.

With that, I successfully got freed from the burden of being the center of attention, making it possible for me to return to my girls’ side.

Honestly, I didn’t expect that they’d be that popular. I mean, with how obnoxious Setsuna’s attitude was earlier, I thought she would be the same to everyone. But what she showed was like the kind older sister who came to cheer for her little sister. And due to that, almost everyone became fond of her. Even my girls said positive comments about her and her friend as they watched them interact with our class.

Naturally, after getting to know the two and satisfying their fleeting curiosity, the hype died down.

It was at this moment that I noticed Aya making her way to them, greeting Setsuna and Koizumi-san. It’s a bit of a surprise to see the girl approach someone by herself. Nonetheless, I couldn’t help but be proud of her. Her sociability had leveled up.

“Ah! Ayase-chan! You’re also here. You’re kind of small, I failed to notice you, sorry.” Setsuna let go of Sakuma’s arm and put the girl in her embrace. She seems genuinely happy to see a familiar face.

When we held that group study at Satsuki’s house, the only interaction they had was the first greeting and when she and Kanzaki left for the bathroom. Apparently, the meddlesome older sister chatted them up on their way back… That’s the reason why Satsuki and I got the time to be a little intimate beneath the kotatsu.

Not expecting the hug, Aya visibly blushed in embarrassment but she quickly recovered. She then shook her head slightly and gently smiled at Setsuna. “Y-you also came to cheer for Satsuki, Setsuna-nee.”

“Yes. I can’t miss it, can I? I got Onoda-kun and Ryou here to pick us up.” Setsuna stopped there, noticing that I was missing. “Wait, where did that guy run off to?”

“I’m here.”

Well, I predicted that it was about time for the annoying older sister to look for her sister’s boyfriend. I couldn’t let her do that. Obviously, Nami and the others also moved along with me.

“Tsk. You can’t do that. You’re our escort. Stay here.” Setsuna scolded and pulled on my wrist.

However, even though I decided not to resist it, someone grabbed my wrist, preventing me from being pulled.

Before Setsuna could even react to it, the girls behind me stepped out from my shadows and became like a shield standing in front of me.

“Hello, Maemura-nee-san. I’m also a friend of Satsuki. It’s nice meeting you.” Nami started but the other four also uttered their greetings.

Seeing their backs as they stood tall against a bossy girl like Setsuna, I could somehow imagine their fighting spirit bursting out of their bodies.

They’re ready to face off against Setsuna to prevent her from taking me away.

Uh… Obviously, only I had that kind of imagery. To the others, it only looked like they also crowded around Setsuna to amiably greet her.

Huh? Wait... I just noticed. Why are there five of them? Rae isn’t here… It also couldn’t be Kikuchi since she was standing not far away from me.

But that mystery was easily solved. Setsuna’s delightful voice once again reached my ears as she returned the five girl’s greetings and introduction. “I have no idea how Satsu-chan has this many friends. I’m glad! I can now be at ease that she won’t be branded as the grumpy girl. Ah, well, with Ayase-chan and Mio-chan here, I’m already at ease but knowing that there’s more. Color me surprised.”

Setsuna’s elation sounded genuine and with that, she successfully forgot my existence. Or so I thought, she still looked for me soon after but at least, she didn’t shout anymore and we created another crowd.

A while later, Koizumi-san also rejoined us after she got freed by Chii’s gyaru friends who were asking for fashion tips.

Looking at how they’re all happily chatting, I guess the worst had passed. Or is it?

The second half of the game hadn’t started yet. If by chance she got too excited later, there’s a chance that she would say something that would put us in a bind.

But that worry seemed to be unfounded. Nothing of the sort happened and they just became too engrossed in the game when Satsuki took the court during the second half.

Nonetheless, something else happened while the girls were busy watching the game.

“Are you free? Let’s go and get drinks for everyone.”

It was Fukuda. Since he specifically stood next to me, there’s no one else he’s directing that.

Did he finally grow some balls to ask the right questions? Or is he going to try and intimidate me? Well, the latter was unlikely. He’s probably aware of some of my deeds, especially the one with the Baseball Club. If he tried that on me, it wouldn’t end pretty.

“Sure. Let’s ask them what they want.”

With that, I went to ask them one by one. I also didn’t forget Setsuna and Koizumi-san. Although the latter still had the leftover water she put in her bag, it’s not wrong to get her a fresh one.

Before leaving to get those drinks, I sent a message to my girls. It would be too conspicuous if I went and whispered to them one by one, after all.

Fukuda, Ogawa, Taku and me. That became our roster for this trip to get those drinks.

With how stiff the other two were, only Fukuda and I livened up the atmosphere. Obviously, what we’re talking about were miscellaneous things that didn’t really matter at all.

However, by the time we reached the vending machine, the situation still became a little heavy.

With seriousness filling their faces, the three of them looked at me as though they were looking at a criminal.

“Oh wow. What’s this? Do the three of you have something to say to me? Go on, I’m all ears.” I smirked at the three idiots. I intentionally made it sound so provocative. Boy, was I wrong? They all gripped their fists tightly, agitated too easily.