Stealing Spree

Just like yesterday, the 4th lesson ended without any problems. Everyone, even the mothers who were only encouraged to enroll because of the power of word of mouth, had begun showing signs of improvement. They could now perfectly perform the set exercises I imparted to them last week and their footwork had improved, albeit just barely.

While I let Ayu and Sena continue to demonstrate at the front, I checked on them one by one, guiding and advising them on what they were still lacking.

Little by little, I’m starting to understand why Ayu, Shio, and Ryouko-san walked the path of teaching. The joy of seeing your students excel at your lessons is something else. While it cannot replace my desire, it’s still quite rewarding.

Nonetheless, it’s still not enough for me to pick it as my sole path in the future.

Among this batch of enrollees, the easiest ones to teach were naturally the obedient elementary and 1st-year middle school students. They followed everything I said without any complaints. Then, whenever I would praise them, they would beam proudly as if my praise was the highest accomplishment they could ever receive. They're so adorable that if not for my strict and uptight facade as their instructor, I would probably dote on them as their senior.

The 2nd-year middle school and the few high school students in my program were a mixed bag of beans though.

Those who aspire to be boxers are the most serious when it comes to the program. They quickly adapt all of my lessons, be it the footwork or the set exercises.

Those who just want to learn self-defense are right next to them. Although I have no idea about their story, I can easily figure out that a lot of them just wanted a means to protect themselves. Either it’s from bullies or other threats.

Those who are brought in by their parents come next. They’re split between being obedient to impress their parents or just playing around until they finish the program.

Lastly, those who have a shallow reason to enroll such as chasing after a girl or boy they like. They’re the ones I often scolded for not paying attention.

And well, there’s a few who enrolled because of me… They got taken in by my appearance. More often than not, they’ll try to make a mistake on purpose just to get my attention.

However, since they’re still paying for the lesson, I mostly ignore their intentional mischief and indulge them sometimes.

As for the mothers, they’re mostly treating the program like a yoga class. Their purpose is to keep their body figures fit or lose some weight to impress their husbands. Most of them were already boasting about losing weight ever since they started practicing the set exercises I provided – even if that was just an additional benefit of being physically active.

Of course, some are still a bit playful around me. They’re a little provocative when no one’s watching them, testing whether I will be tempted to be more handsy on instructing them.

I blame my increased charm for that. I mean, it’s not like this during the first batch of enrollees, right?

Although the program aimed to teach them the basics of the sport and at the same time, a foundation they could follow even after completing it, I guess there’s no point discouraging them as long as they’re satisfied with the result. I should just be careful not to fall into any temptation.

That aside, Marika or any of my girls who attended my lessons back then were the exceptions

And speaking of Marika… My lovely golden ringlet girl attended the lesson today.

She wasn’t able to come yesterday. The reason? She thought I was going to be exhausted from the camping trip so she spent her day doing things she liked in the morning and slept throughout the afternoon.

When I messaged her right as soon as I got my phone back, the girl was already asleep. She only managed to read my message when she woke up late at night. It was when Akane and I were on our way back home.

Because of the missed opportunity, Marika arrived earlier than anyone else today. To get an opportunity to be with me before I get busy with the lesson.

Sena helped the girl out while Ayu kept Hisa-jii busy enough to not call me for a conversation.

But even then, it’s only a few minutes before the start of the lesson. That’s why I made sure to pay more attention to her during it. Some enrollees pointed that out but I acted oblivious and strictly instructed them to take their mind off of it.

Well, there’s no way I can openly admit to giving special treatment to my girl, right?

Anyhow, that’s that.

Once I announced the end of the lesson, everyone dispersed, either to leave or to change out of their training attire.

As for me, since Ichihara-san would be picking me up again for Koharu’s lesson, I quickly changed before making my way to Ayu’s office.

Yesterday, we got the infirmary to ourselves so to not cause any suspicion, we decided to just gather in her room.

And naturally, Marika would be joining us. At least, until her driver and bodyguard look for her or before I leave with Ichihara-san.

“Ruki-kun… Here you are.”

As I stepped inside the room, Marika was the only one present inside. She’s still in her training attire. A printed orange shirt that could somehow give a glimpse of her waist and navel even with little movement given how short it was and a pair of jogger pants that firmly clung to her skin.

Just looking at her would be enough for anyone to drool over her elegant figure. Add her golden ringlet hair that was tied in a ponytail, it radiated another graceful charm from her.

I closed the door behind me and approached her. My arms naturally wrapped around her waist as an enchanting smile bloomed on her lips, showing her elation at our current situation.

Despite the dried sweat on her body, her scent was so enticing to me that I immediately buried my face on her neck.

It tickled her a bit but Marka didn’t push me away. Instead, I felt her arms wrapped around my head as she grasped my hair.

“Yes, I’m here,” I said after inhaling her tempting fragrance and tightening my embrace. “I should’ve done this earlier even when they were watching.”

“Ruki-kun, stop jesting. I must not bring you that kind of trouble.”

Although Marika said that, she’s probably not going to stop me if I truly did that. Just like how I felt our time earlier was lacking, she’s the same. Every chance we could get was welcome.

But then again, we both understand that it’s still too early to boast about our relationship. I still haven’t solved her predicament of being promised to Ichihara Jun.

“If it’s going to put a smile on your face then it will be worth the trouble.”

“... You truly know how to make my heart aflutter. Jun-kun could never be like you.”

“At this point, yes, he can’t. And even if he changes in the future. I will never give you back to him.”

“Of course, I’m yours, Ruki-kun. I can never see myself with anyone else but you… Can I get my kiss now?”

Marika pinched my cheek before giggling playfully.

Ah. The kiss monster that I created. I should atone for my sins and give in to all of her demands for corrupting her to this degree.

“You don’t have to ask, Marika-senpai. I missed you…”

“I missed you too…”

With our heated gaze clashing, Marika eventually closed her eyes to welcome my lips. We already said that to each other earlier but I guess it’s really not enough that we had to repeat it. Likewise, the kisses we exchanged earlier would never be enough to satisfy our bottomless desire for each other.

Just like this, Ayu’s office became a witness to the two of us, filling up the longing we had for each other.

“Oh. We got beaten by Marika.”

“... Are we in a race? You two can take your time.”

When Sena and Ayu showed up a few minutes later, they both shook their heads at the sight. Marika, on the other hand, became more aggressive as though she wanted to show this off to them.

Yep. There’s no reverse when it comes to corruption…