Stealing Spree

Chapter 2296: Helping out (1)

"Is it really fine? Won't I be a bother?" Yuika-senpai questioned as we approached Hayashi- sensei's office, her grip on my hand tightening slightly. She was questioning herself like this even on our way but despite that, I continued assuring her that she wasn't.

"You're not a bother at all, senpai. Besides, it's for your sake. Let's just go and talk to her," I encouraged her as I opened the door to Hayashi-sensei's office.

As always, Hayashi-sensei was at her desk but unlike the last time when she was drowning with paperwork, she was casually typing away at her computer.

When she looked up and saw me arriving with another girl, the smile that threatened to form on her face froze as her eyes narrowed at me. She probably thought I picked up another girl again.

She was still wearing her white lab coat that she was using when taking up the role of our mysterious school nurse, she's probably planning on returning to the infirmary after my report. I guess she's setting a time for me now.

In any case, Yuika-senpai hid behind me as though afraid of the Director's gaze.

"It's okay, she's not that scary once you get to know her," I whispered into her ear, making her giggle slightly.

But Hayashi-sensei picked up on that and glared at me, "Hey, shameless brat, I'm not that kind of person!"

I couldn't help but laugh at that, "What did I say sensei? I did say you're not scary. But you do have this aura that makes people... well, a bit nervous. You're one of the seven mysteries of Fourth High School, after all."

"You brats came up on that on your own! Ugh. Forget it. You're making my blood pressure high again. Come and sit. What brings you two to my office?" Hayashi-sensei sighed dramatically, waving us in with a resigned smile.

Look at how adorable she is... I guess I should give her another massage later, huh? She's getting stressed out again. But this time, because of me. I better take responsibility.

"Alright, let's go, senpai. Don't worry. I'll help you." I said as I led the girl to my usual seat whenever I came in to report here.

Once we were both seated, Hayashi-sensei moved over to the seat opposite us and leaned in with a concerned look, "Now, what's the trouble? Did you once again charm a poor girl? Look at how scared she is."

I couldn't help but snort at her teasing. "Sensei, what do you take me for? If I charmed another girl, I'll hide her from you. Or rather, I'll let you guess who it is. Yuika-senpai here is a senior I'm helping out."

Her eyebrows twitched, disbelief clear on her face. "Helping out? But you hold her hand like she's your girlfriend," Hayashi-sensei pointed out.

That made Yuika-senpai blush harder and she stuttered, "I-it's not like that, sensei. T-this is just Onoda-kun being attentive to me."

Hayashi-sensei shook her head lightly, "Attentive. Student, you better be careful with him. His tongue is sharper than a scalpel," She warned playfully.

I wouldn't even call it a slander. My cuts were precise, after all.

But Yuika-senpai held her ground, she tightened her hold on my hand and looked up at me as though ready to defend me from Hayashi-sensei.

"Sensei, it's not what you think. Onoda-kun is just really good at making people comfortable. That's all," She spoke with a firm voice that was unlike her usual shy self.

This girl... Can I hug her?

"Ah. You're hopeless. Anyway, don't let me change your mind. If you find him like that, then he's definitely not a bad person. Now that you're a little comfortable, what's the matter? Onoda-kun?" Hayashi-sensei asked, moving on to the main topic.

Since she turned to me, I naturally opened it up first, "Sensei, is it possible to be exempted from the swimming class? Not for me but for Yuika-senpai here."

Her expression grew serious, and she looked at me, waiting for an explanation. "Why?"

I glanced at Yuika-senpai, who was staring at the floor, her cheeks red with embarrassment. I turned back to Hayashi-sensei and spoke calmly before turning to the girl at my side, "Sensei, I'm afraid I can't tell you that myself. Yuika-senpai. It's your decision."

With a deep breath, she looked up at Hayashi-sensei, determination filling her eyes. She might've been embarrassed to show it to other people but she was ready to tell Hayashi- sensei about it. "It's because of my scar. I've been avoiding swimming classes because I don't want anyone to see it. It's not just because it's a scar, but... it's a reminder of something I don't want to think about."

Somehow, her words were clear and I could tell that she truly prepared herself for it. Due to that, I couldn't help but give her hand a squeeze and put on a comforting smile when she looked up at me.

Hayashi-sensei nodded understandingly, "Ah, I see. I've noticed it before but I didn't want to pry. Is it okay to ask if it's an accident or something you'd rather not talk about? You're a second year, I can tell that. Was this scar a recent affair or did you manage to avoid swimming class since first year?"

Yuika-senpai bit her lip, "It's from a... a long time ago. I did get away with a doctor's recommendation. I came to ask Onoda-kun because it might not work again."

"I see... I can understand your predicament," Hayashi-sensei spoke with empathy, leaning back in her chair. She glanced at me, a silent question in her eyes.

"Well, Hayashi-sensei, I was thinking maybe there's a way we can work around this? Like a different PE activity for senpai?" I suggested, hoping to find a solution that would keep her comfortable.

Hayashi-sensei leaned back in her chair, stroking her chin thoughtfully. "Let me see what I can do. But, it's important for all students to participate in swimming lessons for their health and safety. How about I speak with the PE teacher and see if we can arrange something? Perhaps some alternative attire or a private session to ease you into it?"

"Is Orimura-sensei responsible for the swim class of the second years?" I asked Yuika-senpai. Since there were more classes for them, it would probably be unlike us first years who would be taught by Ryouko-san.

"Yes, she is. Don't tell me you also have a connection with her, Onoda-kun?" She said with a touch of amazement in her voice. She was now only finding out how deep my connections ran

within the school.

"Let's just say I know a thing or two about everyone's business, including teachers," I replied with a cheeky smile. "But don't worry, I'll use it for good. For you and the other girls."

"Alright. Stop flirting. I'll talk to Orimura-sensei and find you a solution. In the meantime, you brat, you also talk to her about this." Hayashi-sensei pointed at me, her smile returning.

"Mhm. I will. Thank you, sensei."

"In the meantime, you can stick with him." She then turned to Yuika-senpai, instructing her, "Onoda-kun will help you with the paperwork for the exemption, and we'll see if there's a way to arrange something with Orimura-sensei. I'll handle the talking."

Yuika-senpai nodded, "Thank you, Hayashi-sensei. I really appreciate it. And Onoda-kun

too."

She looked at me with eyes filled with gratitude and something more. It was a look that told me she was slowly letting her guard down, starting to firmly believe that I could be someone she could rely on. Well, that's what I was trying to build for all of my girls. And even though Yuika-senpai couldn't be considered one of them, she's still someone I vowed to help.

This was just one more challenge to tackle.

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