Stealing Spree

I thought for a moment before catching a glimpse of Kaoru-san’s notes. “The school has a main stage in the gymnasium for performances. We can pick a small prep room for Yue after the performances of other clubs. Or if not that, there’s also the Theater House. The student council can rope off a section for her to slip in and out without being mobbed. As for the students, most of them will be too busy with their booths to notice anything until she’s up there singing.”

Kaoru-san nodded, her fingers swiping across the tablet as she jotted down notes. I had seen her work before, so this wasn’t going to trouble her at all. The only problem she could face was… my connection to Yue. If that were revealed, the rumors online wouldn’t be only rumors anymore.

“That’s a start. The gymnasium’s stage sounds viable but I’ll need to see it myself to confirm. The prep room could work for Asahi’s downtime, but it needs to be completely off-limits to anyone not vetted by me… Or you, Onoda-kun. We can’t risk fans, students or otherwise, barging in.”

Hayashi-sensei’s gaze alternated between me and Kaoru-san like she was watching a tennis match. “The gymnasium’s been used for events like this before, so we have protocols in place. I can assign a few staff members to assist with security. However, Onoda-kun, since this is your idea, you’ll need to coordinate with Shizu. You’re giving more work to the student council but you should be fine, right? Use your extensive connections to keep this surprise event a success.”

I nodded and saluted her, which made her lips twitch.

“Got it, Sensei. You and Kaoru-san are free to punish me if something goes wrong.”

Kaoru-san raised an eyebrow, her professional smile twitching with amusement. “Why are you talking about punishment already? Just ensure Asahi won’t be further embroiled in controversy. You know she’s brushing off the issues lately but there exists a minority of vocal fans who are against her choice of being transparent about the one who inspires her.”

Naturally, I’m aware of that. Even if Yue didn’t tell me, I’ve already seen those malicious comments from them. From those anonymous forums, they’re even calling her names that I wouldn’t label her with. It just goes to show how popular she had become.

It’s on a scale that even the population of our city would not be enough to match the number of her fans.

“Don’t worry, Kaoru-san. I’ll keep things smooth for Yue. No controversies, no fan meltdowns. We’ll make this a fun, memorable gig for her and the school. Also, I promised to have her experience a normal cultural festival away from her current life.”

I glanced at Hayashi-sensei, who was still tapping her pen, her sharp eyes flicking between us like she was waiting for me to slip up. “And Sensei, I’ll loop Shizu in and make sure the student council’s on top of everything. We’ve got this.”

Kaoru-san’s gaze softened, but only slightly, as she swiped through her tablet. “I trust you, Onoda-kun, but trust goes both ways. Asahi’s counting on you, and so am I. If we pull this off, it’ll be a big moment for her. She’s been craving something… authentic, like this. A chance to perform without the usual spotlight pressure.”

Hayashi-sensei set her pen down, folding her arms. “Authentic, huh? That’s one way to describe a school festival. Onoda-kun, you’re piling on the responsibilities here. Don’t let your… charm distract you from delivering.” Though she sounded like she was teasing me, I could see that familiar glint of expectation in her eyes. We might’ve gotten closer over the past few days or weeks, but she was still the school’s director and gatekeeper. She’d hold me accountable if things went awry.

“Of course, sensei. My charm may be overwhelming but I only have my eyes on those who matter.” I put on a smug grin, just a little attempt to veer us away from total seriousness.

Kaoru-san let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. “You’re incorrigible, Onoda-kun. But that’s probably why Asahi’s so set on this. Alright, let’s finalize the details.”

Fifteen minutes later, the three of us discussed the specifics of Yue’s performance, from stage setup to crowd control protocols. Kaoru-san was meticulous, outlining every possible scenario. Fan surges, equipment failures, even how to handle potential leaks on social media.

I threw in suggestions based on my knowledge of the school’s layout and student behavior, while Hayashi-sensei approved the use of additional staff and resources to ensure everything ran smoothly.

By the time we wrapped up, we had a solid plan: Yue would perform a short set, disguised as another performing club to keep her identity under wraps until the last moment, with the student council and a few trusted teachers handling security.

“I’ll inspect the gymnasium and prep room next week, Onoda-kun. You’ll join me, yes? Asahi will want your input on the stage setup.”

Kaoru-san tucked her tablet away, her professional demeanor softening as she stood. Naturally, she couldn’t stay here for very long. She had a lot on her plate as well. Right. If I remember correctly, Yue had recently gotten a contract from a major establishment. She’s going to endorse them through an advertisement and they’re taping today. Kaoru-san had to return to pick her up.

“Of course, just tell me when you’ll be back, Kaoru-san,” I replied, standing as well. “I’ll make sure everything’s set for Yue. She’s gonna love this.”

“Great. Well then, Hayashi-sensei, thanks for having me over. I look forward to working with you.” Kaoru-san turned to the school director, extending a hand with a polite smile that carried the weight of her professional experience.

Hayashi-sensei shook it firmly, her own smile plastered with amusement and respect.

“Likewise, Nagamine-san. Let’s make this event one to remember, without any chaos. Or at least, minimal chaos, considering who’s involved.”

With those words, both of their eyes shifted to me. I instantly felt like being stabbed by it.

Am I chaotic? Surely not. But I was probably the most troublesome guy they could ever encounter.

Unfazed, I grinned and shrugged. “Sensei, you can rest assured that I will behave. After all, I have to ensure my girls’ enjoyment, right?”

Hayashi-sensei scoffed while Kaoru-san raised an eyebrow, clearly picking up on the playful dynamic but choosing not to comment.

“I’ll be in touch, Onoda-kun. Don’t let Asahi down. She’s counting on you more than you might realize.”

With that, she gathered her things and headed for the door, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor. I watched her go, feeling the weight of her words settle in.

Mhm. I could feel it. Kaoru-san had also started trusting me. Or maybe she already did, ever since I convinced Yue to return. I was expecting her to tell me more about the progress with her condition but thinking about it, she was here only for work. She had no time for it yet. Maybe next time?

As the door closed, leaving Hayashi-sensei and me alone in the room, a slightly awkward silence ensued.

Still, I confidently turned around to face her, putting on my usual amicable smile, “Sensei, am I also dismissed?”

“Dismissed? What? Is someone waiting for you?”

“Well, not exactly. But I thought there was nothing significant to report. Unless… you wish for me to stay and accompany you?”

As soon as I said that, Hayashi-sensei clicked her tongue before crossing her arms against her voluptuous bosom, “You shameless student. Why will I wish you to accompany me? If there’s nothing to report then… you’re free to go.”

“Are you sure, sensei?” I asked as I approached her table.

Hayashi-sensei’s lips twitched again but she didn’t take the bait. Instead, she pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose and fixed me with a look that was equal parts stern and playful.

“Don’t push your luck, Onoda-kun. I’ve got enough on my plate without you turning my office into another one of your… escapades. Now, unless you’ve got something actually worth reporting, get out of here before I change my mind and assign you detention.”

I chuckled and raised my hands in surrender. “Alright, alright, I’ll behave. No report today, just wanted to make sure you’re not missing me too much. I’ll check in tomorrow, Sensei. Unless you want me to give you some relief? You know… I haven’t massaged you yesterday. You pinned me down, after all.”

Her eyes rolled but the flustered expression on her face was undeniable. Furthermore, the smile she was fighting finally broke through. It was small and reluctant before it eventually turned to a soft chuckle. “Out, Onoda-kun. And don’t you dare try that charm on me again. I’m immune.”

“Sure you are,” I shot back with a wink before walking around her table and stopping behind her chair.

As if she’s already expecting me to be this audacious, Hayashi-sensei leaned on the backrest of her chair, anticipating my hands to land on her shoulders.