Stealing Spree

Chapter 2083: Opening up



With the atmosphere starting a little light and humorous thanks to the eventful lunch, I finally got to hear the two seniors' genuine laughter albeit only for a few seconds. Furthermore, Yuika-senpai who was acting meek and somewhat afraid to meet my gaze finally managed to hold eye contact with me for more than five seconds. It flustered her though.

Minori-senpai raised her eyebrows at that but seeing that it was not intentional, she let it

pass.

One thing I was truly glad to see was that... the hostility they had for me was gone. Maybe only a little wariness remained. Although it might just be set aside for now, it made me feel that my efforts in talking to them were bearing fruit.

I still couldn't forget Minori-senpai's sacrificial attitude telling me to start with her. Although I never planned on doing that, their impression of me started on the wrong foot. It might be their prejudice but I guess it has to do with their experiences as well.

Like I previously said before, I don't care if I steal them or make them fall for me, I just want to help them. Partly because of Haruko and partly because of the other girls from their club. Himeko, Mina, Edel, and even Mutsumi-senpai expressed their concern for them.

I had no idea if that's the message that I managed to get across to them but the exact reason for this breakthrough was yesterday.

While accidentally, or rather, caused by her carelessness, Yuika-senpai finally became convinced that I only meant well when I went to help her right away. However, I probably pushed it a bit by looking at her scar.

Those scars meant a lot to her. It might be the origin of her fear or apprehension about the opposite gender.

"So, senpai. Does this mean you'll talk to me with Yuika-senpai here?:"

I opened up the topic after I sensed that the mood already mellowed down.

They looked at each other before nodding.

"Yes. I talked to her about this last night. Come on, Yuika." Minori-senpai answered before nudging the girl next to her.

"Uhm. You must be curious, Onoda-kun."

Somehow, I noticed Yuika-senpai tensing up a little. Is it because of our upcoming topic?

Ah. No. it's just the fact that she's going to open up to me.

"I am indeed curious. However, I don't want to overstep my bounds by asking you about it. I noticed you shaking last night."

The oranged-haired girl bit her lips and maybe clenched her fists as well. It was hidden by the table but it's easy to infer by looking at her slender arms shuddering slightly.

"T-thank you for doing that. I... I'm now convinced that what they say about you is true. Your concern is genuine."

"Ah. It's nothing. I'm sure you heard about my past already. I'm honestly a horrible person. I'm trying to change Haruko and the others... But I probably still come off as horrible to most people."

"If you're that horrible, they won't fall for you. I get it though. You're just the type to care about those around you while maintaining a facade for others to see. In particular, you have a soft spot for girls." Minori-senpai interjected.

With her arms crossed and her chin angled higher, she's probably maintaining her character so as not to be seen as fragile by me.

In any case, she's spot on with that assumption. Even if they're a stranger who just came up to ask me for directions, I would at least hear a girl out. But for voice, I'm too prejudiced based on my first impression of them. If I labeled them no good, then I'll just ignore them.

As for how I dealt with those in public, as long as they're polite enough or not condescending like the ones from the boxing gym, I don't have any negative thoughts about them.

I scratched my cheek and laughed awkwardly, "Yes. It seems to be that way. Looks like Senpai has been observing me as well."

"How can I not observe you if you come to our club to flirt every day? It was quite funny when you went up the stage though. I never thought you'd make a blunder like that." Minori-senpai laughed while a subdued smile formed from Yuika-senpai's lips.

Ah. Right. My inauguration as the Disciplinary Officer. I tried forgetting about it but she just had to bring that up, huh?

I prevented my eyes from twitching but I guess Minori-senpai noticed my jaw locking up.

She covered her mouth before continuing, "Okay, let's move on... Do you want to hear about Yuika first?"

"I think it's best if I ask questions instead. That way... you can filter what might make you uncomfortable."

"What a thoughtful guy. Sure, go ahead. Yuika?"

"Un. That's fine."

With the two of them agreeing like that, I put on a smile before fixing my sitting posture. I straightened my back and placed my arms on the table separating us.

After cycling all the information in my head and picking out how to tread this carefully, I opened my mouth.

"Yuika-senpai, is someone close to you responsible for that?"

Although I didn't point at her scar, it's already understandable that I'm talking about it.

Her figure shuddered a little again but it calmed down right away as she answered with a nod. She then closed her eyes, maybe trying to sort out her thoughts on how to best convey it to me without her fear interfering, "Yes. It is. It was my... friend."

"Friend? Childhood friend, I presume?"

"No. I don't have someone like that but he was a long-time friend."

I see. A long-time friend... I can think of a few possibilities but I better not draw my own

conclusion early.

"Was it a result of a fight?"

Yuika-senpai shook her head. Checking as to how she even closed her eyes and bit her lips, she's probably holding back not to show a frightful expression on her face.

Eventually, she opened her mouth to give the correct answer, "It was because of a

misunderstanding."

Upon hearing that, I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. A misunderstanding can cause someone she considered a close friend to scar her like that?

What the hell?

"You see, I was quite naive then. I thought we were close friends, best friends even. But, I never imagined that he held me higher than that. When I got closer to another boy. He reacted strongly. Accusing me of abandoning him."

Ah... Another disillusioned boy, I see. He took their closeness as a sign that she was loyal to him and he believed no one else would get closer to her. So, when he saw that, he went

ballistic.

Or so, that's how I imagined it played out.

"So, just because of his suspicion, he hurt you?"

"Y-yes... That's the gist of it."

Noticing that her trembling returned, I guess talking about this is making her relieve those

memories.

"I understand. I think I get it now. Senpai, can I come over to your side?"

"W-what? Why?"

"To take your mind away from that horrible memory."

"I... Okay." Although there was a hint of reluctance, she still eventually gave me permission.

While this was happening, Minori-senpai remained quiet and only listened to the side. However, when I moved over to their side, she grabbed my wrist before whispering, "You promised. Take care of her."