When we arrived at the Gymnasium, both our class and Class 4 were already lined up properly. I had the girls from our class quietly join that line from the back while I escorted Rae to the other side, all while knowing that Ryouko-san and Orimura-sensei already noticed our arrival.
I an, they could call us out but they pretended not to notice. Or at least, they were waiting for to co to the front and receive the punishnt in everyone's stead.
Of course, given my identity as Ryouko-san's student assistant, everyone already knew that I might just get a pass from her.
To their surprise, Ryouko-san and Orimura-sensei both gave a pointed look as I approached the front.
The faint smirk on Orimura-sensei's face told she was relishing this mont. On the other hand, Ryouko-san's expression was more neutral but it's easy to tell she's not going to get soft on . After all, she couldn't just show blatant favoritism in front of everyone, she had to make an example out of . And naturally, she's going to pretend that. I was the only one late, sparing the girls who ca with .
"Onoda-kun," Ryouko-san began, her voice carrying just enough authority to make the entire gymnasium fall silent. "... care to explain why you decided to grace us with your presence so late?"
I scratched the back of my neck, offering a sheepish grin. "My apologies, Eguchi-sensei, Orimura-sensei. I got... held up with so administrative matters. As your Student Assistant, I failed to set an example to the other students, Please do as you will with ."
The gymnasium remained quiet as everyone's attention pressed down on . I could sense my girls looking at worriedly but it was not to the point that they're blaming themselves for this. I told them what I was gonna do and they agreed to it. Other than that, there were curious glances from my classmates and the subtle amusent radiating from Class 4, likely wondering how I'd wriggle out of this one. Those who hated or just found an eyesore either gloat from where they were standing or frown, suspecting this was all an act from .
But, well, let them believe what they want. They're unimportant anyway.
Ryouko-san's eyes narrowed slightly, her silence truly enhancing the intimidating feeling coming from her. Of course, I was immune to it. She's my woman, after all. Still, I feel like I disappointed her a bit because she told not to run late earlier.
On the other hand, Orimura-sensei was just enjoying this spectacle. She's just here as Ryouko-san's helper but given our relationship, she'd always find it amusing to see acting like this.
Soon, Orimura-sensei crossed her arms, her tone dripping with fake skepticism. "Administrative matters, huh? That's a new one, Onoda-kun. Care to elaborate, or are we supposed to take your word for it?"
I kept my expression neutral and bowed slightly for effect. "I'd rather not bore everyone with the details, sensei. Let's just say it involved so... urgent paperwork and a very insistent director."
A few snickers rippled through the crowd. Mostly from those who knew how much of a busybody I was, those who knew my knack for dodging trouble with just enough charm to make it believable. They probably think I finally got in trouble with soone in a high position.
Ryouko-san raised an eyebrow, clearly catching my reference to Hayashi-sensei but she didn't press further. Instead, she let out a small sigh, stepping forward.
"Be that as it may,” She said firmly, making those who were chuckling to stop right away, "... tardiness disrupts the class, and as my assistant, you're held to a higher standard, Onoda-kun. You know that."
I nodded, keeping my posture respectful. "Yes, Eguchi-sensei. I'll accept whatever punishnt you deem fair.""
Orimura-sensei chipped in again as she stepped closer and tilted her head as if sizing up. "Oh, don't think you're getting off with just a lecture, Onoda-kun. We've got sothing special in mind for you today."
Sohow, the way she said "special" sent a ripple of curiosity through the students, and I caught a few of my girls exchanging glances, probably wondering if they should be worried or amused.
Ryouko-san shot Orimura-sensei a quick look, almost like a silent warning not to go overboard, before turning back to .
In any case, looks like those hating were feeling great to see getting my couppance.
Little did they know, this was all nothing but a show. If anything, the punishnt that I might receive was only going to appear heavy, but in truth, it was lighter than a slap on the wrist.
Or maybe Ryouko-san had another idea? Either way, I'm up for anything. If this ant our tardiness wouldn't disrupt her lesson, then so be it.
"Since you're so eager to make up for it," Ryouko-san continued as I noticed her lips curving up slightly, "why don't you run a few laps for a start? Run until we finish explaining today's activity to everyone. Think you can do that?"
When everyone heard that, their reactions were mixed. Those hating thought it was too light. Unfortunately for them, if they voiced it out, they'd surely be made an example by having them join in running.
Due to that, they could only keep their mouth shut and watch give them a show.
"Yes!" I answered a little enthusiastically, drawing a few snickers from the two classes. "Is that all, sensei?"
"It is. But there's a condition, Onoda-kun."
"Sing while you run. Let us hear your voice."
... Alright. That one was out of left field. How can I sing and run when I don't even know if I'm good at singing while standing up?
Wait...
I glanced behind and noticed my girls raising their thumbs.
Yeah... Looks like this one's sothing that they collectively agreed with.
It's for them anyway. Why not?
I put on an act of being embarrassed, scratching the back of my ear, "Uhm... What
song, sensei?"
"Let's see..." Ryouko-san glanced at Orimura-sensei, who seed to be ready with a song choice.
"Sing any of Mabushisa Asahi's singles. Preferably, her most popular one. What was it again? Steal your heart." With a devious grin, Orimura-sensei recited that song title in
a louder-than-normal voice.
This woman... Should I get back at her the next ti we're alone in her office?
The gymnasium erupted in a mix of gasps and stifled laughter as Orimura-sensei's choice echoed through the space.
I knew it. Orimura-sensei didn't know about Yue yet but I guess her popularity put her on her radar. Besides, she held a concert in our city not too long ago. Maybe Ryouko-san told her? Well, that's not important anymore.
Picking that one song that propelled her to stardom and was written to invoke deep emotion as she vaguely retells her experience with ... Mhm... this wouldn't be a
challenge.
I an, except for my unsure tone, I had long morized its lyrics. It's my Yue's song. Ever since I reconnected with her, I made it a task to listen to everything she produced. When her new song collaboration with Akane and Miho is released, I'd probably spend days listening to it until its tune and lyrics beco etched in my head.
I caught Ryouko-san's gaze, and though her face remained composed, there was a
flicker of exasperation in her eyes. It was as if she was ntally scolding
Orimura-sensei for escalating things.
Still, she didn't intervene, which ant I was on my own.
"Steal Your Heart, huh?" I said, rubbing the back of my neck with an exaggerated sigh.
"Sensei, you're really not making this easy for , are you?"
Orimura-sensei's devious grin widened as she tapped my shoulder, "Oh, co on, Onoda-kun. A charming guy like you? I'm sure you've stolen plenty of hearts already.
This should be a breeze."
The crowd burst into more laughter, and I could feel the weight of every pair of eyes on my girls included.
I glanced back at them again, and sure enough, they were barely containing their giggles. Rae was covering her mouth, her glasses fogging up slightly from her suppressed laughter, while Aya gave an encouraging nod, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Even the usually jealous Satsuki, who'd joined the line with the others, had a smirk tugging at her lips, like she was daring to go through with it.
Well, if they wanted a show, I'd give them one.
"Alright, sensei," I said, rolling my shoulders and cracking a grin. "I'll do it. But don't bla if everyone falls for by the end of this!"
That earned another wave of chuckles and even Ryouko-san's lips twitched. She
quickly masked it with a stern cough. "Less talking, more running. Onoda-kun. Let's see if you can keep up with the song and the laps."
I gave a mock salute and jogged to the edge of the gymnasium, where the track looped
around the periter.
The polished wooden floor glead under the fluorescent lights, and the faint echo of my sneakers against it set the rhythm for what was about to co. As I started my first lap, I took a deep breath and began to sing.
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