Stealing Spree Chapter 2636: Ironing out the details

I thought for a mont 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 downti, but it needs to be completely off-limits to anyone not vetted by ... Or you, Onoda-kun. We can't risk fans, students or otherwise, barging in."

Hayashi-sensei's gaze alternated between 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 mbers 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 if sothing goes wrong."

Kaoru-san raised an eyebrow, her professional smile twitching with amusent. "Why are you talking about punishnt 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 , I've already seen those malicious comnts from them. From those anonymous forums, they're even calling her nas that I wouldn't label her with. It just goes to show how popular she had beco.

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 ltdowns. We'll make this a fun, morable 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 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 mont for her. She's been craving sothing… 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 , 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 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 ticulous, outlining every possible scenario. Fan surges, equipnt failures, even how to handle potential leaks on social dia.

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 ti 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 mont, 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 , yes? Asahi will want your input on the stage setup."

Kaoru-san tucked her tablet away, her professional deanor 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 rember correctly, Yue had recently gotten a contract from a major establishnt. She's going to endorse them through an advertisent and they're taping today. Kaoru-san had to return to pick her up.

"Of course, just tell 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 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 amusent and respect.

"Likewise, Nagamine-san. Let's make this event one to rember, without any chaos. Or at least, minimal chaos, considering who's involved."

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

Am I chaotic? Surely not. But I was probably the most troubleso 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' enjoynt, right?"

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

"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 . Or maybe she already did, ever since I convinced Yue to return. I was expecting her to tell more about the progress with her condition but thinking about it, she was here only for work. She had no ti for it yet. Maybe next ti?

As the door closed, leaving Hayashi-sensei and 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 soone waiting for you?"

"Well, not exactly. But I thought there was nothing significant to report. Unless… you wish for 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 shaless student. Why will I wish you to accompany ? 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 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 sothing 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 too much. I'll check in tomorrow, Sensei. Unless you want to give you so relief? You know… I haven't massaged you yesterday. You pinned 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 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 to be this audacious, Hayashi-sensei leaned on the backrest of her chair, anticipating my hands to land on her shoulders.