Stealing Spree

Chapter 2420 Comforting the Smart yet Lonely Girl

chapter 2420 comforting the smart yet lonely girl

after the 7th period where my girls and i spent all the remaining time in that empty clubroom, i passed by the literature club to make sure everything was in order before taking up my duty as the disciplinary officer.

earlier this day, shizu already announced through the broadcasting club that she's calling all the club presidents to attend the first meeting of the festival organization committee. she took the role of the chairman and haruko accepted the vice chairman role to help her out. as for the rest of the student council, they're also going to assist.

according to shizu, they'd start with the deliberation of the budget after confirming the application of each club. the class presidents were also called but only to submit their application and listen to the guidelines that the committee would be setting.

i thought i only needed to patrol around the area but shizu tasked me to work with minami shouko, the general affairs officer, in ensuring that their meeting wouldn't be disturbed.

and that's my current situation.

after escorting both haruko and rumi to the conference room where it was going to be held, i stepped out of the room and looked for the girl.

not long after, i found her sitting on the stairwell on the fourth floor of the club building, clutching her hair.

"senpai, what are you doing here? not feeling good?" i asked as i climbed up the steps.

her head snapped up upon hearing my voice. she quickly composed herself, "oh, no. i'm good. i just... feel tired standing."

she put on a tired smile before averting her gaze.

"hmm? is that so?"

"yes, it is! don't mind me, onoda-kun. but really... i shouldn't have approached you back then. now you got me tied to the student council... my school life was pretty lax, now i have these responsibilities."

minami shouko said as she curled up her legs and leaned against the railing, her eyes wandering to the floor below.

i couldn't help but chuckle at her predicament. it wasn't the first time i'd seen her like this, but it was definitely the first time she admitted it outright.

"because you told me to... oh..."

minami shouko's eyes widened upon realizing the subtle influence i had on her. her cheeks flushed a faint pink, a rare sight on someone who was usually unflappable.

"y-you're right... i guess i have changed a bit. you've reformed me."

"there you go. you finally admitted it." i patted her head before sliding down to cup her cheek, "senpai, i'm serious though. if being in the student council is proving to be difficult for you, you can resign anytime. shizu won't keep you there against your will. i just want you to find something more worthwhile than what you're previously doing."

"i... it's not that hard. i can do it. i just need to get used to it, i guess," minami shouko looked up at me and forced a smile.

"alright. if you say so, i won't push you to leave, senpai. but remember, you have us to back you up. now, let's get to our posts," i said, standing up and offering my hand to her. she took it with a nod, and together we descended the stairs.

as we reached the bottom, she suddenly stopped, her grip on my hand tightening. she leaned in and whispered, "but if i can't get used to it, will you... still...?"

her eyes searched mine, filled with a desperate hope that i couldn't ignore. "still what, senpai?"

"will you... still look after me?"

i turned to her, my arm wrapping around her waist before answering, "i will. i promised you that, remember? and i don't break my promises."

and for the first time in a while, a genuine smile formed on her lips. it wasn’t the one she used to manipulate or deceive; it was the kind of smile that reached one’s eyes.

"thank you, onoda-kun," she said softly before leaning into me, her head resting on my chest.

we stayed like that for a while before she straightened up and walked ahead of me. clearly, she was embarrassed to show that side of her to me.

in any case, i only thought of looking for her but i ended up comforting her again... but then again, there's still a lot that i don't know about her. why is she sickly? what is wrong with her family?

i can't just ask that from her. i have to wait until she opens up to me more.