Stealing Spree-Chapter 2537 Seen through

Because of the extra time I spent with Minori-senpai, I only caught Ryouko-san and Orimura-sensei on their way out of the Administration Building.

Ryouko-san told me not to worry about it while Orimura-sensei gloated at me for being late. Nevertheless, they both told me that I should hurry up and finish my daily reporting. That way, I could join them in the Gymnasium soon.

Looks like the activity for our PE today needed Orimura-sensei's help.

Ah. Right. They also didn't let me argue as they pinched my cheeks and sides before continuing on their way and leaving me behind, watching their backs.

I guess I'll just have to come early tomorrow to catch both of them. We only missed our private time. There's always tomorrow to fill up the gap.

Or so, I convinced myself. I mean, nothing would change even if I felt bad for it. Furthermore, it could also affect them if I felt down.

Haa... There's the habit of overthinking.

Before entering the Administration Building, I refreshed my head by tapping my cheeks with a little force.

When I reached Shio's office, she was about to finish her break. Still, as if noticing what I was hiding, she pulled on her seat and gave my shoulder and a thorough massage before latching herself on my back, whispering sweet nothings in my ear. It was so soothing that I almost fell asleep from the comfort. That earned me a flick on my forehead. A great way to kickstart my brain.

I walked her to the entrance of the Administration Building, carrying her lesson plan, before I climbed up the steps to see Hayashi-sensei in the Director's Office.

As I climbed the stairs to the Director's Office, I attempted to clear my head again, but I couldn't help but think about my girls. Their smiles brought me more energy as I recalled my interactions with them, no matter how minimal. Each of those tugged at me in a unique way.

The door to the Director's Office was slightly ajar when I arrived. Perhaps

Hayashi-sensei was also getting ready to return to the infirmary and continue playing as our mysterious school nurse.

I knocked lightly before stepping inside upon hearing her acknowledgement.

As I pushed the door open, the figure of Hayashi-sensei was instantly caught by my eyes. She was sitting behind her desk, her usual composed self with her rimmed glasses perched on her nose as she scanned a document in her hand.

The faint scent of scented tea lingered in the air, mixing with the polished wood of the

room.

She didn't look up immediately but the slight quirk of her lips told me she'd been expecting me.

"Onoda-kun, You're cutting close again today. Will you make another excuse?" She said without shifting her gaze to me.

I approached the table, stopping just a few steps before it and scratched my head, "Well, if sensei wants to hear me come up with an excuse, I can do it!"

With a click of her tongue, Hayashi-sensei looked up, pushed the bridge of her glasses and subjected me with her sharp gaze, "This audacious brat."

She placed down the document and stood up. She went around the table and leaned against it while facing me. Her arms crossed in front of her voluptuous chest.

I couldn't help but grin at Hayashi-sensei's familiar blend of exasperation and amusement. Her sharp gaze pinned me in place as I waited for whatever she wanted to

say.

She tried to hide behind her stern facade, but her lips couldn't help but twitch and curve up to one side. And honestly, she looked so attractive whenever she did that.

"How am I audacious, sensei? I'm being honest." I said with my usual smile as I took a step back, gesturing for us to take a seat.

Her eyebrow arched, and she tilted her head slightly, her glasses reflecting the light right into my eyes.

"Your attempt to act like there's nothing, you brat. Is that being honest to you?"

I chuckled, scratching the back of my neck. "Well, I'm not being dishonest, at the very least. I just simply didn't want you to be influenced by my gloom."

"You? Gloomy? Impossible. You're possibly overthinking stuff again." Hayashi-sensei let out a soft huff, uncrossing her arms and stepping closer as though she had already seen through my mask.

Her heels clicked lightly against the polished floor, and the faint scent of her lavender perfume entered my nostrils as she stopped just a step away. "You're lucky I'm growing fond of you. Otherwise, I'll kick you out right away!"

Is she now?

Although she said that, it was easy to pick up how unserious she was about it. It was an empty threat meant to intimidate me. Or rather unnerve me and release me from my own undoing.

"Right. I'm also lucky to have a very understanding sensei," I said with a shrug as I reached for her hand, pulling her with me to her comfortable sofa.

I thought she'd pull her hand away, but surprisingly, she waited until we were seated before doing so.

"Alright. Let's make this quick, shameless brat. Go on with your report, I'll listen closely. She turned sideways, one of her elbows resting on the backrest and her cheek supported by her backhand.

I sat up straight, the plush cushions sinking slightly under my weight as I faced

Hayashi-sensei.

Her posture was relaxed yet attentive, her sharp eyes studying me with that usual mix of curiosity and scrutiny she always seemed to carry when she's putting on the adult

role.

"Alright, sensei," I exhaled quietly, just enough to not make it look like I was carrying something heavy. "Today's report won't take long. Things are mostly stable. I spent most of it with my girls, with or without an ongoing lesson. Of course, my popularity remained up there and I got the contrasting treatment by those who liked and disliked me. Rumors about me will never end, I guess? It's my fault anyway. I keep showing in public how close I am to a lot of popular girls."

Hayashi-sensei's lips twitched, her gaze narrowing slightly. "That's it? Come on, you could've cut that down by saying it's the same as yesterday. But, Onoda-kun. Exactly what is distracting you today?"

I tilted my head as I feigned innocence. "Distracting? Me? I'm as focused as ever,

sensei."

It didn't work, of course. She let out a soft scoff, shifting to face me more directly. This

time, she reached for my wrist, holding it tightly, "Don't play coy with me, brat. After all these sessions, can you still hide something from me? Spill it. What's got you so

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pensive?"

I held her gaze, basking in her sharp and quiet curiosity. She was ready to listen if I chose to share. She has probably been waiting for this ever since I started reporting to

her.

After all, it was always me who'd see through her thoughts. Only at this moment did she get the chance to pry on why I was feeling a little under the weather.

I considered brushing it off but there was no point hiding from her. That's why I'm here, right? Our relationship is reciprocal. We both listened to one another and comforted the one who needed it.

All this time, I was on the side of comforting her. But I guess not today. "Just... thinking about balance, I guess," I admitted with a wry smile, "Trying to be there for everyone without letting them notice that I'm pushing myself too hard. Too bad, I'm horrible at it."

Her lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "Heh. I like this. It's not everyday to see you acting this weak, shameless brat. But exactly what are you expecting? That they

won't notice? You fool..."

Her words hit closer than I expected, and I felt a warmth settle in my chest. “Right. I was a fool. But do you have any advice for me, sensei?"

Her grip on my arm tightened as she shifted on her seat.

Before I knew it, my vision dimmed as a hand pressed down at the back of my head, pushing me into the soft confines of her chest.

Her fingers gently weaved through my hair before saying, "If it's advice you're looking for, why not try to empty your head? Do not think of anything and focus on nothing."

"That's..."

"Don't complain. It's a common technique, you know? Just let it all slip away for a

moment. Close your eyes, breathe, and let the noise in your head fade. You're always carrying so much. Your girls, their worries, your own promises. It's no wonder you're burning out. It should've happened sooner than this but you held on for too long. Remember, even a shameless brat like you needs a break."

Ah... Break. That word again. How did it come to this? Didn't I just get comforted by

Shio?

No. I probably pretended. I simply set it aside. And now, I voluntarily let it out.

Hayashi-sensei's voice was also soothingly warm, which made it impossible to argue. The steady rhythm of her heartbeat against my ear was grounding and the gentle pressure of her fingers in my hair felt like it was unraveling the tension I'd been

holding onto.

For once, I didn't fight it. I let myself sink into the moment, my shoulders loosening as I followed her advice, emptying my head as I surrendered myself in her comfort.