Stealing Spree

Chapter 2228: The Aftermath

Chapter 2228: The Aftermath



Having reached an understanding, we sat there for a moment, the silence between us no longer awkward but filled with a tentative connection. The tension in the room had dissipated like mist in the morning sun.

Once we finished the tea, I called for Maeda and the other girls that I asked to exit earlier.

As soon as Maeda saw Minami Shouko sitting obediently across from me with a soft smile, she looked surprised but nodded in understanding.

"Maeda-san, I apologize for putting you through this. I'll send a message later to everyone..." Minami Shouko started, but I raised a hand to stop her.

"Let's leave the apologies for later. For now, let's just focus on how to deal with the aftermath of this game of yours. Minami-senpai, do you want to accompany me on my patrol? Let's go visit all the clubs you've inconvenienced."

Maeda looked at me with a hint of confusion but I just smirked. It was a subtle way of saying we're going to make sure she'll make amends for what she's done. Of course, they, too, had the responsibility for their actions. But those club presidents needed a central person to blame.

And that would be Minami Shouko. If she's truly serious about moving forward, she won't run away from this.

Maeda nodded and took a step back, giving us a little space. The other girls followed her lead, their eyes darting between Minami Shouko and me with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Arisa stared at me in disbelief, wondering what I did to Minami Shouko for her to turn like this.

But she said nothing, she knew I had my reasons. And she trusted me. I delivered what was needed for this job.

Minami Shouko stood up, straightening her blazer. She looked at me with a mix of determination and fear, but she had agreed to this. To face the music. "Alright, Onoda-kun. Let's go."

"I'm glad you're not running away. Well then, Komoe, Arisa and Watanabe. Can you help me escort Maeda? I'll be taking Minami-senpai with me." I said, turning to the group of girls surrounding Maeda.

They nodded, understanding the situation without me needing to explain further. They were used to my unpredictable ways, and they knew I had a plan.

They left the room, leaving just me and Minami Shouko.

But before doing so, I naturally didn't forget to thank them for helping me out here. Komoe for the investigation and Arisa for going undercover. I shamelessly pulled them to the side, expressing my gratitude through kisses that we three couldn't get enough.

I heard Maeda and Minami Shouko gasping at the sight of my affectionate gesture toward my other girls, but I paid them no mind. They had their own issues to sort out. They'd forget about this.

Or will they?

As for Watanabe. Well, I gave her notepad a read before flicking her forehead.

"Ow! What was that for?" she complained, rubbing her forehead with a pout.

"That's compensation for your wild fantasy. What are those notes for anyway?" I chuckled as Watanabe's cheeks turned a deep shade of red. She was always scribbling down notes whenever she was around me and my girls.

For the next hour, this became the scene as I brought her from clubroom to clubroom. I included every club that requested an inspection.

Minami Shouko's hand grew warmer in mine as she faced each Club President, apologizing for the trouble she caused. The members of her group or her accomplices for the game, as she called them, were shocked at first but eventually saw the sincerity in her eyes.

Naturally, the reactions were varied. Even though nothing would really be lost since they'd be returning what they took after some time, some Club Presidents were furious while some were just confused. Some of them even wanted to hit her but I stood in front of her, preventing any violence from happening.

They asked me why I was protecting the culprit and troublemaker. My answer?

"Because she's going to make amends and learn from this." It was simple. But it wasn't just that. It was also because I saw a potential ally in her. Someone who understood the art of

strategy and manipulation.

Not that I'd use it to spread evil. I mean, I was the one going to deal with the other problem students clipped in that folder, right? Ah. Let's set that aside for now.

The look on Minami Shouko's face was priceless as she watched each club member react differently to her apology. Some were forgiving while others were stern, but they all listened. They saw the real her. The one beneath the facade of the 'manipulation queen'. After touring all the clubs including the Photography Club with Shimura and Marin-senpai. The Drama Club with Misaki. And the Kendo Club where the three girls escorted Maeda.

As we started our return walk to the Disciplinary Office, I noticed Minami Shouko's grip on my hand tightened and she seemed to have lost some of her earlier defiance.

"Onoda-kun, why are you being so kind to me?" She silently asked.

I glanced down at our intertwined hands, "I already answered that, senpai. I promised to help you find the genuine connection. To give the thing you're longing for. Let's take this step by step, okay? From now on, you'll join my office.

Her eyes widened, "I'm joining the Disciplinary Committee?"

"No. It's simply my office. I'm the only Disciplinary Officer but I can use some help. You can

come anytime whenever I'm on duty. But before that, make sure you tie up the loose ends. You fulfill your promise to the Club Presidents. Talk to the Guidance Counselors. And lastly, figure out what you want to do with the group you gathered." I said, looking into her eyes

with a serious expression.

Minami Shouko nodded slowly, "Alright. I understand. Thank you, Onoda-kun."

"Don't thank me yet, senpai. We're just starting, after all."

With that, I brought her back to the Disciplinary Office and let her interact with the girls. Shizu

came by and she seemed to be interested in Minami Shouko's abilities too but she didn't say anything. She just flaunted her presence and showed the girl that she was also mine.

Yeah. Somehow, Arisa already spilled the beans on their group chat and my girls became informed of Minami Shouko; specifically, my offer to help the girl find a genuine connection. They already assumed that she might end up being the same as them.

Well, I slipped out after that to finish my patrol and check on the clubhouse, leaving Minami Shouko in the hands of my girls and Watanabe.