Stealing Spree

Chapter 2491 Running into Kaede

Chapter 2491 Running into Kaede

“Onoda-kun, good morning.”

Two stations before school, someone approached me inside the train.

Although not that rare given my current popularity, approaching me this close was still unusual. Furthermore, since I always run late nowadays, everyone is in a rush.

Looking up, I found Kaede standing there, Watanabe’s friend who I ended up befriending after catching her following me.

I smiled and said, “Good morning, Yanagi-san. It's rare to run into you here. Here. You can take my seat.”

I motioned to stand up but the girl pushed down on my shoulder, preventing me from doing so.

“No. It's fine. I'm more comfortable standing.” She said while shaking her head.

With that answer, I contemplated for a moment before calling to another girl nearby and giving her my seat.

After that, I stood up, joining Kaede in standing while holding onto the handrail. The train was packed and the swaying motion made it slightly more difficult to balance than usual.

“Eh? Onoda-kun, why?” She asked after seeing me give up my seat and choosing to stand with her instead.

I tilted my head and answered, “I just feel like joining you. Should I have not?”

“Uhm... Y-you know you don't have to.”

“I know. But it isn't so bad to join my friend, right”

“Friend...” Kaede bit her lips and tried to avert her gaze.

Looking at her like this, I couldn't help but feel a little bit guilty. It had been a while since I asked her to be my friend yet the only time we were interacting was whenever I would pass by their classroom. On top of that, I mostly focused on Komoe and Watanabe.

In short, she was an afterthought. I would probably not expect too much from myself if I were her. But despite that being the case, this girl still had me as her source of inspiration.

"Let's see, I can tell you're still keeping up with maintaining your form. Have you decided on returning to the track club?"

Kaede shook her head again, "Not this year. I'd rather train by myself and compete next year when that senior has already graduated."

That's right. There's still the problem of her jealous senior who shamelessly bullies a junior just because she's better than her.

And no one could do anything to her.

I had raised that issue with Shizu but at the moment, there's really nothing that can be done unless the rest of the track club speaks out.

Well, I can do something about it if I put my mind to it. Like... visiting that club as the Disciplinary Officer and investigating.

"I see. Then, Yanagi-san, why don't you file a complaint at my office and then leave it to me? I'll clean up the track club for you."

As bold as that sounded, I could also do that, you know? Power tripping. Abuse of authority. Who's going to complain about it? I had the backing of the Student Council President, the Guidance Counselor and the Director of the school.

Even Ichihara Jun couldn't deal with me. What's a little jealous queen of the track club?

Of course, to make it more official, I needed her to file a complaint.

"W-won't it bring you trouble, Onoda-kun?" Kaede stuttered, her eyes wide with a mix of hope and skepticism.

"Trouble? I'm the bringer of trouble."

Alright. I wanted to say that once in my lifetime. It sounded cringe though.

"Don't worry, if someone's going to be in trouble, it's not me. It's them. If they think they can lord over the club just because of their seniority. I'll show them the terror of a Disciplinary Officer." I said with a smirk, trying to ease her anxiety.

For the rest of our train ride, I asked about the specifics. And on our walk to the school gates, I told her to submit it later. She could also consult her friend, Watanabe, on how to better write it. Knowing that nosy girl, she wouldn't hold back in giving advice. Besides, her concern for Kaede was genuine.

"Okay. I'll see you later, Onoda-kun."

"Mhm. I'm looking forward to seeing you running in our school's colors again." I said before we stepped inside the school grounds, and greeted Ryouko-san who was once again ready to police the students with her wooden stick.