Returning to my original intention of going out on a walk to patrol as the Disciplinary Officer, I reached the School Building after a while.
To keep up appearances, I once again stopped by some of the clubs on the way, faking Club Inspection. But for the most part, I went to my girls' clubs and checked on what they were doing.
At the Literature Club, Hana was being initiated by the original members of the club, including Rae. Since there's still a month before the Cultural Festival, they're brainstorming on how to integrate the girl into what we planned to do for it.
And since I am the one who presented that, they asked me for my opinion on whether to let Hana write another scenario that we could insert before the finale that I would write or create an alternate ending.
Apparently, they already chose the most effective way to include her in it but they wanted to hear my opinion before finalizing it.
My answer… it will be interesting to have her make an alternate ending. That way, the choices will be meaningful.
As it turns out, that's also what they believed to be the best choice.
Naturally, it added complexity to it but they admitted that it's fun that way.
Apart from that, they're helping the girl improve her writing and reading capabilities. I mean, knowing Hana, even if she could be seen as competent in her academics, she only put in enough effort not to fail.
It's a relief that she opened up on that to them and so, with the lead of Rae and Kana, they dished out short stories or straight-up full-length novels for her to read and write a summary on.
Before I left again, I made a quick trip to the vending machine, buying them cold drinks to refresh their minds. It's also my way of making up for my absence.
At the Book Club, Haruko and the girls brought me the news that after days of visiting and staying with them, Kanzaki decided to apply and transfer to the club. That way, she wouldn't need to skip her previous club's club activities. It also gave her more reason to see me there.
Yep. Even if I brought her to Haruko to help her clear her mind about what she's feeling for me, she's actually sinking further and further into it.
In fact, when I went to spoil Edel and Himeko, I found her looking pitiful as she watched us from the side.
To cheer her up, I patted her head and praised her for being brave and honest to everyone and especially, to me.
Her straightforward personality kicked in at that point as she responded with, "I'm here because I still want to get noticed by you..."
Due to that, my girls threw me a glance that almost said, 'Take responsibility.'
Well, not explicitly but that's how it felt.
I didn't feel pressure from it. I also have no plans of ignoring her, after all.
That's why before I left the clubroom, I put her in my embrace and responded honestly, "Yeah. I'm aware. You succeeded in that. Also, I still feel the same way as before. I'm interested in you and I don't see it changing at all. You're already aware of what's going on around me so... I'll leave it to your judgement once you finish sorting everything in your head."
Somehow, that made her face boil from heat, resulting in her glasses fogging up instantly. To save her from fainting, Mina even ran up to help the girl drink a cup of tea.
Mhm… My answer was super effective.
In the Game Club, Maaya stopped pretending I was nothing more than an acquaintance to her. She exited the room faster than Komoe or Miura-senpai and brought me somewhere we could be alone.
Although she still acted like a tsundere, a kiss was proven enough to make her behave.
As for the reason why she dragged me away, they're apparently in the middle of playing the game she created. Compared to the first reception that led her into an argument with the 2nd-year gamer girl, it garnered praise from everyone in that club, including that girl.
In short, Maaya was too excited to share the news with me. It's an accomplishment for her that's different from her academics or her job as the acting manager of their hotel.
Even if playing games was only her way to relieve stress, she's genuinely happy to have her work get accepted and be recognized.
Before escorting her back to their clubroom, I also showered her with praise, spoiling her in the process.
Lastly, when I checked in on the Student Support Club, Ogawa was still absent from the clubroom. Most likely, he's still moping in that room.
Although I had yet to tell them what happened earlier, Arisa, Nami, and Hina already suspected that was the case. He was being very obvious with his intention to confront me, after all.
In any case, I also left right away and didn't disturb them for long. They had clients asking for their help, after all.
With all of that done, we're now back to the present.
Trudging along the wide corridors of the School Building, I began making my way up to the third while passing by and checking every classroom.
Because most students have their clubs, only a few students remain in this building. They're either also about to leave the school or just wanted the peace and quiet their empty classroom would provide them.
I kept an eye out for anything suspicious but nothing stood out at all except the feeling of being watched.
Actually, when Reira-senpai and I returned to the Club Building, that feeling disappeared.
However, when I went to grab drinks at the vending machine, it momentarily returned. And on my way to this building, it became more apparent.
For some reason, that person refused to enter the Club Building but they had no qualms about following me inside the School Building.
Due to that, I decided to reevaluate my suspects.
I added another one.
Because it's kinda commendable the dedication they put into this, one person stood out in my mind.
If it's not Ichihara's goon or Takashima, it must be the letter-sender. The one who sent the letter earlier this morning and reminded me about their existence that I neglected in my head.
With that in mind, we're about to find out whether I am right or not.
Upon reaching the third floor, I skipped checking on every classroom and made a beeline toward the locked door.
Stopping right in front of it, I waited for a moment to survey my surroundings. I mean, there's still a possibility that the letter-sender was already here, watching me from somewhere else.
Unfortunately, no one was around and only some faint footsteps that possibly came from the one following me could be heard.
And so, after acting like I was about to enter the room, I faced the direction I came from.
Putting a hand on my pocket, I intentionally acted like I had known all along whoever was following me.
It's one in three, after all. That's a 33% chance of being correct.
After waiting for a few seconds, I opened my mouth.
"Alright. I think it's about time you show yourself in front of me. No one is around and we're here at the place you indicated."
I thought I was going to be met with silence, however, as soon as I dangled the key in front of me, someone stepped out from a blind spot.
It's someone I know and talked with recently.
Yanagi Kaede.
"Onoda-kun…" She called my name as she guiltily hung her head low.
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