Stealing Spree
Chapter 2635: Planning the Surprise Performance

No doubt, that was Kaoru-san’s voice, Yue’s manager.

Although I pitched the suggestion of Mabushisa Asahi, Yue’s stage name, performing at our cultural festival yesterday, I never thought Kaoru-san would be visiting the school this quickly.

No. Wait. Thinking about it, since that girl was more than just excited when I brought the suggestion up. She probably sent her here to ensure that there wouldn’t be any constraints when the day arrived. Furthermore, given that they had already talked in length yesterday, this was probably just to make it official.

I froze mid-step and let my hand hover over the door handle as Kaoru-san’s voice carried through the slight gap.

Then came Hayashi-sensei’s response, “He should be. He’s not going to miss a day reporting to me. By the way, I know we discussed this yesterday, but don’t you think you’re rushing into a secret gig like this? In a cultural festival, no less. It will be chaotic and troublesome if your talent gets swarmed by the students and visitors alike.”

Mhm. That’s a reasonable concern.

Moments later, I heard Kaoru-san letting out a sigh, “Sensei, I have the same concern as you but as you know… once that girl decided to come here for Onoda-kun, there’s no stopping her. Besides, he’s going to be there for her, is he not?”

Now that’s unexpected. Looks like Kaoru-san has started believing in me too, huh? Recalling our interaction when we went to Tokyo, I didn’t expect this. After all, my suggestions to her condition of having ‘excessive self-criticism’ had yet to bear fruit.

Still, I already got an update from her, just once though, saying that she’s going to keep doing my suggestions. Despite her acceptance, she’s willing to try out listening to me, even if it’s just to satisfy Yue’s concern for her.

Anyway, before Hayashi-sensei could respond to her, I took a deep breath to steady myself and adjusted my posture, letting a casual grin settle on my face before gently pushing the door open.

“Yo, Sensei, Kaoru-san. Hope I’m not interrupting anything too serious,” I said lighheartedly as I closed the door upon stepping in.

Hayashi-sensei looked up from her desk, her glasses catching the light as she fixed me with that familiar, piercing stare. Her lips twitched into a faint smirk, like she’d been expecting me to waltz in right on cue.

Kaoru-san, seated across from her, turned her head, her sleek bob haircut framing a professional smile that I already got used to seeing back in Tokyo. She was all business, as usual, her tailored blazer and sharp posture screaming ‘I manage a superstar, don’t waste my time’. Or to that effect.

In any case, I couldn’t help but pick up the intensity of her gaze softening as she took in my appearance.

“You’re finally here, Onoda-kun.” She started. “It seems you’ve been busy.”

“Well, it’s lunch break, Kaoru-san. Have you eaten yet? What about you, sensei?” I put on my usual smug smile, earning me a twitch of their eyebrows.

“This shameless student. Is that how you greet your elders?”

Hayashi-sensei reprimanded me but the way her lips curved up showed how amused she was. She relaxed on her chair and rested her chin on the back of her hand. Her usual air of authority softened by the familiar dynamic we’d built over time.

Kaoru-san chuckled lightly, her professional facade cracking just enough to show a hint of warmth. “No need to worry about me, Onoda-kun. I ate on the way here. But you’re dodging the point, as usual. You do know why I’m here, right? You brought that absurd suggestion to Asahi. Now she cannot stop thinking about it.”

I nodded. “Yeah, I mean, I called you yesterday. I just didn’t expect you to come here right away. That’s a few hours of driving. You’re so dedicated, Kaoru-san.”

“Who do you think I should blame for that?”

“Uhm… Me?” I innocently tilted my head and grinned, causing for the woman to put a hand on her forehead before chuckling.

“Un. You haven’t changed at all. But then again, not much time has passed since your visit there.” Kaoru-san regained her composure as her eyes focused on me.

She then gestured for me to sit down and so… I walked over and took a seat parallel to her. Love this story? Show your support on *.

“So, what’s the deal, Kaoru-san? Are you here to sign some kind of contract for it? Making sure I don’t botch this grand plan?”

Kaoru-san’s lips quirked upward, but her eyes narrowed slightly, like she was sizing me up. “Something like that. Asahi’s determined to make this happen, but we need to ensure it’s feasible. A school event isn’t exactly a controlled stage environment. Security, crowd control, and her safety are my priorities. You understand, don’t you, Onoda-kun?”

Her voice was smooth but carried an edge befitting of her position. A reminder that she wasn’t just Yue’s manager but her protector. I respected that. Yue’s career was met with smooth success because of her handling. I’m grateful for her over that.

“Got it,” I said, straightening up to show I was taking this seriously. “We’ve got a decent setup for the festival. The school’s used to handling crowds, but I’ll work with the student council to tighten things up. Shizu, uh, Asakura-senpai, can pull strings to get extra security if needed. And I’ll be there to keep an eye on Yue myself.”

Hayashi-sensei raised an eyebrow, her smirk deepening. “You sound awfully confident, Onoda-kun. But why does it sound like you’re the one running my school now?

The tone of her voice was naturally teasing, as if she were trying to get a reaction from me.

I turned to her direction and winked.

“How can I be running the school when you’re still here, sensei? You’re the one with the final say in this. I’m nothing more than just your most problematic student, am I not?” I shot back with a playful grin.

Hayashi-sensei’s smirk widened as she adjusted her elbows on the desk, leaning forward slightly.

Somehow, that made her look a little more enticing to me. If not for Kaoru-san being present in the room, I might’ve tried to start massaging her again.

“Careful, Onoda-kun. Keep talking like that, and I’ll have you scrubbing the gym floor instead of flirting with half the school.” She said in a lighthearted manner but I knew she could make good on the threat if she wanted to.

Kaoru-san appeared a little confused at our exchange. After all, she’s not expecting to have this banter with someone like Hayashi-sensei, much less, after understanding that she’s the School Director and owner.

“Haa… I finally get it. Not even an adult can escape your charm, Onoda-kun. Anyhow, let’s not get distracted, shall we? Asahi said you’d handle this with… what was it? ‘Shameless confidence’?”

Turning my attention back to her, I scratched the back of my neck. “That sounds like Yue, alright. But seriously, Kaoru-san, I get it. Yue’s safety comes first. I’ll make sure the festival’s stage is secure, and we’ll keep her appearance low-key until she’s ready to perform. No leaks of her arrival other than the rumors we’re going to spread to hype it up.”

Kaoru-san nodded, “Good. I trust you to keep your word, Onoda-kun. Asahi’s putting a lot of faith in you for this. She’s been buzzing about it non-stop since you called me to talk this out with Hayashi-sensei yesterday. I’ve never seen her this excited about a non-official gig.”

Hayashi-sensei tapped a pen against her desk, her gaze flicking to me. “This student has a knack for stirring things up. Nagamine-san, you’ll be surprised how ambitious he is with what they’re preparing for this cultural festival. Anyway, first, you’ve got half the student body wrapped around your finger, and now you’re bringing in a celebrity to perform on stage for everyone. Should I be worried about what else you’re plotting?”

I raised my hands on my sides, “Sensei, I’m just trying to make this festival memorable for everyone. Yue’s performance will be a hit, and I’ll keep everything under control. Promise.”

Well, can I say that I’m just plotting it to give her an experience that she probably won’t get in the school she’s barely attending? Since she’s a celebrity now, it’ll be truly for her to just wander around a school event like this. But here, I’ll ensure she will enjoy her time.

Hayashi-sensei gave me a long, assessing look before sighing, “You’d better, Onoda-kun. I’m holding you to that. Now, Kaoru-san, let’s go over the logistics. I assume you’ve got a list of requirements?”

Kaoru-san pulled out a sleek tablet from her bag, tapping the screen to bring up a document. “Indeed. We’ll need a secure backstage area, limited access to it, and a clear exit route for Asahi after her performance. I’d also like to discuss crowd management and how we can keep her identity under wraps until she takes the stage. Onoda-kun, since you’re so… involved, I’d appreciate your input on the school’s layout and student dynamics.”

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