Stealing Spree

Chapter 2539 Late Punishment

When we arrived at the Gymnasium, both our class and Class 4 were already lined up properly. I had the girls from our class quietly join that line from the back while I escorted Rae to the other side, all while knowing that Ryouko-san and Orimura-sensei already noticed our arrival.

I mean, they could call us out but they pretended not to notice. Or at least, they were waiting for me to come to the front and receive the punishment in everyone's stead.

Of course, given my identity as Ryouko-san's student assistant, everyone already knew that I might just get a pass from her.

To their surprise, Ryouko-san and Orimura-sensei both gave me a pointed look as I approached the front.

The faint smirk on Orimura-sensei's face told me she was relishing this moment. On the other hand, Ryouko-san's expression was more neutral but it's easy to tell she's not going to get soft on me. After all, she couldn't just show blatant favoritism in front of everyone, she had to make an example out of me. And naturally, she's going to pretend that. I was the only one late, sparing the girls who came with me.

"Onoda-kun," Ryouko-san began, her voice carrying just enough authority to make the entire gymnasium fall silent. "... care to explain why you decided to grace us with your presence so late?"

I scratched the back of my neck, offering a sheepish grin. "My apologies, Eguchi-sensei, Orimura-sensei. I got... held up with some administrative matters. As your Student Assistant, I failed to set an example to the other students, Please do as you will with me."

The gymnasium remained quiet as everyone's attention pressed down on me. I could sense my girls looking at me worriedly but it was not to the point that they're blaming themselves for this. I told them what I was gonna do and they agreed to it. Other than that, there were curious glances from my classmates and the subtle amusement radiating from Class 4, likely wondering how I'd wriggle out of this one. Those who hated me or just found me an eyesore either gloat from where they were standing or frown, suspecting this was all an act from me.

But, well, let them believe what they want. They're unimportant anyway.

Ryouko-san's eyes narrowed slightly, her silence truly enhancing the intimidating feeling coming from her. Of course, I was immune to it. She's my woman, after all. Still, I feel like I disappointed her a bit because she told me not to run late earlier.

On the other hand, Orimura-sensei was just enjoying this spectacle. She's just here as Ryouko-san's helper but given our relationship, she'd always find it amusing to see me acting like this.