Stealing Spree

Upon returning to our classroom, the remaining 7th period ended up being free time just like always. But since we now have the workshop to think about for the next two days, Nami and Chii went to the front and started what they called 'brainstorming ideas.

Of course, Shimura and I joined them after a while. As for Ogawa, the guy reluctantly stepped up too but he could only stand on the side.

Well, he's not truly antagonistic anymore and was mostly just keeping to himself. Maybe he's afraid I'll embarrass him again? Or maybe, he's afraid that if blurted out to everyone that he's now dating Mami, I might go and steal the girl away from him again.

The girls in their circle already know about it. And if I don't count that night inside Kazuha- nee's room, Nina broke the news to me first.

Anyway, enough about him. Since it's a workshop that will also lead up to the cultural festival two weeks from now, Nami and Chii decided that we might as well narrow down our choices through that discussion.

They asked for everyone's input and told them to be as creative as possible.

The loudmouth Yamada headed the first idea, "How about we just do a theme cafe? Isn't that always popular? I'd like to see you girls in a maid outfit!"

"That's so... pedestrian, Yamada-kun. I said to be creative, not mix your personal desires. And no. If we ever have to wear a maid outfit, it'll be exclusive for Ruu's eyes." Nami shot him down right away before turning to me with a wink.

"What?! Why is it always him?! That's unfair, Andou-san!"

"Oh, hush it, Yamada! Try bein' as hot as Kii and maybe you'll get lucky too, like seriously." Chii with her attempt to sound like a proper gyaru again, rolled her eyes playfully.

The classroom burst into snickers and giggles at the banter.

On the other hand, I couldn't help but imagine Nami and Chii dressed as maids. And maybe the other girls too. It would be interesting to have Satsuki in it.

She's going to be a grumpy, tsundere maid. She'll say she's not enjoying it, but she'll keep looking at me for praise.

"Okay next. Those with an idea for our class booth, raise your hand," Nami called out, bringing everyone's attention back to the task at hand.

A few raised their hands, and she picked a girl this time. It was Wakaba who was sitting behind Aya.

"You said be creative right? What about a time-travel theme?" Wakaba suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "We could dress up as historical figures and serve themed drinks based on different eras!"

Nami nodded thoughtfully, scribbling notes, "Interesting... It's certainly unique. What about the logistics, though?"

"A few can dress up as famous people like Oda Nobunaga serving matcha, Cleopatra with gold-infused drinks, or even Marie Antoinette with macarons! And we can have a 'time machine' photo booth for customers!" Wakaba's imagination was on full display.

Looks like that's what she really wanted to see at a cultural festival. Kinda surprising, considering she's a little tomboyish.

Chii nodded, adding her own flair, "Oh, totally! We can even have a 'time-warped' menu where drinks have like, hidden ingredients that relate to the era! Like a 'Samurai Soda' with a hint of wasabi, or 'Pharaoh's Punch' with a secret mix of spices! It'll be sooo extra, ya feel me?"

The class murmured among themselves, some nodding in agreement, others scribbling down notes, and a few looking utterly confused but intrigued. The concept was definitely unique and had the potential to attract a lot of visitors.

Shimura spoke up, her voice also among the confused, "But wouldn't that be too much work?"

"It'll be fine." I said, turning to her, "We're just still at the idea stage. Besides, we'll just use it for the workshop. Making it as absurd as possible can be a key to winning too."

Shimura blushed and nodded. This girl... she's probably embarrassed. But I like that she can also pitch in. It'll be bad if we just stand here, right? Look at Ogawa. The dude can't even contribute.

"Okay, okay! How about a 'Pirate' theme?" Someone from the back suggested next. I looked at the source and found the otaku Matsuda with his hand raised excitedly as if he finally found a chance to flaunt his knowledge. "You know, we can have a variety of activities like shooting a barrel. Walking down the plank, and the most popular one, finding the treasure! Of course, we'll serve devil fruit punch and have some of us cosplay as the Strawhats and Marines."

The class erupted into more laughter and some nods of approval. Nami and Chii looked at each other before Nami spoke up again, "Alright, let's write that down. It's definitely got potential." ȐαΝǑᛒΕꞩ

The brainstorming session went on for the next thirty minutes and I guess that became the liveliest of our bunch in the recent month. Everyone's throwing in ideas like it was their last stand in a battle royale. Some were good, some were bad, and some were just... weird. But that's what makes it fun, right?

It was also a good way to bury the murmurs about me and the girls disappearing during the swimming class.

When we concluded the suggestions, we, the five representatives for the upcoming workshop, convened to discuss further the ideas we'd be presenting there. Ogawa remained silent. It's not that he was being excluded but the guy wouldn't even offer his views. I guess he's afraid to get shot down by Nami and Chii.

But I can't blame him entirely. If I was in his shoes, I'd do the same thing. There was his 'ex- girlfriend' if he could even call her that and me, the guy who stole her from him. Not to mention, Chii and Shimura were also close to me. He's like an outsider.

Let's see. Should I be kind to him for a moment? I mean, he's Kazuha-nee's little brother. He'll end up becoming my little brother too. I can spare him from my spitefulness, at least as long as he behaves.

Anyway, the remaining time before the club hours was spent like that. When the bell rang for the end of the day, everyone dispersed. My girls who were on cleaning duty today stayed behind. And as always, I walked the others to their clubs.

I stayed at the Book Club for a few minutes for Mina's tea, Edel's koala hug, and checking on Minori and Yuika-senpai at the connected clubroom of the Poem Appreciation Club.

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