Chapter 2197: Switching it up

Chapter 2197: Switching it up



The morning played out much like the day before.

After arriving at school, I greeted Ryouko-san at the gate, had a brief but pleasant encounter with Sachi at the shoe locker area, escorted Marika to her classroom, and then made my way to our class.

Today, since we were going to have a PE class after the lunch break, everyone was ready to go to the empty clubroom again. However, we changed it up a bit today because of the time constraint. Instead of going there, we all went to the school cafeteria where we could take up most of the tables.

The arrival of the girls caused a commotion and it became a full-blown spectacle when I sat down in the middle of them.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Despite trying to tone down our obvious flirting, just the sight of me surrounded by girls was enough to cement the playboy reputation that had been following me around. Now, with more eyewitnesses, I could feel their fingers pointing at me. Their eyes fixated on us, some whispering while others just observing.

Did we disrupt the public order? Not really. Because Shizu and I were present at the same location, everyone became afraid of making a scene.

I mean. Our combination of the Student Council President and the new Disciplinary Officer screams 'authority'. If they didn't want to get into trouble with us, they could only keep their thoughts to themselves.

Of course, there were exceptions to it. Those who didn't care about statuses.

Unfortunately for those few, Shizu didn't hesitate to tear into them, showcasing the intimidating side of her that made others shiver in their shoes. Her icy demeanor silenced any potential troublemakers before they could even think of causing a scene.

Meanwhile, I didn't just sit back and remain idle while Shizu was shielding me. With my usual smile, I greeted a few girls I'd gotten acquainted with during the camp. It was like a toned- down version of Hana's angelic smile. Although in my case, it was targeted solely at the girls.

Ah. Right.

A few members of the so-called Anti-Ruki Club were lingering nearby, snapping photos like they were gathering evidence for some twisted ritual to curse me.

I noticed them in my peripheral vision, their cameras clicking away. It was impossible to hide the sound, so they were quickly exposed. When I locked eyes with them, they scattered like startled birds, clearly not expecting to be caught in the act.

I briefly considered chasing after them, but when I glanced at the girls around me, waiting for me to return before eating their lunch, I decided against it.

There was no need to stir up unnecessary trouble during this time. It wouldn't be too late to go after them later when I patrol.

However, to my surprise, they came back looking flustered and apologetic a few minutes later.

Someone caught them and asked them to return to me and apologize.

From the way they shudder like wet chicks that get soaked in the rain, I suspected it was members of Uchiyama's group of delinquents.

I hadn't seen much of them since the camp but from what I'd heard, they had taken it upon themselves to deal with anyone bad-mouthing me.

Anyway, I soon steered the conversation back to a lighter topic, dispelling the discomfort that might've been brought by it.

After steering the conversation to a lighter topic, the atmosphere around our table shifted back to its usual playful tone. My girls now felt more relaxed. They resumed their teasing and banter but as always, it was centered around me.

It didn't take long for the cafeteria's background noise to blend into the hum of our chatter.

Satsuki, still chewing on her noodles, wiped her mouth and leaned toward me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "So, idiot Ruki, what's next on your agenda? More girls to woo?" Yeah. It was her attempt to jab at me, knowing I wouldn't easily fight back.

It earned a round of giggles from the others, and I could already sense their anticipation for

my response.

I nonchalantly shrugged and smiled before wiping the sauce of the noodles on the side of her lips with my thumb, "I'm not so free to find new targets, don't you think so? Besides, we have PE today. I'll be helping Ryouko-san again."

Satsuki instantly became flustered but it wasn't the end of it as Nami saved her from it by

interjecting.

With a smirk and raised eyebrow, she playfully said, "You say that, Ruu but I bet you're just plotting your next move in secret. What's next? The girls' volleyball team? You seem awfully close to Sachi from Class 4."

Upon hearing that, the girls all pressed in on me, wanting to hear how I would deflect that.

"Well, she's a friend who I get along with."

"Alright. Don't give him more ideas. This numbskull can make someone fall for you at a flick of his fingers. If anything, we're the ones keeping in check. And isn't that what you want,

hubby?"

This time, Haruko was the one who spoke as she picked up the last piece of cutlet on her plate before pushing it to my mouth.

I bit into it and answered, "Yeah... I'll also have to rely on all of you. If you think it's already too much and I'm about to do something unimaginable again, you girls can remind me. Remember, I will never not listen to any of you. Even though I might not follow you directly, I'll still think about your perspective and decide accordingly."

Yeah. This was kind of an unspoken rule in our complex relationship. Unfortunately, there wasn't that much of an effect on it yet. I still kept falling for more girls...

After a while, our conversation went into a lull and we silently finished our meals.

The girls from the upper floors went together as I escorted them again while the others went

to the changing room to put on their PE uniforms.

Of course, my lunch break wasn't over yet as I still had to report to Hayashi-sensei, visit Orimura-sensei and accompany Ryouko-san as her assistant.