After escorting the girls outside the school gates and to their bus stops, I returned briefly to the Gymnasium to see Satsuki while Chii and the two gyaru waited outside.
Well, I could've brought them in with me, but it would just draw too much attention.
Despite how late it was, the Gymnasium still echoed with the sharp squeak of sneakers and the rhythmic thump of basketballs as I slipped through from the front door. The girls' team was still at it, their practice session stretching into the evening.
Satsuki was in the thick of it, her shoulder-length hair was tied into a ponytail as beads of sweat ran down her beautiful face. She dashed across the court, reaching the other side quicker than even Kanno-senpai.
The way she moved was fluid and powerful that it never failed to pull my attention, like she was commanding the space without even trying.
I crossed my arms as I watched her block a shot by a 2nd year senior under the basket. Her teammate caught it while she immediately dashed again, receiving the ball from that teammate before passing the half-court line..
She drove past the only defender and toward the hoop. With a perfect form, she launched into a layup, and the ball swished through the net.
A few of her teammates cheered, but Satsuki just wiped her brow with the back of her hand, already scanning the court for the next play.
Kawakami-senpai, the team captain and Club President, caught sight of me first, her lips curling into a knowing smirk as she jogged over to the sidelines. "Onoda-kun, are you here to pick up our star player again? Or are you just enjoying the show?"
I grinned, pushing off the wall. "Just delivering my moral support, senpai. I promised to see her before going home, after all." Updates are released by novel⚑fire.net
She snorted, not believing me at all. She tossed a water bottle to one of the other girls before glancing back at Satsuki, who'd finally noticed me.
The girl's grumpy resting face immediately brightened as her lips curled up into a smile.
"Moral support, huh? Sure, that's all you do, Onoda-kun. Well, I apologize for extending our practice time. You know it, right? We have a practice match this weekend. The last one and you can have her to yourself for our Cultural Festival next week."
"I understand. Thanks for the hard work, I'll go and watch it for support," I said with a wink, earning a playful swat on the arm from Kawakami-senpai before she jogged back to the court, barking orders at the team.
Ryouko-san also spotted me. I waved and smiled at her, already thinking to at least sneak her out for a moment before I left. As for Orimura-sensei… well, the Volleyball Club already finished their practice so Sachi wasn't even around anymore but since her car was still parked in front of the Administration Building, she's probably still around. Maybe taking a shower again?
Satsuki made her way over with a towel draped over her shoulders.
She stopped a few feet away, hands on her hips, trying to look annoyed but failing miserably with the way her lips twitched upward. "What's this, idiot? Thought you were off to shop for prop decorations and have a sleepover with Chizuru. Got time to stalk me now?"
I stepped closer, fixing the stray strand of hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear before cupping her cheek. "Do I still need to stalk you? Didn't I promise to see you? Well, here I am. What do you think? Should I whisk you away from here?"
She grumpily huffed before grabbing my hand. "Tch. Too late, idiot. Can't you see we're in the middle of a practice game? You should've come before it started."
"Then, I'll come earlier tomorrow. You know. Just to make up for today."
"Stop sweet-talking me, idiot. It's not working anymore. Don't let them wait for you. Isn't Chizuru waiting for this day?"
"Right… Well then, take care going home later. I'll call you or maybe you call me when you get on the bus?"
"Psh… Sure. I'll tell you when we finish here. And by the way, don't make Setsu-nee wait. Things are becoming awkward between us again. Haa…"
"Sorry, your man is too charming."
"I could've hit you, idiot Ruki. Come, kiss me and go away. I still need that boost." She squeezed my hand and stepped forward, nibbling her lips to wet them.
I acted hurt before putting on a teasing smile, "You're sending me away already? I still owe you for being so patient with Aya today. You're cute when you're jealous, but I'm not letting you go without a little attention."
The girl's eyebrows immediately furrowed as she pressed her forehead to mine. "Who's jealous? Don't get cocky, idiot. I just… didn't want to make a fuss on Aya's birthday. That's all."
"Mhm. Sure. If you say so." With our lips centimeters apart, all I needed was to push a bit and kiss her. But to tease her further, I stayed close enough that our breaths mingled.
She opened her mouth to protest, but she cut herself off, settling for grabbing my head and pushing it in, catching my lips in a deep kiss. Her tongue invaded and tangled with mine, pulling it in. And before releasing me, she bit it lightly, her little revenge for all my teasing.
"Hmph. Tomorrow, you'll get more than that. Hurry and go. Everyone's looking at us already.
I chuckled, unfazed, brushing my thumb across her cheek. "Let them see. I'm proud to have you, Satsuki. Besides, they already knew you're mine. What's wrong with a little flirting?"
She groaned, burying her face in her hands for a second before peeking through her fingers. "Ugh. This idiot."
I gave her a playful smirk, then softened my tone. "I'll pick you up after practice tomorrow. And maybe we'll sneak off somewhere before your next game. Just you and me."
Her pout returned, but her eyes were warm, that tough exterior melting just for me. "You'd better. Or I'll tie you to your bed."
I saluted as I stepped back. "Yes, ma'am. Be good, and don't break any ankles out there."
She rolled her eyes but smiled, already turning back to the court as I headed for the door. "Get outta here, idiot."
Her voice followed me out and until the door closed, I kept up with my grin, making the other members of the club giggle at our interaction.
After that, I circled to the side door of the Gymnasium, trying to find Orimura-sensei and perhaps, Ryouko-san, who should've caught my signal.
A little visit before leaving won't delay me a lot, right?