Stealing Spree

Chapter 2205: Finished Deliberation

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With the finer details decided, we soon moved to the final notes.

"We'll keep the pacing in mind, too," Ryouko-san said as jotted down the last lines for her lesson, "If a team struggles with a challenge for too long, we'll allow them a lifeline. Maybe a time penalty instead of making them finish it."

The task was already made easier but I guess someone might still fail so Ryouko-san's suggestion was still needed.

Orimura-sensei nodded. "That should prevent anyone from getting frustrated or feeling like they're holding the team back."

"What about a reward for the winner?" I asked, my tone deliberately playful.

"There you go again, shameless brat. You're not participating and you're already thinking about the reward." Orimura-sensei rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"Well, it can motivate them, no?" I defended my suggestion by whispering close to Ryouko- san's ear.

Influenced or not, Ryouko-san chimed in, curiosity apparent in her voice, "He's right, Sanae. What do you propose, Ruki-kun?"

I contemplated seriously for a moment to give a proper suggestion. Although I brought that up as a playful suggestion, it couldn't be denied that it would be effective to motivate

everyone.

"I think it's best not to offer material rewards like before. Remember when you treated me to ramen? That was great, but it's impractical to do every time. And exempting them from the next class isn't the best idea either. It might make them happy, but what's the point of PE if they're skipping it?"

Ryouko-san nodded thoughtfully before she turned to face me, her hand cupping my cheek affectionately, "Good point, Ruki-kun. So, what kind of reward do you suggest?"

"Something immaterial," I began, putting in the result of that serious contemplation, "How about we give the winning team a special title or privilege for the next class? They could be team leaders or get the first pick for any group activity or exercise. Maybe we can even let them design a part of the next class, like choosing the warm-up exercises or a mini- challenge. They can also chip in on your creative activities."

"Oh? That could work," Orimura-sensei raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "It can give them a sense of pride and recognition without relying on physical rewards."

Ryouko-san's eyes brightened as her lips stretched into a pleasant, "I like it. It's a way to keep them engaged long-term, not just for one event. Plus, it'll give them the privilege of being the king or queen of their class. Making it feel like their achievement has a lasting impact."

"Exactly," I added. "It's more about recognition and responsibility. They'll have bragging rights and get to influence what happens next. It's a win-win. However, you should also put a cap on the ridiculousness of it all. We can't have them power-tripping just because of one PE activity. I'd put them in place if that's the case."

"This shameless brat," Orimura-sensei sighed, shaking her head again. "Did you suggest this just so you could have an excuse to lord over them?"

"You're imagining things, sensei. I just don't want to see them act like they own everyone just because of that win. I mean, I won't be participating so I'll be immune. Since I'm also the Disciplinary Officer, I can police for you. If Orimura-sensei will also do this in your classes, you can count on me." I looked at her and explained myself before ending it with a salute and a confident smile.

It made Orimura-sensei roll her eyes again but she didn't say anything anymore as it was a sound argument.

Sensing that we'd reached an agreement, Ryouko-san kissed me again before declaring, "Alright then, we'll go with that. No ramen this time, but they'll still walk away feeling accomplished."

And with this, our PE class for today was decided.

As we wrapped up, the atmosphere in the room had lightened considerably. The awkwardness that had lingered earlier had all but evaporated, replaced by a shared sense of accomplishment and purpose. Even Orimura-sensei, who had been somewhat distant, seemed more relaxed. Occasionally, I got bold enough to sneak in a kiss to her, which she half-heartedly tried to avoid, making it all a success.

Obviously, I was eventually caught by Ryouko-san. That leads her to demand more kisses from me while teasingly urging her friend to be honest, "You can ask for one too, Sanae, if you want."

But for Orimura-sensei, it was still a steep hill to climb. She acted indifferent, distancing herself from us in a half-playful, half-awkward way. Ryouko-san didn't push her, understanding her friend's reserved nature.

"Oh. Before I forget, Ruki-kun. There's just one more thing," Ryouko-san pausing our kisses for a moment, "You'll be helping me manage this, right? I want you to be actively involved, not just a little helper and observer. You're my assistant."

I smiled, understanding her intent. "Of course. I'll be right there with you."

She gave a small, satisfied nod before pushing her lips again for one more kiss, signaling that our discussion was done, "Great. Let's get to it, then. Time to see if our plan works as well in

practice."

After that, we all stood up. As we prepared to leave, Ryouko-san somehow turned around, her arms hooking to my neck as her expression softened with affection.

There was an unspoken understanding between the three of us now, a recognition of the balance we were trying to maintain. Not just in the PE class, but in our relationships with each other.

Orimura-sensei, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, cleared her throat.

Sensing the shift in the air, Orimura-sensei cleared her throat. "I'll go ahead and start setting up the gym. You two, don't take too long. And take care of Ryouko, shameless brat."

Without waiting for a response from us, Orimura-sensei left the room.

Ryouko-san and I exchanged amused glances before shaking our heads in sync. We

understood each other and Orimura-sensei's behavior.

With a slight blush creeping across her cheeks, Ryouko-san murmured, "I meant what I said earlier, Ruki-kun. I trust you to help... both here and with everything else."

"I won't let you down, Ryouko-san," I replied softly as I pulled her in for more kisses, tightening my arms around her.

For the next few minutes, the room was filled only with the sound of our kisses and the quiet warmth of our connection.

The day was far from over, but with the creative activity perfectly revised by the three of us, I had a feeling that it would go smoother than any of us had expected. Thinking about it, the teamwork we exercised in this room went beyond just preparing for a class. It also reflected the growing dynamics of our relationship, albeit in a subtle way.

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