Stealing Spree-Chapter 2540 Singing while Running

My voice wasn't exactly idol-worthy. I knew that but I projected it loud enough to carry across the gym, hitting the opening notes of Steal Your Heart with as much confidence as I could muster.

The melody of the song was supposed to be sappy, one that could make someone remember bittersweet memories from their past. However, the way I sang it while running failed to hold that up. It became more upbeat, like a piece of pop music.

If Yue were here, she'd surely run and join me in singing it in a tune. Yeah... She wouldn't go around scolding me for ruining her song, she'd be ecstatic to hear me sing it even though I already sang it to her a few times before.

Anyway, I kept up with my pace as I let the memorized lyrics flow naturally.

To my surprise, the acoustics of the gymnasium made my voice sound fuller. It was almost as if I was performing on a stage.

The students' reactions were immediate.

Some burst out laughing, others clapped along, and noticeably, my girls and those who had me in their good books started cheering. Saki was swaying to the beat, while Satsuki had her arms crossed, her lips curved up into a smirk as though she was holding back a grin. Nami was shaking her head but the way her eyes followed me told me she was enjoying this more than she'd admit.

"I'll steal your heart, no need to fight..."

I hit the chorus, picking up my pace slightly as I once again subverted what was supposed to be a high note, turning it around to the extreme low my voice was practically vibrating.

Running and singing at the same time wasn't easy. If I wasn't someone who built up stamina through daily exercises, I'd probably be out of breath already. Besides, I also leaned into this absurd punishment, the hilarity of it fueling me.

I mean, this was the most decent punishment I received as of late. My girls always couldn't but turn soft on me.

Orimura-sensei eventually stopped everyone from focusing on me. Her sharp eyes reprimanded and prohibited them from reacting. But secretly, she was nodding along to my tune with crossed arms, looking like some proud director.

On the other hand, Ryouko-san began explaining the day's activity to the classes, but I could tell she was stealing glances at me, her expression a mix of amusement and something softer.

By the second lap, the crowd was getting into it and the intimidation by Orimura-sensei eventually wore off.

One by one, starting from my girls, students started singing along, turning my solo act into an impromptu karaoke session.

I played it up, flashing grins at the girls as I passed them, even throwing in a playful wink at them, which earned me a mix of eye-rolls and giggles.

The haters in the crowd - those who'd been gloating earlier -looked less thrilled now, their frowns deepening as the gymnasium rallied behind me.

Tough luck for them.

"Take my hand, let's chase the night..."

My voice cracked slightly on another high note that I somehow managed to deliver, drawing another round of laughter.

I powered through, keeping my laps steady and the song continuing.

Sweat was starting to bead on my forehead, but the adrenaline kept me going.

Honestly, this was kind of fun. Embarrassing? Sure. But there was something liberating about owning the moment, turning a punishment into a spectacle that had everyone smiling.

Seeing my girls smile alone was already extremely rewarding, what more making the others entertained as well?

As I rounded the third lap, I noticed Ryouko-san wrapping up her explanation. She clapped her hands, signaling the students to start moving into groups for the activity. I slowed my pace slightly, sensing my "punishment" was nearing its end, but I kept singing, determined to finish strong.

"Steal your heart, and never let go..."

I belted out the final line, drawing out the last note as I came to a stop near the front of the gymnasium.

My chest was heaving as I wiped the sweat from my brow. Nevertheless, I couldn't stop the grin spreading across my face.

Am I cringe? Possibly. But it doesn't matter. It can become one of my most embarrassing stories that my girls can bring up in the future.

The students erupted into applause, some even whistling, and I gave an exaggerated bow, playing up the theatrics.

Orimura-sensei clapped slowly, her devious grin still in place. "Not bad, Onoda-kun. I didn't think you had it in you. Maybe you should audition for the talent contest at the school festival,"

I scratched my head, acting embarrassed. "Thanks, but I think I'll stick to being Eguchi-sensei's favorite student assistant."

Ryouko-san stepped forward, her expression softening now that the show was over. "Alright, that's enough theatrics for one day. Onoda-kun, join your group. And try not to be late again, understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," I said, giving her a nod. But she stepped forward, whispering in a voice only I could hear, "Stay after the activity. I'll make it up to you."

Honestly, she didn't need to do that but she just made me look forward to it.

I nodded again before turning my attention to my girls and joining them for the activity.

As the bell rang for the end of today's PE, I immediately went to check on my girls one by one, telling them I might have to stay behind and asking them to go ahead without

me.

Of course, I also got approached by other girls. There's a group of girls from Class 4 who praised me for my singing earlier. Then there was Sachi, who seemed to be going to stay behind as well - at Orimura-sensei's request, of course. Her volleyball club's advisor and coach.

In our class, there's Shimura, who waited shyly until my girls finished talking to me before approaching me and saying I sang Asahi's song excellently.

Her compliment was so simple but it was packed with the emotion she wanted to convey to me. I ended up patting her head, thanking her for it.

Then, Kushii and An-rin also came over. Ah. No. It was An-rin dragging Kushii to give her a compliment while giggling nonstop. The gyaru seemed to be in a perpetual state of joy. As for Kushii, she hesitated to meet my gaze but when she did, she silently raised her hand and used her index finger to poke me on my shoulder. Without uttering a word, she walked away. An-rin came to the rescue explaining that to me though. She said that was Kushii's way of complimenting me.

Really? Should I believe her?

Anyways... there's a lot more of them but in the end, they all got so entertained by that 'punishment' plus the activity that also had my little participation.

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As the girls' tide died down, I thought I could finally go to Ryouko-san but suddenly, Tadano blocked my path.

He hadn't opened his mouth yet but I already know what he's going to say.

And so, I beat him to it and said, "You've seen it, huh? Don't worry. I didn't put my

hand on her."

Without reading his expression or waiting for his answer, I walked past him but the

guy murmured something,

"...I told you not to approach her."

This guy... He doesn't believe me, huh? But I guess that's fair. After I've stolen everyone except Kikuchi, he'd start to doubt me if I was telling the truth.

"Look, it's a public bus. Coincidence can happen. And Mei-chan is a good girl. Don't

make her hate you for being so overprotective. I'm with you in wanting to protect her

from myself."

After delivering that line, I didn't wait anymore. Why would I put so much effort into assuring him? He's not one of my girls and we're not friends - as if I have a male friend.

Putting that to the back of my mind, I reached Ryouko-san, who immediately told me to follow her. I thought Orimura-sensei and Sachi would be behind us, but they just watched us move towards the side area of the Gymnasium.