Stealing Spree

Chapter 2410  Inspiration

"I see. You want ideas for a new story. And here I thought you'd ask me to model for you." I chuckled while acting like I wouldn't mind doing it for her if she so asked.

Umeda looked at me with a mix of surprise and amusement, her lips curling into a playful smirk. "Model for me? My, my, Onoda-kun. Aren't you daring? Tempting offer, but I don't think I could handle having you pose half-naked in front of me without blushing like a tomato. I might get tempted too. That won't do me good."

Look at her, she knew how to play a game. It's quite refreshing but then again, this girl wouldn't be their Class President if she didn't know how to tickle someone's interest.

"You're right. I might get tempted too. Let's treat that one as a joke," I put on a meaningful smile before continuing, "Anyway, if it’s ideas you’re after, I don't mind helping. What kind of story are you working on?"

Her expression shifted slightly, becoming more thoughtful as she tapped her chin. "It's... well, a romance, obviously. But I want to spice it up, you know? Add a layer of complexity. I’m tired of the usual clichés. That’s why I thought of you. You’ve got this... aura about you. Like you’ve seen and felt things most people our age can only imagine. Furthermore, I mentioned artistic block, I might also need to hear some juicy details about what's going on during those... intimate moments. You get me?"

This girl... She's bold. I'll give her that.

"Flattering me won’t get you a discount, you know?" I teased, leaning against the window sill as I crossed my arms. "But fine, I’ll bite. So, not only ideas for a story but also spicy details. Umeda, won't you get it better if you watch that kind of content from the internet?"

Umeda smirked, shaking her head at my comment. "Oh, please. Onoda-kun, those are acted. Won't my imagination work better if I heard it from someone who experiences it on a daily basis?"

"You're bold, Umeda-san. I'll give you that. But can you handle all that information? Furthermore, it'll be all from my perspective."

"Onoda-kun need not be concerned, I know not to bite more than I can chew. I won't make it awkward for us since I want to be your friend. Just enough to keep my creativity flourishing." Umeda took a step back, her aggressiveness lulling into a more friendly tone.

She wants to be my friend. I guess that's not a bad idea. She also knows how to draw the line, which is a plus.

"Alright. I'm guessing what you're making isn't straight up that 'kind' of manga, right?"

"Eh? Do you think I'm allowed to do that? Come on, Onoda-kun. It's still too early for that. I want to submit a one-shot manga for a contest. I'm confident with my skills in drawing but... I'm lacking in creativity and storytelling. That's where you're going to come in."

"Ah... But I'm not so much a storyteller myself."

"You're part of the Literature Club though. Besides, I said I’m not expecting you to partner up with me. All I need is inspiration and... spicy details to make my scene more vivid."

Umeda rubbed her chin as she started contemplating. I've observed carefully, making use of my skill to read her character more through her words and bodily movements.

Of course, the perverted side of me also couldn't help but notice her appearance. She got the curves and the allure that could make any guy drool. She's even more charismatic if she's deep in contemplation like this, unlike her usual playful nature.

Anyway, since she's not asking much, I don't see any reason for refusing.

"Alright. I'll help you. As a friend."

"Yay! I knew I could count on you, Onoda-kun!" Perhaps due to her happiness, the girl jumped at me, wrapping her arms around my neck and giving me a tight hug. My body reacted in reflex, supporting her slender frame.

Feeling my hand sliding from her waist to her back, Umeda's cheeks reddened slightly at the sudden contact. She hurriedly lowered her head as her excitement drained, replaced by a gentle bashfulness. "I... I mean. Thank you, Onoda-kun. I really appreciate it. I know you're busy as is but even just a bit of your time would mean a lot to me."

"Don't mention it. I owe you one. And I promised. So, are we going to discuss it now or will you set a date?"

"... Uhm. With the Cultural Festival up ahead, I'd like to consult you after it. Or maybe during a summer vacation? I'll focus all that month on making my manuscript." Without latching off from me, Umeda lifted her head to look at me with a hopeful gaze.

"Sounds good. You have my contact, don't hesitate to message me."

"Yes!" Umeda pleasantly grinned, her face filled with satisfaction. Her arms tightened around me as she leaned in further, her soft body now fully enclosed within my embrace.

I thought of loosening my hold on her and letting her go but wasn't this an opportunity to tease her back? Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"So... Umeda-san, do you like to keep tangled like this with me for a bit longer?" I whispered close to her ear.

Umeda's body shuddered slightly as she finally realized how close we were at the moment.

Her face and ears reddened almost instantly before murmuring, "... Sorry, Onoda-kun... I must've been out of my mind."

"No, no, it's fine. I'm enjoying this moment too," I replied with a grin, savoring the scent of her hair and the softness of her body. I should be ashamed for having intimate interaction with someone who wasn't one of my girls but I was too shameless to even consider that.

"Onoda-kun, you're quite the teaser," Umeda murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Despite her words, she made no move to pull away, allowing our embrace to linger a few moments longer. Her cheeks were flaming red, but her eyes sparkled with mischief. It was as if she was enjoying this little game of ours. "Is this one of your methods to make girls fall for you?"

"Not exactly. You can say this is just me acting a little perverted. I'm not letting go of an opportunity to hug someone as pretty as Umeda-san."

"Holy moly, Onoda-kun! You're laying it on thick! You really know how to make a girl feel giddy." Umeda giggled, her grip on me loosening slightly. However, she remained snuggled against my chest.

"Won't you call me an expert?" I teased. Not expecting anything more than this.

Umeda clicked her tongue before laughing, "Expert will be an understatement. You're a master."

Upon saying that, she finally pulled away from me, her cheeks remained flushed red but she was trying her best to appear fine.

"So, did I make your heart race? You won't tell me you've fallen for me right?" I smirked as I watched her flustered state.

"Oh, shut up. I may have a maiden heart but you need more than that to capture mine, Onoda-kun." Umeda flicked my forehead lightly. The gentle sting was unexpected, and I couldn't help but laugh with her.

"Okay. I'll leave first, Onoda-kun. I've gotten enough inspiration to start something from that hug. I'll contact you again"

As she turned to leave, I couldn't help but watch how her steps were a little unstable. No matter how much she tried to mask it, she didn't just get inspiration from that hug. She got more than she bargained for.