Boku no Kanojo Sensei Volume 9 Chapter 2

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Maka-sensei’s Graduation Exam

“Da hell am aye supposed da do!?”

Ah, I accidentally screamed in dialect. Even though it was a comfortable Sunday afternoon, as I found myself at a public park near Nekoranya. In more detail, I was sitting on the bench. It’s the same park I would run away to. I was tasked to buy some reference books by my private tutor Shiya-chan. I should have plenty at home, but apparently it’s still not enough. She chose the ones out of her selection that would be the most helpful for me.

Tsk, sometimes she really talks like a teacher…But, since I’m too bothered by the graduation exam, I don’t really have the time to bother with the reference books. Now that the correction of the problem child, me, ended, even the education will go down in number. What answer does she want to hear from me!

That’s why I was screaming like that. I forced myself to make my way towards the bookstore, buy some reference books, and decided to take a break at this park.

“Still, these sandwiches were a great find.”

I bought some sandwiches from a wagon that stopped in front of the park, and got some black tea from a nearby vending machine. I bought some cutlet and egg sandwiches, and they’re both great. I’m not as much of a glutton as a certain gravure idol, but I could eat another bunch of these. Add together the comfortable spring warmth and breeze, I’m feeling pretty great…or so I’d like to say, but my own mood sure isn’t warm and comfortable.

“Ohh? If it isn’t Saigi-dono.”

“Eh? Ah, Sekiya-san.”

I raised my head in shock at this energetic voice, and spotted the person in question. She wore a red sailor uniform, with an equally red skirt. On top of that, she had an apron, and a holster at her highs. She’s attending the nearby Seogawa Girls High, a fellow third-year like me.

“Eating lunch in a place like this? Ah, is that the rumoured ‘Fame Bread’ cutlet version? This is the first time I’ve seen this in real life!”

“Are these cutlet sandwiches that rare?”

That reminds me, I think I got the last piece. Since the sandwich was cut in two, I had another slice left.

“Then, have this slice. I’m fully already.”

“Saigi-dono, you were actually a nice person…!”

What were you thinking this entire time?

“I will gladly accept it! Sometimes, eating outside isn’t half bad.” Sekiya-san accepted the sandwich, and sat down next to me.

“Sekiya-san, why are you wearing your uniform on a Sunday?”

“Because I’m known as the red uniform Raiha-chan character. It’s important to stick to that.”

“You’re not some celebrity…”

That reminds me, I’ve only seen Sekiya-san with her uniform. I don’t think I could get used to her wearing a nun uniform either.

“Hm? What’s that, a reference book? You were out buying this? Didn’t you decide to go up Seikadai’s elevator?”

“Well, I’m considering an outsider university for future options.”

“Ohh, some kind of grudge? Even though I have to take entrance exams normally!”

“None of that. But anyway, what kind of university do you have in mind?”

“I’d love to boast right now, but my brain isn’t exactly the smartest…”

“Wasn’t Seogawa a pretty high-level type of school…?”

“I tried my best getting in there, but not after actually making it. I’m using a lot of time on my part-time work as well.”

“…I guess that the teachers should focus a bit more on their guidance.”

“Nah, the teachers are pretty high level. It’s a shame that we all have motivation.”

“What a shame…”

There’s actually a person who shows that effort doesn’t equal results.

“W-Well, nowadays, academic background doesn’t matter all too much.”

“That’s right. I should just buy Karina’s academic record, or have her become my own advisor.”

“Karen-senpai’s academic record is prettying amazing after all.”

“But, you know…she really doesn’t contact me at all. Even though she sometimes calls Sister Eva.”

“She’s probably busy, you know?”

During her third-year in her last fall at high school, the black-haired prim and proper Jinsho Karen-senpai decided to study abroad in America. Although the university there generally begins in September, she apparently wanted to head there early for some language experience, and search for a part-time job. She doesn’t know anybody over here, but I’m sure she’ll be able to do it.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that Sekiya-san and I aren’t worried, let alone the owner of the facility, Sister Eva. At least she’s keeping in contact with her…although I wish she’d contact me as well from time to time.

“It can’t be helped, I’ll meet her myself. I always wanted to see the cat cafes over in America.”

“You can’t just go over that easily, you know? Also, are there even cat cafes over in America?”

“Sure.”

“…I see.”

If the cat idiot Sekiya-san is saying that, then I guess she must be right.

“You’re an examinee now, so you should hold off of that, Sekiya-san. You can do that once you’re in university.”

“I see~ Can’t help it then. But, I’ll keep my passport ready if Karina cries for help.”

“Let me know, I’ll go with you…”

I can’t even imagine a scene with Karen-senpai crying and asking for help.

“So, young lad, are you worried about something?”

“Why do you sound like an old man now?”

That sure came out of nowhere.

“Hiding it won’t do you any good. After all, I am the Charisma ranger of the cat cafe, it’s my duty to heal any exhausted customers, and I’m used to seeing people who need someone to talk to. You have the same dead eyes as them, Saigi-dono.”

“…Well, there’s probably no high school third-year who doesn’t have a worry or two…”

I wish I could live that carefree.

“Well, I’m not asking what’s troubling you. Depending on it, I might just make it worse after all!”

“So much confidence…”

“If you’re tired, just visit Nekoranya for some good healing. My ultimate goal is to have a cat cafe of my own, so I’ll be winning over Nekoranya first!”

“…That is some weird vision.”

“I want another two or three sub-stores. One of them aimed at adults with cosplaying ladies!”

“I was going to praise you for some serious thinking, but I guess I’ll have to take that back…”

I guess even the cat idiot Sekiya-san wouldn’t dare joke around when it comes to cat cafes.

“My trusted friend took the first step ahead of me, so I can’t be loitering around doing nothing.”

“…Makes sense.”

At the very least, Sekiya-san is considering her future much more seriously than I am. She apparently will inherit her family’s business, so maybe putting her dream into reality would work for her. She’s completely different from me, who just walks up the elevator-system at Seikadai.

“Ah, Saigi-dono, you can even study in one of our private rooms, surrounded by cats. Feel free to stop by!”

“Not even forgetting to advertise your business, you’re pretty passionate about being a part-time worker, huh.”

I have the world’s cutest cat at home, so I’m not lacking any cat vitamins when I study.

“Ah, I see. An orthodox, all-rounder Nekoranya, a Nekoranya aimed at adults, and one that offers PC for comfortable studying…all of these are possible, right?”

“You really are passionate about your business…”

She might just be beating Maka Papa, who I have yet to meet now that I think about it. Shiya-chan started working as a cram school teacher, and Karen-senpai is studying overseas. Kuu hasn’t run away from her home as of yet. Enri had always been an honor student, and Tenka-san is working herself, on top of being a student. Sekiya-san might sit next to me right now, but she’s working towards her future. Not to forget that gravure idol youtsuber…The only one who’s staggering around aimlessly is me after all.

“Here, Kagome, today’s dinner is ready.”

I sprayed Kagome’s favorite food on her favorite plate, and pushed it in front of her. Kagome herself had been laying on the floor comfortably, only for her nose to twitch. With swift movement, she moved towards me, and started eating. Since she’s like a noble lady, if we don’t offer her some deluxe food, she won’t even bother to look its way. Luckily, she seemed to be in a good mood today.

“It’s great, right? Sekiya-san gave me some of this. Apparently it’s some expensive high-class cat food.”

The cost is one thing, but apparently it has lots of necessary nutrients, so I’ll take it.

“Onii-chaaan.”

“Wah!”

Miharu put her chin on my head, as I was still sitting on the ground.

“Kagome’s important, but where’s Miharu’s food?”

“It’ll be done soon. I made some chicken curry today.”

“Ohh, I’m looking forward to that. Your curry is especially delicious.”

“Of course, since you grew up with my cooking.”

“Miharu sure was~”

She pushed her head onto mine even further, hugging me from behind. She’s definitely lacking some meat on her body, but I can still feel a typical girly softness.

“Also, what happened, you’re pretty clingy today, Miharu.”

“Don’t worry, Miharu won’t ask you to take a bath with me or anything. She’d feel bad for Kuu, who hasn’t stopped by for a while.”

“I don’t think you need to worry about Kuu that much.”

She’s not the type who would get jealous about this kind of thing.

“Hmmm…Miharu is a bit tired. Splitting up the club budgets is her main job right now, but there’s many other things to do in April.”

“It’ll only turn more stressful once the next election comes around.”

“Mm, Miharu will just go for the vice student council president again, probably.”

“Why!?”

I never heard of a student doing something like that, you know?

“Being the vice club president is much more comfortable, and it makes it easier to move. Miharu doesn’t have to worry 24/7 either. If Miharu misses up anything, she doesn’t have to take responsibility.”

“That last one sounds scary…Will Enri be alright?”

“No worries, no worries, President En-chan can just put all responsibility on the advisor. Every trouble will stop at Fujiki-sensei.”

“Maka-sensei doesn’t have an unlimited amount of time, so don’t bother her too much, will you…”

She’s already busy enough, so cleaning up Miharu’s reformation would be too much for her.

“Anyway, you’re heavy, so get off me, will you.”

“Ehh, Miharu decided to be spoiled today.”

I grabbed that spoiled brat’s shoulders, and pushed her towards the sofa. She might be my cute little sister, but she’s still seventeen, so carrying her forever gets pretty tough. There’s a limit on how much I can spoil her.

“Anyway, time to finish up that food.”

I washed my hands, put on an apron, and prepared to finish the curry.

“Guess MIharu will just relax then. Hm? What are these reference books for? Ah, the ones Shii-chan told you to buy?”

“Yup.”

Miharu picked up the reference books I left on the living room’s desk, and inspected them.

“You bought some complicated ones, huh. Shii-chan sure is strict.”

“You’ll have to work through these sorts of problems next year as well, Miharu. Also, are they really that complicated for you?”

“Even Miharu can’t solve problems she was never taught. The only reason her grades were normal last year is because she wasn’t listening in class, and never studied for the exams.”

“You say some outrageous stuff out of the blue like that.”

Well, I’m just glad she didn’t get bad grades on purpose. Just makes me wonder why she never really bothered to study, despite her brain being worlds above mine.

“But with your grades, are you considering studying at a university outside Seikadai? You’re not planning on studying overseas like Karen-senpai, right…?”

“Studying overseas sounds like a pain. With Ama*on and U*er, Miharu can live anywhere. And, Kagome is here.”

“Eh? What about me?”

“Does U*er deliver older brothers who spoil Miharu?”

“I don’t think it’s that convenient…Eh, wait a second. Do you plan on leaving this home or something?”

I can’t help but panic after hearing all of that. Then again, no matter how close we may be as siblings, we can’t live together forever. One day, we’ll have to say goodbye—But to think she would be the one to bring that up.

“Miharu will choose the property, but the rest of the moving will be taken care of by Onii-chan and Shii-chan, since Miharu is a part of your body.”

“I didn’t ask for that much detail!”

“Miharu is lacking the necessary material here. If possible, she needs an entire server room, and Kagome needs more space to play around as well. Need to improve the security as well, in case some private squad breaks in.”

“What exactly are you plotting?!”

“Many countries want a brain like this…The app industry works with blood being washed by blood, but it actually won’t change that much.”

I feel like she’s been watching too many foreign movies and dramas. Though I know what she’s talking about. Talented researchers often end up imprisoned for their ability.

“Also, you plan on working on app development?”

“It’s fine, Miharu will send you 300k every month.”

“Are you playing life on easy mode!?”

“Miharu’s existence is like Onii-chan’s yearly income. This is gratitude for you taking care of her.”

“You’re not even part of society yet, and yet you already have both our lives planned out…”

Even high-spec Shiya-chan has trouble figuring out her life, and yet it seems like I won’t even need to work. Of course, I’m just kidding, I won’t have my little sister feed me for the rest of my life.

“Well, Miharu realized that Onii-chan was worrying about some things and future, so she just wanted to give you an extra option with your cute little sister.”

“The choice itself isn’t exactly cute though.”

Of course, I know that she’s just joking.

“Did it really look like I was troubled with something? Sekiya-san told me something similar today.”

“You didn’t kiss that Sekiya person, right?”

“Why is that important?”

“Onii-chan, how many people did you kiss?”

“……”

Even if you’re my little sister—No, exactly because you are my little sister, there’s no way I can say that. Let’s see…Maka-sensei, Karen-senpai, Nui, Kuu, Miharu, and Shiya-chan. That one event on the field trip with Tenka-san…doesn’t count, I guess.

“…And, even if you move, you need Kagome’s permission for that.”

“You changed the topic, Onii-chan. Can’t help it, your cute little sister will forgive you. Miharu won’t hand over Kagome though!”

“We’ll consider that once the time comes…Alright, it’s done. Let’s cut this stupid conversation, and eat some delicious curry.”

“It’s not that stupid of a conversation. Also, how much curry did you make? Miharu isn’t Nui-chansenpai, so there’s way she could eat that much.”

“Well, I guess so…”

You can save the curry for the next day, so it should be fine.

“Miharu saw her walk into Galaxy Markt and leave with dead eyes, you know?”

“Eh?”

“How nice, really. Coming home tired and getting to eat Onii-chan’s delicious food, maybe Miharu should buy you after all?”

“…Don’t treat me like some convenient piece of luggage.”

Miharu really realizes quickly. That’s right, I just made a bit too much, and thought of bringing it over to our neighbour. Since we’re not right before exams, a student and teacher meeting coincidentally wouldn’t be too big of a problem. I feel like I’m slowly getting numb to this, but I’ll just ignore that. I doubt she’ll be back this late either, I just have to hope that she doesn’t eat out.

“Mmmm, delicious! The right amount of spice to wake up my exhausted body~”

Gulping down a spoon of curry, Maka-sensei’s face warmed up in happiness. Seeing her eat it this happy, it was definitely worth making a bit more.

“Making bread to that, you really know how to make someone happy, Saigi-kun.”

“It wasn’t that big of an act. I can teach you another time?”

“So the time has come for me to be taught by Saigi-kun…How cheeky of you, teaching an older lady like this~”

“Am I…”

Actually, I’d love to teach Maka-sensei a few things. How to deal with an adolescent boy, for example. But for now, I enjoyed Maka-sensei’s praise. Since she came home not long after we had finished eating, the food was still fairly warm.

“I really like curry. When I was a student still, I made curry in a large pot, and lived off of that for the next four, or even five days.”

“I pray that you’re just joking with me right now…”

If you put it in the fridge, it definitely won’t rot as fast, but it’s not something I’d be too glad to eat. That being said, Maka-sensei really is the same as usual. That weakness she had shown me the other day was just an illusion after all, I guess. If anything, she’s way too normal.

“On the final day, I would make curry udon…Ahh, the memories.”

“That reminds me, where did you live before moving here, Maka-sensei.”

That’s why I decided to stay the same Saigi-kun as always. Right now, I can’t exactly give her my answer yet.

“Ah, did I never tell you? I was living inside an apartment near Nekoranya. In my university days, I was living all on my own. My father was just pendling around wherever, be it inside or outside Japan, on this earth or not.”

“I’m pretty sure he was on this earth at least.”

We don’t have any pendlers going between earth and moon after all, nor is there any space station that would need that.

“It was a single room, but plenty for me alone. If anything, this 3LDK room is way too big for me alone.” Maka-sensei showed a troubled smile.

Makes sense, since the actual owner of this apartment, Maka Papa, lives in Nekoranya, so there’s one free room for her. I don’t always come over here, but after she hurt herself during that car accident, I’ve grown to know this place.

“So the father of this family here has absolutely no merit that you moved here…”

“Kyaaa~ You called him ‘father’~”

“Hey now, don’t twist my words!”

“I’m fine with it being Saigi Maka, or Fujiki Makoto, you know?”

“You start sounding like Kuu, Sensei.”

She brought up the whole idea of changing her name to ‘Saigi Kuu’.

“My own father doesn’t care too much. He’s still content living at Nekoranya, however, his room there will eventually be used for the customers, so there will a come a time when he’s moving in here.”

“Then, I’ll properly go meet him myself.”

“S-Saying that you want his daughter’s hand in marriage?”

“Yup, I’ll definitely make Tenka-san happy.”

“I’m the sister-in-law!?”

She must know that I’m joking, and yet she’s freaking out like that, huh.

“How cheeky of you…I’m sorry to tell you, but I won’t hand over my little sister.”

“I figured as much. She’s probably harder to get than yourself.”

“But, enough about the Fujiki and Kisou Family. More importantly, I should thank you for the delicious curry.”

“…!”

Subconsciously, I readied my body.

“Don’t worry, I won’t go for your ‘education’ here. I’m already tired enough.”

“Figures…Wait, wasn’t the ‘education’ supposed to be over?”

“This and your correction are two different matters.”

“Huh…”

That’s right, the goal of the ‘education’ is for me to fall in love with Maka-sensei. Even without the correction, it’s still related to the graduation exam. Now that I still don’t have an answer for my exam, Maka-sensei has no reason to quit her ‘education’.

“Also, it’s not even about you. I promised you to report on Amanashi-san’s situation, right?”

“Did Nui do something!? Should I come with you to apologize for her!?”

“Hey now, don’t jump to conclusions like that. Have some faith in Amanashi-san.”

Ah, oops…Do I even have the right to be so worried, after everything I said?

“Amanashi-san managed to fit into her new school at a terrifying speed. Even though everyone around her was a fellow entertainer, higher-ranking idols and voice actresses got attached to her.”

“I should have expected as much…But, I wonder how her studies are coming along.”

“I know it sounds odd coming from me, but the average of her new school is much lower than Seikadai. Not to mention that Amanashi-san managed to make it up to the second year in high school, so even with the bare minimum of studying time, she should manage to graduate.”

“I wonder if she’ll study even without me looking after her…?”

The reason she studied so much as of late was because she was too scared of being scolded by me. I know that I won’t be getting a response, but maybe I should message her via LINE. ‘I’ll hear about your grades, just fyi’, or something along those lines. Since she’s so gullible, she might be terrified, but that’s exactly the motivation she needs.

“I’d be grateful if you could warn her. I’d like it if she could graduate safely.”

“I’ll threaten her a bit. Though, I wonder how her job is coming along…”

“Hm? You’re not watching her on TV or youtsube?”

“I am, but…”

I can’t tell her I’m checking daily. I always get worried when her views don’t reach a certain number, and that’s been the case as of late.

“I see, you’re quite the worrywart, Saigi-kun. No need to worry about that, she’s appearing more and more on TV, and her streams are making great progress. Especially her livestreams. She’s wearing a lame old jersey, but that’s exactly what makes it ‘cute in reverse’ and ‘erotic’, apparently.”

“She really loves jerseys after all…”

When she was unstable during her gravure idol photo shoots, she would wear a jersey to calm herself down.

“If anything, I’m starting to worry about the sheer number of jobs she’s accepting.”

“I-Is that so? That’s good…Well, I can’t call it good either, but better than nothing.”

“You never stop worrying, do you.” Maka-sensei ate the last bit of bread and curry, and gulped down her water.

“Thanks for the food, it was delicious.”

Seems like she enjoyed the curry at least. As for Nui, now I’m just worried that she’s not overworking herself. I guess I really never stop worrying.

“Let me tell you about Jinsho-san as well. Since she’s related to Seikadai, I can properly check up on her. It’s the first time a student from Seikadai went to study overseas after all.”

“Guess she’s not thrown away and forgotten, huh.”

“The future of a graduate is important to us as well. If we don’t take responsibility, we might not be able to get more people like her. The higher-ups are fully intent on using Jinsho-san as an advertisement.”

“Huh, that’s amazing.”

Well, I figure that most graduates from Seikadai have caught some great jobs.

“In fact, it’s my duty to keep in contact with her. Even though a few teachers at our school can speak English, that duty was pressed onto me.”

“I guess even adults would want to avoid calling over towards America.”

“I can hear some sharp undertones in there. Sometimes, adults can’t do anything. Even the vice principal holds off of calling outside the country.”

“Maybe adults aren’t that big of a deal after all…”

“You can assume that all you want. Anyway, there’s no problems over at Jinsho-san’s side. She seems to be working part-time at a restaurant, studying her English that way.”

“A-As a waitress? That Karen-senpai is?”

“Now, a question. What does ‘ご注文はなんでしょうか?’ mean in English?”

“‘May I take your order?’, isn’t it.”

“…Tsk, you answered unexpectedly fast.”

“That was middle-school level English…”

Even I can answer that question. That being said, Karen-senpai as a waitress, huh…Is she going to wear that frilly uniform, carrying food to the customers? I’m sure that it would definitely look great on her, but I can’t even imagine it.

“And, an acquaintance of her facility’s manager seems to be watching over her. That’s some amazing network.”

“Ah, Sister Eva…”

Makes sense that she won’t be able to leave alone a child of hers. I guess that Karen-senpai should be fine as well.

“That’s all I can tell you. Seems like they’re doing just fine.”

“Kuu doesn’t stop by anymore, but according to Kouko-sensei, she seems to be alright as well.”

“Her breasts are growing faster than mine did…I hope she doesn’t grow enough to seduce you in middle school already.”

“I feel like you’re even more worried about her than me, but in a different way!”

As a matter of fact, Kuu just reached Miharu’s size last year. Kouko-sensei isn’t necessarily small, but I feel like she’s going to blast past her fairly soon.

“This being the case, you don’t need to worry about the others. You have to worry about yourself, and your exams.”

“…Right.”

I guess that Sensei knew how my head was filled with more than just my academic career. But, I won’t comment on that today. She must be tired from her work, so I don’t want to bother her.

“I’m sorry to bother you while you were this busy.”

“I don’t mind. It’s the job of a homeroom teacher to take care of a student’s troubles. I figured that you wouldn’t be able to focus on your studies, so leaking information like this is no big deal.”

“Leaking information!?”

“I was just joking. I actually have permission from the both of them, saying that I can tell you about them in case they asked.”

“Eh? They did?”

“It seems like they won’t contact you, but are willing to have their information spilled. How troublesome, the both of them.”

“…Better than not saying anything, I guess.”

To a certain degree, I’m watching over Nui through her videos and work, but I still can’t tell if she’s doing good or not. That’s why I’m thankful for Maka-sensei’s input.

“Phew, I’m full. Now I need to prepare.”

“Prepare?”

“That’s right, I need some light exercise after my dinner. I’m feeling a lack of endurance as of late, so I’m working on my 5km of jogging every day.”

“Even though you’re plenty busy already, you’re going through some light muscle training!?”

I live right next to her, and never realized!

“Even if I take my time, 5km won’t take more than maybe 30 minutes.”

“The speed isn’t the problem…”

That reminds me, wasn’t I forced to run a marathon by her for the sports festival? Even though she quit at the tennis club years ago, she had an overwhelming amount of stamina.

“A-Also, it’s already dark, right? Isn’t it dangerous to have a woman walk outside at such an hour…?”

“Dangerous? For who?”

“……”

Yeah, I mean, I get it. But, Maka-sensei still has the looks of a beauty, so I can’t just leave her alone.

“Haa…huff…!”

“Come on, a bit more! You can do it, Saigi-kun! Goal!”

“Urgh…!”

As I groaned, I entered the public park, and finally stopped my feet.

“Hm, 30 minutes for 5km, not a bad time.” Maka-sensei looked at the clock on her wrist, and nodded, satisfied.

Apparently it’s one made especially for jogging, which shows speed, location, and distance to the goal via GPS. She wore the same pink jersey I had seen last year during the sports festival. She was even wearing jogging shoes. Yet, I was wearing the school jersey, and my normal sneakers. Then again, I doubt my current state of exhaustion would have been any different if I had different equipment.

“Haaa…running this much, even though it’s not even before the sports festival…”

“It wasn’t that big of a distance, right. I’m not even out of breath.”

“……”

She really isn’t a human.

“It wouldn’t hurt to build up some more stamina on a constant basis, you know. That also allows you to remove some stress from your studies.”

“I-I guessed as much, but…”

We found ourselves at the park right next to our mansion. Last time, SID gathered here, and Nui forced me to join their studying session. We ran around the well-lit main street, and came back to this very park now.

“I think it’s great that you want to build up some stamina, but you shouldn’t go out alone at night like this, Saigi-kun, If you feel like going for a jog, come talk to me first.”

“Didn’t our positions change?”

I am a high school boy, so it’s not that dangerous for me.

“No, as a teacher, naturally I would be worried about my student. I will allow some light jogging, but no playing around at night, okay? Visiting karaoke bars, game centers, and manga cafes is strictly forbidden.”

“You really sound like a teacher at times…”

“That’s because I am one! Well, I know that you’re not the type of person to play around at night.”

“I’m not on the level of Miharu, but I hate trouble more than anything. The only place I’d visit at night is Galaxy Market.”

“Very well. That reminds me, a few years ago, Seikadai teachers actually patrolled the business district at night.”

“How much more work are you willing to push onto teachers?”

We’re in high school now, so we should have that much responsibility to carry.

“I actually still do it. Inherited it from Fuuka-sensei, though most of it is wasted time.”

“…Figures~”

Maybe she’d even cook food for me under the pretense of looking after her student? Still, I guess teachers actually care quite a lot for the students, even if you don’t see it.

“H-Hmm…”

“W-What is it, Saigi-kun? Are you hurting anywhere?”

“No, I was just thinking about how much I’ve changed. Don’t mind me.”

Considering the circumstances and situation of a teacher, where did the teacher-hating Saigi-kun go?

“I could have guessed as much, but you really changed.”

“Indeed, I would have never imagined going night jogging with a teacher if you told me a year ago. Well, normally you wouldn’t ever experience that either.”

“Ah…I actually did. I went jogging before with Fuuka-sensei.”

“To get stamina for the exams…?”

“No, because I wanted to be an example to the other students as the student council president. She wanted me to become a youngling that could shine in both studies and sports. She really forced her own ideals onto me.”

“I-I see…”

Fuuka Shiki-sensei, huh…She was an English teacher just like Maka-sensei, and the advisor of the student council. Even the red fiat previously belonged to her. And—she’s here no more.

“Fuuka-sensei had a truly needless amount of stamina. I could barely keep up with her when we were playing tennis, and the other members of the student council turned into living corpses mid-way.”

“I can’t help but sympathize with all these club members right now…”

I only saw them in pictures before, but they probably were good people.

“…Not good. I keep remembering Fuuka-sensei a lot these past few months. Even though I tried my best to forget about her.”

“I don’t think you need to forget about her…Also, isn’t that just my fault?”

I’m the one who keeps thinking about Fuuka-sensei, and brings her up. She seemed similar to Maka-sensei, and had this much influence on her identity, how could I not be curious about her.

“That’s right, it’s your fault, Saigi-kun. Thanks to you, I keep remembering her when I’m out jogging with a student. Haa…I don’t like dwelling on the past too much.”

“I really hate how I can’t say anything about that.”

“It’s a special talent of mine, actually. If you have a special talent, it’ll make it easier for you to move on in life, be it at school or at work. You might even earn yourself a beneficial position at a new society.”

“Talent…is it.”

What would it be in my case? Working in the shadows? Maybe I’d be good as the assistant of a politician? Oh my, I’m getting excited.

“Your special talent is creating a harem.”

“An absolutely useless talent, I see.”

Yeah, Saigi-kun really has gotten strong. I can brush off that needless attack of hers like it’s nothing. As for Sensei, she scowled at me with grinned teeth—only to let out a sigh.

“You should probably have something to drink. Let me buy something at the Galaxy Market.”

“I’m sorry about that.”

Since I left without my wallet, I can’t even buy something for myself. After five minutes passed, Maka-sensei came back.

“Sorry for the wait. This is my treat.”

“Have you ever tried something from the bar there?”

Maka-sensei offered me a water bottle, which I gratefully accepted.

“Never did. I don’t drink alcohol after all. I never even went to a bar before.”

“Right, alcohol is like sleep medicine for you.”

Having her drink alcohol outside is far too dangerous. Will I be able to protect Maka-sensei, once I turn into an adult? I don’t think I’ll be physically able to do that.

“So, Saigi-kun, what’s going on?”

“…What are you referring to?”

“About the graduation exam. If you felt like it, you could end it all right now, can’t you?”

“……”

Because I thought she wouldn’t bring up that topic for a bit longer, I didn’t give it much thought just yet.

“I’m still unsure…At this rate, I won’t be able to focus on my own future.”

“Oh my, it seems like I did something bad then.” Maka-sensei took a sip from her water bottle. “All I did was press my own feelings onto you, completely ignoring your situation. You just have to do the same, and don’t worry about me.”

“…I’m quite sensitive about these things, see.”

“Then I guess I don’t have to worry. You became stronger, for better or worse. Then again, you were pretty tough from the beginning.”

“Only against teachers, remember.”

But, when did I turn so considerate towards the teachers I always hated? Normally I would say whatever I want, and yet the words won’t come out of my mouth. No, I know the reason.

“Maka-sensei, would you please tell me more about Fuuka-sensei?”

“Eh, about her…?”

“If I don’t learn the words and methods, I won’t be able to translate longer texts. I still need to learn more things for the final graduation exam.”

“You say some cheeky things, huh. Are you saying that my way of teaching doesn’t suffice?”

“Yes.”

Ohh, is the younger Saigi-kun back by any chance…? I guess that my personality can’t be fixed easily after all.

“…Very well. Keep your next Sunday open.”

“Sunday?”

“That’s right. Let’s do an ‘extracurricular class’. Wear your uniform.”

“……?”

Extracurricular class…No matter what, we are always teacher and student. However, this graduation exam will surely change that relationship. In order to solve this difficult question, I will gladly take whatever class I can get.

Time passed quickly, and the promised Sunday arrived. Today is the first day of Golden Week. I faintly remember last GW being mighty busy, but these are all distant memories now.

“Then, let’s go. Hop on.”

“Ah, es.”

Maka-sensei invited me into her red fiat, down in the flat’s parking lot. As I was told, I was wearing my uniform. Maka-sensei wore her navy blue suit as well.

“…So, where are we going, Maka-sensei?”

“You’ll be able to tell right away. It’s a place you wanted to visit as well.”

“Huh…”

That’s awfully vague. It’s not some hotel, or the inn we had to stay at when she got drunk, right? As of right now, it’s barely 10am, so clearly not the time for a date. But, is it really fine to be out together as teacher and student at such a time? Not to mention on a Sunday?

Also, the red fiat is driving rather carefully today. Is it because the streets are crowded during GW, or is it because…

“Eh? This was our destination?”

“Not exactly, but for now, let’s walk for a bit.”

The fiat stopped at an all-too-familiar place to me. The cloister—more accurately, the Western building near Seikadai, also known as the facility Karen-senpai grew up. Even now, I could hear cheerful voices coming from the inside. Maka-sensei parked the car at the narrow parking lot behind it, and stepped out of the car. I followed suit.

Hm? Maka-sensei is holding a flower bouquet…With white flowers. I never realized, did she keep that in the back of the car?

“Over here.”

It seemed like Maka-sensei had frequented this place, as she showed a confident attitude when walking ahead of me. That reminds me, I never came to this side of the cloister. This area is bigger than expected.

“Ah…”

At the end of the narrow path, we walked towards an old black gate, with brick walls at its sides. The gate was opened, and Maka-sensei didn’t hesitate to walk through that.

“A graveyard.”

“Indeed.” Maka-sensei nodded towards my words.

She had taken me to a graveyard. In this space which was roughly ¼ the size of our school pool, I could see gravestones lined up next to each other. In the midst of these were old, deteriorated ones, as well as sparkling new ones.

“It had been next to the cloister from the very beginning, but they moved it a while ago. Well, if the graveyard was too close to it, it would just scare the children.”

“I figure it must be scary for adults as well.”

Then again, it’s probably a matter of getting used to things. To me, it’s probably because of all the horror movies I watched at home, so I’m just scared something might jump at me.

“But, why did we come to a grave—Ah.”

“I’m glad to see that you’re figuring out the connection.” Maka-sensei smiled, and walked through the graveyard.

I see, I was wondering why she told me to come wearing my uniform. I could understand why she herself is wearing her suit.

“…There.” I fixed my necktie to make it look more neat.

I might be a cheeky brat, but even I know how to properly pay my respects towards the deceased. I always changed my posture, and walked after Maka-sensei—until she stopped at a certain grave.

“Sorry that I was beating around the bush before. This is the place I wanted to show you—The place Fuuka-sensei rests at.”

“………”

It does say ‘SIKI FUUKA’ on the gravestone. I did visit a relative’s gravestone before, but this might be the first time I’ve seen the name written on the gravestone with English letters. The years beneath her name must be year of birth and year of death. She passed away with 25, huh…

“Thinking about it, this year I’ll turn the same age as Fuuka-sensei. It feels weird, reaching the same age as she did.”

“…Was Fuuka-sensei religious?”

“Not really. Since her parents were religious, she apparently was buried here. I don’t think she was too interested in churches or temples and all that. She always lived freely, so she probably would have been happy to have her ashes scattered across the ocean.”

“Um…I just have to cross my hands in front of my chest, and kneel down, right?”

“I’m surprised you know about that. Knowledge from your movies again? But, you don’t have to kneel. We’re not praying for the blessing of an old friend, but to the gods above.”

“I didn’t know about that. The movies never explained that after all.”

Then again, that probably is an obvious occurrence overseas, so they never saw the need to explain that. For now, Maka-sensei put down the white flowers, and we both prayed together.

“…In the war movie I watched a while ago, the survivors spoke to the people who passed away in front of their graves. Is that a thing I can do?”

“I don’t think there would be a problem. I’m not too informed either, but I doubt Fuuka-sensei would get angry at that.”

“What a considerate teacher, I see.”

Makes sense that she would be popular.

“Nice to meet you, Fuuka-sensei. My name is Saigi Makoto—Well, this is pretty embarrassing, now that I think about it.”

“I don’t think many people do this kind of thing. Not like you’ll receive a response.” Maka-sensei showed a bitter smile. “I never once talked to her after she passed away. I was even invited to her funeral, and yet no words would come out of my mouth.”

“…That reminds me, I never attended a funeral before.”

“Fuuka-sensei’s was the only one for me. At the same time, it might have been the one I never wanted to attend.” Maka-sensei’s gaze turned distant, as she probably remembered the scenery back then.

How would I feel if I had to attend the funeral of someone I’ve known and loved? As of right now, I don’t think that will happen too soon, the people around me are almost too lively.

“But, enough of that sentimental talk. Since you seemed so hung up on it, I thought I might as well show you the real thing.”

“Real thing…”

Did you hear that, Fuuka-sensei? I guess they were both close enough to throw these types of words at each other. It’s true that I won’t receive any words, but I feel like coming here was necessary if I really wanted to know about Fuuka-sensei. Ever since I first heard of her before last year’s culture festival, she wouldn’t leave my mind. And now, this very person was right in front of me, sleeping in her grave.

“I might not be able to talk to her, but I’m still glad I came here.”

“That makes me happy to hear. I was worried you would complain at me for dragging you out here on a Sunday.”

“Of course not. I was thinking a lot about her, so although it’s in an indirect way, I’m glad that I got to introduce myself.”

“I guess you must have had a complaint or two after she gave me the fiat, so let it all out now.”

No, the only complaints I have is towards the driver of the red fiat herself. Even more than towards Fuuka-sensei, who never taught her pupil about safety driving.

“That reminds me, the fiat in the video we watched before…it was sparkling, right. Wasn’t that a new one?”

“Indeed. She took a liking to it when she was in university, and after saving up enough money through her part-time work, she was finally able to afford it after becoming a member of society. She apparently wanted to pay it off at once, since she disliked loans. It’s a small car, but it was just enough for her.”

“After becoming a member of society, is it.”

Since she passed away with 25, she most likely only got to use it for roughly two years. She must have worked that hard for it, and yet…When people die, they all lose the things they worked so hard for…

“Since she gave you something so precious, Maka-sensei must have been a special student of hers.”

“I don’t think you should treat a student this special, even after graduation. But, these are the few benefits of those who pass away early, as nobody can complain.”

“………”

“I got my license right after graduating. Back then, Fuuka-sensei was still brimming with energy, and she allowed me to drive the red fiat many times. She saw my driving skill, and was willing to give me that car.”

“I feel like she needed a new pair of eyes.”

Only a few years later, Maka-sensei ended up in an accident after all. Then again, since she managed to pull off that kind of spinning turn drift, she’s probably more skilled than most average drivers out there.

“Even if I helped save a person. I still felt bad for wrapping up the fiat in an accident. I was even expecting that she would come back from her grave to haunt me.”

“I’m sure she must have been fuming.”

Of course, there’s no way she’d be angry. If anything, she would have praised Maka-sensei for that. Isn’t that right, Fuuka-sensei? If you’re over there, I’d appreciate an answer right about now.

“In the end, we talked about anything but her. Maybe we should have come here on her death anniversary instead.”

“Isn’t that the day where family and close friends visit her? I wouldn’t know how to even introduce myself.”

“It’s simple. You’re a student at the school Fuuka-sensei taught at, and I’m responsible for your future. Rather than Fuuka-sensei’s pupil, her family sees me as an adherent, so you’d be Fuuka-sensei’s great-adherent.”

“G-great-adherent…?”

I never came up with that idea. Then, I’d be related to Fuuka-sensei to a certain degree, right?

“However, we shouldn’t be talking too long in front of someone else’s grave. Other people might come to visit the graves here as well, so let’s go on our way, Saigi-kun.”

“Ah, yes, of course.”

Now that I properly got to greet Fuuka-sensei, I’m satisfied. That being said…

“Since we’re here already, there’s something I’d like to ask you, Maka-sensei.”

“Hm? What is it?”

Maka-sensei, who had already started to walk away, turned towards me again.

“Maka-sensei, as we stand in front of Fuuka-sensei’s grave—Will you still be able to say that you would quit if I confessed to you?”

“……”

A breeze blew past us, which led Maka-sensei’s long brown hair to sway in the wind. As silence returned to the graveyard, the atmosphere felt even heavier than before.

“I can.”

She said it simply, with two short words. However, there was no trace of her lying. Maka-sensei never was the type to lie, so she wouldn’t alter her words about something important like this.

“Let me say it again. Fuuka Shiki-sensei was my respected teacher, and saw right through my act as the unobtainable flower. Kind as she was, she was probably more important than my family, and even the closest friends—until I met you of course, Saigi-kun.”

“I’m not important right now. What matters is that you wouldn’t lie in front of her grave, right.”

“Of course, I will swear on her name. If you come to love me, and confess your feelings, then I will quit as a teacher.”

“…When I first heard you say that, I thought you were crazy. Throwing away your precious job if I said yes, after you’ve confessed out of your own desire.”

I’m pretty sure everyone would b e doubtful about that, even if it wasn’t the always-dubious me. I won’t call it a contradiction, but I just can’t understand what she’s thinking. I know that it’s not rare to change your occupation in today’s time, but a teaching job isn’t something you quit overnight. Especially at Seikadai, I haven’t seen a teacher who left…Well, disregarding that one teacher who couldn’t give up on Maka-sensei when she barely started teaching.

“…Ah, now I remembered something weird.”

“What is it?”

“The teacher who grabbed you in the hallway that one time.”

“Ah, right. Apparently he’s still teaching at a different school.”

“Ehhh!?”

W-Why have I not heard of this before!?

“After causing such a ruckus, he’s teaching at another school like nothing happened?!”

“It wasn’t that big of an incident as you make it out to be. It’s not like he was exceptionally violent either. I’m sure he could get into Seikadai again if he wanted to. After all, he quit because of his pride. He couldn’t accept the fact that I rejected him.”

“…Sounds complicated. I wouldn’t trust him again.”

Ah, the teacher-hating Saigi-kun is slowly coming back again. I can’t accept that he would cause trouble like that, and still continue teaching at another school.

“That being said, if I were to quit at Seikadai, I wouldn’t work as a teacher again. Then again, I need to sustain myself, so maybe I should work as a prim and proper gravure idol at Amanashi-san’s agency.”

“That sounds almost too possible, it’s scaring me.”

“Hey, Saigi-kun.” Maka-sensei turned her back towards me, and started walking. “Just because I may quit as a teacher doesn’t mean that my life will be over. That’s why—Don’t sympathize with me.”

“………”

Was I really sympathizing with her? Even though I knew how much she hated that.

“Even if she can’t be a teacher anymore, Fujiki Maka won’t disappear. As I said before, I might just become a nun here at the cloister, and protect Fuuka-sensei’s grave.”

“I haven’t heard about that in a long time…

I was wondering why she would suddenly talk about becoming a nun here, but now it makes sense. She has a deep connection to this place here.

“On top of that, I don’t have that many strong lingering attachments to this job at all. I was just trying to regain what I lost during my high school days.”

“Maka-sensei…”

That’s right, because she was busy acting as the Unobtainable Flower, she didn’t have time to enjoy her youth. Of course, since she is a teacher now, she won’t be able to spend the same time she did as a student. That being said, it looked like she was having fun during the sports festival, the culture festival, and even on the field trip. I feel like she managed to get back some of her youth.

“More than anything…I wanted to inherit Fuuka-sensei’s will. I wanted to become a teacher who thinks deerly of her students. I wanted to take up the role she couldn’t finish, and become her replacement. However—that doesn’t involve ending up in a mutual relationship with a student.”

“You probably can’t betray that job, which is why you’re willing to quit if it were to come to that.”

“Fufu, as clever as ever.” Maka-sensei showed a gentle smile, and walked on ahead.

It felt like she would leave me behind, even though we merely left the graveyard. Even though her back was only a few meters away from me, it felt so far away. I know that, if I were to say my honest feelings, we would have to say goodbye. That’s why I might not be able to close this current distance we have. With just a single answer of mine, Maka-sensei will quit this occupation she has so many attachments to. This responsibility is what leaves me unable to close this current distance between us.

The will of the dead—leaves my words stuck in my throat. It’s not just me. Nobody can win against the words of the deceased. Even though I understand the logic of the living being more important, humans can’t easily choose either.

“Sorry for the wait!”

“………”

Since we went out with a suit and uniform, there was no problem with us visiting a grave. Neither should it be weird to spend dinner together after. With these thoughts, the fiat drove me to a certain store. Guided to a private room, I was told to wait. Without any explanation or anything of that sort, Maka-sensei suddenly stormed into the room, looking like that. I feel like an idiot for worrying about the deceased.

“I won’t retort on your no-reaction anymore, okay?”

“I am surprised to a certain degree…”

Maka-sensei dragged me to an overly cliché Chinese restaurant. Not to mention that it’s the type of restaurant a normal high school student like me would not even dare enter.

“To think you would attack me with a cosplay even here…”

“No matter the situation, I won’t forget about the ‘education’, as I am a teacher!”

I guess I should explain things. As a matter of fact, Maka-sensei wore a pure red china dress. It’s the one you often see as cosplays, which have a slit up around her waist, which showed her thighs. Her shoulders were in the open, and her chest wasn’t exactly protected either…Her 88cm bulges were in clear sight. She even had her brown hair tied up into two dumplings.

Even though she’s not showing that much skin, it’s probably a pretty high rank in Maka-chan’s cosplay series.

“That reminds me, I never showed you many foreign clothes, right?”

“I-I wonder…?”

From what I can remember, there’s a maid, a bunny girl, an evening dress, and even Santa clothes, so I wouldn’t say that. At the very least, I don’t remember them being traditionally Japanese.

“These clothes aren’t actually cosplay, but imported clothes from China. They cost me 48460yen, you know!”

“So expensive!?”

That’s even more expensive than the Santa clothes she bought for last year’s Christmas. Can you not waste your money on these worthless cosplays!?

“Let’s treasure our money some more, okay!? You may never know what happens in the future!”

“Well, if you were to reject me, I used up all of this money for nothing, and I will end up poor.”

“…! Can we not suddenly turn to such a severe topic?”

I mean, with Maka-sensei’s looks, she’ll always have a second chance at certain other jobs!

“From last year’s winter to spring, your surroundings changed too much, right. If there aren’t some things that don’t change, your mind will break apart.”

“I’m not too happy if one of these things is the cosplay fetish of my homeroom teacher…”

Isn’t that the one thing that needs to change? I was surprised by Maka-sensei’s cosplays countless times, and oddly enough I feel like a small part of me is actually looking forward to what new things she has in mind. But, on a more serious note, spending an average daily life is important as well. Although I’d like to remove my teacher cosplaying for me as a part of that.

“Also, are you even allowed to cosplay like this?”

“I bought this China dress from this exact establishment. It’s a backside business.”

“Multi-layered business, I see.”

People get permission to cosplay as long as they buy their China dresses? The heck is that, so clever.

“And, since I quite like Chinese food, I need to fit the mood here. Should I buy some clothes for you as well? It’ll be easy.”

“I’m good, thanks…”

“What a shame. Maybe you prefer a dress similar to mine, with a slit on the side—”

“Saiko-chan isn’t a part of my daily life!”

Can you stop making me remember my horrible past?

“Ah, our drinks are here. Let’s have a toast.”

“Huh…”

The employee showed no reaction whatsoever in the face of the beauty wearing a China dress, and just poured us two cups of oolong tea.

“Then, a toast to my beloved teacher.”

“To Fuuka-sensei.”

I don’t know if it’s okay to throw a toast over a deceased person, but I joined in nonetheless.

“Phew, this oolong tea isn’t just your average bottled version. They boiled it with actual tea leaves.”

“Huh…It actually is pretty delicious.”

You might not know, but despite me being in the black tea faction, I actually don’t dislike oolong tea. I guess that just as the clothes here might be real, so is the taste.

“I ordered the daily course by the way. It might be a bit expensive for students, but now you can enjoy it.”

“Takes me back to when we were eating at that indebted restaurant.”

“Humans are beings that seek for the luxurious…I need to go all out in order to impress you.”

I’d be happy with any other food though, you know.

“Also, you take the course if you don’t know what to order, right?”

“O-Of course not? Anyway, let’s sit next to each other, Saigi-kun.”

“Eh…”

Ah, I said something unnecessary! Because I hit bulls-eye, she was forced to switch the topic! The table was ridiculously large though, so there’s no real problem with her sitting next to me…

“Fufu, how does it look? You know, this dress is actually more embarrassing than a swimsuit…”

“W-Why are you wearing it then?”

It’s true that this China dress shows less skin than a swimsuit, but the slit that revealed her thighs had a different kind of erotic appeal to it. Her white thighs are making my head spin to a level.

“Hehehehe, I thought that this wouldn’t work out too well because you are used to tight mini skirts, but it seems to be quite effective…?”

“I-I’m not peeking at your thighs or anything! Don’t lift up your clothes!”

Maka-sensei got a bit too excited, and started to fiddle with her clothes, striking a few different poses. Ugh, I need to fight back, or I’ll get played with again!

“Excuse me.”

“……”

Right as the employee appeared, Maka-sensei pulled away from me, and put back her clothes to normal. Even her arrogant smile from just now disappeared. As expected of the Unobtainable Flower!

“We’ll continue this later…okay~?”

“………”

Maka-sensei whispered these words into my ear. What continuation are we talking about?! We’re still inside a public restaurant, right!? However, the employee didn’t even catch on to my confusion, and just lined up the food in front of us.

“Oh my, looks delicious.”

“……Indeed.”

I had to agree with that. No room for objection. After the employee lined up the food, they left the room again.

“Since we’re in a private room, we don’t have to worry about manners, right? Here, open wide~”

“Isn’t that ignoring manners a bit too much…?”

Maka-sensei ignored my complaint, pressed her large breasts on my arm, and offered me some roasted pork fillet. Yeah, resistance is futile.

“Mm…Mm…Yeah, it’s delicious. It’s easy to eat as well, and the salad contemplates it perfectly.”

“At least you’ve become honest. Have some more, Saigi-kun.”

“Y-Yes…”

On the inside, my heart was racing, but I can’t show her any weakness, or she will tease me again! I’m getting fed some delicious Chinese food by a beauty wearing a China dress…I never knew I needed this kind of pleasure.

“Haa, that was delicious~”

Maka-sensei let out a comfortable sigh, as she operated the steering wheel. Yeah, it really was a treat, no doubt about that.

“Especially the desert with the almond jelly was great, I’d love to come again.”

“Let’s not waste too much money, okay.”

This time, I confirmed the costs of the entire restaurant. Adding the cost for the China dress, she probably blew out a third of her salary. On a side note, she changed back into her normal suit before we left the restaurant. Things would be dangerous if someone saw her like that after all.

“You have to treat yourself from time to time. Normally, I can live off rice and salt.”

“Sensei, maybe I should make some daily dinner for you after all…”

I offered this before, but she declined since she often came home late.

“Thanks, I’m happy about your feelings alone. Being able to enjoy your food from time to time is more than enough for me.”

“Will you really be okay…”

I wouldn’t be able to laugh if my homeroom teacher were to collapse because of malnutrition. The world would understand that the teachers at Seikadai are actually slaves.

“Anyway, today was a great break for me, I have to say. I got to eat some delicious food, seduce Saigi-kun with my China dress, and even visit Fuuka-sensei’s grave.”

“You say it so nonchalantly…”

“She’ll be happy about that. ‘If you’re going to visit my grave, at least do it during a date’…Ahh, I can hear her say that.”

“I’m not too sure about that.”

But, because I heard Fuuka-sensei’s voice in that video, I could even imagine her say that.

“And, how was it, Saigi-kun?”

“Eh? Ah, it was delicious.”

“I was talking about the grave visit. Did it turn into some reference for your graduation exam?”

“Reference…Not really. I only realized that there was a person from whom you inherited their determination, that’s all.”

I merely got to know the person I had seen in pictures and videos. In the end, it just showed to me that she wasn’t some celebrity, but a human being like me and Maka-sensei.

“Although I didn’t get to talk, nor meet her in person, I feel like I understood Fuuka-sensei as a person.”

“That’s right. Now that we can’t meet her anymore, we can only visit her grave. But, you shouldn’t bother too much with Fuuka-sensei. I might have inherited her will, but she is she, and I am me.”

“But, you became a teacher because she was with you, right?”

“…I can’t deny that.”

With more precision than ever, Maka-sensei slowly turned the steering wheel to bring us around the corner. It’s almost like she was possessed by Fuuka-sensei and her safety driving.

“I will admit my mistake. Knowing Fuuka-sensei will mean that you know everything about me as well.”

“You took it back right away, huh…”

“I’m the type of teacher who admits their mistakes. Though, there’s a lot of teachers who don’t accept their mistakes when it comes to student guidance especially.”

“Yeah, I heard that before.”

Especially during the news, only so that nobody could be blamed for the outcome.

“Was Fuuka-sensei the type to admit her mistakes?”

“I can’t say for sure.” Maka-sensei tilted her head with a wry smile. “She at least admitted her mistakes during class. Which she should do, since she misspelled apple before.”

“Isn’t the exam for teachers pretty difficult?”

“The vice principal was shocked as well. But, when there were some complaints concerning her violence towards the students, she never admitted that she was in the wrong.”

“Guess these weren’t mistakes?”

“There were a few times when Fukka-sensei covered for the other students. I don’t accept violence from teachers, but she must have had her own beliefs.”

“Beliefs…So that would be creed in English, right?”

“Tsk, I was about to ask that.”

Why are you that angry about me solving your question correctly?

“Well, the school accepted Fuuka-sensei’s ability for guidance. Not to mention that there were no big problems they had to worry about. In a way, she properly guided her students. In the time I corrected one student, she did the same for many.”

“…I guess there were a lot of problem children back then.”

It sounds like I’m made out to be the boss of delinquents, but I’ll ignore that.

“That’s why I admired her more than any other teacher. She deeply cared even for the bad students. That’s why I decided to regain what I had lost during my student days, and took over her role.”

“Right,” I nodded.

“Ah, that reminds me, there’s one more thing I need to tell you.”

She said, and told me the name of the sickness Fuuka Shiki-sensei suffered from. I had figured as much, which is why I wasn’t too surprised. I don’t know of anybody who suffered from that sickness, but even younger people can suffer from it, despite it seemingly like that would never happen to me or someone around me. Just as Maka-sensei said before, you never know what will happen.

I had to hold back my tears. I couldn’t afford to cry, when the person next to me suffered even greater sadness before. It felt rude for me to cry in front of her. Thanks to that however, it felt like I realized what I had to do—at least a bit. I know that I’m still way too vague about this, but please forgive me.

In order to keep something important to me, I need to cut off something else. Of course, this involved—my honest feelings towards Maka-sensei.