[BL]The Hero and his Party Won't Let Me Go

The teacher’s unwavering gaze made Shuu feel uncomfortable. He was not sure whether he trusted her with Rin’s safety or not, but what he did trust was Secretary Ann’s professionalism.

He was the one who suggested the academy and this teacher, so they must be the best in the field.

Shuu was about to leave the academy when he felt someone following him. He looked behind, only to see the teacher hesitating about whether she should call out to him or not.

But in the end, she decided to speak up, and determination filled her eyes.

"Excuse me, but will you be coming back to pick your son up personally as well?"

The teacher asked, and Shuu nodded.

"Yes. I will come and get Rin once the day is over."

The teacher looked relieved, and her eyes suddenly looked determined in a way Shuu had not seen before.

"That’s good. Then, does this mean I can talk with you once you come to pick your son up? I promise it will be a brief talk, and I hope you consider my offer seriously."

Shuu had a feeling he should decline the teacher right now. Whatever offer she was about to make, he wanted no part in it. He was busy enough as it was.

And yet, he still felt like he owed it to the teacher to listen to her at least once.

"It will depend on how much time I have. I will try to make time for you, but I cannot guarantee it."

Shuu promised, and the teacher looked relieved.

"Please try. That is all I can ask of you at the moment."

She spoke before turning around and going back to Rin’s side. Rin did not look happy, but he looked over at Shuu and smiled to show that he would be fine.

With one last look at Rin, Shuu decided to leave as well.

Secretary Ann kept looking at Rin and the teacher as well, but unlike Shuu, his eyes were filled with curiosity and critical thought.

"Is something wrong, Secretary Ann?"

Shuu asked as soon as he noticed that the secretary was distracted. That startled the other guide, and he looked at Shuu with a slightly wry expression.

"There is nothing wrong here... until now. I was just a little taken aback that the academy employs espers to teach these young kids, and especially high-ranked espers. But I guess that makes sense. Only a high-class esper can deal with another esper."

Secretary Ann seemed amused and shocked at the same time. Shuu did not know what to make of this sudden shift in mood.

"Is... that a good thing or a bad thing?"

He asked, and Secretary Ann blinked at him once more before answering.

"It’s neither a good thing nor a bad thing. It’s... just something that happens. But you better be careful around that teacher. I don’t know why, but I have a feeling she has mistaken you for a guide. I apologize for this. It must have happened because I unconsciously guided her without realizing it."

Shuu was sure it was not Secretary Ann’s fault this happened. But if the secretary was going to take the blame for what was happening, then he was not going to complain. After all, it would help him mask himself better in others’ eyes.

"Ah, I am sure that’s what happened as well. I was so startled when the teacher suddenly grabbed me... I will make sure to correct this misunderstanding in the evening for Rin’s sake."

Shuu assured Secretary Ann, and the secretary looked pleased to see that Shuu was on his side.

"Hmm, you better do that if you want to live a normal life. Being a high-class guide is fun and all, but it gets pretty exhausting pretty quickly, especially once you realize that none of these people are here for you, but only for your guiding and to see what they could gain from you."

Secretary Ann sounded exhausted when he said these words. His eyes were cold and distant, almost as if he was recalling something unpleasant he would rather not think about.

Shuu felt bad for the secretary, but he also knew that there was nothing he could do for him.

"I am sure there are sincere people out there as well who care for you. All you need to do is find them and be with them."

Those words brought a smile to the secretary’s face, but it was gone the next moment.

"Tsk, stop speaking nonsense and follow me. We have work to do. Sir Yuri has asked us to stop at a few places and gather materials. So, let’s get going now."

It was clear that this was Secretary Ann’s way of changing the subject. He was trying to be subtle about it as well.

But all that came out of him was an adorable side that made Shuu smile as well.

"Hmm, I am following you. So, where are we supposed to head first?"

__________

’What happened? Did I lose control of myself or something? I felt like I was floating...’

The teacher looked down at her hands, and they were still shaking. She could not believe what had just happened. Somehow, not only had she managed to anger Secretary Ann, but she had also lost control of herself.

It had never happened to the teacher before, but she did know what she needed to do next. She needed to make sure she met that person again and confirm for herself what she felt.

’Was that man a guide as well? But what kind? How come his guiding was so addicting? I felt like I would never need anything anymore.’

It was the kind of guiding that quenched one’s thirst and yet left them wanting more. The teacher was like an insect caught in the trap laid out for her, and she did not regret a thing that happened.

What made her nervous were the eyes looking at her. Rin was making her nervous, and she smiled at him to ease his worries.