Can I Still Be Your Heroine Even Though I'm Your Teacher?-Chapter 4Volume 2 .3 - Reflections in the Evening Calm
Reflections in the Evening Calm 3
“You’re a good man. I wouldn’t be embarrassed to take you anywhere.”
The person I like smiled gently.
Somehow, her composed expression seemed more mature than when I looked up at Tenjō Reiyu in the classroom.
It’s strange since her age hasn’t suddenly changed.
Normally, I’d be captivated by her beauty, but instead, her presence felt distant.
“Yuunagi-kun? What’s wrong? Did I praise you too much?”
She waved her hand in front of my face.
Her slender white fingertips were captivating.
“That’s right. I got carried away and spaced out.”
“You can sleep in the car if you want.”
“Being the driver’s conversation partner is the duty of the person in the passenger seat.”
“Take it easy. Sleep is important.”
“It’s my first time being this close to Rei-san for such a long time outside of a bed, so of course I’m nervous.”
I laughed teasingly.
“Correction. There was no need for me to be considerate of you.”
“That’s easier, isn’t it?”
“I won’t deny it.”
“At the very least, I don’t think you’d invite someone you dislike for a drive, right?”
She turned her face away as if embarrassed.
***
“We’ve arrived safely! It’s the sea!”
After driving for just under an hour, we finally reached our destination—the sea.
The ocean view that filled our sight was brimming with a sense of freedom.
The sparkling sunlight, the ever-changing sea, the sound of the waves crashing, the salty breeze, the feel of the sand.
Everything seems extraordinary.
Lured by the heat that seemed to have jumped ahead to full summer, the beach was crowded with people.
Locals and tourists from far away like us were already in their swimsuits playing in the sea, and several surfers were riding the waves.
The sight of them gliding down the waves was amazing.
We parked the car in the parking lot and walked along the beach.
“I guess it’s really crowded today.”
“Looking at it makes me want to swim.”
She was fidgeting beside me.
I understood the feeling.
“Did you bring a swimsuit?”
“I didn’t bring one today, actually.”
“It’s the proper attire for the beach. Isn’t it a bad manner to forget it?”
“What’s the real reason?”
“I wanted to see you in a swimsuit again!”
It’s Nishiki Yuunagi’s cry from the soul.
The image of Tenjō Reiyu entering the bathroom in her swimsuit was still etched clearly in my mind. Seriously a sight for sore eyes.
“You could see it anytime if you join the swim club.”
“Wouldn’t you dislike it if I joined with such ulterior motives?”
“You know that.”
“Have you changed your mind?”
“But that doesn’t mean you can’t look at other women in swimsuits.”
“With today’s crowd, they’ll jump into my line of sight whether I want them to or not. Are you saying I should walk with my eyes closed?”
“Then don’t stare.”
“That’s a modest concession.”
“…Do you really want to see women in swimsuits that much?”
“I want to see Rei-san in a swimsuit.”
“An honest man.”
“It’s better than being a liar.”
“There are limits.”
“I’m actually trying hard to restrain myself, you know?”
“I know. But still, no.”
She forms a small ‘X’ with her finger, smiling cheerfully as she declares prohibition.
Hmm, she’s older but she’s so cute.
I was completely captivated by the gap between her dignified appearance at school and her charm here.
I could gaze at her forever.
“It’s Rei teasing-play.”
“Stop saying weird things!”
She laughed heartily while lightly hitting my arm.
Unlike the neighborhood or school, there’s no need to worry about the eyes of acquaintances here.
Only strangers who don’t know about our relationship are present.
Perhaps this sense of liberation is what makes my heart feel lighter than usual.
Humans fundamentally dislike being made to endure something.
Yet, strangely enough, the interactions with someone you like can turn even that enduring into entertainment.
“Thank you for bringing me here.”
I smiled.
The tension had dissipated during the drive, and now we were comfortably enjoying our time together.
A strong sea breeze stirred her long hair.
Her profile gazed into the distance.
Long eyelashes, a high nose, beautifully shaped ears, a fine jawline, and the gracefulness of her arm as she held her hair.
Against the backdrop of the shining sea, she looked so mystical as if she stepped out of a painting.
Just looking at her, I found myself becoming more and more captivated.
“Well, it’s a little late, but shall we go have lunch?”
When Rei-san turned around, her face broke into the easygoing Onee-san smile she always had.
“Haven’t we been eating all day today?”
“That’s fine. Food is a legitimate travel goal too. And it’s hot being under the sun all the time.”
“That’s true.”
We entered a nearby cafe.
I’m not used to such stylish interiors, as I usually only frequent chain stores in the city center.
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The mature her doesn’t seem bewildered at all by the staff’s guidance. She must have visited many chic places like this many times with her friends.
At times like this, my lack of experience became apparent, and I felt a bit embarrassed.
It’s tough to frequent places with such pricey menus with the financial situation of a high school student.
The male and female staff who looked like glittering celebrities you’d mistake for being on social media casually served customers.
The lunchtime peak had passed, so we managed to get a seat with a nice view.
It’s a perfect situation for a date.
We placed the menu in the middle of the table and looked into it together.
“Yuunagi-kun, what’s wrong? You’ve suddenly gone quiet.”
“I’m just reflecting on my immaturity.”
“What do you mean?”
“I feel out of place in this place.”
Eating at a service area is different from this.
“You’ll get used to it eventually. After all, you can go as much as you want from now on.”
“Please join me again when that time comes.”
“…Ah, yeah.”
Her response was reserved.
“Of course, formally it’s after graduation!”
I quickly added.
Getting too carried away isn’t good either. I have no intention of breaking the appearance of strictly adhering to the Neighbor Agreement.
Still, being able to spend the holidays together like this is special to me.
