Kissing My Student, It's Over if We're Caught-Chapter 5Volume 1 .2 - Painful thing: Love

“You have a wonderful daughter. She’s doing very well.”

When I say this, Kirihara’s mother is modest.

“Thank you. She might seem so, but at home, she hardly listens to me… I’m relieved to hear there are no particular problems.”

“May I inquire about Touka-san’s behavior at home?”

“Yes, of course… but, to be honest, I don’t have much to say. She spends a lot of time shut in her room. Judging from her grades, I assume she’s studying. Both my husband and I try to talk to Touka, but it’s difficult at her age. However, I was the same with my parents at that age, so I try not to be alarmed.”

While listening, I had many thoughts.

As far as I know, Kirihara is not currently living with this person. They’re trying to pass it off as “just a rebelious phase.”

However, that information is not something I should know. I can’t mention it here.

“It’s hard to imagine. We only know the excellent student Touka-san.”

“Is that so? But it’s really nothing serious. I was quite rebellious against my parents at her age.”

Without boasting, Kirihara’s mother continues as part of the conversation.

“I auditioned without my parents’ permission and aimed to become an actor. I was strongly opposed, but I rebelled even more. I lived in a state of being halfway disowned… Compared to that discord, this is quite adorable.”

“I see. So, your current job is the result of following that dream since then.”

“Yes.”

But that doesn’t justify neglecting Kirihara.

…Despite better judgment, I started discussing something more probing.

“To a greater or lesser extent, similar stories exist in other families. There’s no such thing as a perfect parent-child relationship. In that sense, there’s no need for excessive worry about Kirihara-san. …However, to be honest, I have some personal concerns about Touka-san.”

Kirihara’s mother’s previously composed demeanor slightly faded.

“One day, Touka-san felt ill and had a fever at school. When we called, neither you nor your husband came to pick her up. At that time, Touka-san confided to me that she felt ‘lonely.'”

Bringing this up during the meeting might anger her.

But I couldn’t rest without saying it.

“Your husband is a city council member, and you run a company. I understand you’re very busy from our delayed meeting. But could you possibly give Touka-san a bit more attention? She’s excellent and considerate of others. But because of that, she’s very bad at asking for help. As her teacher, I would be reassured if you could face her directly.”

“…”

“Kirihara-san?”

Kirihara’s mother was stunned.

She looked as if she’d heard something unbelievable.

“I apologize if I’ve been presumptuous… If I’ve upset you, I apologize.”

Anxiety prompted me to say this, but she remained motionless.

Then, she murmured something.

“So, you are…”

I could only tilt my head in confusion.

“Hmm… Hahaha.”

Kirihara’s mother suddenly smiled as if she’d come to a realization.

She seemed very pleased. But it was an unpleasant feeling.

“I’m sorry. You’re right. I remember the call about my daughter’s fever. I apologize for that.”

“No…”

Although she was apologizing, I didn’t feel any sincerity from Kirihara’s mother.

Instead, she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk, similar to her daughter, presenting her ample chest on the desk and looking up at me.

I was completely bewildered.

Updated from freewёbnoνel.com.

What’s going on?

“Hey, sensei. I have something I want to ask you, if you have the time? It’s a bit embarrassing to air my family’s dirty laundry, but last night, my daughter and I had a big argument.”

I frowned.

The content of her cheerful conversation seemed unthinkable.

“We’ve been busy with the play, but things have finally settled down. So, I went to see my daughter for the first time in a while. I felt bad for sending someone else when she was sick, so I went to apologize, bringing her favorite cake. The moment I gave it to her, she threw it on the floor. ‘What are you doing here now?’ she yelled at me with such fury.”

Of course.

Though she acted tough, how much Kirihara was hurt that day was evident.

“I had no choice but to explain that I was busy with a crucial play that could affect the company’s future. But she accused me of lying. The play’s director is a big name in the industry. He was also in charge of the play that launched my acting career. ‘You went to see him, didn’t you?’ she said. Since she was right, I couldn’t argue. I wonder where she gets such information. Just a hunch?”

I was asked for a response, but I couldn’t speak. Kirihara’s mother deepened her smile and continued.

“I really love the director. Even though I’ve aged, he still cherishes me. Despite having a beautiful wife, he fulfills me as a woman. I can only return to my vibrant youth in front of him. Isn’t that wonderful?”

“…”

“I told my daughter the same thing. Love is wonderful. It enriches your life and makes you very happy.”

“…”

“And what do you think she did? She cried and then laughed. And then she said”

—Ah, I understand.

—It’s frustrating, but I really do understand.

—Love is so wonderful, isn’t it? It’s fulfilling.

—I’ve thought that from a young age.

—In itself, that’s fine. Otherwise, it would be troubling.

—The time spent with a man is more precious and sweeter than with his own daughter. That’s how it should be.

—Because if love wasn’t wonderful, there’d be no reason for me to be neglected.

—If that wasn’t more important than his own daughter, then I’d wonder, why?

—I too wanted sweet memories, so I tried hard to find a good love early.

—I’ve always thought that, always admired it. To find my destined love quickly.

—Recently, I finally met someone wonderful.

—I was happy. It was the best. I was cherished.

—For the first time, I felt glad to be alive. So, I understand what you mean, Mom.

—I wish you were still that person for Dad.

—I understand now why Mom, saddened by being cheated on, ran to another man.

—Because I understand the pain of loss… It’s frustrating, but I am, indeed, your daughter.

—I didn’t want to resemble you in losing someone important. That’s the worst. Damn it.