Kissing My Student, It's Over if We're Caught-Chapter 5Volume 1 .3 - Painful thing: Love

“…”

I was desperately trying to suppress my emotions in the midst of the conversation. I was boiling with anger, feeling it churning in my guts.

At myself, and at the person in front of me. Anger kept bubbling up, and I couldn’t help it.

“What do you think? What are your thoughts after hearing that story?”

“Why… why would you tell me something like that?”

“I thought you should hear it. Weren’t you the most eager to listen? Or am I mistaken?”

Her attitude suddenly changed.

And then, that story.

I became certain.

For some reason, this person sees right through me.

She realizes that I am “that kind of person” for Kirihara.

“I have a story for you, too. Recently, Touka-san shared an old story with me.”

When we went to the hot springs for a day trip — she told me this story while eating onigiri on the train.

Kirihara’s mother was bad at household chores, leaving everything to the housekeepers. She never made anything.

But, there was one time. During a family trip when she was a child, her mother made onigiri.

The result was far from skilled.

The shapes were odd, and the seasoning was all over the place —

“But, that onigiri was the most delicious, and it was the happiest time. The most important thing about a meal is indeed the atmosphere — that’s what she said.”

Hearing my story, the person in front of me wouldn’t be unsettled.

Probably, no matter what I say, this person won’t change. It wouldn’t resonate.

But that doesn’t matter.

Only this person can truly save her… I couldn’t forgive her.

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“Kirihara-san. You are a remarkable person. You run a company, and you worked in the entertainment industry since you were a student. There must have been unimaginable effort involved, hardships I couldn’t even begin to match. You’re amazing. …But excuse my rudeness, I must say this.”

I glare at her.

“You are the worst mother for Touka Kirihara. She’s pitiful.”

Kirihara’s mother let out a sigh of exasperation.

Her face flushed, trembling.

“That’s fine… you’re very good. No wonder Touka was so captivated by you.”

How far will this person go in provoking me until she’s satisfied?

“I thought you were just a typical fearful young man at first. …But you might not realize, behaving like you are now makes you much more attractive. It’s thrilling. Being glared at makes me want to be bullied. I’d even like to bully you a bit.”

Kirihara’s mother takes out a business card case from her bag. It’s a business card printed with “Miyoko Kirihara,” from an entertainment office. She writes something that seems to be a cell phone number on the back right there.

“Here, my number. If you get tired of Touka, do contact me. I don’t hold back more than usual. I’ll show you a side of you no one knows. Don’t worry. It’ll be our secret.”

I felt the worst. After a moment’s thought, I accepted the offered business card.

“I will never use it for that purpose, but I’ll keep it in case Touka-san becomes ill and I need to contact you.”

I reverted to polite speech to emphasize that I was speaking as a teacher.

“You’re very straightforward, aren’t you? I like that about you too. But I wonder if Touka will forgive you?”

“…”

“Right, right. Let me advise you. We keep my husband’s position as a council member a secret. Given the current unrest, the fact that you’re “special” to that child is enough information. Be careful.”

“…Understood. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Do that. I’m hoping for a long relationship. Ufufu.”

In the end, what I lacked was perhaps realization and willpower.

The strength to pursue what I wanted to do.

Miyoko Kirihara was a terrible toxic parent, but I’m grateful she spurred me on.

After finishing a day’s work, I didn’t head home.

I bought a baseball cap, sunglasses, and clothes at a discount store known for its low prices, took the familiar route, and headed for Kirihara’s home. My ex-girlfriend had messaged me saying she “wanted to talk,” but I replied, “I’m busy right now.”

Upon arrival, I quickly rang the doorbell.

No one came out.

I took out my smartphone and typed, “I’m in front of your house. Please open up.”

From beyond the cold door, I sensed someone hurrying over.

The key turned, and the door flung open with force.

“…Sensei?”

She stood in her usual camisole and shorts, her eyes slightly swollen.

“Why?” Before Kirihara could finish, I hugged her slender body.

There was a pause in her breathing within my arms.

“Um, wait a minute”

“It’s okay.”

“It’s not okay, it’s not right.”

I was pushed back, but I hugged her tighter.

—This girl is my benefactor.

Last summer, when I was struggling at work, I shared it with her, as usual, asking for her advice.

Even though I didn’t give any significant advice, Kirihara said I saved her.

“GIN is really good at giving advice.”

“Are you a sensei or something? No? I thought you’d be suited for it.”

Because of that, I didn’t end up dying. I chose a new way to live.

Now it’s my turn to save her.

It’s a life that might have been dead anyway.

Even if my life gets ruined, I won’t regret it.

“Hey, it’s not okay. Really not okay.”

“…”

“Gin…”

“…”

“Mooou~…”

There was a sniffle. As I stroked her head, her tension relaxed.

We held each other for a while, confirming each other’s presence.