1.1 - A Story About a Married Teacher Who Becomes Obsessed With Her Female Student

Chapter 1: "The Scent of the Sea Doesn't Reach Me" - Part One Due to my profession, I often come across people in uniforms. Perhaps that's why she stood out so much. By the time I finished the unexpectedly long paperwork, it was already late at night, and a faintly salty breeze brushed against my neck outside the school. Why does it seem like the sea breeze is more noticeable at night than during the day? Putting that aside, I stopped walking to squint at the street one block over. Just one street away, the bustling activity around the station sharply contrasted with the quiet desolation on this side. I mentally replayed the scene of the figure dissolving into darkness, seemingly swallowed by the lights. Backing the brilliant lights of stores aglow at night, a clear image came to mind. 'I made eye contact.' Her name was Togawa. If I remember correctly, her first name was Rin—a student in the class I'm responsible for this year. Moreover, she was dressed in her high school uniform at such a late hour. She seemed to be walking with someone, as she turned this way as if feeling something, and I too happened to look in that direction, caught by the light. As a teacher, it was an encounter with too many details to overlook. She might have been out for a night on the town. Is it okay to just ignore it? How much guidance should a teacher provide, and where should the line between guiding and granting freedom to their students lie? Making such routine discernments is unexpectedly challenging. I moved to the side of the road to avoid blocking passersbys and pondered. My shoulders felt weighted, as if my hands pressed against the dark wall. Time was of the essence if I were to act, and even ignoring it shouldn't be put off for too long. The coincidental eye contact ran in circles in my mind, tinged with slight regret. If she hadn't been wearing the uniform, I might not have realized it was Togawa-san at all. The school year had only just begun, and the impressions between the students and me were still faint. Could she recognize me as her teacher? If she did, would she run away? The workday ended, and it was still Wednesday night. I asked myself if I had the energy left to detour while hanging my head. Even if I didn't pursue her now, I'd have an opportunity to subtly ask about it at school tomorrow. Such indulgent thoughts floated, a common sentiment after a day's work. I closed my eyes momentarily in the juxtaposing dark night and the biting brightness of the lights. "Okay... I'm going!" Though hesitant, I propelled myself forward with pent-up momentum. I knew that if I went home and changed out of my suit, the curiosity would gnaw at me. If something bothers you, it's better not to ignore it. At least at that moment, I had enough positivity and leftover energy to think that way. Retracing my steps, I veered into the neighboring street. It was a different path hidden by the night, wearing a slightly unfamiliar face. With the thought that I'd give up if I couldn't find her quickly, I entered the next street. I soon spotted her by a vending machine. Togawa-san, illuminated alongside a "For Rent" sign on the building corner, approached as if she'd been waiting for me. She stood directly before me, bringing a fair share of intimidation with her presence. I'd considered her a tall girl, but facing her directly, our eye levels didn't quite match. She was probably five centimeters taller than me, who barely measured 160 the last time I checked. However, she was in a sailor uniform while I wore a suit. Height wasn't proof of our respective roles. "It really was Ichigo-sensei. We made eye contact, didn't we?" Her voice was still slightly juvenile, marked by a noticeable difference from her height, yet her demeanor was serene and unapologetic. There weren’t many opportunities to converse in class, but whenever I caught a glimpse of her, she was always smiling easily—either lightly or broadly. I wondered if I had ever seen her without a smile. Her gentle eyes exuded an aura akin to a friendly, well-acquainted dog. Her long hair, softly curled at the ends, matched its milk-tea hue quite well. "I prefer you don't shorten the name, it's Ichigohara. Togawa-san, what are you doing out at this hour in a uniform?" "Well, you see, I chose this school because I like the uniform's design." "You're even carrying your school bag... Haven't you been home?" When I pointed this out, Togawa-san hastily hid her bag behind her back. As I tried to point at it, Togawa-san shifted her stance to evade my hand. The ensuing aimless game of tag saw Togawa-san, with her quick, nimble movements, constantly eluding my grasp. After a frustrating standoff, I reluctantly conceded. Stepping back to signify my surrender, Togawa-san gave a slow, teasing smile. "Sensei loses." "That's not what's important here. Togawa-san, what are you doing?" "Just taking a walk." "At this hour?" "I like the night." Was I being prejudiced by thinking her responses were frivolous? "Seemed like you were heading somewhere with someone." "Oh, the person earlier? That was my older sister." "Your sister... I see." "If you don't believe me, you could ask her." There she is, Togawa-san indicated with a nod towards the nearby area. The person introduced as her sister was peering curiously at the window display of a nearby Chinese diner, the glow of the lights enhancing the shimmering, golden quality of her hair. It was naturally blonde—not dyed—as if made from golden silk. The simple ensemble of jeans and a shirt well complemented her striking appearance, a true golden-haired beauty, standing out even more if she adorned herself further. "Hey, sis." Togawa-san cheerfully gestured. Her sister approached with a cautious expression. My first impression, seeing her up close, was how dissimilar they were. "Yes? I am her sister. And you're Rin's...?" "I'm her homeroom teacher. I saw you out so late and thought I'd say something..." "Oh, her teacher... Yes, that fits the bill." "Fits the bill?" She must mean my attire. "Wait, you're a teacher?" Suddenly her sister's demeanor shifted, casting a glance at Togawa-san. More precisely, she seemed to confirm Togawa-san's uniform with her eyes. Uncertain of her hesitation, I couldn't grasp what was going on. Togawa-san only watched, seemingly amused. "Is there any..." "No, no. Thank you for taking care of Rin." "If you're her sister, please advise her against wandering around at this hour." "Oh, yes. You're right. That’s not good." The shallow admonition seemed thrown together. Togawa-san nodded back with a nonchalant "Okay, okay." "Well, Rin." "Yeah. Maybe not today, after all." "Mhm. Catch you next time." Her sister departed quickly, leaving me unintentionally sighing at her hasty retreat.