1.2 - 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 Two "You're not much like your sister, are you?" "Oh, I get that a lot!" "Togawa-san's hair isn't blonde, is it?" "My sister probably takes after my dad." "...Hmm." It was time to end this playful banter. "You're not really her sister, right?" "Ahahaha." She laughed with no intention of hiding anything. "She's just a friend—a slightly older friend. You should have said something if you figured it out." "That would be bad for the person who so kindly played along with your lies." I also had a concern that discussing this could make things complicated. Right now, the important thing is that my student is wandering around in her uniform at night. Her social life is something I don't need to meddle in, I believed. "Sensei, you might be the type who's serious, but funny." "More importantly, reflect on lying so easily to your teacher." When I gently pinched her shoulder as a light scolding, Togawa-san laughed again, without a care in the world. Her expression was like she was dealing with a friend, so even I let my guard down. I understood. In the classroom, there's always a sense that people are gathered around her. I often see her looking like she's having fun talking with someone. Her friendly nature made me think, "I see." But as a teacher, I can't just nod in agreement. "Where were you planning to go?" "I was heading straight home." She puffed up her chest with a determined attitude, emphasizing her dignity. "No lying." When I tried to pinch her shoulder again, she giggled and dodged. I'm not energetic enough to enjoy a chase, but when she ran, I couldn't help but follow. Still, I couldn't catch up. I wandered in front of the station like a weakened butterfly. Togawa-san, on the other hand, spun in circles as if dancing alone. "I was just going to grab something to eat." "Even so, change out of your uniform before going." It's curious where exactly the unsavory feeling of being out in a uniform at night comes from. It's something entirely different, a dampness covering her shoulders and scarf that contrasts sharply with the refreshing feel of daytime. "I really would like to change, but I'm just so hungry right now." She's putting things out of order. "If you're hungry, you should all the more go home quickly." "Even if I go home..." Togawa-san looked away, her smile hinting at a touch of trouble. That subtle reaction slightly hints at her circumstances. How deeply should I probe into that? Such decisions are another challenging aspect of being a teacher. It seemed she didn't want to dwell on this topic, as she quickly changed the subject. I was glad for the change. "Sensei, can I ask you something?" She raised her hand slightly, a gesture that was quite endearing. "Go ahead." "Why do I have to go home?" "Why, you ask?" It was immediately clear she was trying to obscure the issue with a fundamental question. Still, since it was a student's question, I couldn't ignore it. So I thought about it. Why do students need to go home? Because their parents worry... somehow, that doesn't sound right. Children shouldn't be out at night. Even though she's taller than me, there's a sense that she's comfortable walking around town at night, suggesting it's not a rare occurrence. So is it actually me who is at risk? If she wasn't in her uniform, I might have let it slide, but there's a lingering unease about her being out at night in her school attire. However, I couldn't articulate it well. Therefore, simply put. Because home is where you go back to. "Because it's dangerous to be out at night." Unable to sort out my thoughts, I settled on something safe. "The safety is quite good around here. The police seem to have nothing to do and look perpetually bored." "Even so, it's still dangerous when it's dark." What Togawa-san says is true; nothing major happens in this tourist area. There's not even talk of theft, much less murder. Unlike other station fronts, there's no solicitation from bars or anything else, maintaining a wholesome environment. But as a teacher, I can't acknowledge that. "Well, as reasons go, that's a weak one." Her atmosphere suggested she wouldn't go home without a satisfactory explanation. While I wanted to just grab her by the scruff and drag her home, her size made that difficult. Togawa-san was quite a challenge. "Umm..." This experience highlighted my inexperience with disciplining students outside of school. Students... students... as a student. "So, basically." I abandoned the night issue and focused solely on the time. "As a student." "Hmm." "You should go back and study." I suggested she fulfill her responsibilities as a student. To which Togawa-san responded with a hearty laugh, "Ah, hahaha." "Yep, you're right, Sensei." She had a pleasant laugh. "In that case, maybe I'll just go home and study tonight." "Really?" "If you believe me, I won't lie." She seemed to be testing me with such words. Despite her having told quite a few lies so far, I thought suspiciously. "I'll believe you." "Okay." I decided to trust this student who, even when we made eye contact from afar, didn't run away. Togawa-san gently swung her right foot forward, allowing it to lead her body into a change of direction. Then, she smiled softly, standing between the night and the lights. "You can smell the sea, can't you?" "...Indeed." Sharing the breeze that Togawa-san felt, I looked up at the night. The wind sweeping between the sea and the stars tickled the back of my nose just a bit. "Sensei, you should head home soon too." "I was planning to head straight home if I hadn't run into a student." "Talking with you was fun, Sensei." With a cheerful smile and manner—that definitely misled the boys around her daily—she grinned. While pondering whether I should walk her home, Togawa-san waved her school bag and started to walk away. What had she been doing outside until this time without returning home? It's understandable if she was playing with friends, but Togawa-san was alone now. "Sensei." She called with a unique pronunciation, and I looked up. Togawa-san held her smile as if holding a bouquet. "Goodnight." "Oh, um... goodnight. Be careful and go straight home, okay?" With a squeeze, she smiled, as if holding something dear. That smile was more dazzling than the lights in the background, almost making me want to look away. It was an innocent, naturally endearing smile filled with youthful charm. Leaving that smile behind, Togawa-san finally headed home... probably. I couldn't be sure, since I didn't know where her house was, even as I watched her leave. Watching, hoping she wouldn't stray off the path, I followed Togawa-san's silhouette with my eyes. The skirt of her uniform drew delicate waves with her footsteps. "......................................." I softly shook my head and looked away from Togawa-san. When I stroked the night air with the bridge of my nose, the scent of the sea drifted in once more. "......................................." Having guided a student lost in the night back to their path, I felt I'd done the right thing and retraced my steps from the detour.