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

Chapter Two: Looking Up At The Fallen Star - Part Three "It was me who took you there, and I kept giving you drinks because things got more interesting. Although, I never imagined you'd lavish so much alcohol on the hostesses. Let's just say it was on me." "I can't possibly—" "No, really, it was hilarious. Every time you paused in your chatter, you'd mistake the drink for water and tip the glass back, over and over, until your eyes and mouth got all weird. At that point, stopping you was impossible." "Please, stop." This isn't the time for reminiscing with laughter. Thanks to that escapade—or perhaps I should take the blame—I ended up being a teacher who had to rely on a student for personal assistance. If I dwell on it too deeply, I might spiral into questioning my existence, so I try to ignore it. My coffee arrives first. I pour some milk in and swirl the liquid. "I hear you're supposed to limit coffee to about five cups a day." "Please, no more warnings." I ignore her bird-like laugh as I take a sip of coffee. "I'm grateful for you taking care of me, but why did I end up at Togawa-san's house...?" That was the biggest issue... the problem. Showing up drunk at a student's house and crashing there—completely unacceptable. "I didn't know your address, and you weren't in a state to answer when I asked." "In that case, although it's presumptuous, maybe you could’ve taken me to you're place..." "I don't bring women I don't sleep with to my room." Hoshi-san dismisses the idea without a second thought. Then, after a pause, she lets her eyes wander. "I don't bring women I don't sleep with to my room." "Um... that’s not exactly cool." When I pointed this out, understanding what she meant by saying it twice, Hoshi-san clicks her tongue, pouts, and leans her cheek on her hand. "But Rin's been in my room before." "Wha...?" My voice sounds like it crawled up from the depths. Meanwhile, Hoshi-san's tone remains light. "Just kidding. Your face is scary, Sensei." Her remark catches my breath. "Of course it is. It’s about a student—something like that would be..." "Don’t you think it’s crude to label love as pure or impure?" "That's not the point! Saying 'in love' and all that... I'm sorry." I catch myself raising my voice and almost standing up, quickly regaining composure. "What, Sensei, do you like Rin?" "Please refrain from such jokes." I feel a twinge of guilt at my own defensiveness. "Oh, really." "Stop with the suggestive 'oh.'" "Quite the demanding teacher, aren’t you? Or perhaps that’s exactly what makes you a teacher." Hoshi-san laughs breezily. "Why would it matter if you liked her? It's perfectly fine." Who is she seeking to agree with her? "I have no particular feelings for Togawa-san..." My voice falls, weakly failing to convey denial. "Oh, I see. Can I tell Rin that?" "I'll be angry." Even if it's expected from this frivolous beauty, I can't understand what else I'm angry about. But if those words were shared with Togawa-san, I might... I might find myself striking Hoshi-san. "Seems to me you've been angry all along." "...That may be true, but it’s because of you, Hoshi-san." "I think it’s just Sensei not being honest with herself." "Me...?" She halts my words with a hand as if to say 'hold on.' The risotto she ordered arrives. "Delicious, delicious." She intentionally praises the flavor aloud as she eats. Her way of ending conversations is blatantly strategic, waiting for my anger to melt away. "And about the bill, after all..." "I told you it’s fine. I don’t want to say it again." Despite munching on her risotto, her voice is strangely refreshing. "We're friends, aren't we?" A sudden surge of friendship blooms between us. The sight of her golden hair swaying is pleasing and almost persuades me. "Is that so?" "You!" "You’ve got some rice on your chin." "Thanks!" Such a busy person. "If you feel guilty, use that saved money for something nice for Rin." The person who's more emotionally reactive than a ball suddenly cools down to suggest this. "For Togawa-san?" "Even though you claim not to feel anything, Rin adores you." "Ado...?" I can't help but scratch my cheek in embarrassment. Being told so plainly... "Togawa-san, how should I put it, she has a maternal quality..." "None of that nonsense, Sensei. She’s quite straightforward, isn’t she?" ".........................." The glittering smile of Togawa-san—a brilliance not shown to other friends. But if I were to accept that, I... "But we had fun that night, didn’t we?" "No, not even a little." "While slurring your speech, you wouldn’t stop talking about Rin." "I heard that from Togawa-san—though I doubt there was much to say." Togawa-san is just a student to me. I’m not closely involved; what stories could there be to share? I think this defensively, trying to protect myself. The tale's questioning edge prickles at my skin like a persistent itch. "You went on quite passionately, you know. Don't you remember anything?" Hoshi-san looks like she recalls the event, smiling at me. Her smile barely conceals delight. "...Not at all." "Well, maybe it’s better that way. Aren’t you happy now, Sensei?" The way she says it makes it sound like I spoke of things that might lead to unhappiness. "It’s really bothering me..." "Don’t worry. Neither I nor Rin are interested in each other as women." "What kind of reassurance is that...?" The conversation is scattered. After polishing off the risotto, Hoshi-san fiddles with the spoon between her fingers. "I grew up in a single-parent home too, so maybe I find it hard to leave someone alone." "...I see." Togawa-san’s situation is dire, with not even a mother around. "No need for such a serious reaction. Sensei, you're quite earnest." Earnest. It's a reputation I’ve often been told I deserve, despite thinking I'm merely doing the bare minimum. "I think you’re earnest too, Hoshi-san." "Really?" "You seem like you're pretending to be shallow, even though you’re genuinely serious." Her laid-back facade doesn’t quite fit, yet her attentive nature is hard to hide. Holding the spoon, Hoshi-san frowns. "What, trying to be a cheerful personality when I'm really a downer?" "I didn’t go that far." "Haha." Hoshi-san takes what could sound like criticism with a satisfied smile. "You’ve piqued my interest, Sensei." A scar, barely noticeable except in sunlight, seems to stand out along with her smile. "I'll make sure you're the last one I kill." "Pardon?" Seeing my lack of understanding, Hoshi-san lets out a theatrical sigh.