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

Chapter Two: "Looking Up At The Fallen Star" - Part Nine I waited for a while, hoping to hear from the school. Knowing that Togawa-san’s mother likely wouldn’t call, I anticipated that Togawa-san herself might notify the school of her absence. Thus, in the morning, I refrained from taking action, anxiously waiting for a response. However, as nothing came by noon, I reluctantly decided to make a move. I reached out directly to Togawa-san. In truth, using this means was something I shouldn’t have relied on. 'What's going on today? Are you feeling unwell?' As I observed in the classroom, it seemed like even Togawa-san’s friends were unaware of her situation. Even if it was simply a spur-of-the-moment decision to skip, not contacting anyone was concerning. Considerations of her getting caught up in something on her way to school or perhaps since yesterday added to my worries and impatience. I paced back and forth in the deserted hallway until a reply finally came as lunchtime was drawing to a close. 'Sorry, I was sleeping. It's already noon, isn't it?' A sense of relief washed over me, knowing there was a response. However, my face contorted at the carefree nature of her message. 'Were you asleep?' 'Yeah, I overslept a lot today. Just woke up and surprised myself.' I sighed, laden with mixed feelings. Grasping my forehead, I slowly digested my internal emotions. I debated whether or not I should scold her. 'Did you stay up late?' 'Not really but... I’m fine. Although, after sleeping too much, my body feels a little stiff.' 'I see. Make sure you don't oversleep tomorrow.' It's challenging for me to explain things to the school - it would bring up questions of how I came to know. 'Yeah. I'm fine, so you should do your best at work too.' "...Mmm." Thus, with a gaping hole left in the classroom, a typical weekday continued to pass. The emotional drought I felt as I glanced around the classroom during the homeroom period after school was exacerbated by the absence of Togawa-san. A sense of inadequacy - a sentiment unbecoming of a teacher. Perhaps it was due to these feelings. Then, I reached out to Togawa-san again outside of school. 'I'm in front of your house right now, Togawa-san.' 'If you can, please unlock the door.' 'Are you feeling alright?' Without waiting for her response, I sent a flurry of messages. I could have pressed the doorbell, but I thought she might feel more at ease if she knew who was there. If she was asleep or didn’t notice and didn’t respond, I was prepared to leave. I leaned against the wall, deciding to wait a little. The increasingly strong sunlight bore down on me as I gazed at the main street where tourist buses were prominent. A distinct, slightly burnt salty scent of a seaside town's summer approached. The gritty sensation encompassed my skin as the wind brushed against me, and I straightened from the wall when I heard movement from inside the house. Despite the fumbling sounds, the lock clicked open. The door swung inwards, revealing a disheveled and pallid Togawa-san, her bangs sticking to her forehead, eyes squinting painfully. Barefoot, her nail polish also seemed to have lost its usual vibrancy. "It really is sensei." Her voice sounded slightly muffled, perhaps due to a stuffy nose. "Hello. You look... feverish." Grabbing her arm, I offered her my shoulder to lean on. I could sense Togawa-san's hesitation and confusion, but both were fragile. Skipping greetings, I entered the house and immediately locked the door. This place, and the person inside, felt like a space where I could feel relieved. I stepped out of my shoes and led her, along with my belongings, towards the stairs. "Sensei, how did you know?" "People who are fine don't say they're 'fine' twice." If you say it once and it holds, that’s enough. If it doesn’t, you end up repeating it. "...I see. Sensei, you're sharp, huh?" As if surrendering to her fatigue, Togawa-san leaned heavily against me. Her damp skin transmitted warmth even through her shirt. I refrained from commenting, knowing she'd probably recoil or cause a scene; however, the scent of sweat was notable. She must have perspired quite a bit in her sleep. The familiarity of recognizing the structure of a student’s house had its odd feel. "And, I know you're not someone who would skip school on a whim. That's why I thought you might be unwell... and I couldn't concentrate on anything else, worrying." A teacher visiting a student's private residence driven by personal concern. The shadow on my heart was far from shallow. My heart ached slightly with anxiety. Yet, seeing the weakened Togawa-san, a heavy feeling akin to reassurance began to bud within my chest, stiffening my neck from its weight. "It's nothing to hide. Just notify someone that you’re staying home due to a fever." "I was worried about not being believed if it wasn’t a guardian who notified the school... Asking my mom is bothersome... I also thought if I told sensei, you'd come over... My head was spinning." I understood her internal conflict regarding her mother. But her hesitation over me was perplexing. "Would it have been better if I hadn't come?" I unintentionally voiced that with a slight stubbornness. Togawa-san immediately shook her head horizontally, then nodded vertically with a small nod. "Both?" "I don't want to seem like a troublesome kid." I looked into her eyes, surprised. Overwhelmed by guilt, she averted her bloodshot eyes. "I'm already getting scolded for wandering around at night... If sensei finds me to be a hassle in other areas too... I'm worried. I know Sensei is kind. But, but..." The tear-filled voice of Togawa-san, raised in a pleading tone, was soaked far earlier than actual tears could fall. "Even my mom was kind at first." Her heartfelt admission sent a jarring noise through my ears. Emotions entangled, drawing erratic lines. Confusion overwhelmed me, and an auditory hum ensued. Before I knew it, I was embracing Togawa-san, my ears and eyes warm. "I want you to let me care for you." Gently holding the swaying Togawa-san upright, I enveloped her within my arms despite her being taller than me, anchoring her weight against my frame. The heat from her feverish body extended even to her hair. "When you're weak, you tend to become negative... you know? Let's get you better quickly, okay?" "...Mm." I lent her my shoulder, enveloping her muffled voice. Affection and intense anger surged together, accompanied by a pounding headache. I, I, I am different from that woman. I, I, I, I Togawa-san—. Togawa Rin—. I clenched my teeth, determined not to let slip the truth which threatened to spill like tears. Until the waves of intense emotion subsided, I ended up pushing Togawa-san too far. "Sorry, are you okay?" "Mmm... I'm alright since sensei is here." Carrying her sweat-laden body along, I escorted her to her room. This was my second visit to Togawa-san's room, yet the phantom scent of alcohol, which couldn't possibly have lingered this long, brought about uncomfortable memories akin to cold sweat. Shrouded in dimness by the drawn curtains, the room felt like stale night's air, encumbered by its oppressive warmth. "Sensei." Togawa-san let go of my shoulder, jolting slightly as she turned to face me. "Thank you." Amidst her sallow complexion, only her softened cheeks gleamed with a touch of vibrant color.