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

Chapter 5: "Water Seeping Through The Cracks" Part 2 Having finished the conversation, I quickly head to the back of the house, recalling that I had shoved a large bag into the bedroom closet. It was the bag I used to carry my belongings when I moved out after getting married. Carrying it, I pass by my husband, who stands with his arms crossed anxiously, and detour to the bathroom before leaving. I wash the dirt off my feet with the shower, desperately trying to cleanse away the grime along with my own urgency. Given what lies ahead, leaving my feet dirty would be rude. I put on shoes instead of sandals and exit the room, closing the door as I half-run back to Togawa-san. Despite having always instructed my students not to run in the halls, here I was, moving with such haste down the stairs. As I race down the steps, I think to myself. Technically, I could offer a separate room. I could move into the bedroom my husband is currently using. After all, it was originally prepared for that purpose. However, such a thought never seemed to cross his mind. How does he perceive me now? But even if I proposed this to Togawa-san, she would surely reject it, and I would be unable to accept it as well. Besides, admitting it could signify the end—or perhaps things had long ended already. Sharing a room together would likely lead to mutual unease. Stepping outside the apartment, my vision clears, and I focus intently on Togawa-san. "Itsuki-sensei!" Togawa-san suddenly stands and rushes towards me. Anticipating her approach, I brace myself and manage to absorb her momentum. Embracing her unrestrained leap feels as if I’m being tackled by a large dog, causing a smile to spread across my face. "I’m getting a bit used to it." "Used to what?" "It's nothing. Sorry to keep you waiting." Without even realizing it, I find myself gently stroking Togawa-san's back. She responds by pressing even closer, conveying infinite affection. Perhaps I've already accumulated more love than I can express and I’ll continue to do so thoughtlessly until everything crumbles. "I got permission from my husband, so… would you like to come over?" "Yes, I want to go to your place." A hint of unease blooms within me at her words, which seem to disregard my husband entirely. But being okay with that is impossible regardless. "Alright then, shall we go?" "Okaaay!" Togawa-san innocently reaches for my hand and attempts to head toward the apartment's stairs, pulling in the opposite direction of my path, which creates a tug-of-war. We circle around each other, my outstretched arm forming the center. "Huh? Where's my guide taking us?" "Well, if you're staying over, you'll need your clothes from home." "Oh, I see..." Togawa-san’s expression droops at the mention of home, and I almost imagine her ears drooping like a defeated puppy. "You could wear my clothes, you know." "They probably wouldn't fit." I could perhaps squeeze into hers, but adorning myself in something suitable for a teenager like Togawa-san doesn't fit, not in terms of size, but in being out of place in this world. Even the exposure of my current summer outfit feels too dazzling. "Plus, you'll need your study materials, won't you?" "Hahaha." That's not a laughing matter. "Tell me what to pack, and I'll fill this bag for you." Acknowledging it’s difficult for her to return home, I offer this suggestion. Glancing at the bag, Togawa-san paces nervously. She's like a scolded puppy unable to stay still. "Do we really have to go?" "Yes... we need to inform your mother." Although I hardly believe she cares for her daughter, avoiding unnecessary complications requires obtaining at least formal consent. Hosting a minor overnight without permission is impermissible, despite my involvement in even greater transgressions. "Mother, huh..." "I could go alone, and you could wait at the apartment if you prefer." "No way. Absolutely not. I want to be with you, Itsuki-sensei." Her resumption of handholding, followed by a seamless flow into a kiss almost stops my breath, halting time itself. My eyes contract, emitting a pained sensation. "No kissing outdoors, alright?" If our apartment neighbor were to witness this, it could easily spell catastrophe. Switching fluidly from child to lover, Togawa Rin expertly wedges herself into the spaces between my words. "So it's fine indoors then." "Well... my husband is..." Togawa-san's mischievous, tsunami-like approach engulfs me, but I prefer her teasing demeanor over tears. This realization likely signifies how far gone I am. "In any case, let's save the intimate moments for private, unseen places." "Yeees." Togawa-san consents with a suggestive smile, settling for mere handholding. Yet, even this action deviates from the expected norm, raising questions about why our open handholding at school remains unchallenged, as I gaze distantly towards the cloud-studded blue sky. "Sensée, sensée, sensée." "What is it?" "Just trying out calling you." Her tears dried, Togawa-san's steps and lips turn playful, echoing the bright summer air filled with cicadas' cries and the scent of scorching heat—exactly the kind of mood we need. "Togawa-san." "Yeees." "Just taking attendance." With a gentle smile, I acknowledge Togawa-san's cheerful response and she playfully swings our joined hands. As we walk, we discuss what she needs to bring along. "Clothes and makeup," "Textbooks," "Oh, and I left my phone back in the room." Her suggestions come logically. Incidentally, Togawa-san scored quite well on her mid-term exams. Almost on the brink of excellence. Maintaining such results in this environment warrants significant praise. "Maybe I should also bring my bankbook and card." Saying this, she entwines her arm with mine. Although we haven't strayed far from the apartment, an uneasy chill spreads across my back like a plucked insect's wings, leaving my heart restless. "Didn't I say we shouldn't act lovey-dovey outside?" "Oh, come on. This is no more than a daughter playing around with her mom." Pretending to nuzzle me like a child, she leans further in. I have never walked arm-in-arm with my mother like this. In between her innocent antics, she casually exudes a teenager's charm, keeping me constantly off-balance. Switching roles from daughter to lover based on convenience, Togawa-san is quite the cunning girl. She embodies traits of both a naughty girl and a good girl. Thus, as her lover, mother, and sister, I'll continue to answer this child's needs. "My apartment might not have a separate room for you, Togawa-san, is that alright?" "I want to be in your room, sensei." "Hmm." "Is that not possible?" She tugs at my hand, much like a leash, encouraging me to comply. "It's not that it's impossible... I'm just pondering the practical aspects." I wonder if that room is spacious enough to accommodate both of us. Even alone, it feels like it might stretch from end to end. "Staying with you in your room would be so much fun," she beams. In that cramped space scarcely deserving to be called a room, being there with Togawa-san left the bed as our sole haven for relaxation. As I contemplated what it meant for both of us to sit side by side on that bed, an intense heat seemed to blaze within me. This time, it's not a hotel, nor is it her room—it’s my home.