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

Chapter One: "The Scent of the Sea Doesn't Reach Me" Part 19 Hoshi-san was propelling me forward, arms around my shoulder, as if to say there was no escape. "And besides, I'm a teacher..." "No law says teachers can't frequent hostess clubs." "There is! Or... there should be, right?" "Could be." She continued marching ahead without listening to a word I said. Yes, last night was my first time at a hostess club. I was escorted into an unfamiliar world by some bad friends. Remembering it made sweat pop up in dismay. But my impression after entering wasn't bad at all. "Pretty..." The place was unified in deep blue hues, a bit dim, reminiscent of the sea at night. The sofas and furnishings resembled a hotel lobby. Apparently, that was the reception area. I had a casual impression of its chic style. While waiting, after checking my wallet, I asked Hoshi-san. "Um, are places like this really expensive?" "Don't worry. That new eel shop in front of the vegetable store is pricey too. I was shocked looking at the prices." I didn't grasp what "don't worry" meant. "They charge by the hour, cheap drinks are all-you-can-drink. You'd be charged extra if you eat other stuff. Then there's the nomination fee... the extension... so, what kind of girls do you like, sensei?" "L-like?" "Let me guess, a girl like Rin, right?" When pointed out, my cheeks definitely burned. "What are you saying?" The fire was too intense, and I couldn't strongly step into denial. "Are you misunderstanding something, Hoshi-san?" "What do you mean by something?" She feigned looking around her feet, and when I got annoyed, she burst out laughing like she'd been waiting for it. "A girl like Rin... did they have one? There are taller girls, though." "I keep telling you, no!" If there were a girl like Togawa-san at a hostess club... I'd feel uncomfortable. A girl resembling Togawa-san, snuggling and smiling sweetly at strangers... it's just unsettling. As words slipped away, only a petulant refusal remained. After everything was said, Hoshi-san teased, "Oh, you're quite serious," escalating my bewilderment as we were led to the back of the store. In the end, did I even choose anyone? "Welcome!" As soon as someone who seemed like the manager saw Hoshi-san, he greeted her with lips pressed into a flat line, suppressing bitterness. His unprofessional demeanor in customer service suggested they were well-acquainted. "Hey, manager! Give us your liveliest girl!" "Just sit down and wait quietly." "Okay. Oh, I brought a friend today. Look, look." Hoshi-san introduced me with the nonchalance of showing off some souvenir cookies. "Welcome." "Uh, hello..." "Too late to change your attitude now." Shooing us with a gesture, the manager sent us to the back seats with a dismissive wave. It had the same blue tones as the reception area, slightly dim with occasional round lights wandering in the air. I was entranced by the sparkling display. "I'm stingy about extra charges, and they hate me for my low spending." "I see..." I got a taste of this entirely different world. "Want an extension? No! Can I drink? No, have water!" Hoshi-san mimicked interactions playfully, then burst into laughter. Indeed, seemed like a customer they’d dislike. "Don't let your guard down, sensei. Even if you buy one drink, they'll ask for another with a sweet 'How about another one?'" "Well, that's their job, right?" Thinking about it, it was indeed a peculiar job. Yet, if it makes the customers feel good, it works. Perhaps it's similar to me buying a glove for Togawa-san. Not that I'm indulging or obsessed with Togawa-san. "People think I'll make a move on the girls here, but that's a terrible stereotype." "What?" Hoshi-san snorted proudly. "I'm only interested in short, busty girls." "What?" While I was baffled at her unabashed proclamation, a smartly dressed woman slid into the seat beside me. As I was taken aback by her proximity, her pleasant scent, voice, smile, and greetings cascaded over me. "Welcome. Having such a lovely customer makes me nervous." "Uh, w-well... thank you." The distance, the speech, the attire. As I finally focused, I felt an odd sense of awe at encountering a real cabaret girl. Meanwhile, Hoshi-san sighed, leaning her cheek on her hand. "Figures, it's you again." "Thank you for choosing me!" "Why do I always get charged a nomination fee for someone I didn't nominate?" "You told the manager you wanted the best girl, remember?" Replying with a composed face, Hoshi-san smiled. "I like that confidence. As it should be." Hoshi-san introduced me to the cabaret girl. "By the way, she's just a friend, so there's no special appreciation here." "Is there anyone here who's not your friend?" "Probably don't know the newbies. Maybe." As the cabaret girl prepared the drinks, she grumbled about Hoshi-san. "This one coasts through life on good looks." "I see." "What's wrong with having a good face?" It was a striking confidence, but her appearance genuinely merited it. A rarity in facial beauty. A face that probably faced no relationship trouble even without hostess club visits. Yet, perhaps there’s something only hostess club can offer. So, I dove into a world surrounded by glamorous women. And gradually, the outlines of my memories blurred. "You must think you're beautiful, don't you, sensei?" I remember that conversation even before the drinks. "I'm..." "I'm not your student. Let's hear the truth." "......Maybe a little." Living this long, I can't deny having sensed positive receptions now and then. "Even I think you're beautiful, sensei. You’re like the admired older sister in the neighborhood." I admired how effortlessly she flattered an older person. Such skill in word choice marks a professional. I held the glass of alcohol in my hand, gently swaying it. Afterwards, the conversation skipped ahead. At this point, it's all fragmented recollections. "You seem biased against hostess clubs, sensei." "It's not that... well, maybe a bit." "Being honest about that... what a straight arrow you are." Once again, I heard comments I was accustomed to. "You're a teacher at Rin's school, right?" "Yes, why?" "No particular reason, just thought it's a good school." Suddenly, she turned her gaze away, her tone stiff and suspicious. "Their sailor uniforms are cute, aren’t they? Though blazers aren't bad, I prefer sailor uniforms for viewing." Spouting preferences no one asked for. I nodded slightly in agreement. "You've got some shady dealings, seeing as you even go after high school students." "Hey, enough of that." "High school students?" Go after? For some reason, it felt like a painful blow hit me right in the chest.