1.12 - 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 Twelve "Yeah, I guess so." It's exasperating how unfair favoritism is lavished on specific students. Togawa-san's radiant smile seemed to steal away my soul, leaving me to reply instinctively. While I tried to plaster on a weak smile, her eyes sparkled brilliantly, brighter than ever. I questioned if humans could truly shine this much. Her luminescence was almost blinding, like gazing at the sunlit ocean, searing itself into my vision. "Wow... ahaha." Togawa-san's expression was unguarded as she struggled to contain her joy, appearing so much younger than her age. Her suddenly transformed demeanor left me wide-eyed in disbelief. Could this really be her? This was Togawa-san’s true face—a glowing young girl with a childlike laugh. I was overwhelmed by the radiance I had never seen before. It's hard to say I know Togawa-san well enough to grasp the details. But one thing was clear: this glove held significant meaning for her. And then, Togawa-san began to hop around. She cast aside what seemed to be her lunchtime snack, and with empty hands reached out to grip mine. Pulling me along, she cheerfully bounded over the few steps leading out of the classroom preparation area and down the hallway. Naturally, I had to match her pace. "Togawa-san, wait—" I had so many things I wanted to say. About the lunch, about running in the hallway, about our hands being clasped together. But all of that was left behind in our race. Togawa-san laughed a melodic laugh, oblivious to my protests. Without even changing shoes, we dashed out of the school building together. It felt like we might keep running to the ends of the earth, but when we reached the sports field, Togawa-san suddenly halted, allowing me to catch my breath, much to my relief. When was the last time I ran so earnestly? While I was breathless, Togawa-san twirled around me like a dancer, keeping her distance. "Togawa-san..." "If you’re this kind, you know, I might end up falling for you, Sensei!" She exclaimed, her voice full of energy that could echo throughout the town, teasing me enough to make me anxious. "Comments like that shouldn’t be made so lightly..." "Sensei, here!" Showing no sign of listening to my caution, Togawa-san clapped her hands impatiently, like she was praising a dog that brought back a ball. Feeling slightly bashful at the gesture, I gently tossed the soft ball. Without a glove, I had to throw it carefully to avoid hurting her. Togawa-san skillfully caught the soft ball with both hands, looking down at it rolling in her grasp with satisfaction. In this unsheltered moment, she revealed to me a sincerity unseen among her peers, whose presence in the classroom shrouded her true feelings. I quickly quashed the fleeting sense of superiority it evoked. What kind of satisfaction was I seeking to gain, and from whom? "I’ll bring my glove from home tomorrow!" Her casual declaration of plans for tomorrow made my cheeks momentarily hot. In that moment, I likely wore an expression best kept unseen by others. There was a tomorrow to look forward to. I'm truly glad I decided to buy the glove. With a jubilant vigor, Togawa-san returned the ball to me, expressing her joy with every part of her being. And as I watched the ball, my eyes sparkled as if sharing in her brilliance, almost blindingly so. "Sensei, are you free today?" It had become routine for Togawa-san to ask this after morning homeroom concluded. "Today... I think I’m free so far." Togawa-san would find me at the podium in the brief time before class began to inquire about plans for the lunch break. When my schedule permitted, playing catch with her had become almost second nature. Given the sedentary nature of teaching, it was a beneficial way to combat a lack of exercise, although not completely without issues. "Alright, see you at the usual spot." Togawa-san’s words carried the weight of a shared secret between us, and I responded with a quiet nod. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the number of glances from seated students was increasing by the day. Particularly from those close to Togawa-san, keeping a close watch. It was understandable; after all, their friend had suddenly grown close with the homeroom teacher and started spending lunch breaks with them, sparking confusion or even envy. Without once acknowledging those glances, Togawa-san looked up at me with a joyful expression. From the platform, I could look down at her, a refreshing change of perspective. Not long after, Togawa-san jumped up onto the podium to bring us back to our usual height difference. Grinning as if to relish it, she placed a hand on my head. "Hehe." "Hey, don’t do that to your teacher." I seized Togawa-san’s wrist, gently scolding her. Her eyes gleaming mischievously, she retreated like a child reprimanded for a prank. Watching her retreating figure with fondness, I shook my head to dispel these thoughts. Togawa-san was, undeniably, adorable. Every move, each gesture was youthful. Since that day, Togawa-san seemed to dazzle with a brilliance that might either originate from her or have transferred to my own sight—it was impossible to distinguish. However, finding only one particular student so radiant was bound to cause problems. I was her teacher, after all. "Togawa-san, are you sure it’s okay to not spend time with your friends?" And that midday, as she dashed into the class preparation room, I handed her the glove kept in safekeeping and posed my question. Her glove, well-worn with noticeable scuffs and fading, showed a lack of recent care. As Togawa-san inspected the state of her glove, she tilted her head at my query. "I just hope you’re not neglecting your friendships." As a teacher, if Togawa-san were to become isolated in class, I'd need to intervene. However. "Sensei’s great, so that’s why I come here!" Unflinchingly, she replied with such straightforwardness, embedding itself in my heart—not unwelcome, yet unsettling. She’s a bit clingy. For some reason, I could increasingly sense it too. "If you’re happy, Togawa-san, then it’s fine." Diverting the topic, I dodged confrontation, while Togawa-san extended her hand. "Let’s go, Sensei." "Sure..." Reluctant yet unable to refuse, I followed her lead. The bond nurtured through playing catch was acknowledged by all, but there was a pressing issue. Togawa-san took it as a given to hold hands, and it seemed this act became embedded as their norm. As we walked through the school, my nervousness manifested as cold sweat, while I maintained a composed smile. A teacher and student holding hands in public is unquestionably problematic. Yet, with no public reprimand or objection, we ended up at the sports field. Togawa-san strode with a winning stride, exuding contentment. Each of her gestures held a peculiar charm that brought a sense of peace to my heart. Watching Togawa-san, I often felt as though I had stumbled upon something precious. In Togawa Rin's sparkling presence, what was I truly seeing? As our games of catch continued, would I eventually be able to catch an answer? If such a moment ever did come, by that time... "Here we go, Sensei!" "Alright!" I resolved to improve my skills in catching as I pursued the white ball. As it traced a gentle arc through the air, the ball hid within the light of the sun, until it lodged itself with a thud.