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

Chapter 1: "The Scent of the Sea Doesn't Reach Me" - Part Thirteen "Let's not do it today since it's raining." "Ehh—" When Togawa-san approached me with a bright smile as usual this morning, I thought she might be motivated to go ahead with our plan. Indeed, she was. She gestured towards the window with her chin, drawing attention to the weather. "Even professional baseball plays in the rain, Sensei." "We're not professionals, and this isn't just a drizzle. It's pouring." The days of clear May skies had been interrupted by a sudden downpour. Sheets of rain were battering against the classroom windows with a raucous clatter. I couldn't muster the desire to venture outside in such weather. "Then let's do it in the gym!" "Other students are using the gym, and playing catch there could be dangerous." After all, I'd be the one throwing. Even if I didn't throw hard, there's a chance I could slip, and the ball might hit another student. If we became unpopular, casting a chill over our catch sessions wouldn't be any fun. "Oh, I see." "I wouldn't want you to catch a cold, Togawa-san, so let's take a break today, okay?" "Hmm... got it." A bit dejected, Togawa-san returned to her seat. Seeing her with her ears and eyes downcast pained my heart, and I wished it wouldn't rain so much. Yet, the rainy season was on the horizon. Having grown accustomed to our lunchtime catch, I wondered if I might feel a bit restless without some physical activity. My interactions with Togawa-san had certainly fostered healthier habits. It seemed this change affected not just my body but perhaps the rhythm of my heart as well. On my way home that day... "Oh" "Oh, it's not-" I caught Togawa-san's back, as she was attempting to slip away with a playful dodge. By chance, I had spotted her again. It was evening in the town again. As I secured her, she quickly offered an explanation before I said anything. "We didn't play catch today, so—" "Even if we didn't, I don't want you wandering around." When I let go, she didn't attempt to flee again, just laughed softly. "Sensei, thank you for your hard work." "Thanks, but you can't sway me with that." Togawa-san shook her head nonchalantly. It seemed that Hoshi-san wasn't with her today. "So today... um... oh, it's different." Her expression changed rapidly as she seemed to find a suitable excuse. "I came to visit my mom's store today." "Your mom's store?" "Here," Togawa-san pointed beside her. Drawn in that direction, I saw a shop right before us. "It has quite a retro appearance." "It used to be a bank. They just kept the exterior." "Wow..." Judging by the store sign and a small description outside, it appeared to be a bar. "If you think I'm lying, come in and see for yourself. My mom's there." "Togawa-san's mom, you say..." With this kind of laissez-faire attitude, I felt I could guess her personality somewhat. Nonetheless, it might be worth visiting at least once. "So, can I meet her now?" "Wait, you're really coming?" Seemingly not anticipating my response, Togawa-san appeared momentarily flustered. After hesitating. Deliberating. And trying to escape again before I caught her. "Well, alright." In the end, it seemed she had resigned herself to showing me inside. Togawa-san pushed open the heavy-looking door with ease. Entering a bar made me somewhat anxious. The staff who welcomed us smiled warmly at Togawa-san. "Welcome, Rin-chan." "Hey there, it's been a while." The familiar exchange suggested an easy friendship. The staff then turned to me, bowing politely. "Please get Mom. Tell her someone from my school is here to see her." "Someone from school? Rin-chan, did something happen?" "Nah, it's fine," Togawa-san said, nudging the staff's shoulder gently. They gave a slightly troubled smile before heading to the back. After a short time, a woman emerged, likely having come from the kitchen, her pace languid. When she noticed Togawa-san, she narrowed her eyes. I saw Togawa-san's hand stiffen, clutching tightly. "So, someone from school. What did Rin do now?" "I didn't do anything... but Sensei said they wanted to meet you." Though it was Togawa-san who had greeted me outside the store, I let her implication stand uncorrected. "Someone from school, huh..." "I'll wait over there." With that, Togawa-san took a seat at the edge of the counter. Now, it was just me and Togawa-san's mother, exchanging glances. At first sight, Togawa-san's mother didn't closely resemble her. Perhaps it was the makeup style. "Well, nice to meet you, Sensei. I'm Rin's mother." "I'm Ichigohara Itsuki. I'm her homeroom teacher this year." "Okay. So, what did you want to discuss? I'm tied up with work as I handle all the food and snacks here myself. Would you like to talk while I work?" Would feelings of something warped in her casual laugh be a bias of mine? "There's no way I can just enter the kitchen." "True." "I can wait until your work ends… but how long…?" "Until one in the morning. Can you wait until then, Sensei?" "That's a bit difficult." Of course, I had work the next day. Telling my husband I'd be that late would be hard to explain. "I thought so. Well—" Rather than heading back to the kitchen, Togawa's mother sat at a nearby counter seat. She patted the seat next to her. "If it only takes five minutes, sit and tell me. But truly, only five." "Understood..." Setting my bag beside me, I pulled out a chair and took a seat. The change in angle offered a different view of the bar. Having never been inside a bar before, I gazed at the bottles lined up on the shelves, and considered the experience new. The soft, dim lights reflecting off the interior bathed the space in a warm glow, and the aroma of alcohol permeated pleasantly. Feeling a discreet thrill at seeing a bartender in action for the first time, our eyes met. I gave a small nod, and the bartender returned the gesture warmly. "Is this place unusual for you?" "Well, I don't come to places like this often." Unlike her daughter, Togawa's mother scrutinized me with a piercing gaze. "Is something the matter?" "You're quite beautiful, Sensei. Are you married?" "Yes, I am…" "Hmmm..." Despite asking, she seemed utterly indifferent, inexplicably tilting her head. "Then you should bring your husband for a drink next time. Our food gets rave reviews." "Has the five-minute timer started?" "Of course," Togawa's mother confirmed, neither smiling nor breaking eye contact as she gestured with her fingers to count down. With five minutes, I pondered briefly before diving straight into the subject. "Togawa-san... Rin-san is my student and in my class. I've noticed she often goes out at night, and as her parent, aren't you concerned about offering some guidance or supervision?" "I won't." Her languid reply came from behind a supporting hand on her chin. "Whether they're kids or adults, people should do what they like and bear their own consequences. And aren't high schoolers pretty much adults? Rin's even taller than me. Isn't she taller than you, Sensei?" "It's not about physical maturity, but mental maturity..." "How could you possibly know that?" Her response was blunt, as if she was dismissing my words with a breath, the sharpness of her tone unmistakable.