Nyanta & Pomeko

Chapter 20: Teacher

I was on the train with Shinozuka, talking about my novel, and we arrived at Maihama in no time. Our conversation was endless.

　I could tell that Shinozuka really liked novels.

"What?　We're already here.　Shinjo-kun, the parking lot downstairs is the meeting place, right?　We still have some time, so let's take a walk!"

"I don't mind, but the ...... store is only a cafe.　Let's take a leisurely tea break."

"Yeah!　Let's check out the EXDES over there first!"

　EXDES is a commercial facility adjacent to Maihama Station.

　There are many stores related to Destiny Land lined up.

　I've never been to one so I'll leave it to Shinozuka.

　We were about to head for the EXDES when we saw our homeroom teacher sitting alone on a bench in the central square. The teacher who leads ...... the class comes this early?

　The teacher noticed us and raised his hand lightly.

　We walked up to the bench where the teacher was sitting and said hello.

"Hmm, you two are early.. ...... Aren't you two quite the fashionistas?　It's really a sight for sore eyes."

"Oh, haha, you're wearing a suit, aren't you teacher?"

　The teacher always has the impression of being cool and keeping her distance from her students.

　This morning, she felt a little different. ...... usually has beautiful but sharp eyes and is feared by her students. Now I get a softer impression.

"It's not a game, you know. It's an important job to lead. ...... If some student does something stupid, you'll have to clean up the mess. It's for that time."

I'm sure the job of a teacher is very hard, because you have to take care of other people. I don't think ...... I'll ever be able to do it.

　The phone in the teacher's hand popped and a notification sounded. ...... It was a strangely cute notification sound.

The teacher is working on her phone, looking at what looks like an email.

　She had a kind look in her eyes.

　She must have noticed my gaze, because she opened her mouth.

"It's from an old friend....I used to come here on field trips when I was in school, just like you guys.......I got nostalgic, so I sent him a picture."

"Was it ...... nice?"

　I didn't know what to say. But the teacher had a very nostalgic look on her face.

"By the way, are you guys finally friends?　...... Well, you don't have to tell me if you're embarrassed. I can tell by looking at you."

　Shinozuka glanced at my face and answered the teacher.

"Yes, yes.. We're ...... friends."

　It's nothing to be ashamed of. It's a good thing that I'm friends with Shinozuka, because I'm happy to be her friend.

"Oh, Shinozuka is a dear friend."

　Shinozuka's face is turning red. My face is hot too, I'm sure even my ears are red.

　The teacher did not make fun of me, but gave me a gentle smile.

She said, "Then enjoy the day. We, the teachers, are responsible. ...... You may not be able to erase the scars of your past, but you can make your own memories. If you are with your loved ones, you will forget them. It's a good idea to think of this time, this moment, as finite and make memories as best you can. ...... Oh, I'm sorry, I spoke out of character. ...... Look, you're going to see the EXDES, right?　Go ahead."