Five days have passed since Yanami's declaration of hostility, and today is the end-of-term ceremony for the third trimester. On special days, feelings float gently, passing as if in a dream.
Even after the closing ceremony is over, and report cards are distributed in the classroom, a sense of reality still doesn't come over me. Closing the report card with declining grades from the second term, I glance around the classroom.
The buzzing classroom gradually becomes quiet even without the teacher opening their mouth. Soon, everyone sits down, and silence returns. Amanatsu sensei begins to speak.
"...Well, starting tomorrow is spring break. The next time you come to school, you'll be second-year students."
An unusually serious expression on Amanatsu sensei's face. Feeling the different atmosphere, I involuntarily straighten my back.
"In the second year, you'll be divided into science and humanities, and there will be class changes. Meeting your current classmates and facing each other in this homeroom is the last time."
Teacher takes time to look around at us, as if engraving the scene from the teacher's desk into memory.
"But like this, every year we disband and create new classes in April. There may be anxiety, but once it starts, anything can happen. When you're anxious, the other person is anxious too. If you empathize with others, it will surely come through."
—There were various things this year.
In the first term, I hardly spoke to anyone, but before I knew it, there were people around me. There were many troubles, but there were also many enjoyable moments.
"I'll remember about 1-C for a long time, so you can forget it by tomorrow. So you can proceed to the next stage with peace of mind."
—This teacher, who didn't even remember my face at first, has finally smoothly started mentioning my name recently, and bringing the literature club's adviser to us is also fresh in memory.
Regarding the introduction of Konuki-sensei, there are both pros and cons, but the balance is just barely positive.
Amanatsu sensei seems to have finally finished expressing their feelings, and they sigh in relief.
"I've sent off students like this five times, but this time feels a bit lonely... yeah..."
Amanatsu Teacher sniffles while pressing their eyes with a handkerchief.
Is this person crying...?
Despite being such a teacher, they genuinely cared about the class.
Unexpected tears from the teacher wrap the classroom in a calm atmosphere—.
"Oh, is this the sixth time I'm sending them off? Or is it the fourth time? I forgot the report card at home, and I got a serious lecture from the grade chief in the third year... was that the third year?"
Amanatsu sensei's muttered words blow away the humid air in the classroom.
As expected, Amanatsu-chan is Amanatsu-chan until the end.
"Well, there are those who will be in the same class in the second year, and we'll see each other in class. Next year, too, count on me!"
Amanatsu sensei, with her usual enthusiasm, turns and taps the teacher's desk with the attendance book.
"Alright, homeroom is over! 1-C, hereby disbanded!"
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