Lesson Five

Chapter Three: All in the Name

All in the Name

The sun cast a warm glow through the classroom windows, illuminating the lively chatter of students as Itsuki and Futaro moved effortlessly between them. It was remarkable how well their contrasting styles complemented each other once Futaro had decided to let it; Itsuki's enthusiastic, nurturing demeanor perfectly balanced by Futaro's methodical, no-nonsense approach. The students almost seemed to enjoy their "good cop/bad cop" routine that they'd accidentally found themselves performing every time they taught-and at the very least, they'd gotten used to it. Futaro had to admit to himself that he genuinely enjoyed having a lighter work load during lesson planning and had felt incredibly foolish for ever thinking that he would miss solo teaching. He glanced at Itsuki as she knelt to inspect one of their students, Yamada Takumi's work. She looked so comfortable in her role now, as if she were already a seasoned teacher. Futaro wondered if he was even offering any worthwhile mentoring at all.

Just then, Itsuki straightened up and gestured for him to come over.
"Uesugi-sensei, I'd like your thoughts on the grammar on Yamada-kun's work. Does this word work as an adjective?" She asked without a single trace of embarrassment. Futaro glanced at Takumi who seemed to blush a deep scarlet whenever Itsuki was giving him attention. Futaro felt sorry for the young man. It was easy to see why. Futaro had to admit to himself. There was something Itsuki had that he couldn't quite put his finger on that seemed to also pull him towards her. Something he had not noticed when he was younger.

He cleared his throat and checked Takumi's work. "Let's see," Futaro began, studying the sentence in question. "Yes, it can work as an adjective, but you may want to consider using a different word for better clarity."

"Thank you, Uesugi-sensei," Itsuki said. She gently retrieved the paper from Futaro's hands and placed it back on Takumi's desk "See that wasn't too bad was it?" Takumi's eyes widened and his cheeks flushed as her hand rested lightly on his shoulder. "It's always helpful to have a second opinion. And Uesugi-sensei is kind of both our teachers, right?"

Futaro simply grunted in return, trying to control the gentle thumping in his chest as he walked way. He checked the time on the clock above the whiteboard. "Nakano-sensei, it's time for our announcement."

Itsuki nodded at Futaro. "Class, please start packing up your things. We have a few announcements to share before we wrap up for the day."

"That's right. Everyone," Futaro announced, his voice commanding attention. "As you know, finals are just around the corner. To help you prepare, Itsuki-sensei and I will be hosting morning study sessions starting next week-Yes, Suzuki-kun?"

A tall muscular student in the back raised his hand. "Why not do them in the afternoons, Uesugi-sensei?"

"Because," Nakamura Yui chimed in, rolling her eyes, "they're coaching the girl's volleyball team in the afternoons, remember?" Yui was usually a very quiet student, often preferring to just observe the class rather than offer input, but for some reason Koji Suzuki always got a rise out of her.

"Dude I didn't ask you," the Koji barked up.

"I was just answering your stupid question so our teachers wouldn't have to," Yui rolled her eyes at him. "You would have known that if you paid attention, rocks-for brains!"

"Okay, okay enough you two," Itsuki held her hands out towards both students. It wasn't the first time the two had gotten into shouting matches from across the classroom and Itsuki was now fully prepared to quickly intercept. "Point is, Uesugi-sensei and I are hosting morning sessions because that works out better for our schedules. If that doesn't work for you, I'd recommend you arrange something with our partnering cram school." Itsuki said with a tone of finality while the rest of the class nodded in agreement.