Just Another Ghostly Story

Reichitsu

"Okay everyone, that's all for today.. remember to submit that work next week. And be careful on your way home" instructs the young teacher as she moves her bang covering her eyes behind her ear. After a long day at work, she's almost done with the last session for the day, but one thing still lingers on her mind "Kitahara san, do you have a moment?" She calls for Mizuki to stay after. Curious, Daisuke also packs his thing a little slower but still without throwing away his act of being nothing more than a distant classmate of Mizuki.

"See you tomorrow, Hirase Sensei!"  As the students either left for home or their extracurricular activities, most of them did not forget to greet her on their way out. A testament to her popularity, at least in her homeroom class. Daisuke joins those queue but upon exiting the class, he keeps his ear open and eavesdrop on their conversation from the other side of the wall near the stairs. Inconspicuously, of course.

"Kitahara s- ah can I just call you Mizuki chan when it's just us?"
"Sure, I don't mind" although a bit abashed, Mizuki agrees.
"After all, Mizuki chan is like my cute little sister right?" She teases, which makes Mizuki shy even more
"Sorry sorry *chuckles* by the way, are you sure you're okay? Fuu-.. I heard what happened from your Mom, you went home late again last night-"
Mizuki jerks a bit, a telltale reaction.
"Mizuki chan" Hirase a bit stern but still within friendly tone, like a pinch on the cheek  "*sigh* don't worry your mother too much, you're very precious to her" she pats her head "and you're a precious student of mine. Don't forget that"
"Umm yes, Hirase Sensei.. I.. simply.. forgot my things at school.." her eyes darts anywhere except into the teacher's eye.
"Mizuki chan, are you having trouble at school? Are you feeling well? This will be only between us, so you can tell me anything"

Mizuki understands that Hirase Sensei is just trying to help her and understand her problem. She's sincerely a caring teacher. But it's not like she can just come up to her and tell her all about the paranormal shenanigans she got involved with this past week. Not even Mizuki herself is able to completely wrap her head around it yet, much less tries to explain it.

"It's... nothing really... I'm fine..." Mizuki said while directing her eyes down.
"Huh... okay... that's good to hear."
Mizuki just flashes a reluctant smile to prove her status.
"I'm sorry Mizuki chan, talking about this may be a bit uncomfortable for you, especially with an outsider like me" to which Mizuki quickly responds "ehh? Umm no no.. I don't mind it that much.. if it's Sensei.."
Hirase flashes a warm smile "you're thoughtful for your age, but I can understand at least that this is not something you want to talk about too much...  I guess, all I'm trying to say is... take things at your own pace, nobody will judge you if you're taking your time, you can still catch up with the rest even if you take a break every now and then, your mother and I at least, will be with you all the way" seeing that Mizuki is still keeping a wall between them, she lowered her body and see Mizuki on the same eye level, even lower maybe. Keeping eye contact with her, not as a sign of intimidation but as an equal
"you might not realize it, but you've helped me a lot Mizuki chan, so let me know if there's anything I can in turn help you with, be it school or something outside school. I owe you at least that much so feel free to ask me anything.." letting Mizuki know that at least, with her, she can open up or even consult her for advice not just as a homeroom teacher, but as a family, as an older sister, as a friend. A replacement.

Mizuki thought hard about Hirase's word after that, juggling between  how unbelievable her situation is and how good it'll be to have someone to share her troubles with. As she's lost in her thought, her hand spontaneously tries to rub her head to sweep away her highschool worries. But before her hand could reach the back of her head, she notices something it's grabbing onto, a piece of paper, a note.

Mizuki head to the small lawn behind the school building. It's one of the most secluded place that people rarely pass by, an awkward space in the schools amateur planning. But still a comfy one, the shade of the school building protects it from the heat of the sun but positioned in a way that still allows for the cool breeze from the beach to pass through. A suitable hangout spot for students skipping classes. The note from earlier that tells her to come here dissipates soon after she reads it so she knows who it's from.