Inlove with my Gangster Teacher

Chapter 31: Tease

Yankumi walked home, her mind replaying the conversation she had with Odagiri Ryu earlier. His confession had taken her by surprise, though it wasn't the first time. She appreciated his honesty and bravery, but her heart simply didn't mirror his feelings. Rejecting him was difficult, yet she knew that being truthful was kinder than offering false hope. Still, the lingering worry about how he was handling it gnawed at her.

As she approached her home, the familiar sight of the old traditional house brought a small measure of comfort. But tonight, something was different. The house seemed... alive. Laughter and lively chatter filled the air, spilling out from the windows and into the night. It was rare to see such energy radiating from within, especially at this hour.

What's this?

Curiosity piqued, Yankumi quickened her pace and stepped through the front gate. Inside, she was greeted by the sight of her family gathered around the low wooden table, engrossed in a lively conversation. And at the center of it all, there was Sawada Shin. He sat comfortably, a small, almost imperceptible smile on his face as he listened to Kyo-san recount an old story with Tetsu adding exaggerated gestures. Wakamatsu and Minuro chimed in, adding their own jokes, and even her normally reserved grandfather seemed to be enjoying himself.

For a moment, Yankumi just stood there, watching the scene unfold. It was strange, seeing Sawada Shin blend in so effortlessly with her family, as if he had always been a part of their world. The atmosphere was warm and infectious, a stark contrast to the emotional weight she carried from her earlier conversation.

Finally, Sawada Shin noticed her presence. His gaze met hers, and for a brief second, his expression softened, though it quickly reverted to his usual nonchalant demeanor. Kyo-san, noticing the silent exchange, beckoned her over.

"Ojou! Come join us!" he called; his voice full of cheer. "Sawada Shin here has been entertaining us with stories from university life."

Yankumi hesitated for a moment before smiling and stepping further into the room. She couldn't quite place why, but seeing her family so happy—seeing Sawada Shin fit in so naturally—eased some of the tension that had been weighing her down. She couldn't help but wonder what it was about Shin that brought such liveliness to their home.

As she settled in beside them, she noticed something she hadn't before—a few small cups and an open bottle of sake on the table. Kyo-san, was already pouring another round, his cheeks flushed with the warmth of alcohol and laughter. It wasn't unusual for her family to indulge in a drink now and then, but seeing Shin join in was a surprise. Well, at least he can drink sake now that he's not underage anymore.

"Ojiisan, you're drinking sake with Sawada Shin-kun?" she asked, raising an eyebrow in mild amusement.

"Well, Kyotaro brought him here," her grandpa answered.

Kyo-san chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Ah, yes! I ran into Shin by chance at the shop nearby. We started talking, and before I knew it, I invited him over! And what better way to welcome him than with some sake, eh?"

Yankumi glanced at Sawada Shin, who looked as composed as ever, though she could see a slight hint of color in his usually stoic face. He met her gaze, his expression unreadable but somehow calm, as if he was perfectly at ease.

Without hesitation, Kyo-san poured her a cup as well. "Come on, Ojou! Join us! It's been a while since we've had a good family gathering like this."

Yankumi couldn't help but smile at Kyo-san's enthusiasm. She picked up her cup and settled herself between Kyo-san and Sawada Shin.

"Alright, I'll join you, but don't blame me if you regret it later," she teased, earning a hearty laugh from Kyo-san.