Ayanokouji transfers from class - beginning of the third year - COTE

A New Phase

Part Three: A New Phase

Speaker: Ayanokouji

The spring break is over, and today marks the beginning of the first semester of my third year. Broadly speaking, this means I am approaching the endpoint of three years of my school life. The day of the opening ceremony has finally arrived. I moved from our familiar old classroom in the second year to a new class for the third year.

I tied my tie and tucked my sleeves into my jacket. Looking in the mirror, I styled my hair, making sure I looked sharp, then headed for the door.

I walked to school alone, which was unusual for me. I had cut ties with Karizawa Kei. If asked whether those days we spent together were necessary, I would say they were half of that.

What was necessary was that through repeatedly talking to someone, my communication skills improved. This was a valuable opportunity to hone my developing skills. On the other hand, due to my lack of experience, I often failed in my responses to the other person, especially when dealing with Kei in a bad mood. There were times I chose the wrong answer and ended up worsening her mood. I still struggle with this aspect. Otherwise, the barrier was that the time allotted for honing my personal skills was limited. Along with the benefits of communication, dating, and understanding the opposite sex, I made significant sacrifices in many other matters.

Now that my policy had changed significantly, her liberation from dependency was essential. She would have to rise and fight. It might take time, but her surroundings would support her in standing up again. I wondered if there was hesitation in parting with Kei, but that was just a fantasy.

And now, my daily routine would return to a carefree student life... as if the current situation would allow for such naive thoughts. Moreover, the current environment had already begun to drift away from everyday life. I had entered a new phase in my school life.

Even though it was spring, today felt colder than usual. There were large crowds on my way to school—a sight not usually seen during spring break. I wasn't disturbed by this serene scene; unexpectedly, I might have preferred watching the waves of students flowing. Or perhaps... I had gotten used to the current view before me. When I sensed the end of the road approaching, I began to subconsciously take pride in it.

I headed toward the classroom. However, this time, I took a new route since I had to go to a new class.

On this day, Class 3-A would face a peculiar situation unlike any they had experienced before.

"Good morning! Good morning! It’s so cold~!"

I could hear a cheerful, lively voice behind me.

I didn’t think she was calling me, but when I ignored it and kept walking, she became confused and shouted again.

"Wait a moment!? Ayanokouji-kun?"

Apparently, the earlier greeting had indeed been directed at me. I turned to see Hoshinomiya-sensei, the class teacher in Class D.

"Wait up already~"

She grabbed my cold hand in hers.

I found myself wondering what kind of teacher holds a student's hand like this.

"I apologize. I didn’t realize you were talking to me. Is there something important?"

"Do I need a reason to greet you?"

With my hand still in hers, she looked at me with upside-down eyes. Only someone who knew how nice they were would behave like that.

I might have started to pick up this kind of behavior because I had gotten used to watching every move Kouchida made.

"It’s not that... it’s just..."

With a little force, I pulled my hand away from her grip. For some reason, she smiled wickedly at my reaction.

Looking at the spot where she stood, I guessed she was waiting for my arrival.

"You’ll become somewhat of a celebrity from now on."
I wondered what she would say, and it turned out to be about that.

I continued walking forward.

"Ignoring the students in the other classes for a moment, how will you explain this to your class? You’ve always done your best to appear inconspicuous; after arriving in Class A, you immediately transfer to Class D. Did you prepare for this scenario in advance?"

I ignored her words as I thought about what I should do for the rest of the day. I was planning to visit the store today; I had heard they were having discounts to celebrate the beginning of a new school season.

"I spent all night thinking about the reason until I reached the point of surrendering to the drink until intoxicated," Hoshinomiya-sensei spoke quietly and contemplatively, while she rubbed her head slowly, recalling.

While Hoshinomiya-sensei was accustomed to saying scattered things at times, in most cases, her words were carefully calculated.

"Starting today, I am a student in Class D, and I look forward to learning under your guidance, Hoshinomiya-sensei."
I gave her what I thought was a clear response, but then I noticed the sparkle in Hoshinomiya-sensei’s eyes.

"Eh~ of course—it's my duty to help you integrate with your new class," Hoshinomiya-sensei replied cheerfully, proudly patting her chest, raising her head with pride.

In truth, I might not need your help.
I wanted to say this, but there were only a few steps left until we reached the classroom.

"This will be tough for you. Get ready to dazzle with questions."

"I know."
Although I was well aware that there were many types of teachers, she might be the most unpredictable of them all.

Hoshinomiya-sensei signaled for me to wait outside the classroom while she entered.

I heard loud voices; the classroom was lively and filled with energy, with sounds filling the air, vibrant with students exchanging laughter and conversations enthusiastically. It was bustling with activity and motion, distinctly different from Horikita's class, despite their recent ranking. Yet, the spirit of cooperation and vitality was remarkably evident; it seemed that Class Eishinoushi had not yet lost its fighting spirit.

After Hoshinomiya-sensei entered the classroom, the bell rang, signaling the start of class. Silence quickly fell, and everyone returned to their seats. The atmosphere among them was impressive; Hoshinomiya-sensei was entirely different from Chabashira-sensei. She interacted with them as if she were one of them, as if she were a student like them in the class. One could say that the relationship between them resembled what they call family.

Hoshinomiya-sensei walked around the class, then began the morning lesson and took her place behind the teaching podium, with a wide smile on her face. She stood in the classroom with bright features. Her wide eyes sparkled with joy, and a warm smile adorned her lips. Her cheeks were slightly raised due to the smile, giving her face a special radiance. Her hair was neatly styled, gently swaying with every movement she made. She stood confidently, her shoulders relaxed, her hands holding a book or papers, while her friendly gaze roamed over the students.

"Good morning, and welcome to the start of a new school season! It is my pleasure to welcome all of you here again," Hoshinomiya-sensei said in a joyful tone, bringing happiness to the heart and filling the atmosphere with enthusiasm.
The students sat in breathtaking silence, their eyes shining with excitement and optimism.

The students responded with enthusiasm, and whispers and smiles rose throughout the classroom. It was clear that her words had impacted them and ignited their enthusiasm for the start of the new school year.

"Sensei~ did you find a boyfriend?" Shibata asked curiously and jokingly.

"No," Hoshinomiya-sensei immediately rejected, and the entire class laughed. The atmosphere among them was genuinely different. I wondered how it would be if someone asked Chabashira-sensei this question; perhaps he would end up in the disciplinary committee or something similar.

"You seem unusually happy, Sensei," Eishinoushi said with curiosity.

"Ah," Hoshinomiya-sensei looked toward the door as if she remembered something important.
"Before we start the lesson, I want to tell you some important news. I want you to welcome the new transfer student."