Inlove with my Gangster Teacher

Chapter 39: How was his life

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden hue through the windows of the faculty room as Yankumi gathered her belongings. The class had ended, and the usual bustle of students was replaced by the quiet hum of teachers finishing up their day's work. As she slung her bag over her shoulder and was about to step out, a familiar voice halted her in her tracks.

"Yamaguchi-sensei!" the vice principal's sharp tone cut through the air, making Yankumi wince inwardly. She turned to face him, her usual carefree expression replaced with a polite, albeit slightly strained, smile.

"Hai, Sawatari-kyoto?" Yankumi responded, folding her hands in front of her.

The vice principal adjusted his glasses, his face etched with his usual stern demeanor. "Tomorrow's the field trip, as you know. I want to remind you—again—that this is an important event. You cannot afford to be late, and I expect you to take this seriously. Do I make myself clear?"

Yankumi nodded quickly, her mind already racing through the preparations she had made. "Yes, I understand."

He gave her a pointed look. "And don't be a burden to your co-teachers, especially Odagiri Ryu. As the assistant teacher, he has enough on his plate without needing to clean up after you." His tone was laced with a thinly veiled warning.

Yankumi straightened, stifling the urge to roll her eyes. "I won't let you down, Sawatari-kyoto. I'll be on time and ready."

The vice principal huffed, not entirely convinced but clearly out of energy to argue further. "See that you do," he muttered before turning his attention back to the papers on his desk, dismissing her with a flick of his hand.

As Yankumi stepped out of the faculty room, she exhaled deeply, whispering to herself with a clenched fist, "Fight-o!" Her spirits lifted a bit, but the reminder of tomorrow's responsibilities still weighed on her.

She had barely taken a few steps down the hallway when a familiar voice called from behind.

"Yamaguchi-sensei!"

Yankumi turned to see Odagiri Ryu walking toward her, his usual calm expression in place. He caught up to her in a few long strides.

"Heading out already?" he asked in his voice casual.

"Yeah," Yankumi nodded, smiling. "All done for today. How about you? Are you finished too?"

"Not quite," Odagiri replied, running a hand through his hair. "I still have to prepare a few things with Baba Seiga-sensei for tomorrow's trip."

Yankumi made a small noise of understanding, crossing her arms. "Ah, that must be tough. Well, don't push yourself too hard." She gave him an encouraging grin, feeling a bit guilty that she was leaving while he still had work to do.

Odagiri smirked slightly, shrugging. "It's fine. I'll manage. Just don't be late tomorrow, alright? I don't want to be chasing after you all day."

Yankumi laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of her neck. "No worries! I'll be right on time. I promise!"

Odagiri raised an eyebrow but said nothing more, and with a nod, he turned back toward the faculty room. Yankumi watched him for a moment before continuing her walk, heading home as the streets bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun.

As she walked, her mind briefly wandered to tomorrow's trip. With Odagiri handling things so calmly, maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. She squared her shoulders and whispered again to herself,

Fight-o!

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Yankumi continued walking, her thoughts still on tomorrow's trip when she heard the rumble of a car pulling up beside her. She turned her head just in time to see Noda Takeshi slowing down and waving at her from the driver's seat.