Inlove with my Gangster Teacher

Chapter 40: Class 3D School Trip

"Bzzz! Bzzz! Bzzz!"

The shrill buzz of Yankumi's alarm clock shattered the stillness of the early morning. Her eyes fluttered open, and she groaned, burying her face deeper into the pillow. It was still dark outside, the faint glow of dawn barely peeking through the curtains. She knew she had to get up—it was the day of the much-anticipated field trip, and she needed to be at the school extra early to prepare.

With a sigh, Yankumi stretched her arms, silencing the alarm with a lazy tap. "Alright, alright, I'm up," she muttered to herself, rolling out of bed. Today would be a long day, and she needed all the energy she could muster.

Yankumi shuffled out of her room, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. As soon as she stepped into the hallway, the familiar smell of coffee greeted her. She followed the scent to the kitchen, where Tetsu was already bustling around.

"Ojou, Ohayou gozaimasu!" Tetsu greeted her with his usual enthusiasm, flipping an egg in the pan. "I've got breakfast ready for you, Ojou, and a fresh cup of coffee just how you like it."

Yankumi blinked, still groggy, but managed a smile. "You're a lifesaver, Tetsu-kun."

As she sat down at the table, Minoru appeared, carrying a neatly packed bag. "All set for the two-day field trip, Ojou," he said, placing it down beside her. "I made sure you have everything—extra clothes, snacks, the first-aid kit. I even double-checked the itinerary."

"Arigatou na, Minoru-kun." She gave him an appreciative nod then sips the steaming coffee.

A few moments later, Yankumi was dressed and ready, her hair hastily tied back in a twin ponytail. She grabbed her bag, feeling more awake after the breakfast and coffee. At the front door, she was met by the familiar sight of all the men living in the house—even her grandfather, the Kumicho himself, standing there to see her off.

"Take care of yourself, Ojou!" Tetsu called, bowing his head for her.

"Remember to have fun, and don't let those kids give you any trouble," her grandfather said, his tone firm but with a hint of fondness.

Yankumi smiled, feeling the warmth of her strange but caring family. "Ittekimasu!" she replied, waving to them as she stepped out the door.

With one final look over her shoulder, she smiled at the group before heading off. The field trip awaited.

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When Yankumi arrived at the school, she was greeted by the crisp morning air and the faint murmur of students gathering for the trip. As she approached the entrance, she spotted Odagiri Ryu leaning against his car, arms crossed, already waiting. He was early.

"Ohayou, Odagiri-kun!" Yankumi called out, walking up to him with a bright smile. "You're here earlier than I expected."

He straightened up and nodded, his expression neutral. "Ohayou gozaimasu, Yamaguchi-sensei."

Yankumi raised an eyebrow at the formal tone but brushed it off for now. "Have you eaten? Got enough sleep? Today's gonna be a long day."

"Yes, I'm good. I got here just a few minutes before you, Yamaguchi-sensei," Odagiri answered, his voice even and measured. He sounded polite, but there was something off. His usual casual tone was missing, replaced by something more... distant.

Yankumi noticed it right away. Odagiri wasn't being his normal self with her. Usually, he was relaxed, sometimes even a bit cheeky. But today, there was a formality in his words, like he was drawing a line between them. A professional distance. It wasn't like him, and it made Yankumi pause for a moment, watching him carefully.