Inlove with my Gangster Teacher

Chapter 82: You're a freak, Yankumi

After what felt like endless negotiations, Yankumi finally got out of the hospital two days later. It took a lot of convincing and persuading, but Shin ultimately—though reluctantly—agreed.

As they stepped out of the hospital entrance, Shin carried her bag while keeping a watchful eye on her every movement. "Don't push yourself too hard," he muttered.

Yankumi grinned. "Heh, I'm fine! Nothing I can't handle."

Shin shot her a sharp look. "You just got out. Don't start acting reckless already."

The doctor had been very clear about her condition: "Avoid unnecessary strain on your shoulder. No sudden movements, no lifting heavy objects, and absolutely no fighting."

Of course, Shin knew the last part would probably be the hardest rule for her to follow.

Kuma, Minoru, and Tetsu were waiting outside, ready to take her home.

"Ojou! We've got the car ready," Tetsu announced, opening the door.

"Welcome back, Ojou!" Minoru beamed.

"Jeez, don't make us worry like that again, Yankumi." Kuma gave her a relieved smile.

Yankumi chuckled, feeling a warm sense of familiarity. "Yeah, yeah, I got it."

As she got into the car, Shin sat beside her, his arms crossed as he sighed. "Two to three weeks, got it? You better behave."

Yankumi grinned sheepishly. "Heh, hai, hai..."

But deep inside, she knew staying still for that long was going to be a real challenge.

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Despite her injuries, Yankumi reported to school the next day—still sporting a few bandages on her head and her arm secured in a sling shoulder support.

As soon as she stepped into the classroom, her students gasped in disbelief.

"NO WAY!"

Itsuo blinked. "You already came back?"

"I thought it'd take a month for you to heal!" Samejima shook his head.

Tawara sighed dramatically. "That's... disappointing."

Yankumi crossed her arms—or rather, tried to, before realizing her limited mobility—and grinned.

"Like I can rest when your house arrest issue just got cleared up." She placed her good hand on her hip. "I wouldn't know what you guys would be up to while I'm not around."

Some of the students awkwardly averted their gaze, while others snickered at her usual antics, feeling oddly relieved to have their teacher back—even if she was a little worse for wear.

Suddenly, a voice from behind her spoke.

"You're a freak, Yankumi."

Yankumi blinked. "Huh...?"

She turned to see Saiga, who scoffed before heading to his seat, a faint blush dusting his cheeks.

"Just what do you even eat every day?" he muttered.

Yankumi stared after him, stunned. "Saiga...? Huh? Just now... you called me Yankumi..."

The class snickered, while Saiga quickly looked away, pretending not to hear.

That small moment filled Yankumi with happiness. They're starting to accept me! she thought, beaming. Without thinking, she excitedly raised her injured arm.