A Liar's Truth [UNDER FINAL REVISION]

Ch 40: Bad news

Third Person's Point of View 

"Sensei, come have tea in town with everyone after school!" Kurahashi called out brightly as Karasuma packed up his things.

He paused, turning just enough to glance over his shoulder, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Ah. I appreciate the invitation, but I'm expecting a communication from the Ministry of Defense after this."

His voice was polite, measured. With that, he continued walking down the path, back straight, hands tucked behind him like always.

The class stood still, watching his retreating figure.

"His private life doesn't have any openings either," Kurahashi murmured, her cheer dimming into something more wistful.

"It's more like..." Yada squinted after him, arms folded across her chest. "Even when he's here, he's... not with us. There's always this invisible wall around him."

"He's strict, but kind. He takes care of us." Kurahashi toyed with the hem of her sleeve. "But I guess things don't go beyond that. Maybe because... this is just part of his job."

Ginka's gaze lingered in the same direction, less soft than the others. There was a sharp glint in her eyes, something distant. "When you spend your life taking orders, walls get easier to build than bridges. Safer, too."

Karma tilted his head at her, eyes flicking sideways.

Oh? That wasn't the first time she seemed indifferent to Karasuma, but it was the first time her words had an edge. She'd always lit up more around Korosensei or even Irina—but never Karasuma. Too subtle to bring up... until now.

Korosensei, floating nearby, tried to lighten the mood. "That's not true at all! Yes, Karasuma-sensei was sent to oversee my assassination, but I assure you—he has the heart of a splendid teacher!"

The group fell into silence again, reflecting. But that peace didn't last long.

A tall, broad-shouldered man emerged with enough plastic bags to supply a small bakery. His steps were heavy, casual, the box balanced in one arm like it weighed nothing.

"Hey there!" He pointed to himself with a grin that stretched too wide, "Name's Takaoka Akira! Starting today, I'll be working here to help out Karasuma! Nice to meet you all, Class E!"

The bags hit the ground with a thud, sending a sugary cloud of vanilla and cream into the air. It almost masked the weight behind it.

"Who's that guy...?"

"He's huge..."

"These are eclairs from La Hermès!" Kayano's eyes practically turned into heart emojis.

"Are those Monchhi-chi roll cakes?!" Sugaya leaned forward, stunned.