Dimwit || Shinomiya Kojiro

treize

(Ishikawa Juno POV)

[Polar Star Dorm]

"B-but Jun-sensei, you're the best professor Totsuki has." Yoshino cried as I began packing my things. "How could they dismiss you?"

I let out a sigh. "It was inevitable. I'd be reduced to a spineless professor if I agreed to continue under their standards. Would you have wanted me to do that instead?"

Yoshino didn't reply, but quietly sobbed.

"Besides, it's a good time to leave the teaching scene." I began. "I've found my passion to cook and I have a special someone in my life who lives in France." I finished packing and patted Yoshino on the back. I'll make sure to visit.

I swung my duffle bag over my shoulder and said my goodbyes to everyone in the dorm.

"Fumio-san, thank you for being an amazing dorm caretaker back then and now. I'll be sure to visit."

"Soma, I know that you'll reach the top someday, and who knows, maybe you'll be the one to take down Central."

"Megumi, I'm sorry that our time has gotten cut short, but as your mentor, I'm extremely proud of your growth."

"Yoshino, you've always been bright and cheerful. Thanks for always being there to bring color into my life. Keep being who you are."

"Well then, goodbye everyone. Stay safe." I left the dorm and headed out. I planned to stop by a place: the kitchen that Kojiro and I used to use and also where I mentored Eishi. I wanted to reminisce since it would be a long time until I'd come back.

I stood in the empty kitchen to my own thoughts until I heard the door open. "I knew you would be here sensei." Eishi held his knees to catch his breath. "Sensei...if this isn't too much to ask, can you stay? Please?"

"Ah, it's harder to decline when your close student asks you, but my answer is still no." I replied with a warm smile. "I heard you're teaching my class in my place?"

"The thought of teaching makes me want to throw up. I don't think I'll ever be as great a teacher. I'm also sorry for joining Central. I just feel as if there needs to be some centralized higher gourmet cooking." Eishi looked down in guilt.

I patted his shoulder, "There's no need to be sorry. I'm actually proud that you made your own decision. If you feel like you can grow this way, then this is the path you should take. Can I have a final hug?"

Eishi embraced me and I returned it gladly. "Well, I hope to see you thriving some day Eishi."

I left Totsuki's campus with mixed feelings. I was glad that I would be able to pursue my own passions, but sad that I would be leaving behind students that I treasured deeply.

I went into the entrance SHINO's Tokyo. "Sorry, we're not open yet." Abel began. He then turned and saw me. "Oh, Ishikawa-san, what can I do for you?"

"Is Ko- I mean Shinomiya here?" I asked.

"Yes, he's at the back."

"Thanks Abel." I put down my bags and headed back into the kitchen. When I saw him, I let down my protective walls and hugged him.

"Did something happen?" Kojiro asked, looking at my expression worriedly.

"I was dismissed as a professor." my voice cracked. "I feel like I let down my students. I feel as if I left the mess known as Central to the remaining students to deal with for my own greed and passion."

"It's ok." Kojiro patted my shoulder comfortably. "You did well."

After I calmed down a bit, I explained to him the situation, the Azami administration, and Central. "So, it's a bit earlier than expected, but can I go with you back to France?"