Sensei, good morning.

As a response, I turned my head to greet Orimura-sensei while evidently ignoring her question. Moreover, I kept my hand on Eguchi-sensei, caressing her cheek with my thumb.

Was there a relevancy to doing it this way? Maybe. However, this decision was based on my own understanding of Orimura-sensei.

Shes already suspicious of us. Even if I tried to make an excuse, she wouldnt believe it. So, why not try a different approach and openly face her moral high ground? Not to mention, its really a blunder on my part for forgetting that piece of information that Eguchi-sensei told me.

This was the best way to, at least, throw her off.

Good morning??? Is that all you have to say?

Yep. There was a need for that emphasis there. Orimura-senseis response was overtly coated with her incredulity. Although it was short of her pointing at me while looking royally pissed, her expression alone was more than enough to show how unacceptable it was.

At this point, Eguchi-sensei who also realized her blunder opened her eyes again and apologetically lowered her head. In any case, feeling the warmth of my palm, the hint of satisfaction remained visible on her lips.

A moment later, she joined me when facing Orimura-sensei and gently called out to her, Sanae, its fine.

Onoda-kun and I have gotten this close. Im sorry. She continued while showing the same gesture of lowering her head.

Upon hearing that, Orimura-sensei was speechless. Or rather, she couldnt believe that she was hearing that from Eguchi-sensei.

Her eyes became shaky and her chest heaved up and down, possibly trying to hold back snapping at us.

After a few seconds, she closed her eyes and released a long sigh. When she opened it again, her lips curved up into a helpless smile, Ryouko... I know I can only be seen as a troublesome meddler in this instance. I did warn you. This wont end well if this gets out. Besides, dont you have a girlfriend, Onoda? Why... Why are you doing this to your teacher? Dont you think this will be bad for her?

Yeah. Her reaction was definitely understandable. With Eguchi-sensei partly confessing there even though we havent shown anything condemning yet, that confirmation was enough for Orimura-sensei. Not counting the fact that she knew about my relationship with Satsuki, Eguchi-sensei being my teacher was already bad enough.

Thinking about it, its probably for this reason that she accompanied her here. To prevent us from committing a taboo.

I checked on Eguchi-sensei and her current state. She probably didnt want to keep lying to her friend. And obviously, shes definitely feeling bad about this. However, her mind was already made up when she chose to be in this situation with me. She recognized how wrong this was. Yet she still chose not to back down and draw the line again.

Sensei, I understand where youre coming from and the possible consequences if this ever gets out. Youre looking out for Eguchi-sensei. That much is admirable. I wont make any excuses on my part or convince you to accept this. Ill only say this, were in a complex relationship far from what the society has grown accustomed to.

I could have worded that better. But whats the use of it if the meaning remains the same? Like I said, since the cats already out of the bag, any and all excuses will just crumble before the fact.

Its up to Orimura-senseis judgement on how to deal with this. Will she continue meddling with us? Report us? Or keep quiet for the sake of Eguchi-sensei?

Whichever option she chooses, I am ready to face it and continue to stand next to Eguchi-sensei.

Likewise, Eguchi-sensei also resolved herself for this.

I wont ask you to understand us, Sanae. You can be mad at me for not listening to you but its already way past that point. I have no plan on backing down from the decision I made.

After saying that, Eguchi-sensei helplessly shrugged before sitting upright to emit her resolve Orimura-sensei.

She then turned to face me, placed her hand on top of mine and helplessly smiled, Onoda-kun, though I said that, I believe were both thinking the same thing. Lets take a step back at this moment and not further aggravate the situation.

Mhm. Ill sit at the back and subject myself to Orimura-senseis wrath.

Eguchi-sensei shook her head helplessly at that feeble attempt at humor, Onoda-kun... I commend you for trying to lighten the mood but... I know Sanae wont resort to that. Ill be driving so... Ill leave her to you.

Well, thats how it is. Even until now, Orimura-sensei was stuck speechless. She probably didnt know how to react to the words we said or what wed shown her. Her head couldnt process it all right away.

And so, following Eguchi-sensei's words, I moved to the back of the car and sat right next to the frozen woman.

After checking on us through the rearview mirror, Eguchi-sensei started the car and drove it away from our neighborhood.

The first few minutes were fairly spent in an icy silence as I waited for Orimura-sensei to snap out of her state.

And when she did, the woman acted as I expected.

Brat, you really have no shame, do you?

She grabbed my wrist and gripped it tightly. I could sense the boiling rage inside her and at the same time, her helplessness. She knew that if she acted on it, she wouldnt resolve anything at all. Hence, this was all she could resort to doing.

Indeed. Im sorry, sensei. Ive already shown you this side of me before, havent I?

Yeah. I remember... I shouldnt have helped you back then. Tell me, why are you doing this?

Im afraid you wont like my answer.

I cant wrap my head around it. Ryouko has always been afraid of men yet... youve managed to change her opinion this quick.

Its not that Ive changed Ryouko-sans opinion, sensei. How should I explain it? Im just different from the other guys.

Youre boasting.

Maybe. But thats the easiest explanation to understand. Tell me, do you see me as a normal student as well? I know Im being cocky here but sensei, even I cannot see myself as normal.

Orimura-sensei couldnt reply right away from that. And even Eguchi-sensei who could hear our conversation also looked stumped when I matched her gaze from the mirror.

Yep. I am a menace through and through.

... Youre right. You stand out a lot from the other boys. You always have this mysterious shroud on you... I can criticize you all I want and you possibly wont even take it to heart.

Not really. Im reflecting on all of the criticisms thrown at me. I just cannot fix what I considered not broken. This is how I am, sensei. I wont ask you to understand me. You can make things worse for me from here on out. Thats your choice. However, Ill never leave Ryouko-sans side unless she asks me to do so.

So, youre saying everything rests on Ryoukos hand? Instead of owning up to the responsibility, youre going to hand it to her? Wow. Youre a selfish brat.

This... I dont know if I should rejoice or not. For the first time... someone sees me for what I am.

Yeah. Im not a selfless guy but the opposite of it.

Mhm. Im glad Orimura-sensei understands me this well. And Ryouko-san, I apologize.

You dont have to. Youre not selfish in my eyes. Eguchi-sensei responded. Her voice carried a certain conviction. Even if those words came from me, shes now like the other girls. They couldnt see my selfishness or theyre purposely ignoring it. I dont know if its because of being aware of our situation or its just their bias on me working. Either way, their opinions were truly different from those who werent part of our complex relationship.

And upon hearing that, Orimura-sensei once again sighed helplessly, Ryouko, youre blinded with love.