Dont just stand there, Onoda-kun. Youre confused. I get that. Eguchi-sensei started as she tapped the chair that was vacated by Kawakami-senpai.

Following her words, I took a seat and replied, Sensei, am I getting special treatment from you?

I picked out the most significant question that popped up in my mind upon noticing the various details.

Special treatment? Maybe? Eguchi-sensei readily answered as she handed me the board she was holding. Its just like what most basketball coaches hold during every game. Its a simple whiteboard but theres a court layout printed on it. Its normally used to simulate their plays but at the moment, nothing was scribbled on it. Among the students I handled ever since I started teaching, youre not the only one I treated special, but youre no doubt the first boy I got fond of. So, I guess thats a yes. What brought up this question, Onoda-kun?

Well, I cant remember the time I advised on one of the clubs practices games. But they all seemed convinced that I did something.

Oh. That Truthfully, it's indirect advice from you. From one of our conversations, you told me to closely watch the relationship between various students and not just ones ability or talent. Because, according to your words, its how I can be aware of their strengths, weaknesses and apprehensions. I started applying that to the members of this club. And, as you already heard, the result was spectacular. And thats the reason why I cant just take credit for it. I mentioned your name and the rest is history.

Eguchi-sensei looked like she was reminiscing about one of our talks. When did I say that? I could remember having that conversation with her, however, I wasnt certain whether it was before or after I became her Student Assistant. Either way, that piece of advice was something I pulled out from my experience, just replace students with targets and the people around them. To think that she put it to use that way, I could only say

Im impressed, sensei. Totally I didnt think my random words would yield that kind of result.

Youre an amazing student, Onoda-kun. Thats the truth. And youre simply different. Apart from the slight naivety that you sometimes show, youre too mature for your own age. Sometimes, I feel like Im not talking to someone a few years younger than me.

Uh. I get that a lot. But that doesnt mean Im a know-it-all, sensei. Most of the time, Im just spouting whatevers on my mind. But whenever Im alone, I tend to overthink a lot about everything.

Hmm? Even so, theres no denying how much your words helped me. Onoda-kun, can I continue relying on you?

Im your Student Assistant. Isnt that my job?

Thats correct. But I No, no. Forget it. Lets get on with this then, please tell me what you think. Eguchi-sensei quickly shook her head before focusing on what she handed to me.

She was about to say something else, right? What could that be?

Should I push her to complete it or just play along and be done with this?

Uh. My curiosity is winning over me. After clearing some of the questions that popped out earlier, I cant just stop now after hearing her sincere words and how she suddenly dropped whatever that was.

I put down the whiteboard and turned to face her. Surprised by that move from me, I noticed how Eguchi-senseis eyes shook a little before stabilizing seconds later.

What is it? Put your eyes on that board. She urged. Her body slowly inching away from me.

This might be impudent of me, sensei but can you finish what youre trying to say earlier?

Huh? Its nothing. Forget it.

No. It doesnt seem like its nothing. Otherwise, you wont retreat like that.

As soon as I pointed that out, Eguchi-sensei looked down and noticed how her chair was now at a considerable distance from me. It only looked like we were still close to each other because of how I slightly bent my back and slid my butt to the edge of my seat.

The game will soon start, sensei. Can I at least ask you to sate this curiosity in me? I added.

Little by little, Eguchi-sensei lifted her head and faced me squarely.

I noticed how her hand gradually rose with the aim to pat my head again but settled back down moments later. Following that, Eguchi-sensei straightened her back, putting back her confident and slightly commanding presence. After taking a deep breath, she opened her mouth.

Haah, Okay. Your eyes are sparkling with that curiosity. You probably wont stop without me satisfying it. I just want to say one thing, Onoda-kun. A reminder.

Go ahead, sensei.

Dont let this get to your head. Whatever Im going to say is just momentary thoughts that I ought to purge, understand?

I dont quite get it but alright. I understand.

Great. Then listen well As her voice trailed, Eguchi-senseis expression softened. Its like shes looking at something precious or someone important to her. Right. Thats how I interpreted it

Is she going to confess? No. That cant be Although my relationship with Shio developed quickly, it couldnt be replicated again. My current relationship with Eguchi-sensei was definitely a teacher and a student. Or to further dig into that, A troubled teacher and a helpful student. Nothing more, nothing less.

Although I could definitely say that I was fond of her, even enjoying the, oftentimes, relaxing moment with her, its far from what I was feeling for Shio or any other girls.

However, theres the keyword Thats my own perception. Not Eguchi-senseis. But with my observation of her, shes clearly fond of me, proud even. Its far from what I was thinking.

Or so I thought

As seconds passed, I waited for what she was going to reveal.

Eguchi-sensei fondly stared at me, a gentle smile stretching from her lips. She once again lifted her hands and this time, their destination was my cheeks, cupping them in her palms.

Eguchi-sensei wasnt shaking. In fact, she perfectly held my face and lifted my head to look straight at her, the distance between us dwindling by the second.

Fortunately, she soon stopped after reaching a certain distance, the distance where our eyes could only capture each others faces.

Onoda-kun, I was thinking of inappropriate thoughts. I found myself wanting to rely on you more and more, like a partner Im needing in my life. I was having this dream that you might be the one whos going to complete me. I dont think its love or anything but its more like finding my better half. It might sound the same but I believe its not.

You opened my eyes to my faults. You helped me fix some of those faults and youre still helping me to completely become a functional adult in this society without being uncomfortable with those I found unnatural.

Its inappropriate thats why I told you to forget about it. I still enjoyed having you as my Student Assistant. You already have Satsuki-chan and you probably wont pick an old lady like me. Most importantly, its wrong for a teacher like me to think like this about my student Thats why, please abide by my reminder.

Ending her words at that, Eguchi-sensei released my cheeks and straightened her back again.

She then pulled her seat back next to me and quickly put her focus back on the advice she was trying to get from me. Its like everything she just said and showed was a bubble that appeared and disappeared in a moment.