IIm a professor.

Stella stared at him with narrowed eyes, then clearly said the words that could not leave his mouth for him.

Professor, do you like me?

N-n-no! Th-thats nonsense! Im a p-professor, how could I do that to a student!

He leapt immediately into denial, and Stellas expression turned dismayed.

So you dont

Her shoulders drooped, and Wayne Hills heart lurched.

Its notwell, for a professor to think about a student like that

Is it forbidden?

Not really. Its not unprecedented, and not so long agono, no.

Did you look for the precedent?

No! I overheard it by chance.

So you didnt look.

Somehow, Wayne Hill telling the truth only served to demoralize her even further.

II did find it.

But just because its acceptable doesnt mean Ill allow myself to indulge in it.

Why not?

Because we

Wayne Hill paused, then corrected we.

Both Miss Lapis and I, we know a professor who lost her objectivity.

I dont want the same experience.

He hoped that Stella would end her time at the Academy with peace and impartiality. She had to prepare herself for the future more than anyone else.

So thats it, Miss Lapis.

I see.

Stella, who was usually so stubborn, unexpectedly gave him a polite nod.

Thank you for your understanding.

At his formal answer, Stella put together her hands and smiled.

Thank you. I like you, too.

Ah, yes, andwhat?!

I like you.

Stella shamelessly took a step closer to him. He backed away in a hurry, but Stella managed to narrow the gap.

I told you why we couldnt. Didnt you hear me?!

Yes, I got to know your mind well. So its only for you to say it aloud too.

I cant.

You cant say it.

Wayne Hills heart throbbed again painfully.

If you insist, then Ill listen to you a little.

Stella somehow got the knack of dealing with the professor.

I like you, professor.

Really. Ive liked you for a long time, havent you noticed?

I didnt know that. If you dont mind me asking, since when?

If you can tell me when you started liking me, Ill tell you.

Thats, I-I cant tell you

He was a professor.

I want to hear it.

Stella squared her shoulders, and Wayne Hill felt that he had no choice but to tell the truth.

It was last autumn. The day we found the flowersno, what am I saying?

Professor?

Im sorry, I shouldnt have said any of this

He pressed his fingers against his forehead then looked at Stella again.

Anyway, these conversations are strictly forbidden until your graduation.

Forbidden?

Dont say it so prettily! And, well, Im a professor!

But I like you. Dont you like me?

Of course I like you, too. But until graduationwe cant!

Wayne Hill sat down and cradled his head. His mind must have lost its function to crumble under such a simple conversation. The words that wanted to come out of his stupid mouth had no sign of wanting to slow down.

*

*

*

Professor Wayne Hill was a genius.

He was perfectly prepared to rebuff Stellas confession. Although Stella was unhappy that he wouldnt say he liked her back, she understood his wanting to be fair, even if he wasnt teaching her.

And so, she spent autumn and winter with their relationship undefined. Stella finished her time at the Academy at a perfectly respectable second place in the exams, and decided to work for the Sweeney family as soon as she graduated.

The Lapis family was still a long way off to regaining their family name. She wanted to put in a request right now, but only when she was perfectly prepared to do so.

And.

Stella hesitated in front of the lecture hall after her graduation ceremony. According to the promise made by both of them, they could say anything to each other after the graduation ceremony.

Like that they liked each other.

It was strange. The professors attitude was lukewarm to her yesterday, but it seemed unchanged today.

After a moment of concern, Stella knocked at the door of the lecture hall. No reply came. Was he not inside? She had checked in the greenhouse earlier, and he wasnt there.

Stella pulled the doorknob carefully. When she opened the door, she saw Professor Hill leaning back on a chair with his eyes closed.

Professor?

She called out to him in a small whisper but there was no reply. Was he sleeping? There were towers of books stacked on his desk, so she thought he might be.

It was a shame. She thought he would definitely wait for her today, but it looked like things would be just as they were.

Stella crept up to him and looked closely at his face. Suddenly, she was struck by a sudden urge to play a joke. She carefully pulled off his glasses just like long ago, barely holding back a grin.

Hes so handsome

She admired not only the shape of his sharp jawline, but also his high nose and his eyes that were as green as a summer tree.

Eyes?

Stella stopped thinking and stared straight into the professors opened eyes. She must have awakened him again. She smiled awkwardly with his glasses in her hands.

Oh, hello, professor.

He did not reply immediately. Instead, he smiled sheepishly and pulled her waist until she sat in his lap. Stellas head suddenly leaned on his chest.

P-Professor?!

His arms tightened around her a little harder.

I thought it was you.

Stella was a good student, so she decided to go over one thing just in case.

You dont think its a dream, do you?

Im sorry. Its just that last time it hurt.

Im sorry about that.

He apologized with his lips buried in Stellas hair. Feeling a tickle, Stella quickly lifted her upper body, but she still embarrassingly remained seated on his lap.

How come youve suddenly changed so much?

It was a promise.

That was true!

Ah.

Stella looked down at her hands and realized that she had dropped his glasses when he had pulled her. As soon as he realized what Stella was looking for, Wayne Hill smiled and pulled her chin back to him.

You dont have to worry about that.

But you need them!

Its not an inconvenience. I can see well.

But you said you cant see gestures when youre far away.

So I brought you in front of me.

Do you originally have such a forward personality?

No?

Ah, well, its

I like you, Stella Lapis.

What?

I like you.

O-oh, of course I like you too, I mean

In the past, it would have been a reply that Professor Wayne Hill wouldve given to Stella. He smiled in amusement and patted Stella on the cheek.

Its just weird to think of! Youve never treated me like this!

He lifted his eyebrows as if to say, Isnt it obvious?

Treating someone I like is different from treating a student.

Its still strange that you speak so clearly.

Speaking truth things is my best job.

I see.

But if you dont like this, shall I wait again?

Are you serious?

He laughed instead of answering, and his usually sharp gaze softened.

Patience is one of my best traits.

Stella shook her head quickly. He had been under Professor Lassen, and she knew how much he had to endure.

You dont have toI think its okay.

Really?

Stella nodded her head in answer to his question. From now on, both of them would only tell the truth. Not because they had to find or prove something, but just because they could be honest with each other.

You know, professor.

Stella grabbed him by the sleeve and whispered.

I like you, too.

That isthank you.

He kissed her hair, and Stella giggled.

It was real happiness.