Chapter 561: Late Again

When I reached the school, it was probably in the middle of the third period. That’s the result even when Mihara-san sped up to drive me there faster, just like how Otoha instructed her.

And because of what happened, we had an awkward air inside the car because of her confession. However, without any of us bringing that up again, silence reigned.

I did say when I met her again weeks ago that I was naturally attracted to her and there’s a possibility that I would also go after her.

Honestly, that still held true. Perhaps if not for my desire back then, I would probably use my connection to Otoha to also get her. A bit different than the situation I had with Coach Ayu. I genuinely looked up to her as an elder sister after all.

But with the current situation, it’s impossible for me to act on this. My hands were still full and... chances of interacting with her were too limited.

Besides, with what’s happening in the Kaneko House, she’s the only one I can trust to keep Otoha safe. That’s why to clear the awkward air between us, before leaving the car, I also confessed my interest in her.

Was that crazy? Not really. It’s only a confession and I was always honest and straightforward when it comes to that part.

Confessing to Satsuki, Nami, Shizu, Hina, Arisa-senpai and Saki all happened as soon as I realized it.

As for Kana, Aya, Himeko, Rae, Mina and Eimi, my confession to them all happened naturally.

How to define naturally? Well, it’s not spontaneous at least.

And for Izumi-senpai... well, I also confessed my interest in her and called it crush.

So... I have a fairly great track record at confessing, right?

If anyone heard this though, I would surely see flying punches and kicks all aimed at me. Or if not that, I would be put under looks of disgust from everyone while they’re murmuring at the side.

In any case, this is why I am sure that I am greedy.

Confessing to Mihara-san was only delayed due to how hard it was to meet her and the few instances that we met, I was focusing on Otoha.

In fact, only today did we get the chance to be alone. In the car, in the room where I changed into a nurse uniform and in that room where she confessed after I blurted out what’s on my mind.

As for her reaction to my confession, it was the same as earlier, her always cold and glaring eyes relaxed followed by another smile before saying... ‘I’m aware.’

As soon as she said that, Mihara-san drove the car away, preventing me from replying again.

Well, that’s fine too. Better to keep it hanging for now than act on it. There will come a time for that. I know where to find her anyway.

-

-

“Are you saying you don’t have any excuse why you’re late?” With her hands on her hips, Eguchi-sensei was staring down at me, waiting for me to give an answer.

I was caught sneaking in from the school gate.

Plans and strategies to enter the school were useless when she was still guarding right at the entrance.

Because I couldn’t produce a plausible excuse on why I arrived late, even though she’s reluctant because of how she’s fond of me, Eguchi-sensei brought me with her to the guidance counseling room.

Well, she’s also acting as one of the guidance counselors of the school given that she didn’t have any advisory class.

And now, I was being counseled while still trying to get a better reason why I arrived late.

“I truly have no excuse, sensei.”

“Didn’t you say you’re at the hospital all this time? What are you doing there?”

With her eyes focused on me as if she’s watching my every move, Eguchi-sensei began circling around me.

“I am accompanying someone because her relative is hospitalized.” I honestly answered.

Upon hearing that, Eguchi-sensei silently exclaimed in surprise. Perhaps she didn’t expect me to go there to accompany someone at the expense of my being late.

“Hmm... can you give me the name of this someone and which hospital her relative is currently confined in?”

“I’m afraid I can’t. Even if I want to answer sensei, I am not allowed to leak sensitive information.”

Although I wasn’t instructed to not leak whatever information I got there, it’s common courtesy when it involves someone like Otoha’s grandfather.

“Huh? Why is it not allowed? Are they from the imperial family? A noble?”

“Something like that...”

I answered positively but that only made Eguchi-sensei’s eyebrows furrow.

She’s most likely thinking that I was lying or better yet, joking.

“... Stop it if this isn’t true and you’re just joking, Onoda-kun. I have the ability to detain you here until the end of school hours, marking you absent from all classes today.”

“I guess there’s no skirting away from punishment. I yield.”

“Are you actually telling me the truth?”

Her eyebrows furrowed further. She’s now weighing whether to believe me or not. Furthermore, the way I said it was as if I’d rather be punished than take back my words.

“I’ve never been dishonest when it comes to sensei.”

“This student... Alright, let’s say you’re telling the truth. How will you prove that?”

Eguchi-sensei pulled a chair and sat down opposite of me while slightly leaning forward.

However, because of that, her cleavage became accessible to my eyes. She’s not wearing her tracksuit today but something similar to the white blouse and skirt Shio often wears. Just that, Eguchi-sensei’s blouse is somewhat loose, creating a crevice when she’s leaning forward.

How defenseless can this teacher be? Or is it because she’s comfortable with me? Either way... I should stop focusing on this!

“Since it’s confidential, I have no way to prove it. Sensei, if it will be bad for you, you’re free to just bestow me a punishment for being late. Besides, it’s not a valid excuse, right? And I am aware that I will be late when I decide to accompany her.”

That’s right. I’m fully aware anyway. There’s truly no point in her questioning me about my whereabouts.

It even felt like she’s trying to give me a chance to explain myself and be exempted.

That’s not it, right?

However, that’s where I was wrong.

After contemplating my answer and perhaps finding out that I will continue owning up to my blunder, Eguchi-sensei closed her eyes, straightened her back and sighed helplessly.

“... Only this time... I will let you off this time, Onoda-kun.”

“Sensei, you don’t have to.”

“I want to. You helped me a lot so even if you’re lying, I will still let this one pass. I brought you here to wait until the end of the third period before you go.”

And there goes the truth... She’s even trying to help me to not be put in an awkward situation if I showed up in the middle of the class.

This woman... Despite the first impression I got from her during the first PE Class, she’s surprisingly a kind sweetheart...

“Sensei, if you continue treating me this well... I might fall for you.”

Not knowing what to say, I kinda blurted that out which instantly produced a reaction from Eguchi-sensei.

With a slight blush on her face, she waved her hands in front of me as if she’s trying to block my view.

“Eh? We’re teacher and student. This is me showing my gratitude to you. Don’t put in any other meaning.”

“I’m not putting any other meaning, that’s just a normal thought process of any man or majority of men. If you keep being kind to someone, he will eventually fall for sensei. That’s how simple we are.”

Naturally, Ogawa isn’t included in that majority. That guy’s head is broken. Broken enough to brush off most of those who like him without even giving them a definite answer. All he did was to keep them hanging.

Ugh... Why am I taking a jab at Ogawa again?

“I-is that so? Then shelve that idea down, Onoda-kun.”

After digesting what I said, Eguchi-sensei lowered her head to escape my gaze.

“Un... I will naturally follow sensei’s words. But keep it in mind sensei.”

“You don’t have to remind me. Now stay put there and wait for the bell before going.”

“I will remember this favor, sensei. Thank you.”

Before I could even finish my words, Eguchi-sensei had already left the room. From how fast she moved, she’s definitely trying to escape from me.

Well, that’s better for her.