CH 7

Chapter 7 – Yandere and Career Choice

Today’s third period was canceled. I had nothing in particular to do, so I went to an empty classroom, opened up my computer, and absentmindedly thought about the future.

I’ve earned credits to become a teacher, but it seems that many of my senpais in the education department have gone to work in the private sector. Of course, teaching may be a rewarding job, but it’s not easy to get time off, and they often work late into the night.

It might be a good idea to use my part-time experience to become a cram school teacher, but looking at the cram school principal, it seems like a lot of work, too. I would need to be in charge of the grades and career paths of dozens of students, and supervise the part-timers while thinking of appropriate assignments. Hmm… I don’t think I can do it.

But where would I be accepted in the private sector? I’m also interested in textbook publishing, but I guess that’s a narrow gate. I mean, how do I start job hunting? I really have no idea.

“Senpai, why are you making a difficult face?”

“Whoa! Tsubaki…”

“It’s your Tsubaki.”

“I don’t want that. I demand a replacement.”

“Oh my, that’s harsh.”

How nice that she doesn’t seem to have any worries. The only hobby she seems to have is stalking people, but she seems to be content with that.

“Is there anything I can help you with?”

“I was just wondering about my career path. It’s none of your business.”

“I see. I will follow you no matter what career path you choose.”

“You really are a hard worker, aren’t you…?”

Normally, I would have folded up my computer and quickly run away, but I decided to change my behavior pattern a little. I’ve been thinking too much about this and that, and I’ve been feeling stagnant, so I’m grateful for the uncomfortable stimulant right now.

“Tsubaki, do you have a dream job or something you want to do in the future?”

“That, of course, would be to become senpai’s wife.”

“Answer seriously.”

“I’m always serious, though… However, if senpai doesn’t want me to be a full-time housewife, I’m thinking of becoming a public servant.”

No, no, no, just wait a minute. How can there be a public servant with zero ethics like this? She would be disciplined and fired immediately.

But a public servant, huh? That idea never occurred to me. I guess there are quite a few graduates from our university who got a job at the Ministry of Education. It might be a surprisingly good choice.

“There are many kinds of civil servants. Which sector do you want to be in? The City Hall? You wouldn’t say you want to be a judge, would you?”

“Hmm… Inspector, air traffic officer, prison guard, which do you think is better?”

“Surveillance field? You’re scaring me!”

“You know what they say, you should do what you’re good at.”

Tsubaki has a point. What we want to do and what we can do don’t always coincide, and working on what we can do doesn’t seem like a bad choice.

She’s surprisingly reasonable. But what you’re good at, huh? What I’m good at is… Honestly, I can’t think of much.

“Hey, what do you think I’m good at?”

“Hmm… I wonder.”

“You monitor me every day and you don’t even know!”

“No, it’s just that… I think if I carelessly give an answer here, senpai will be trapped by it. I think it’s best if you find the answer yourself.”

“Ah, that’s right too…”

Seriously, what’s up with her? She’s saying nothing but decent things today. On the contrary, I’m scared. It’s been over a year since Tsubaki has been stalking me and I know nothing about her. Perhaps she’s not just a creepy person as I thought she was.

“Senpai, you can live your life as you like. If you’re ever in trouble, I will provide for you.”

Tsubaki slowly narrowed her eyes and smiled with a frightening expression. It reminded me of the haunted foxes I read about in my childhood youkai illustrated books.

I see, she just wants me to be out on the street so she can take advantage of my weakness… I’m both impressed and lost.

“Ah, thanks to you, I’m motivated now. I will definitely get a decent job. And then I’ll get away from you.”

“Fufu, you’re so brave and wonderful. Don’t hesitate to fail anytime, I’ll be there for you.”

She’s making fun of me. I glared at Tsubaki, but she didn’t seem to respond. On the contrary, she looks a little happy to see me looking at her. She has a different kind of attitude from her usual “easygoing”, and it irks me to no end.

After a few moments of silence, a chime rang out to announce the end of third period. The fourth period classroom isn’t far away, but I need to get there early to secure a seat.

Tsubaki stood there for a long time while I hurriedly folded my computer and put away my belongings. Still, like an animal waiting in anticipation to consume its prey.