Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Kana’s Selfishness

Trying to dispel the awkward atmosphere, Toru decided to change the subject.

“By the way, sensei, your casual clothes look really good on you. You look like a completely different person from when I see you at school.”

“You’re flattering me too much. I just used a hair iron and put on contacts.”

Hiyori humbly downplayed Toru’s compliment.

“Actually, my younger sister, who lives at home, taught me how to do makeup and coordinate outfits. Just like math or Japanese, it would be a waste not to use what I’ve learned, right?”

“I can’t argue with that…”

Toru nodded with a wry smile, acknowledging Hiyori’s words that even though her appearance had changed, her dedication as a teacher remained the same.

It was true that if you didn’t use what you learned, you would forget it.

However, not many people actually put it into practice even if they understood it. Hiyori’s earnestness in diligently continuing to apply what she learned was evident.

“But I still feel like it’s a bit of a waste.”

“A waste?”

Hearing Toru’s unintentional murmur, Hiyori tilted her head and asked him to repeat himself.

Feeling a bit embarrassed and hesitant about whether he should say such a thing, Toru revealed his true feelings.

“Well, if you dressed like that at school, you might be more popular with everyone in class.”

“Ahaha, I can’t dress like this at school.”

“Eh? Why not?”

Hiyori brushed off his seemingly intrusive comment with a wry smile.

Unlike students, teachers didn’t have a set uniform, so there shouldn’t be a problem with what she wore.

Hiyori looked blankly at Toru, who voiced his question.

“Because casual clothes and makeup are prohibited at school, right?”

“…”

Toru was speechless with surprise and bewilderment at her innocent gaze, as if she truly believed that.

In Hiyori’s mind, it didn’t make sense to forbid students from dyeing their hair while allowing teachers to do so.

However, not many teachers strictly followed the school rules.

Although it might be somewhat prejudiced, at least Toru hadn’t thought that far.

On one hand, she had an inflexible and serious side, but on the other hand, she also had a natural airheadedness and lack of caution, easily inviting a student to her home.

Faced with Hiyori’s contradictory values, Toru was momentarily stunned, then couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“Pfft… Hahaha! Sensei, it’s hard to tell if you’re reliable or airheaded!”

“I-It’s not that funny, is it?”

Hiyori protested, blushing and embarrassed by Toru’s laughter.

After calming down, Toru offered to wash the cups they had finished, but Hiyori refused, saying they were guests.

Toru felt uncomfortable being treated as a guest and even having his dishes washed, but he knew that insisting would only cause more trouble.

He backed down but decided to bring her some sweets later as a thank you.

He glanced at the clock hanging on the wall; it was past 3 PM.

“Well, thank you for everything, Tsukishiba-sensei. I think it’s about time we head back.”

“Ah, it’s already this late. I’m sorry for making you come all the way to my house, even if it was to clear my name.”

Hiyori apologized, her eyebrows furrowed as Toru expressed his intention to leave.

“No, it’s not something to apologize for since we’re neighbors.”

“Fufu, that’s true.”

Hiyori chuckled as Toru replied with a wry smile.

A peaceful atmosphere flowed between the two, but…

“Hmm… I don’t want to say goodbye to Hyo-chan…”

“Kana…”

However, Kana didn’t seem to agree with going home.

Despite smiling just moments ago, she looked down as if she was about to cry when she realized she had to part with Hiyori.

Toru couldn’t help but wonder why his usually cautious sister was so attached to her.

“Kana, Dad is waiting for us at home. He must be lonely by now if we don’t go back soon.”

“I want to be with Hyo-chan more than Papa!”

“Oh…”

Not only did she ignore her brother’s reasoning, but she also responded with cruel words that announced a shift in her priorities.

While he was relieved that his father wasn’t present to witness this scene, Toru was also flustered by the fact that Kana seemed to favor Hiyori so much.

He glanced at Hiyori, but she shook her head silently, indicating that she had no idea why either.

Only Kana knew the true reason, but to be honest, Toru had a slight inkling.

He hesitated for a moment, wondering if it was okay to share this with Hiyori, who was unrelated to the situation.

However, he needed her help to persuade Kana, and more importantly, he couldn’t avoid it after involving her this far. He steeled himself and spoke.

“I think the reason Kana doesn’t want to go home has something to do with our home environment.”

“Home environment?”

Hiyori’s question revealed her confusion at Toru’s suggestion.

Perhaps imagining a disturbing scenario, her face slightly clouded over, prompting Toru to quickly put on a smile.

“Ah, let me say this first, it’s not abuse or anything. My parents dote on Kana a bit too much, and I’m not on bad terms with my father either.”

“Then what is it?”

“Well…”

He hesitated slightly, worried that saying such a thing out of the blue might make her uneasy.

But Toru made up his mind and decided to tell her.

“—We don’t have a mother at home. She passed away four years ago, after giving birth to Kana.”