Kissing My Student, It's Over if We're Caught-Volume 1 Epilogue 1 - What I want to believe in: Love

By involving Kurei-san as an accomplice, the crisis was averted.

However, it unfortunately didn’t immediately return to how it was between Kirihara and me from that moment.

I had work, and with the new term, Kirihara had her studies and student council duties.

Even in class homeroom, there were various discussions. Currently, the hot topic was “How to make the Maid Café the best highlight of the Autumn Cultural Festival,” which led to debates between the boys and girls.

Ultimately, everyone felt reassured because Kirihara was there, freely throwing their wishes into the mix.

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I tried to adopt an observant stance, but when I felt something was “over the line,” I began to voice my opinions and even made suggestions to the class.

Even if I became annoying or disliked, that’s just how it is. The relationship between a teacher and students is still one between humans, after all. Compatibility matters… But as a teacher, there are times when I must speak up.

That’s how I came to think.

“…There’s the bell. Class rep!”

“Stand, bow.”

After homeroom ended and as I was tidying up, my phone vibrated.

It was a message from Kirihara.

“Everyone’s saying you’ve changed since the new term started. The girls’ opinion of you has slightly improved. Congrats.”

While I appreciated being informed, the message felt a bit prickly. Glancing at Kirihara, who was still in the classroom, she quickly looked away, causing me to sigh.

Ever since our talk with Kurei-san, Kirihara had been acting this way.

We continued messaging and playing games after returning home, but Kirihara seemed distant toward me.

When asked why, she only said, “I have my reasons,” without elaborating.

Was it the aftermath of Kurei-san’s warning?

Or is she scared of being found out again?

…For now, only Kirihara knows.

Setting Kirihara aside for a moment, after classes and homeroom, it was time for administrative work in the staff room.

Kurei-san and I still sat next to each other, and surprisingly, her attitude hadn’t changed since that day.

“Hajima-sensei, can I consult with you about how to proceed with the class?”

Just like before, she guided me, offered suggestions, and debated with me, treating me respectfully as a fellow educator.

To me, it was unnervingly strange. Was it some form of spite…?

After the other teachers had left for their club activities, I asked Kurei-san.

“Aren’t you mad at me?”

“Huh. Why would I be mad?”

Her explanation caught me off guard.

“I was mad about being tailed, but that’s it. Like I said before, students are children but also humans. I don’t deny being attracted to or mutually attracted to the opposite sex. Basically, you misunderstood my observation.”

“Observation misunderstanding?”

“I didn’t think you’d have such a conviction, Hajima-sensei. I thought maybe you were just flattered by a student’s attention.”

Her frankness didn’t evoke any negative feelings.

“Ultimately, I was the one who overstepped. Human hearts are unpredictable. Even knowing something is wrong, we can’t stop ourselves. Falling for someone we shouldn’t… I understand that.”

…Kurei-san must have her own circumstances.

“If I could complain, you could’ve just consulted with me normally instead of choosing such a method… is all I’d say.”

“…I’m sorry.”

I was too scared to rely solely on Kurei-san’s goodness. …But I might have been wrong.

“That’s fine. That girl means a lot to you, right?”

After a teasing smile, Kurei-san concluded.

“Well, it’s not bad, is it? If nothing happens, time will resolve your issue… I’m a bit envious.”

She was probably referring to Kirihara’s age.

Only a year and a half until Kirihara graduates. After that—there would be no problems.

At least, socially speaking.

***

A few days later, it was Friday after school.

I finished all my remaining work and began to pack up to leave.

“Are you leaving for today?” Kurei-san asked.

“Yes. Are you staying late, Kurei-sensei?”

“There’s nothing for me to do at home. How about you?”

“I have some errands.”

“I see. …Take your time. Hehe.”

Her meaningful smile made me wonder if I had involved a troublesome accomplice. I hurriedly left the staff room before she could say more.

After stopping by my house to quickly change, I headed to the station.

It was the first weekend I was welcoming since eliminating the crisis… I had a laid-back day planned with Kirihara.

I sent her a message on the train.

“I’m on my way. I’ll come over after finishing grocery shopping. Have you eaten yet?”

“Not yet. …If you’re cooking, I’ll wait.”

It had been a while since I cooked for Kirihara. I’ll prepare her favorites.

“Hey, Gin. There’s one thing I want to know.”

What could it be?

“Do you remember when I said in the café that we should stop all this? During the stakeout?”

“I remember.”

“And when I asked why you’d go to such lengths?”

Of course, I remember. After sending my reply, Kirihara took some time before responding.

“At that time, Kurei-sensei left before I could hear your answer. I want to hear it directly from you later. …I’ll be waiting.”

About an hour later, after finishing my shopping, I arrived at Kirihara’s house.

When I rang the bell, the door quietly opened.

“…Welcome.”

Her greeting had reverted back from “welcome back.”

Moreover, Kirihara seemed frightened.

“What’s wrong?”

“…Nothing.”

It didn’t seem like “nothing,” but for now, I entered and placed the groceries down.

“You must be hungry. I’ll cook right away.”

“Before that, tell me… your answer from earlier.”

Even in her own home, Kirihara seemed timid, like a borrowed cat, gripping her arms tightly as she asked me.

“Please, tell me.”

…Ah, I see.

Kirihara was waiting. Without my answer, she couldn’t move forward with peace of mind.

“I didn’t want to leave Kirihara alone. I couldn’t bear to ignore her.”

“Was it out of pity for me?”

“No.”

Kirihara waited for me to speak properly.

“I like you. Touka Kirihara, I love you.”

Kirihara’s face crumpled.

“Even if the stakeout and tailing were tough, I never wanted to quit. Because it was for the girl I like.”

Hearing my answer, Kirihara threw herself at me with all her might.

Catching her, she pressed her forehead against my chest and grabbed my shirt, starting to cry loudly.

“Promise you won’t go anywhere?”

“Yeah.”

“Is Kurei-sensei okay too?”

“She’s fine.”

“Because of me, you won’t get bullied?”

“She’s a well-made person. She’s still kind to me.”

Hearing that, Kirihara sobbed even louder. I patted her back gently.

“Everything’s back to how it was… It’s good, isn’t it?”

Nothing was mistaken.

As I comforted the continuously crying Kirihara, I strongly felt that.