CH 16

Finally, our date was coming to an end.

After watching a movie and finishing dinner, it was almost 8 at night.

We had reached the end of our flirting pattern, and both Sakuramiya-sensei and I were exhausted because of it.

“Minato-kun, I’m really tired.”

“Shall we go to a hotel?”

“…. You idiot, how can you say that, you are still a high school student!”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to go out with a minor either.”

When in trouble, it has become a template to have a conversation that is more about the bottom line.

I honestly don’t really understand how to be flirty or lovey-dovey.

For the time being, by having some conversations that normally wouldn’t happen with men and women, I’m going to get Kiyoka-san to understand that we are definitely dating each other. That was a shared understanding between me and Sakuramiya-sensei.

However, even this pattern has reached its limits. It will be time to change how we are going to deal with this situation.

“… Ah, why don’t we send presents to each other? Since we have come all the way to the shopping mall, let’s buy something and meet somewhere after an hour.”

“Yeah, that sounds great. Let’s do it!”

Sakuramiya-sensei responded to my suggestion by leaning forward. Although she should try to suppress her actions a bit, I will feel the same joy when being freed from this situation (currently Sensei is sticking her body really close to me and people are staring at us.)

“Then let’s meet at the entrance of the lottery booth at 9 o’clock.”

“Ok, got it.”

Sakuramiya-sensei shook her head.

Then she quietly approached me and whispered in my ear,

“Is it okay if I give you some money?”

“I’ll be alright. I bought some with me.”

I see. Then take the receipt with you. I’ll pay later.”

“… What are you?”

I often wonder if she has a talent for contributing at every moment.

Well, I’m also not in a situation where I can afford much, so I’m going to take advantage of her generosity.

“Okay, see you later.”

“Yes, see you.”

I parted ways with Sakuramiya-senei and headed off to procure a gift for her.

I don’t even know what gift I should get for a woman… Well, I’ll just wander around and see what I can find.

In the end, after looking around, I settled on a handkerchief. After considering practicality and the price of it, this was the right choice.

My sense of style might be questionable, but I was sure I wouldn’t make a mistake by buying a handkerchief.

After having the handkerchief wrapped, I let some time pass until the appointed time of 9 o’clock.

I sat down on a nearby bench and started fiddling with my smartphone.

“… Is that, Segawa?”

I was suddenly called out.

When I turned to the source of the voice who was calling me out, there was a man dressed in casual attire.

“Hanamura-sensei…”

It was none other than Hanamura-sensei, the physical education teacher at our school, the one who has a crush on Sakuramiya-sensei.

Although he is handsome, Sakuramiya-sensei did not develop any kind of romantic feelings toward him.

As soon as I understood my current situation, my entire body broke out in a waterfall of sweat.

“Hey, are you alright? You are sweating a lot.”

“I’m fine. Well then, see you later.”

“Wait a minute, Segawa. We’ve just met. Let’s talk for a while.”

And then he suddenly grabbed my shoulders.

I came to this shopping mall with Sakuramiya-sensei. Even though we are separated now, I cannot rule out the possibility of suddenly encountering her.

In that case, a very troublesome development is expected.

However, Hanamura-sensei sat down next to me after grabbing me by the shoulders, making me unable to move.

“So, what do you want to talk about? If it is about joining the track and field club, then I have no intention of joining it.”

“No, it’s okay. I don’t want to force you to join the club… More than that, I am here to talk about Sakuramiya-sensei.”

I knew it, that this conversation will be going to that way

“Well, Segawa was the one who acted as a trigger, so I thought I should at least tell you about it.”

“Ah, so was there any progress?”

“I don’t know how to say it, but I feel good with Sakuramiya-sensei.”

“Ha, ha… that’s great.”

Hanamura-sensei reported shyly, with a blush on his cheeks.

Does he really feel good, but as far as I heard from Sakuramiya-sensei, I don’t really think that’s the case.

“The other day, Sakuramiya-sensei invited me out to dinner. That’s when we got closer. It might be only a matter of time before we start dating.”

“Well, you just went to dinner, right?”

“Yes, we did.”

He affirmed to me. It seems there is no doubt that they only went for dinner.

I can’t say that with such confidence, but I’ve already greeted Sakuramiya-sensei’s mother and even went on a date with her…… but I can’t say that out aloud.

In any case, it is certain that Sakuramiya-sensei has no romantic feelings for him, and I have to tell him the truth or he will just drown in the delusions he himself has created.

“Umm, I don’t think that’s true. Maybe that’s just to deepen your friendship as colleagues and you mistook it as she might be interested in you?”

“Don’t make me laugh. The other day, when I was just hanging around with Sakuramiya-sensei, she was so shy that she refused my invitation for dinner and ran away from me. So she is obviously conscious of me, right?”

No, she ran away because she cannot tolerate being around you anymore, so running away was the possible option for her. Obviously, I can’t say that out aloud as well.

Apparently, when he fell in love, his IQ drastically dropped. At this rate there is a possible risk of him turning into a stalker, so I have to be careful with my words from now on.

“I don’t think you can interpret it as being conscious of someone.”

“W-What are you saying, Segawa? Jealousy is not good…. No, I’m sorry. The truth is that I think Sakuramiya-sensei doesn’t think highly of me at all.”

At first I thought he was just joking, but the atmosphere turned tense and he looked down.

“Then, give up on Sakuramiya-sensei…”

“No, I can’t do that! How can I give up so easily? Segawa, have you never been in love?”

How can you say such things with a straight face?

“Well, well… I have not.”

“I see. Then you’ll understand my situation when you fall in love. Even if you don’t have the courage, you can’t give up on this feeling!”

“Is that so? Isn’t it the same as saying that you like Sakuramiya-sensei?”

“… Yes, you’re right. Don’t tell anyone about this, okay?”

“I don’t think there will be any need for that.”

“Even if it is.”

Well, he doesn’t look like a bad guy.

He’s good-looking, and it wouldn’t feel out-of-place when walking next to Sakuramiya-sensei.

Much better than me, is older and…. I wonder what he is thinking. Let’s stop thinking something uncouthly.

“Now that I’ve told you all this, I’m going to ask Segawa to cooperate with me. From now on, if you get any information about Sakuramiya-sensei, please report it to me as soon as possible.”

“Can I expect good grades in health and physical education?”

“Also, this is a different matter. All I can do is give you extra points if it’s in the form of remedial work or special points.”

“Wow, I don’t like that, but… well, I understand. If I come to know anything, I will let you know.”

“Um, please do so.”

Hanamura-sensei stood up from the bench and raised his hand in a small gesture.

“See you later and go home before you get in any trouble.”

“Yes, I understand.”

I bowed my head and parted with Hanamura-sensei.

I checked the time on my wristwatch. It was 8:40.

I decided to kill some more time here and then headed over to the rendezvous point.