Chapter 32 Sensei's Words

Sensei’s Words

“Kanade…?” “…Nee-san.”

At the unexpected appearance of Kanade, we were left speechless.

Why is she here…?

Wait, how does she even know about this place?

These questions came to mind, but I couldn’t say anything.

Kanade approached me, took my hand, let out a small sigh, and gave me a gentle smile.

…Her grip felt unusually strong.

“Geez! I’ve been looking for you everywhere~. Ariga-cchi wasn’t coming back, and then Mom suddenly called me out of the blue.”

“Sorry…”

“It’s fine. I had a weird feeling about Hibiki ever since she tagged along for shopping today. When Mom called, I kind of figured it would be like this.”

“…Ugh.”

Hibiki hadn’t expected to be caught.

She gave a wry smile.

She might excel at scheming, but she’s a little dull when it comes to people’s feelings.

She’s smart, but her family always sees right through her because of things like this.

“So, Hibiki-chan? Don’t you have something you’d like to say to your Nee-san?”

With a beaming smile, Kanade stepped closer to Hibiki.

Her obviously forced smile sent a chill down my spine, and I instinctively shuddered.

Uh-oh… She’s seriously mad.

“…Nee-san, you’re always so beautiful.”

“Well, I guess I am, but—that’s not the point!!”

“Nyaah!?”

Kanade’s perfectly aimed flick to Hibiki’s forehead made her let out a noise like a startled cat.

It made a surprisingly loud sound, and Hibiki’s forehead turned red.

Her usual calm and composed expression was nowhere to be seen as she looked at Kanade with teary eyes.

“…That hurt, Nee-san. Your strength is seriously overkill…”

“It’s only natural. I’m really angry, you know.”

“…I don’t think I did anything wrong.”

“You’re wrong about that. Admit it properly.”

Without raising her voice or showing extreme emotion, Kanade scolded her younger sister in a calm tone.

Maybe she overheard our earlier conversation.

That’s probably why she was upset—it felt like she was interrupting something important.

It wouldn’t have been surprising if she had gotten more emotional.

But seeing her keep her composure showed just how much she had grown.

…She’s really changed.

That thought made me happy—and a little lonely.

“…Um, well… I’m sorry.”

“Hibiki, do you know why I’m angry?”

“…Because I did something selfish and caused trouble…”

“Sigh, that’s not it.”

Kanade sighed in exasperation, shrugged her shoulders, and then reached out to touch Hibiki’s head.

Hibiki, probably still hurting from the earlier flick, flinched and trembled, clearly bracing herself for more punishment.

But instead, Kanade gently stroked her head.

“I was really worried about you, you know…”

“…Huh?”

“Listen carefully. I’m mad because you lied and left the house without telling anyone. What would have happened if Ariga-cchi hadn’t noticed? No matter how strong you are, can you guarantee nothing unexpected would happen?”

“…I can’t guarantee that.”

“Exactly. That’s why I’m angry. You’ve always been like this, thinking you can handle everything on your own. I appreciate that you acted out of concern for me, but…”

As she spoke, Kanade continued to gently stroke her sister’s head.

The usual confidence in Hibiki’s demeanor had disappeared as she repeatedly mumbled apologies.

She had chosen this spot to avoid being found out, but it seemed she could no longer fool her family.

Unlike before, there was no longer any tension between the sisters.

What remained was a warm, caring atmosphere that could only be described as sisterly love.

Watching them, I felt my own scattered emotions begin to settle.

“Sorry, Ariga-cchi. I caused you trouble again.”

“It’s fine. I wasn’t bothered at all. Honestly, I should’ve contacted you sooner. Sorry for not being more considerate…”

“No, it’s okay. This is a family matter, after all. But after this, Hibiki and I are going straight home—no detours.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“Yeah, I have to hand Hibiki over. And as for the drinks, let’s save them for another time.”

“…Got it.”

When I smiled, Kanade suddenly pouted and stared at me intently.

The way she looked at me made me feel like she could see right through me.

The uncomfortable feeling made my heart race in an unpleasant way.

Unable to hold her gaze, I turned away, only to hear her let out a deep sigh from behind me.

“Hey, Ariga-cchi. Can I ask you something?”

“…Sure, what is it?”

“About our upcoming date on your day off… You didn’t forget, right?”

“Of course not. I haven’t forgotten.”

“Hmm, good. But knowing you, Ariga-cchi, I had this feeling you might decide not to go, thinking something like, ‘It’s better if we keep some distance.’ Am I wrong?”

“Haha…”

…She hit the nail on the head.

Her insight was so accurate that all I could do was let out a dry laugh.

What Hibiki said earlier had made me seriously consider keeping some distance.

While we’d still see each other at work, I thought about drawing a clear line beyond our relationship as a part-timer and the cram school director.

If I couldn’t come to a clear decision, it felt dishonest to keep interacting with someone who had feelings for me.

“Haa… Ariga-cchi, you’re way too easy to read.”

“…Haha. I never thought a former student would see through me so easily.”

“What are you talking about? It’s because I’m your former student that I can read you. You didn’t just teach me academics—you’ve been teaching me since high school, so of course I’d understand how you think.”

“You figured all that out in just a few years?”

“I’ve been watching you this whole time…”

Blushing slightly, she gave a shy smile.

The fact that she said “I’ve been watching you this whole time” instead of “I used to watch you” spoke volumes about her resolve.

Realizing that made my chest tighten.

But instead of rushing me, she just smiled kindly.

“Keeping your distance won’t work, you know. No matter what, I’ll follow you.”

“If you do that, I’ll just end up relying on you too much…”

“That’s fine. If leaning on someone when you’re struggling was wrong, then I wouldn’t be here now. It’s during those tough times—when you want to cry—that having someone by your side means the most.”

“But I can’t even make a proper decision—”

“Does it have to be decided right now?”

“…I think so. Leaving things unresolved feels irresponsible and unfair.”

Taking responsibility.

Making a decision…

We’ve been together for so long that leaving things unsettled wouldn’t feel right.

Just as I was about to respond, Kanade placed a finger on my lips and shook her head.

“No matter how much you deny it, words you don’t truly mean won’t reach me. Just like how you once taught me, I’m giving those same words back to you.”

“…”

“‘Life is long. Figuring out what you want to do or where you want to go isn’t easy. It might feel like wandering endlessly through a barren wilderness. That’s why we’ll search for it together. There’s no need to rush. If you rush, you might overlook something important.’ That’s exactly what you told me, Sensei.”

“…You remember everything, Kanade?”

“Of course! How could I ever forget the words of the person who changed my life? They still guide me to this day!”

The lessons I had taught her had become part of her. Now, those very words were coming back to me.

An indescribable emotion welled up within me, making my chest feel tight—almost like I was on the verge of tears.

“Ariga-cchi. Remember what I said before about youth?”

“Ah… yeah.”

“That’s why, for now, let’s just enjoy ourselves. You might feel weighed down by swirling thoughts or a heavy heart, but it’s okay to think, ‘I just want to have fun’ or ‘I want to enjoy this moment with you.’ Isn’t that reason enough?”

“But… is that really okay with you, Kanade?”

“Why wouldn’t it be? When close friends spend time together, isn’t ‘wanting to have fun’ the only reason we need? Let’s simply enjoy ourselves—take a break from work, relax, and find some comfort in life. That’s more than enough.”

Her voice was gentle, filled with reassurance.

Hearing her words, I realized she must have overheard my earlier conversation with Hibiki.

She’s being thoughtful, isn’t she? For my sake.

Letting out a deep sigh, I lowered my gaze to the ground.

But before I could, Kanade cupped my face with both hands and tilted it upward.

Surprised by the sudden gesture, I looked at her with wide eyes.

She stared straight into my eyes and spoke with firm resolve,

“Even if you’re bedridden that day, I’ll drag you out—kicking and screaming if I have to. I’ll make sure we go.”

Her determined gaze made it clear that there was no arguing with her.

That declaration alone left me with no choice but to agree.

I couldn’t help but smile wryly at her resolve.

“…Haha, you’re so reliable. Looks like I have no way out now.”

“Fufu~. See? I told you—not going isn’t an option!”

Her carefree laughter was infectious, and I found myself laughing along with her.

Watching us, Hibiki tilted her head, looking a bit puzzled.

“Oh, by the way, Hibiki. Just so you know, Mom is seriously angry today. Don’t expect to sleep tonight.”

“…Hiik! N-Nii-san, isn’t this your chance to save a cute JK damsel in distress?”

“Don’t make it worse with lies. Just accept the scolding like an adult.”

“…That’s so mean. You’re heartless.”

Hibiki slumped her shoulders dramatically, looking utterly defeated, as if a cartoonish “Gaan” sound effect had just played.

Her face was painted with despair as she cast pleading eyes my way.

But no way.

There’s no winning against their mom.

Knowing that, all I could do was give her a thumbs-up and say, “Good luck.”

Well, at least I’ll pick up the pieces afterward.

If there’s anything left to pick up, that is…

While I was thinking that, Kanade lightly patted me on the back.

When I turned to look, she was smiling and playfully knocking on my chest.

It wasn’t just a casual gesture—it felt like she was trying to cheer me up. Realizing that, a smile naturally came to my face.

“Alright, Hibiki and I are heading out. See you tomorrow—or, wait, since it’s past midnight, I guess it’s today now?”

“Haha, yeah, probably… Well, see you at work.”

“Yup! Good night, Ariga-cchi! See you later!!”

“Yeah, good night. See you.”

I raised a hand and waved as she walked away.

After taking a few steps, Kanade stopped, turned around, and looked back at me.

“What is it?”

“Oh, nothing. Just one last thing.”

“…?”

“I’m not as weak as you think I am, Ariga-cchi.”

With those words, she gave me a radiant smile.

Then, pulling Hibiki along, she quickly disappeared from sight.

Left behind, I looked up at the starry sky and let out a deep breath.

“…Not as weak as I thought, huh.”

I murmured those words to myself, clenching my fist tightly.

And so, I walked home alone under the vast sky—feeling just a little lighter than before.