Chapter 8: The Little Devil Returns

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

---

When the taxi stopped in front of the school, I thanked the driver, paid the fare, and got out of the car.

The cold winter wind brushed against my cheeks as I walked quietly towards the school gate under the gray, cloudy sky.

I could see students who had finished their lunch spending time as they pleased in the schoolyard.

Some were chatting on benches, others heading back to the classrooms, while others strolled leisurely down the corridors. Their lunch break was fleeting but still lingering in the air.

As I walked under the overcast sky, I could still feel a vague sense of exhaustion lingering in my heart. The occasional sound of laughter from passing students helped ease the usual tension a little.

“Haa, I feel really tired…”

The meeting at the publishing house ended quicker than I had expected.

Thanks to the director and others coming to the meeting room right away, the chaotic situation was quickly settled. After introducing ourselves and receiving an explanation about the movie, I went through an interview with a reporter. When I glanced at the clock, I realized I still had time to make it to the afternoon classes.

Thinking it was a good chance, I decided to take a taxi back to school.

The novel is important, but dropping out of school because of it would be unforgivable to my parents. Since they're letting me pursue what I want, I need to make sure I balance both properly.

“Alright.”

Just as I was about to switch gears—

—Buzz, buzz, buzz.

The phone in my uniform pocket started vibrating.

I hurriedly took it out and checked the screen, but only a number was displayed.

Tilting my head in confusion, I answered the call.

“Ah! Is this Hajime-sensei? It's me, Kagura-chan, the girl you just met.”

“Wha— W-Whaaaaat?!”

“Ahaha, sensei, you're so loud.”

This voice, no doubt about it—it’s Kagura Shinomiya. I couldn't possibly forget.

But how did she get my number? And wait, why is she calling me ‘sensei'?

“S-Sensei, I'm here too! It's me, Marin-chan!”

This voice—it's Marin Kousaka.

“Hey, Marin, don't pull my arm! And what do you mean by ‘sensei's Marin-chan'? That's hilarious.”

“You're the one who said it first, Kagura-chan!”

“You're getting too worked up. Marin, you're so cute when you get like this.”

“Eek! Where are you touching?!”

“Now, where do you think I'm touching? Hehe, can you guess, sensei?”

I could hear Kagura-san's mischievous laugh from the phone.

This is bad. I'm completely being toyed with.

“Ahem! So, what do you need from me?”

I had to stay calm. If I panicked, it would be playing right into their hands.

“Sensei, you're so serious. But that's what makes you cute, too.”

“Guh…! Cough, cough!”

I choked and ended up smacking my throat.

I've heard of something called a “killer outfit” for virgins, but I never imagined there were killer words for them, too.

“Are you okay? Oh, by the way, sensei, where are you right now?”

“I-I’m at school. I managed to wrap things up earlier than expected, so I was planning on attending the afternoon classes.”

“Hmm, well, actually, I found something you dropped, sensei.”

“Huh? Something I dropped?”

I panicked and checked my pockets to see if I'd lost anything. Then I realized—

Wait… it's gone. The pass holder I put in my right pocket this morning. My student ID was inside, too.

“Uh, um, Shinomiya-san!”

“Kagura.”

“Heh?”

“Like I said~ it’s Kagura.”

“K-Kagura… san.”

“Yes, what is it, sensei?”

“Not fair! Sensei, call me Marin too!”

Ugh, please, give me a break. Why do I have to go through this kind of embarrassing situation…?

“Marin… san.”

“Haha, why are you getting all flustered, Marin? You asked him to call you that.”

“B-but…”

“So, um, Kagura-san? Is the thing I dropped possibly my pass holder?”

“Bingo, correct!”

“I knew it! Um, if Hizaki-san is nearby, could you maybe give it to—”

Just as I was saying that—

“As a reward for getting the right answer, both Marin-chan and I will deliver it to you personally!”

Kagura-san interrupted, and her words instantly made my face stiffen and freeze on the spot.

“Hello? Sensei? Can you hear me?”

I snapped out of it and readjusted my grip on the phone.

“W-Where are you bringing it to?!”

“Amanomi High School, 2nd Year Class A, Hajime Aizawa.”

“Wha—?!”

“Don’t worry, sensei. I’ve already confirmed the location, so we’ll see you soon!”

“See you later, Hajime-sensei!”

With a click, the call disconnected, leaving only the faint sound of a machine cutting off the line.

They’re coming? To the school?

“Haah, what should I do…”

As the bell for the afternoon classes echoed through the air, I headed toward the school building with a heavy heart.

My steps felt as unsteady as a small branch swaying in the wind, as if my inner turmoil was showing in every move I made.