V6Ch3: Wanderer of The Underworld Part 2

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Translator: Soafp

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[Sanjoji PoV]

“There's a suspicious person around here…”

I frowned at the unsettling words. Apparently, someone suspicious had been sighted in the area over the past few days.

That said, these kinds of reports weren't exactly rare. Even in the neighborhood where I live, there have been many such reports in the past.

But “suspicious person” reports are purely subjective—they don't necessarily mean that any harm was actually done.

In fact, most of the time, no real harm happens at all.

If an actual crime had occurred, they wouldn't be labeled suspicious—they'd be criminals. Usually, it's just a misunderstanding, and such reports are more about raising awareness and encouraging caution.

There have even been cases where an adult simply said, “Be careful on your way home,” to a child, and it was reported as an incident of suspicious behavior.

It sounds ridiculous, but it just shows how hypersensitive society has become.

We teach children not to talk to strangers, yet we also get upset when they don't greet others.

It's like adults are forcing society's contradictions onto kids while pretending to stay uninvolved.

“I'm sure… it's fine, right?”

That's what a neighbor told me when I was heading out for a walk with Inukichi.

We've known each other for years, just familiar faces in the neighborhood.

She warned me to be careful, but to her, it might've just been fresh gossip to spice up a bit of chit-chat.

Normally, I wouldn't give it another thought.

But this time, it felt like a hand had grabbed hold of my heart—an overwhelming sense of dread.

I couldn't stop thinking about the photo.

What if the suspicious person was targeting me?

That paranoid thought clung to the back of my mind.

I felt embarrassed by how self-conscious I was being.

“Woof?”

Inukichi circled around me, urging me to hurry up with the walk.

“You're right. Let's go.”

I was lightly dressed—just a long-sleeved running shirt over a sports bra.

But it should be fine. I told myself there was nothing to worry about, just like always.

“If anything happens, you'll protect me, right, Inukichi?”

He raised a front paw, like he was saying “Leave it to me.”

My dependable little knight.

Shaking off the unease, I started running through the night streets with Inukichi at my side.

“Phew…”

I checked the distance on my running watch. My heart rate seemed about right.

“…Let's call it here. You were way too enthusiastic. I'm completely worn out.”

Unlike me, who was exhausted, Inukichi still looked like he wanted more. But I was at my limit.

My body felt heavy, but it was the kind of pleasant fatigue that wraps you up after a good run.

As my body cooled off, I walked slowly back home.

Thanks to the exercise, the anxiety I'd felt earlier was gone.

I'd never been very into exercise before, but seeing how it helped my mental state, it might be good for relieving stress.

Going to the gym felt like too much for me. Just keeping up with Inukichi's walks suited me better.

A cool autumn breeze brushed against my cheek, making my hair sway. Even in this big city, I could faintly hear insects chirping.

I wasn't fond of bugs, but their sound alone was oddly pleasant to my ears.

When I arrived home and reached for the door, Inukichi suddenly perked up.

“What is it, Inukichi?”

I wasn't wearing my glasses since they tend to slip off while running.

I didn't bother with sports glasses, and Inukichi usually guided me just fine.

“I've been waiting for you.”

“Huh?”

A sudden voice.

Through my blurry vision, I saw a faint silhouette.

The dim light from the streetlamp flickered uncertainly, barely illuminating the figure.

Step by step, it approached me, echoing click, click with each footfall.

The fear I'd forgotten came rushing back all at once.

Panicking, I tried to get inside the house—but the leash pulled tight.

“Inukichi!?”

He dashed toward the shadow without hesitation. It looked like he was trying to protect me, just like I asked.

But now he was in danger, too. I had no idea what the other person might do. Inukichi was family—I couldn't let anything happen to him.

I hoped a bark might be enough to scare the person away. But even as Inukichi charged forward, the figure didn't flinch or slow down.

Completely frozen, not knowing what to do, I watched as the shadow finally stepped into full view.

“Ah…!”

I stumbled back at the sight. No scream came out—just a breathless, broken sound. Only now did I realize: when you face true terror, you can't even scream.

It felt like I might throw up my own organs.

It was, without a doubt, a suspicious person. That was the only way to describe him.

What appeared through my hazy vision was an eerie, grotesque man. An old man, maybe? But his expression was utterly lifeless. Like a Noh mask, that blank face stared coldly at me.

Worst-case scenarios flashed through my mind. Was he going to attack me? Assault me? Or maybe just kill me right here?

The terror was so intense, I forgot I was right outside my own front door.

Misfortune strikes everyone equally. The scales of fate, weighted by luck, swing however they please—only God knows how they'll fall.

Tilt toward luck, and maybe you win the lottery. Tilt toward misfortune, and you get into an accident. It's unavoidable. That's why it's so cruel. And now, that cruelty was bearing down on me.

Which way would the scales tip?

“…Someone… help…”

A faint, broken voice escaped me—so weak, I barely recognized it as my own.

There was no doubt in my mind. This was the suspicious person from the reports.

Maybe he had been scouting the area for an underground job. If that's true, then my house had been marked.

But there isn't much cash in the safe, and my jewelry isn't worth much either.

Even if I was robbed, the financial loss wouldn't be that big.

But… life is different. He'd seen my face.

That never leads anywhere good.

“Right—Inukichi!?”

There was no sign of barking at all. Panicking, I turned my eyes to Inukichi.

“Uuuggghh~”

My mind froze at the incomprehensible sight. When you multiply a plus by a plus, you get a minus. Then, what happens when you multiply absurdity by absurdity?

Inukichi was rolling on his back and rubbing his body against the creepy man's feet.

There was no way he looked wary or threatening. If I wasn't mistaken, it just looked like Inukichi had become attached to the creepy man.

“No… Don't come any closer…”

Shattered by Inukichi's unbelievable betrayal, all my hopes were instantly crushed.

What was I about to be robbed of, and what would I go through from now on? My vision blurred with impending despair.

My body, my money, my life? What was the man after? What could I offer him? A constantly shifting inequality.

Would begging pathetically make him let me go? Even though that would only please him.

If I had known this would happen, I should've properly expressed my feelings—to my parents, my friends, and to him. Gratitude, apologies, and the secret I was supposed to keep hidden…

Tightly closing my eyes in fear, I cursed the gods. The gods who wouldn't give me even a fleeting moment.

“What's wrong, Sensei? You look like a salaryman who suddenly got a stomachache the moment he got on a packed train. That's despair, isn't it? One minute feels like an hour. Apparently, that's called the tachypsychia phenomenon. They say the brain becomes hyperactive in those moments.”

“…Huh?”

The creepy man's words, just like his expression, were completely incomprehensible.

Yet, strangely, I felt a sense of déjà vu. The unpleasant pressure I had felt from him earlier was gone.

“But come on, if your stomach hurts and you awaken or whatever, the first thing you do is find a toilet, right?”

The creepy man began rubbing Inukichi's belly. Inukichi was happily enjoying it.

“Um… Who are you, exactly?”

It didn't seem like he was going to attack suddenly, so I mustered my courage and asked.

“Huh? It's me. Me, me. Oh, wait—don't get me wrong! I did say ‘me, me,' but I'm not doing one of those ‘It's me' scams. That's old news. These days, the trendy scams are romance scams, fake billing scams, and financial product scams. Even though Japan's started investment education, people here still aren't familiar with investing—”

“What the heck are you talking about?!”

I raised my voice without thinking. But for some reason, I wasn't afraid anymore.

“No, seriously. It's me.”

“Um… even if you say that…”

I was confused by the completely off-kilter conversation. He was talking to me like we were acquaintances, but no way would I know someone this creepy. And yet, I was starting to feel an odd sense of familiarity.

“Ouch. It's like when classmates act all distant after a class reshuffle.”

“I mean, that does happen…”

A classic adolescence issue. When your environment changes and you make new friends, you don't know how to treat the old ones anymore. It's a cute, student-like problem.

Still, for a creepy guy, the topic felt too far removed from reality.

“Oh! Maybe it's this!”

Suddenly struck by an idea, the creepy man clapped his hands and reached for his own face.

Riiip

“Isn't that something you only see in spy movies!?”

Like a magic trick, the creepy man peeled off his mask with a loud rip.

“The breeze feels nice. This thing was surprisingly hot.”

Underneath the mask was someone I knew very well.

“Kokonoe-kun? Wait—why are you wearing a disguise!?”

I had no idea what was going on. He was the type to do wild things, but he wasn't the kind of student to scare people for no reason. But then again, if he had a reason, he wouldn't hesitate to startle someone.

While I was still stunned and wide-eyed, he spoke like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“Well, paparazzi might be watching, right?”

I gasped and quickly looked around. Just as Kokonoe-kun said.

At first, I had been wary of exactly that possibility when I heard about a suspicious person.

“It's okay, Sensei.”

Despite the lack of any basis, his confident words made me feel strangely reassured.

(Just who is this kid…?)

His aura shifted suddenly. It reminded me of a ghost floating in the dark.

A burning intensity, like something that would scorch me if I touched it. He too was facing something unreasonable—just like me. Yet he was trying to overcome it. A chill ran down my spine.

I'd seen this before. He never gave in, never stopped fighting. He was just the same as back then. No—he had grown even sharper, even stronger.

“Hey, quit it! You're like an over-energetic adult on a Friday evening…”

Like a passing dream, the intensity from earlier vanished completely.

Inukichi was climbing up Kokonoe-kun's body. They were playing at a surprisingly high level.

“I have so many things I want to ask, but everything's so overwhelming that I can't even organize my thoughts…”

Just a moment ago, it felt like a matter of life and death. A brush with death. My heart was still racing. If I checked my pulse now, it'd probably be over 150.

From chaos to calm. The emotional swing was too extreme—my mind couldn't keep up.

“By the way, why are you sitting there like that, Sensei?”

At Kokonoe-kun's question, I looked down at my posture. I was sitting flat on the floor in front of the entrance.

It seemed it wasn't just my mind that couldn't keep up—my body too.

“M-My legs gave out…”

A steady rhythm of movement. When was the last time someone held me like this?

The thought popped up, but I quickly shook it off. A sweet poison was invading me.

“How shameful. I'm truly sorry.”

“No, I should be the one apologizing. I'm the reason you went all weak-kneed, Sensei.”

“Don't say it in such a suggestive way!”

“No, seriously. I'm the reason your legs gave out and you can't stand anymore.”

“Changing the words doesn't change the meaning at all!”

Kokonoe-kun carried me on his back and took me to my room. Bringing a student into my room at this hour was absolutely unacceptable behavior for a teacher—but I couldn't help it.

It was a precarious position where suspicion could easily arise. If, by chance, someone were to witness us meeting outside, naturally, those around us would cast a critical eye.

Even if the photos were proven to be fabricated, the doubts would continue to smolder. No one knows the truth.

(Such a strong back…)

He was carrying me up the stairs without showing any signs of struggle. I couldn't help but feel the stark difference between men and women.

The heartbeat that had once pounded with fear now throbbed for a different reason.

Carefully, so he wouldn't notice, I rested more of my weight against him. Bringing my face closer to his shoulder, I nervously whispered in his ear.

“…Um, do I smell sweaty? I was running around with Inukichi, you see.”

Pathetic. A grown woman, worrying about something so maiden-like. If Kokonoe-kun were to say something like “you smell old” right now, I might not recover for a while.

“If you’re asking that, I must reek of suspicion.”

“Is that a fair comparison?”

While exchanging trivial banter, we arrived at my room.

Though I felt a slight sense of regret, he gently set me down on the cushion.

My emotions had been rising and falling like a free fall, but I finally managed to catch my breath.

As I calmed down, the tension left my body. I regained control over my limbs.

“I'll bring you a drink later. Oh right, I also bought some pears. Want some?”

“No need. While I was carrying you, I already enjoyed your pears, Sensei.”

I instinctively threw my arms over my chest.

My face flushed red in an instant.

It was hot, so I had unzipped my jacket. Underneath, I was wearing only a sports bra.

Suddenly, embarrassment came rushing back. Kokonoe-kun had already seen quite a lot of me, so in a way, it was nothing new—but embarrassing things are still embarrassing. There's no escaping it—it's just embarrassing!

“Listen, Kokonoe-kun. These days, with harassment being such a major social issue, you need to be extremely careful. Otherwise, you'll end up facing serious consequences.”

Really, this boy is totally clueless when it comes to that sort of thing. I had to harden my heart and give him a proper warning.

Even the massive TV industry had its long-hidden dark side exposed, causing a wave of purges. While being easygoing might be one of his virtues, the world isn't so forgiving.

“At this rate, the entire television industry might disappear like in And Then There Were None.”

It might not be entirely impossible… not that I would know.

“And if sexual harassment is such a big deal, everyone around me should be on the brink of death from all the payback they'd be getting. The fact that Himiyama-san is doing just fine proves there's nothing to worry about. Kah!”

“And here we have a victim of degenerate, useless adults! …Wait, what's so funny about that!?”

That's right. He was someone who had continuously been on the receiving end of sexual harassment. Even indirectly, I was part of that too. I wasn't really in a position to lecture him harshly… I truly needed to reflect on that.

As I was quietly nursing the unexpected blow I'd received myself, Kokonoe-kun finally got to the main reason he came. He straightened his posture.

He must have had a clear reason for coming all the way here. It's unlikely he just came to hang out. And that creepy mask of his had also been bothering me.

“Actually, for the past few days, I've been patrolling around your house to check if any suspicious people were hanging around.”

“You're the most suspicious one out there!?”

“Oh, come on now.”

“No, I'm not joking! This is literally a case of the mummy becoming the mummy hunter!”

What a ridiculous situation. According to Kokonoe-kun, he had been wearing that creepy mask and investigating the area daily to make sure there were no suspicious individuals.

He had been devoting all that time and effort for my sake. I was nothing but grateful for that—but I really wished he had thought of a better way to do it.

Now, we were in a situation no one could understand: the one looking for a suspicious person was the suspicious person.

It made me feel ridiculous for being so scared of some unidentified intruder. At the same time, something dawned on me.

“If you've been patrolling like that, does that mean you think the harassment is likely to continue? And you needed to hide your face too?”

That creepy old man mask, he said, was something he bought online. I'd rather never see it again.

But if Kokonoe-kun himself had become a target—not just me—then we needed to report this to the police immediately. As a teacher, it was my responsibility to protect my student.

“I was imagining the worst-case scenario, just in case, you know… hmm.”

Kokonoe-kun groaned, looking troubled, probably sorting through information in his head. It was clear he knew something I didn't. He had come here to tell me that.

As if he couldn't quite find the right answer, he finally opened his mouth, hesitantly.

“I found out something about the image. I'm not an expert, but it turns out that thing was—”

“An AI?”

Hearing the unfamiliar word, I didn't know how to react.

“Yes. These days, even the newest smartphones come with it.”

Even someone like me, who's terrible with technology, had at least heard the term.

AI technology was rapidly advancing, and it was bringing about a variety of social changes. I'd even heard that some schools were already using AI to grade tests.

Reducing the burden on teachers was a welcome change, but from now on, schools would need the flexibility to adapt, rather than cling to traditional methods.

However, I don't understand how it's all connected. At the end of the day, it's just second-hand knowledge.

“If you use AI, it's easy to make images like the ones that were sent to you.”

“What do you mean by that…?”

Kokonoe-kun explained it to me in more detail, and the content was so extreme I couldn't hide my shock. If what he was saying was true, it was a dangerously powerful Pandora's box.

“There are even websites where you can casually try it without setting all the details yourself. But if you want to make a specific image, you do need some knowledge. Though, even that is pretty easy.”

“That's far too dangerous! Shouldn't something like that be regulated?”

“It's called deepfake, apparently. I think it should be regulated too, but it seems like the authorities are behind the curve. See here—it’s being recognized as a global issue.”

Kokonoe-kun showed me a news article he had looked up on his phone. It felt like something happening in a far-off world, but in reality, it was turning into a threat right at our doorstep. I swallowed hard.

“How can something like this be allowed…”

I scrolled through the article on the screen. It was far more dangerous than I had imagined.

“I don't think it's actually allowed,” he said. “But if someone does it privately, I guess no one will ever find out. For example—setting aside the ethics—if someone were hammering nails into a straw doll during the witching hour, it wouldn't bother the target as long as they never knew it was happening.”

What Kokono-kun was saying made perfect sense. Stripped of emotion, it’s really just a matter of perception.

Making weapons or explosives, or growing cannabis, would clearly be criminal acts. But for the most part, what individuals do on their own tends to go unregulated. As long as it stays in the private realm, there's no way for anyone to know. Everyone has a few secrets of their own.

“But—”

“Kokonoe-kun?”

For once, he hesitated with his words, staring intently at my face.

“Even if it's fake, if it causes harm, that changes everything. You can file a report and press charges against the person. That's what the Goddess-sensei told me. What you do from here is up to you.”

He was right. This case had gone far beyond any acceptable limits. Even if it was fake, the very act of sending it to me was clearly a crime. I had every right to deal with it firmly and hold the perpetrator accountable.

And yes—ultimately, that decision had to be mine. Kokono-kun was a victim too, but I was the direct target. He was entrusting that judgment to me.

“Kokonoe-kun. There's one thing I'd like to ask.”

“What is it?”

His tone was uncharacteristically cautious for someone usually so lighthearted.

“If the person who sent the image is someone you don't know—a stalker or something—then, well, it's terrible, but at least there wouldn't be lingering complications. But if it turns out to be someone you do know… would you be okay with that?”

It wasn't like I hadn't imagined that possibility. The culprit wasn't a random criminal. Sending that photo meant it was a personal grudge, a deliberate act of harassment. It was far more reasonable to suspect someone with a closer connection to me than a complete stranger.

But even in such a grim situation, my heart felt strangely warm and at peace. Kokonoe-kun, who usually wore an unreadable expression—was now looking at me with concern.

He was genuinely thinking about me, worrying for my sake. That sincerity—his kindness—was reaching me. Just having someone like him by my side made me feel strong, even proud.

“Thank you for worrying about me.”

Age doesn't matter. A natural sense of respect welled up inside me.

“I think the reason I'm able to stay calm right now… is because of you.”

Yes, he might've ended up as a suspicious figure in a creepy mask. But the fact is, he'd been patrolling for hours every day, just to keep me safe. And it wasn't just that. He was closing in on the core of the issue with remarkable focus and energy.

What had I done during that time? Taken Inukichi for walks, or gone to the tanning salon. Meanwhile, Kokono-kun was moving forward.

If I'd been alone, I might still be curled up, frozen in fear of someone's malice. I wouldn't even know what to do. Which one of us is truly immature now? My chest tightened.

(Feeling this sense of frustration… maybe that makes me a shameful adult…)

Now I understood why people were naturally drawn to him. You can't help but be captivated.

He makes you feel protected—so you want to protect him in return. He pours kindness into others, and you want to respond. Because if you don't, you won't feel equal to him.

He forces you to reflect on whether you are someone of true character. Whether you're worthy. Like a mirror held up to your soul.

I could barely hold back the emotions swelling inside me. At times like this, I found myself envying Misaki-san.

She doesn't hesitate to express her love. She's free. Her status doesn't get in the way of that.

(But I…)

I became a teacher because it was expected of me. I never questioned it. I simply followed the path my parents laid out for me.

I had some amount of ambition. But I also walked a straight line on the rails prepared for me, without ever really confronting myself.

And that's why—when I stumbled—I didn't know how to get back up.

….And that continues even now.

“It's hard to see what's so appealing about fakes…”

Kokonoe-kun grumbled with a bored expression. Honestly, I couldn't agree more. It's nothing but a nuisance.

“I agree. This kind of thing only hurts people.”

“Exactly. I mean, there's no need to go to the trouble of making fakes—if you just say you want to see someone naked, they'll show you. Actually, you don't even have to say it. There's no need to waste the effort—”

“Let's start with you learning that your common sense isn't the world's common sense.”

“Huh? But most people around me just start stripping on their own, right?”

He tilted his head, clearly confused, his eyes wide and pure like a clear sky.

“I'm not in that category, am I? I'm not one of those people, right?”

I should probably have a word with the people around him. Starting with Misaki-san.

“I want to see.”

“Eh? Um… Let's calm down. What is it you want to see? Should I turn on the TV?”

“The bill collector might come, so please don't.”

He tried to change the subject in a panic, but I shut him down coldly.

“I've really worked hard these past few days, you know. That mask traps heat and it's boiling in there.”

“And what's the point of telling me that?”

Considering how much he's run around trying to resolve this issue, it's only natural to want to reward him.

“I was thinking maybe I deserve some kind of reward. For reference, Tokyo's minimum wage is 1,163 yen.”

“Ugh!”

Needless to say, giving money to a student is strictly forbidden. …Literally, forbidden in cash.

“F-Fine. Maybe I can manage Akita Prefecture's minimum wage or so…”

Akita Prefecture has the lowest minimum wage in the country at 951 yen. When I was in high school, it was around 600 yen. At first glance, it looks like the economy has grown, but in reality, take-home pay has been decreasing. It really shows how much heavier the tax burden has become.

“Great. Actually, I wanted to ask for a favor for the sports festival.”

“A favor?”

“Haha.”

“Don't laugh it off with that dry chuckle! What are you trying to make me do!?”

“Go, Inukichi!”

With a thundering gallop, Inukichi rushed at me and jumped into my arms. Kokonoe-kun had trained him perfectly.

“I won't give in! I'm not giving iiiiiin!!”

After playing with Inukichi until he was satisfied, we sat down and ate some sliced pears together.

“These pears are delicious.”

“It's autumn, after all.”

Such a comforting time. Time flowed gently. I could really feel how worn out my heart had become. If I had been alone, I would've just been buried in stress—there's no way I'd have been healed like this.

I suddenly remembered something and asked Kokonoe-kun.

“What was the worst-case scenario you were imagining?”

Even now, we're in a precarious situation, but I'd been curious as to why Kokonoe-kun had gone as far as disguising himself to look for a suspicious person. Could it really get worse than this?

“Oh, that? We're already heading into full cyberpunk territory, but apparently it's possible to make fake videos too, not just images. But to make videos, you need a decent number of base images—in this case, photos of you, Sensei. If that's what the culprit is after, I thought maybe someone was secretly snapping photos of you somewhere, so I started investigating.”

“They can go that far?”

The more I heard, the more dangerous it seemed. There's no way an individual can defend against this.

As my hand trembled, he gently placed his hand over mine. Then he skewered a piece of pear with a fork and brought it to my mouth. Even if he's my student, having this kind of contact with the opposite sex made my face flush red.

“There wasn't anyone suspicious around, so you're fine. If anything, I'm the most suspicious one.”

He picked up on my unease and reassured me. He really is a master at winning people over.

“You're not suspicious at all. At least to me, you're the most trustworthy person there is.”

I couldn't stop myself from saying it. Maybe I wanted him to know. The truth.

The crisp sound of chewing echoed. Kokonoe-kun was casually eating more pear.

Maybe I really have lost it. This moment feels so precious—I don't want to let it go.

“Can I ask you something too?”

“Sure. If it's my bank PIN, it's 9910.”

“Cough cough! Why would you tell someone that!?”

I choked. That's literally the kind of information you're supposed to keep secret.

“Well, you said you trust me, so I thought I'd show you some sincerity. Oh, and 99 comes from ‘Koko', and 10 from ‘To' in Yukito. It's my favorite.” [TL: His name has 九 which is 9]

“Now that you've explained it like that, I can't even tell you to change it!”

I became acutely aware of how happy I was to hear him say he trusted me.

“So, what was your question?”

Even after revealing such a secret, he didn't seem the least bit concerned. His carefree attitude is almost worrisome.

(What a troublesome boy…)

I gave a small internal sigh and took a deep breath. I wasn't sure if it was okay to bring this up at all. But still—I wanted to ask. I wanted to hear his answer. So I could find my own in the process.

“…What do you think about adults who've lived their lives just doing what their parents told them?”

I said it. It was out there. There was no taking it back.

The truth is, I already know what his answer should be. He's a pioneer, someone who forges his own path. He doesn't shy away from uncharted territory. He's the polar opposite of someone who lives by doing what they're told.

That's exactly why I wanted to ask—what value do I have in his eyes?

“That sounds wonderful!”

“…Huh?”

The words that came back were so unexpected that I couldn't immediately comprehend them.

“It's amazing, right? Doing what your parents say. I only have gratitude for my mom. She's a saint—I respect her more than anyone. If I lived my life doing what she told me, I'd be totally satisfied. It's a life to be envious of. If she told me to become a monk and go on alms rounds, I'd probably be a komusō right now. Booeeeh~”

“Why…”

His answer was so far from what I expected that I couldn't organize my thoughts.

“Don't you think it's pathetic? Don't you look down on people like that? Because—”

I couldn't hide my panic. That's not the answer I wanted. I wanted him to cut me off.

To be considered a disgraceful adult, pathetic, unworthy of respect, a miserable being—and yet!

“It's not something I'd ever think. That person may have had no other choice. And if they realize later that there was a better option, they just have to choose that one next time. There’s no room for anyone else to interfere—because their life belongs to them, and no one else.”

I was stunned by his words. My body stiffened from the shock.

I had assumed he would reject my way of living, that it was incompatible with his values. I thought there was no way it could be accepted.

That question was supposed to help me give up. To erase this feeling and return to being just teacher and student. I believed I was making the right decision as an adult. There was nothing to be ashamed of.

But what I got in return was not rejection—it was affirmation of my life as I've lived it.

“…So I wasn't wrong?”

“Sensei?”

“Please… just for a little while, let me do this.”

I rested my head against his back. Maybe I just didn't want him to see my face.

Reverence and respect for others. No rejection, no exclusion—just full acceptance of who they are.

That's why people want to stay by his side. Because he gives them a place to belong.

“To be honest… I hesitated about telling you about the AI thing.”

Kokonoe-kun confessed his feelings.

“Knowing someone bears a grudge against you—it's terrifying. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss. You can go on not noticing the malice or the affection directed at you. But once you find out, you can't stay the same. You're forced to change. But that change isn't always the right answer.”

Malice and affection. Deep emotions held inside. Having them exposed brings inevitable change.

“I'm glad you told me.”

I pressed my whole body gently against his back. My heart, beyond control, was screaming. I couldn't stop thinking about this kind, gentle boy—

‘I love you.'

(At my age… this kind of thing…)

No arranged marriage could ever give me the thrill pounding in my chest right now.

The photo that was sent was fake. And yet, maybe—even such a future might be possible.

“…Kokonoe-kun, can you close your eyes?”

“Are you about to change clothes right here? Don't worry. I've got an original sleep mask with me. Everyone at home strips all the time, so I need it to know where to look. It's like living on the savannah.”

After what happened with Misaki-san, showing a bit of changing wouldn't even matter anymore—but he quickly put on his sleep mask, his droopy eyes peeking from beneath it. Strangely cute.

“That's not it. It's just… I've relied so much on you through all of this.”

—I told myself this was just a thank-you. I wasn't ready to put my feelings into words yet.

I leaned in. Age is cruel. His fresh, youthful skin was painfully enviable.

The distance between us disappeared. Just like the cursed article had written—a forbidden act.

“Sensei? What was that just now?”

“…It was nothing.”

I kissed his cheek softly. If I had kissed his lips, there'd be no turning back.

If I could muster that much courage, maybe… I could allow myself to bask in this forbidden feeling.

“Wait a second—was that Inukichi?”

“It wasn't!”

Too late—it can't be undone. But that's okay.

“If everything gets resolved… I'll treat you to some pudding.”

Gulp “Does baked pudding count too?”

“Yes. That's fine.”

The promise we exchanged was taboo. I'm not ready to break the rules just yet. But—

This is the first rebellion in my life.

[Yukito PoV]

“What the heck… Panna cotta…”

“You like those classic old gags more than I expected.”

I looked up at the ceiling while flipping through the elementary school album Sensei had shown me.

Sanjoji-sensei was sitting close beside me, wearing only a sports bra. Her body heat kept radiating into me nonstop. Her thermal conductivity was high. Please, hurry up and change!

“Why are you looking through the old album again?”

She had shown it to me the last time I came to this house, but this time she was flipping through it more earnestly.

“My mom really regretted not showing up for school events. She was always too busy to come to things like sports festivals or music recitals. I kind of brushed it all off too.”

Even now, I couldn't find many pictures of myself. Especially around that time—I had almost completely boycotted school activities.

Maybe that weighed on her as a mother, too.

I'd told her not to come countless times. When I did need someone, I asked Sekka-san. I purposely avoided making my busy mom go out of her way.

“It's kind of immature in hindsight. Well, I guess I was just a kid—childish, even.”

I could've handled it better. I still had a long way to go.

“I'm sorry… I let my short-sightedness cause you pain.”

Sanjoji-sensei's glasses fogged up. The pressure on my arm from her soft body grew stronger.

Crap—I didn't show her the album to make her cry.

“It wasn't your fault. It was like… middle school syndrome. Or I guess, elementary school syndrome in my case. I hurt people and made them sad. A bratty girl might get away with it, but a bratty boy can't.”

Whenever I decided not to participate in something, Hinagi-chan would always pout. Now that I think about it, she was right all along. That bratty little girl Hinagi-chan understood the truth better than I did.

“There was nothing to gain from being stubborn. I think I was just acting out. There was no value in it. I even rejected apologies. That's the worst.”

Forgiveness wasn't necessary. I just needed to accept it. But I rejected even that.

The result? I stole Himiyama-san's dream and kept hurting her. And it was the same with Sanjoji-sensei.

“And probably, the same goes for my classmates back then too.”

I don't even remember their faces or names. I didn't recognize them as people worth remembering.

Even the memories we shared are gone—there's not a trace left. I don't particularly miss them.

“But I think everyone remembers you.”

“You think so?”

“You were unforgettable. No one could forget, even if they tried.”

Even more so, it only served to expose how cold-hearted I was—but there was nothing I could do about it.

“Huh?”

“Is something wrong?”

Sensei peeked over at my hands. I subtly peeked at her chest.

What I was holding was a group photo. Naturally, I wasn't in it. I'd flatly refused to participate, claiming it would steal my soul. Regardless, I started counting people with my fingers.

One, two, three, four, five…

“Isn't this fewer people than usual?”

“You're not in it.”

“So I'm excluded, huh.”

Honestly, I'd prefer if they just pasted my face in the top right corner.

I flipped back a few pages and opened another group photo—this one taken earlier.

Again, I counted on my fingers. No mistake—there was one more person in this one. I shuddered.

“Sensei, this is a ghost photo! A ghost photo! We need to purify it! A spirit snuck in!”

“Calm down! It's the opposite, the opposite! Someone's gone!”

“They were erased!?”

That might be even scarier. Did I stumble upon some inconvenient truth?

“Please stop jumping to ghost stories! That's not it. He transferred schools.”

“Like when a rookie shortstop is turned into a relief pitcher—was that really the right call…?”

“It's not a position switch or a career change—it's a school transfer!”

She corrected me firmly. As soft as sirloin steak.

“Transferred? Did we have someone like that?”

I couldn't remember a single thing. I was starting to doubt I ever lived in that era.

“…That's true. I had almost forgotten, too. About the other person involved.”

She said “he,” so I assumed it was a boy. And finally, I realized.

“Oh, him! Uh, what was his name again? That annoying feeling when the name won't come out…”

Then again, maybe I never knew his name to begin with. I might never remember.

“In a way, he was our victim. There was no need to make a big deal out of it. There should've been chances to repair the twisted relationship. But we never reached out. We left him sitting on a bed of nails. Of course he couldn't endure it. Not everyone can be as strong as you.”

Sanjoji-sensei closed her eyes and murmured as if reminiscing. One among countless regrets.

She pointed to one spot in the photo. I looked at the face—but, as expected, it rang no bells.

“His name was Kazuhiro Okamoto. He was the one you were blamed for, and the one you condemned.”