Can I Still Be Your Heroine Even Though I'm Your Teacher? - Volume 3 Chapter 3.2

A Woman in Love Tells Lies 2

“Do we look weird or something?”

“If anything, your hair, Nishiki, has grown too long.”

“Ah, I’ve been too busy lately to get it cut.”

My bangs had grown long enough to cover my eyes.

After school on weekdays, I had chores like shopping and meal prep, and on weekends, I visited my parents more often.

I had started a part-time job at a cafe during the summer break and continued it into the second term, so haircuts had been put off.

“Isn’t it annoying to have it in your eyes?”

“Girls think guys with bangs over their eyes are more handsome.”

I joked casually.

For male idols, bangs are everything. Even band members look cool on stage with their eyes hidden by long hair. I’m just following precedent—let’s leave it at that.

“That’s a sneaky technique used by guys without confidence, aiming for the ‘atmosphere handsome’ look.”

Akira’s comments were merciless.

“Besides, Nishiki, you don’t need to hide behind an atmosphere.”

“Do you think I’m not bad-looking, Akira?”

“…”

“Why’d you go silent all of a sudden?”

“No no, I can’t possibly speak honestly with you right in front of me.”

Akira turned her face away exaggeratedly.

“Did you just subtly call me ugly?”

“You should show your face more, Nishiki.”

“Do you prefer a neat hairstyle, Akira?”

“It’s better to have a clean look. I’m not a cheap girl who can be fooled by nuance.”

“Making enemies with your comments again, I see…”

This is the school staircase. Anyone could be listening.

“Anyway, your current unkempt look doesn’t suit you. At least tie it back with a rubber band?”

“Like I’d have one.”

Unless a guy is intentionally growing his hair out, he wouldn’t have a hair tie.

“Here.”

Akira took off the hair tie she was wearing on her wrist and handed it to me.

“What am I supposed to do with this?”

“Then I’ll tie it for you.”

Akira stood in front of me.

“Huh?”

She grabbed my bangs and tied them up like the tentacles of an anglerfish.

Oh, my field of vision seems wider and brighter.

“It’s kind of sloppy.”

“What other ways are there to tie up bangs?”

“Girls are usually more knowledgeable about that kind of thing.”

“Just be grateful I did it for you.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll give it back when I’m done.”

“Keep it.”

“Really?”

“I can’t use it after you’ve worn it.”

“Treating me like a germ, huh?”

“If I really thought that, I’d be spraying alcohol everywhere right now.”

“Don’t charge me for this later.”

“I won’t. Just be thankful for the hair tie.”

“Then I won’t hold back.”

As I walked, my bangs bounced playfully.

And the moment we arrived in the classroom, we were greeted with a surprise celebration.

Crackers popped from all around, and we were showered with cheerful congratulations.

Unable to keep up with everyone’s excitement, we both froze in the middle of the classroom.

“What’s going on?”

“I have no idea.”

Neither Akira nor I could grasp the situation.

How did we become an officially recognized couple in the class overnight?

Of course, I knew Tenjō-sensei wouldn’t spread such a thing.

Looking at Akira, she seemed clueless too.

That left only one person who could have spread the rumor.

“Congrats, Akiaki and Nikki! You guys are seriously a perfect couple!”

As Mayuzumi-san shouted conspicuously with a loud voice, blessings flew back and forth from the classmates.

In the midst of this festival-like commotion, only the parties involved were left behind.

“Nishiki, I’m entrusting Kuhouin-san to you. Make her happy, okay?”

The boy who suddenly placed his hand on my shoulder was from the class next door, the one who got rejected by Akira yesterday.

No, we barely know each other, and yet he’s being overly familiar.

Moreover, it’s clear that the number of onlookers from other classes is increasing, and the capacity of Class 2-C’s classroom is being exceeded.

There are way too many people gathering!

Amidst the noise, Tenjō-sensei arrives for the morning homeroom.

“What on earth is all this commotion about!”

“Hey hey, Tenjō-sensei, did you hear? Kuhouin-san and Nishiki-kun have started dating!”

At the classmate’s report, Tenjō-sensei was at a loss for words.

She’s clearly taken a mental hit.

But, that’s probably the sense of responsibility of a working adult.

Tenjō-sensei quickly composed herself and devoted herself to behaving as a teacher.

It’s quite something that I can perceive such subtle changes.

Not to brag, but I’m second to none when it comes to Tenjō Reiyu.

“All students from other classes, please return to your own classrooms. Take your seats, we’re starting homeroom.”

With a single command from Tenjō-sensei, the classroom’s uproar settled down in an instant.

Feeling the curious gazes on my back, I finally took my seat.

The expression on Sensei standing before me was somewhat stern.

She’s not able to keep up with the rapid developments that have occurred since yesterday.

The changes are happening too fast.

“…Nishiki-kun, what’s with that hair tie?”

“I borrowed it from Akira.”

There was no ulterior motive, but somehow my answer felt guilty.

“I see.”

Sensei’s reaction was somewhat deep.

I immediately removed the hair tie from my bangs.

***

As soon as lunchtime arrived, I intended to confirm the situation with Mayuzumi-san.

But before that could happen, I was surrounded by female classmates as if they had been waiting for me.

“Nikki, tell us the detailed story of how you and Akiaki got together!”

Mayuzumi-san beat me to the punch.

“Ah, well, I haven’t bought lunch yet, so now’s not really a good time…”

I tried to decline gently.

“Don’t worry, we’ll share our bentos and snacks with you!”

For the love-starved high school girls, the birth of a nearby couple was the best news.

“Come on, sit next to Kuhouin-san. There!”

Akira was already secured. The classmates, both boys and girls eager to hear the story, surrounded Akira’s seat with their bentos spread out, waiting.

Akira’s eyes, looking at me, seemed to plead for help.

It seems I have no choice but to give up.

I was escorted to the window side and made to sit in front of Akira’s seat.