Kissing My Student, It's Over if We're Caught - Volume 3 Chapter 1.5

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“Ahh… finally,” I sighed.

Nine months into my teaching career, and this moment—coming home after a long day, finishing dinner, and soaking in the bath—was my ultimate source of peace.

Tonight, there was no work to bring home. I planned to relax in the tub with my phone, maybe watch some videos. But just as I was about to unwind, my phone rang. It was Kirihara.

It was unusual for her to call without a heads-up. Curious, I answered.

“Fwehhh… Gin, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry~…” came her teary, sniffly voice, instantly snapping me out of my relaxed state.

“What’s wrong? Did you fight with Yuzu?”

“Nooo… it’s not that… it’s just… I can’t take it anymore without you…”

“Uh… what?”

“I can’t see you, I can’t talk to you… but I’ve been trying so hard to hold it in. But today, I just couldn’t… I’m sorryyyy…”

It seemed she had reached her breaking point.

While it wasn’t exactly a crisis, I was relieved nothing serious had happened.

“I see. You’ve been holding up well recently.”

“Yeah…”

I decided to let her vent, only responding with empathetic comments and affirmations. Slowly, Kirihara began to calm down. Her sobs softened, and her voice steadied.

“Feeling a bit better now?”

“Yeah… thank you.”

“You’re welcome. At first, I thought something terrible had happened. Are you sure it’s not about Yuzu? Things are going well, right?”

“Yeah. Actually, Yuzuka-san’s been really considerate. She helps a lot with chores, too. And…”

I could hear a hint of hesitation in her voice, as if she were embarrassed.

Still carrying a heavy tone, Kirihara continued.

“…You know how my parents were hardly ever home when I was little? We had housekeepers, but I always rebelled against them. I wanted to prove that I didn’t need anyone, that I could manage on my own. I wanted to be seen as the ‘perfect child’ who didn’t cause trouble. It was my way of rebelling against my parents. My studies, my behavior at school—it all stemmed from that.”

I see… so that’s how “Honor Student Kirihara” came to be.

“I gained a lot from it, but… I’ve never had the experience of living closely with an adult woman. Remember when I told you about that time I left school early with a cold, and my mom’s secretary, Naruse-san, taught me how to do makeup? She was so surprised. She said, ‘Touka-chan, this is the first time you’ve ever asked me for anything.’ So living with Yuzuka-san… it’s refreshing. It’s fun.”

“Does it make you feel at ease?”

“Yeah… she teaches me so much and is so considerate. I feel like I’m learning a lot. If I had an older sister or if my mom were more present, maybe it would’ve been like this.”

“I see. I was worried when I heard Yuzu would be staying with you, but it sounds like it’s been a positive influence. That’s a relief.”

“Yeah… oh, but don’t tell Yuzuka-san, okay? It’d be embarrassing.”

“Got it. She’d probably get a big head if she heard.”

“Right? She totally would.”

“Don’t spoil her too much. If there’s anything you can’t say to her directly, let me know. I’ll handle it.”

“For now, it’s fine. Thanks. …Oh no, we’ve been talking for almost an hour…”

“Haha, well, it’s just a phone call. It’s fine.”

“…Is it, though?”

“You’re doing great.”

“Ahh, no, no. If I start leaning on you, I’ll never stop. I’m hanging up now.”

“Alright. Make sure you dress warmly before bed.”

“Okay. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight. See you tomorrow.”

“Yeah… sorry, and thank you. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“…Okay. See you at school tomorrow.”

The call ended with a lingering sense of longing. She’s doing her best, but it’s clearly tough for her.

Even though we’re physically close, the situation feels like a long-distance relationship.

For someone as emotionally dependent as Kirihara, this year will undoubtedly be a trial.

I wish there were a better way for her to vent her feelings. Aside from playing games together, I couldn’t think of much.

As I pondered, my phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from Yuzu.

‘Hey, hey, hey~! You, handsome guy, having love troubles?’

‘I’m fine. Thanks for asking.’

‘Boooring! C’mon, big bro, lighten up! Touka seems calmer after that call, huh?’

‘You knew?’

‘Of course! She was crying her heart out; it was obvious. I get that she has to hold back, but don’t let her overdo it. Call her once in a while, yeah?’

‘I know. I’ll figure out how to handle it.’

I could’ve ended the conversation there, but since she brought it up, I felt I had to say something.

‘Thanks for looking after Kirihara. I appreciate it. Please keep it up.’

I kept it vague enough not to reveal too much, and I hoped Yuzu wouldn’t get too smug.

But she responded with a flurry of stickers: ‘Surprised,’ ‘Proud,’ ‘No problem!’ and ‘Leave it to me!’ She ended with a bashful sticker asking for a reward.

Realizing my mistake, I left her on read.

“Kirihara’s outlet, huh…”

I knew exactly what would make her happy.

…Her exams are still a ways off, and she’s been holding strong for nearly a month. Maybe it’s time to do something.

***

The next day, after a smooth day of classes, it was finally after school.

Kirihara was busy with student council work as usual. With her term ending soon, she was swamped with handover preparations and final summaries.

After wrapping up my own paperwork, I headed to the student council room.

“Eh… Sensei?”

Kirihara, working alone, looked surprised to see me but maintained her composure as a “student.”

Even though no one else was around, you never know who might be watching.

“I brought some documents from the vice principal for the student council. Got a moment to talk?”

Kirihara stood up, quickly checked the hallway, and locked the door.

“Thanks for the documents. What’s up?”

tln : hello everyone, i know i’m a bit late. but im gonna upload the entire series today. it took a while but finally im done. I’ll start with 5 Free chaps. thanks for understanding.