Chapter 3 - Sensei

Friday morning unfolded with a panoramic scene—a canvas of clear blue sky and a bright sun ascending from the horizon. A gentle breeze brushed against Akira's skin, leaving a faint chill that stimulated her senses. The melodic chorus of birds filled the air as children ran down the street, eager to begin their day of learning. With a spring in her step, Akira relished the delightful sensations that embraced her, making her way to school ready to unravel the secrets awaiting her within those familiar halls.

As she approached her shoe locker to change, her heart skipped a beat upon seeing Yuki entering the school gate. In a moment of panic, she hurriedly ducked into the hidden shadows behind the lockers, desperate to avoid Yuki's gaze. Determined to find a safe haven, Akira moved swiftly, knowing it was not the time to confront her.

The school bells resonated through the corridors, their familiar chimes punctuating the air with a rhythmic melody. Each echo seemed to deepen Akira’s uncertainty, amplifying the weight of her secrets and unanswered questions. As the chimes faded, Mr. Ito’s warm voice filled the room, greeted by the chorus of students. Their collective response harmonized with a sense of anticipation, setting the tone for the day ahead.

As the class settled, Mr. Ito began his lesson with an engaging introduction. The promise of exploring the enchanting realm of poetry stirred a wave of excitement within Akira. She opened her book to page 107, her eyes eagerly scanning the verses that lay ahead. The opportunity to immerse herself in the rhythm and beauty of poetry filled her with Anticipation lingered in the air, and a smile tugged at the corners of Akira's lips. As an aspiring writer and poet, her journey into the world of creativity had begun at a young age. Even in grade school, the seeds of her passion for poetry had taken root. Crafting verses provided her with solace, allowing her to pour her thoughts and emotions onto paper and bring her inner world to life through the power of words.

When Mr. Ito commenced reading the poem’s first verse, its profound message about love resonated deeply within the classroom. The poem spoke of a love that transcends boundaries—distance, age, status, gender, or appearance. It emphasized the importance of fighting for love despite the obstacles. As Akira absorbed the words, a realization dawned upon her: it was time to confront Yuki and seek the answers she had been longing for.

The phrase “Love is like a camera; we need to capture someone's heart to develop a relationship—make it a beautiful photograph”  echoed in her mind, leaving a lasting impression. As her thoughts drifted back to the handsome guy she had encountered, she wondered about the kind of picture they could create together.

Akira’s sudden outburst of enthusiasm about the phrase drew the attention of the entire class. Her exclamation, though heartfelt, left her feeling embarrassed and self-conscious under the collective gaze of her peers.

Mr. Ito's query about her experiences with love brought forth a wave of teasing laughter from the students. Overwhelmed by shame, Akira found herself frozen, unable to respond or raise her hand. The room fell into an awkward silence, punctuated only by Mr. Ito’s continued teasing, which only heightened her discomfort.

Observing Akira's distracted demeanor and the persistent grin on her face as she absorbed the poem, Mr. Ito approached her with curiosity and concern. He gently informed her that he would need to speak with her after class. With a barely audible acknowledgment, Akira nodded, her thoughts still lingering on the earlier conversation and the handsome figure from her memory.

Ayumu Ito, the English teacher, was a twenty-six-year-old single man who captivated everyone’s admiration, especially the girls, fellow teachers, and students. His long blonde hair, typically tied back in a neat ponytail during class, framed his fair skin and round brown eyes. With a slightly pointed nose and lips tinted with a hint of red, he embodied a perfection that seemed almost ideal.

After class, Akira missed the opportunity to speak with Yuki, who had already left for home. Deciding not to chase after her, Akira instead headed to Mr. Ito’s office. A sense of apprehension grew with each step down the hallway. Hesitating briefly, Akira eventually gathered the courage to knock on the door, taking a deep breath before entering. The door creaked slightly as Akira turned the knob. Inside, Mr. Ito’s voice welcomed Akira with an invitation to enter. Akira announced her presence, maintaining a composed despite the anxiety she felt.

Mr. Ito acknowledged Akira’s arrival and indicated he had something to discuss. As Akira took a deep breath, preparing for the conversation, Mr. Ito addressed the incident involving Yuki and Inei Mizuki, mentioning the surprise Akira had shown. He calmly stated that he had observed Akira's reaction and was considering something important.

The revelation that the handsome man was named Inei Mizuki caused a flicker of realization in Akira. It was the name she had been trying to remember for days.

Mr. Ito then shared that Inei Mizuki was his best friend, a relationship that had endured since their high school days. With warmth in his voice, Mr. Ito recounted stories of their friendship, from mischievous adventures in school to deeply meaningful moments shared over the years.

As the sun dipped towards the horizon, Mr. Ito continued to share amusing stories about his unbreakable bond with Inei Mizuki, drawing Akira into their journey of friendship and mutual support.

Feeling the pressure of time, Akira mentioned the need to head home, concerned about her mother’s reaction to her lateness. Mr. Ito, eager to assist, offered to drive her home and quickly went to retrieve his car keys. Akira hesitated briefly, unsure whether to accept his offer or politely decline.

In the car, a heavy silence settled between them, making conversation challenging. Mr. Ito eventually broke the silence by asking for Akira’s address. Then, unexpectedly, he requested her phone number, which took Akira by surprise. After a brief moment of hesitation, her curiosity was piqued, and she decided to comply. She provided her number and exited the car, leaving behind an air of intrigue and uncertainty.

As she walked away, Akira’s mind was filled with confusion. She wondered why Mr. Ito had asked for her phone number and found the request somewhat odd.