Chapter 30 - School Trip – Part 5 (2/2)

“… You know, this place is really nice, and I was always thinking of coming here with you Seiji-kun.”

I didn’t know anything about how good or bad the garden was. However, now I couldn’t help but stare at it. It seems like how you see it changes depending on the person you’re with. Then, we spoke to each other quietly. Events that happened today. I thought that, oh, I thought this… It was truly a meaningless conversation.

“One year and ten months more.”

“Until I graduate?”

“Yeah. And well, it’s somehow a little bit sad. Secretly sneaking notes in the staff room, feeding each other bentous, or kissing each other in the preparation room. That won’t happen anymore.”

Last time when I graduated, all I could do was look at Hiiragi-chan from afar, without even asking for her contact information and without expressing my feelings to her. I have come to the realization that if you put in your thoughts and effort, your life can change.

“That’s true, but if it’s the weekend, we can see each other, right?”

“This and that are different things. If Hiiragi-sensei doesn’t have Seiji-kun, she won’t be able to do her best…”

“A hard working Haruka-san is something I like.”

“I… will do my best!”

I wonder if it’s alright to be so easily satisfied… I mean, that part of her is cute too.

Let’s try to tell her something that I’ve been thinking about for a while now. It’s a somewhat serious conversation. If it’s now, I should be able to say it.

“Haruka-san, you had said that after I graduated, there was no need for me to work, or continue with school, right?”

“Yeah. I’ll care for you.”

“About that though, I think I will work.”

“Eh, why’s that? It’s fine, there’s no need to push yourself.”

It really isn’t me pushing myself. That’s what I try to express as I explain further.

“You’re doing your best as teacher even though it’s hard work, right? Me too, I would like to try my best in something for your sake.”

“And that would be a job?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“That’s quite a mature thing to say… even though you’re just in your second year of highschool…”

Surprised, Hiiragi-chan blinked multiple times. As an adult on the inside, I believe that I understand what it means to be working a job.

“I don’t think that it’s good just to push all the troublesome things onto Haruka-san. Besides, if I introduce myself to your parents, then wouldn’t it be bad if I’m seen as unemployed.”

“Uuuuu, you’re still a high school student with lots of options for the future though…”

Whining a little bit, Hiiragi-chan was on the verge of tears.

“Don’t cry.”

“But I’m so happy… that you’ve been thinking about our future together…”

Fumiii, and in a strange way, she lets her tears fall. However, if I don’t say this properly, my life will end up being a grey almost cattle-like life. I would think that if it’s for the person that I love, then I should be able to do my best while doing a boring job.

Gusu gusu, after blowing her nose, HIiragi-chan wiped her tears.

“It’s something that I wish I could do… but if Seiji-kun says something like that, it’s okay if I give up on it. It’s just my own selfish wish after all…”

“What?”

“Yeah… If you’re going to work anyways, why don’t we end up working together?”

“Hmmm? Together?”

“That’s right. If you graduate and go to college, you can become a teacher. Then Seiji-kun can return to your alma mater.”

“Haa… a teacher… Haa!?”

“I mean, you’re smart… and I just thought that if you were going to work, than it might be nice to work together… Then, it can be like a workplace marriage.”

“If I were to do that, would you be able to wait until then…?”

When I graduate from high school, with the patience that she’s had until now, it seems like a limiter would be released at that point in time.

“I-I can wait. …Ah, but, marrying while you’re still at school, is also something that might be possible… maybe…”

She was immediately shaken!?

“Well, apart from whether I should or should not become a teacher, let’s think about it. Together.”

“Yeah. Together.”

Kotsun, we bump our foreheads together and kissed. When I opened my eyes Hiiragi-chan was looking at me, and I somehow became embarrassed and the two of us ended up laughing at each other. Until it became bright outside, the two of us flirted and stuck together just like this.

At a later date.

The mugs from the ceramics workshop arrived at school. The finishing touches made for this second time turned out pretty well. Borrowing a ribbon from the home economics room, I decorated it like a present. During lunch break, I put it in a paper bag, and brought it to the world history preparation room.

“… Sensei. I have something I want to give you.”

“Yeah. Me too, I have something to give to Sanada-kun.”

As planned, it was a harmonious present exchange. Still, she was pleased.

“Thank you. I’ll treasure it!”

Hugging the paper bag, she showed her best smile.