Chapter 4.5
This chapter was translated by yuugs and proofread by yuugs and dei-hime. Enjoy!
At last, it was time to welcome in the New Year. The eastern sky was dyed pink by the rising sun. The first sunrise of the new year revealed a cloudless sky, and the bracing winter wind blew across the land…
I had already arrived at the shrine, though it was very early in the morning. My first shrine visit of the new year was today― The promise I had made with Hijikata-sensei was allowing me to start off the year in an extra special way.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...... Right now it kind of looks like I lied to Hijikata-sensei about going together..."
I had gotten overly anxious, and ended up coming to the shrine much too early. The whole time I had been walking alone among the crowds, my heart hadn't stopped pounding.
Chizuru Yukimura: !
My phone suddenly started ringing, making me jump. ‘Don't tell me, is it...?’
I hurriedly fished my phone out of my pocket and flipped it open to check the screen.
Chizuru Yukimura: "It's from Hijikata-sensei...!" Unconsciously pressing a nervous hand to my chest, I pressed the call button. "G-Good mornー" I swallowed back my usual greeting, and corrected myself: "...Hijikata-sensei, Happy New Year!"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yeah, hope it's a good one." His voice sounded cheerfulーever so slightly. I felt my face relaxing at the sound of it. "By the way, Yukimura… Have you already left your house?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "What? Y-Yes I have, actually."
Toshizou Hijikata: "So in other words… don't tell me, you're at the shrine already?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Y-Yes..."
Toshizou Hijikata "Isn't it way before the time we said we'd meet up?"
Chizuru Yukimura: !
Hearing his voice outside of our phone call, I jumped in surprise and looked upー I was met with Hijikata-sensei's exasperated, dry smile.
Toshizou Hijikata: "We already said it, but: Happy New Year."
Chizuru Yukimura: "H-Happy New Year. ...you're early too, Sensei," I managed to reply, struggling to appear calm.
Hijikata-sensei's eyes narrowed in response.
Toshizou Hijikata: "I figured you'd overthink it and go out of your way to not keep me waiting."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Agh...!" My voice caught in my throat.
Hijikata-sensei went on, seeing the state I was in.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Well, it would be horrible of me to keep a lady waiting alone under the cold New Year's sky, even if she's just my student. So I headed out early with the intention of waiting for you, but… Never would have guessed you'd rush to get here even earlier than me… Do something about that timing!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes... I'm sorry, sir."
Though he had been lecturing me, his wry smile stayed all the while. I replied with a small smile of my own. If one were to listen to his words alone, he seemed pretty harsh, but… More important than his words was his tone, which was overwhelmingly kind. I was certain that beneath his harsh exterior, he was even more considerate than I had realized… That was just the kind of person Hijikata-sensei was.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
When I had first met him, I couldn't have even imagined he had this side to him. But now I really did understand. After spending so much time with him, I was keenly aware of it.
Toshizou Hijikata: "......" Hijikata-sensei suddenly mumbled something, like he could see the thoughts bouncing around in my head. "It's already been nearly a year since we first met, huh?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes... Somehow, it feels like this year went by so fast."
His smile was somehow nostalgic as he spoke, remembering when we first met.
Toshizou Hijikata: "That spring... I just assumed that there would be no female students taking the entrance exam. Although we were technically a co-ed school on paper, the Hakuo school spirit wouldn't have been easy for a girl to adapt to. When I heard that a girl really had actually applied, I wondered if she would actually be able to endure three years at our school.. And if she did, would she be glad to have gone to Hakuo by the time she graduated? Would she be able to be proud of her school life with us? I thought that those kinds of things were probably impossible. Honestly, I was skeptical."
Chizuru Yukimura: "But now… Do you consider me a full-fledged student there? I had a wonderful first year at Hakuo: one I can be proud of. More so than if I had gone anywhere else." I was completely serious when I said that… But Hijikata-sensei's eyes narrowed appraisingly, and he replied in a teasing sort of tone.
Toshizou Hijikata: "You still have two more years. Next year or the year after you might decide you regret coming to Hakuo, y'know?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "There's no way!"
Watching me get all worked up, Hijikata-sensei smiled.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Well, you'll have to tell me how you feel again once your graduation rolls around." His smile just then was very matureーvery adultー somehow.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Two more years..." My imagination ran wild, thinking about my remaining time. But... "Every day this year was so frantic. I feel like I blinked and it was already over..."
Hijikata-sensei heard me murmuring and smiled.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Our school is unique. You were shocked when you took your first midterms, right?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes, very much so." When Hijikata-sensei brought up the first midterms, I nodded, feeling nostalgic. The penalties at Hakuo Academy were less like punishments, and more like tests of physical endurance… "But, even if I was surprised by the tests, I remember being even more surprised by meeting you in the library, Hijikata-sensei."
Toshizou Hijikata "Oh, that one time, you mean..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes. After that, I tried to use a step stool whenever I needed to grab a book from a high shelf."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Well, that's good, Yukimura. But..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Weren't you a little too surprised? I mean, it was my fault for reaching out from behind you like that, but..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "It's true that having hands suddenly reach out from behind me was shocking, but more than thatー I was even more surprised that it turned out to be you, Hijikata-sensei."
Toshizou Hijikata: "...What do you mean by that?" Hijikata-sensei stared at me calmly as I smiled. And then, as if he had given up trying to understand, he broke into a wry smile.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thinking back on the events of this year, if I had to choose one particularly impactful thing, it would have to be… Being able to go to the pool with you during the summer break, Hijikata-sensei. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would run into you in a place like that."
Toshizou Hijikata: "......" Was he remembering what had happened that summer? He sank into a sullen silence. "Honestly, that day was a total mess. I even got pulled into participating in that weird game..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-I'm sorry… Thank you so, so much for helping me out back then."
Toshizou Hijikata: "You got nothing to apologize for. It was Souji's and Sannan-san's fault."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...... You looked totally worn out, both in body and mind, but… Being able to team up with you in that game made me really happy, Hijikata-sensei."
Toshizou Hijikata: "I see..." Hijikata-sensei responded to my shy words with a vague sort of smile. "Thinking back on it, playing that game wasn't really my style, and my strongest impression of it was that I was dragged into it... But it's better to win than to lose. And it's better to use a prize than to waste it. Plus, if you had fun, I guess that it wasn't all bad."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah!" I was so happy to be able to share such a memory with Hijikata-sensei that I agreed loudly. "...Um, sir?"
Toshizou Hijikata: ?
Chizuru Yukimura: "Actually, there's something I missed my chance to tell you at the cultural festival. I've been wanting to say something ever since," I said, pushing aside my anxiety.
Chizuru Yukimura: "When I ran into you during my break that day… That we were able to spend some more time together, even if it was only for a little while… I couldn't say it in that moment, but it made me really, genuinely happy. Thank you so much."
Toshizou Hijikata: "......"
I lowered my head in a quick bow. Hijikata-sensei remained silent, his expression clouded.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah. U-Ummm.. If I said something to put you on the spot, I'm sorry..."
Toshizou Hijikata: "...No, you didn't. I only kept quiet because… I'm your teacher, you know? There are just certain things I can and can't say."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Things you can't say...?" I tilted my head slightly in confusion. Hijikata-sensei quickly changed the subject, as if to dodge my question.
Toshizou Hijikata: "But still, I never would have guessed a first-year class would take home the grand prize. That was some really good work."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thank you very much."
Toshizou Hijikata: "You worked non-stop all day. Plus, even after the award ceremony, Serizawa-san kicked up a big fuss. It had to be exhausting, right?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah, it really was… But, the feeling of accomplishment outweighed the fatigue."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Well, that's good. The cultural festival's a big event, so it's nice you made good memories of it," Hijikata-sensei's expression relaxed, and he nodded. Seeing him relax, I worked up the courage to ask about something I'd had on my mind for a long time.
Chizuru Yukimura: "By the way, is there some kind of history between you and Serizawa-san? I just get the feeling that your relationship isn't just one of a normal teacher and a chairman."
Toshizou Hijikata: "......"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Although it seems like Serizawa-san is looking out for the students of the academy too, in his own sort of way..." Even if he were the PTA Chairman, I didn't think it was normal to host a Christmas party for the students and staff…
Hijikata-sensei's face screwed up into a bitter expression at my question, and he muttered:
Toshizou Hijikata: "...Don't ask me that."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-I'm sorry… I suppose this is another thing that a teacher just can't say to a student..."
He stared at me as I rushed to apologize, his expression rueful.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Someday… When the day comes that I can talk about it, I will. Not just that, either. All the stuff I can't say as a teacher, I'll tell you then."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hijikata-sensei… Thank you so much!" I wondered if I could leave it alone until graduation. Or… Would the day my relationship with Hijikata-sensei changed come even sooner than that...? "......"
Toshizou Hijikata: "What happened? You got quiet all of a sudden."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I was just thinking again how time really does fly. It feels impossible that Christmas was already a week ago."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Really? It felt like it took forever for New Year's to arrive, to me."
Chizuru Yukimura: "What...?"
As I blinked in confusion, Hijikata-sensei laughed.
Toshizou Hijikata: "School's on break right now. I still have work to do, but students can't go to school. All I'm doing is paperwork. I feel like I'm losing my touch. I wish winter break would hurry up and end already. Might be a problem for the students, though."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hehe..."
Suddenly, his eyes shifted down slightly, settling near my collar.
Toshizou Hijikata: "...You wore it again today."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes. After all, we'd planned on seeing each other today." I gave a small nod as I said that.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Cherry blossoms… Beautiful and fleeting, but pure. They're by far my favorite flower. So when you compared me to a cherry blossom, it made me very happy, Hijikata-sensei."
Toshizou Hijikata: "......"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Actually, I almost feel like it's too nice to wear―"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Well, we are paying our first respects of the year today. We're not at school. Not like I'm going to enforce the school dress code or anything."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes. I hope that I can wear this pendant on more special days from here on out."
Toshizou Hijikata: "...Yukimura. You shouldn't say that sort of thing so casually..."
Chizuru Yukimura: ?
Toshizou Hijikata: "......" Hijikata-sensei’s face was indecipherable as he stared at me standing there in confusion… Eventually, he heaved a sigh of defeat. "Well, whatever. The most important thing is that you like it, anyway," Hijikata-sensei said with a kind smile.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes. It's a wonderful Christmas gift. I really am very thankful for it." As I stared at that smile of his, I thanked him once again.
Toshizou Hijikata: "...Oh." As if he had suddenly noticed something, Hijikata-sensei gave me a wry smile as he spoke next. "We ended up standing here chatting for a long time. Aren't you cold?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm fine."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Well, should we hurry and go pay our respects? That's why we came here, after all."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes!"
I nodded at Hijikata-sensei's suggestion, and together we made our way towards the shrine altar amidst the throngs of people. Somehow, we were able to push through the crowds and completed our prayers smoothly. As we struggled against the flow of people making their way toward the shrine, I asked Hijikata-sensei:
Chizuru Yukimura: "What did you pray for, sir?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Success in school. Not for me, but for the students."
His words made me smile.
Chizuru Yukimura: "The third-years do have their entrance exams soon. ...That was a very teacher-like thing to do."
He gave a small smile, butー As if he had suddenly noticed something, his smile suddenly dropped.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yukimura. Don't you have anything you want to buy at the shrine?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah. Hmm, let's see..."
I could see that the shrine maidens running the shop seemed very busy from here. Fortunes, charms, ceremonial arrows, and prayer plaques. What should I buy...?
[A charm for good health]
[A charm for success in love]
Chizuru Yukimura: "There is something I need to get, actually," I remembered something important, and called out to Hijikata-sensei. "Would you mind waiting for a bit? I'll buy it very quickly!"
I somehow managed to push my way through the crowd and got my hands on what I wanted.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Sorry to keep you waiting."
Toshizou Hijikata: "I don't really mind, but..."
I managed to make it back without incident. As he looked at me, Hijikata-sensei's face screwed up, as though he were a little worried.
Toshizou Hijikata: "That's a charm for good health, right? You feeling sick or something? If you really were feeling under the weather, you didn't have to force yourself to come out to the shrine..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm fine, actually."
Hijikata-sensei was concerned as to why I chose a health protection charm. I gave him a broad smile.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Here you go."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Hah?" When I presented the charm to him, Hijikata-sensei held out his palm automatically, as if out of reflex. I placed the newly-purchased charm in his hand.
Toshizou Hijikata "......" He looked like he was struggling to understand what was going on. He stared unblinkingly at the charm on his palm. Hijikata-sensei was always so dignified; witnessing such a dumbfounded reaction was just the tiniest bit refreshing.
Chizuru Yukimura:: "A long time ago, I heard that the vice-principal is the busiest person at a school. You always seem so busy, and you do the work of many people by yourself… And I heard that you weren't able to return back to your family home during the New Year's holiday, too."
Toshizou Hijikata: "...Well, yeah. It's hard for me to go back home anyway, but it's certainly true that I've been busy. Serizawa-san's party caused a lot of extra work for me around the year's end, too."
Chizuru Yukimura: "You've been working so hard for us all..."
As I nodded at him, Hijikata-sensei broke into a dry smile, a troubled expression on his face.
Toshizou Hijikata: "...But a teacher getting something like this from a student doesn't look so great..."
He seemed hesitant, so I spoke up.
Chizuru Yukimura: "But I got a present from you for Christmas last year, Hijikata-sensei. So, please, let me give you something too."
Toshizou Hijikata: "......" Hijikata-sensei stared intently at the charm in his hand. And then he let out a small sigh. "Well, it is a pretty wholesome gift. So this time, I'll gratefully accept."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thank you so much!"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Why are you the one thanking me? Isn't that my line?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hehe...I guess you're right."
I was so, so happy that he had accepted my gift. My face relaxed into an easy smile.
With that, we'd paid our first respects of the year. All that was left was to head home. I was really reluctant to leave, but there was nothing I could do about it…
Toshizou Hijikata: "I'm the one who invited you out today. So it's my responsibility to make sure you make it home safe. I'll walk with you."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hijikata-sensei… Thank you very much."
I felt grateful for his concern, but even more than that, I was happy to be able to spend even a little more time with him. As we set off, walking side-by-side, my gaze drifted down to the pendant swinging against my chest.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Um..."
Toshizou Hijikata: ?
It was a hard thing to say, but I gathered my courage and asked.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Would you mind telling me where you found this pendant? It's a really lovely design, so I want to know what kind of store sells it..."
Toshizou Hijikata: "...You really like it that much?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes!" I replied instantly and enthusiastically, of course. Hijikata-sensei's eyes narrowed self-consciously.
Toshizou Hijikata: "I'll take you there now."
Chizuru Yukimura: "! Is that really alright...?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yeah. I have too much free time around New Year's anyway. It's in kind of a weird place. It'd be too complicated just to explain where to find it. So the safest bet is for me to just lead you there directly, right?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Thank you so much...! I'm so happy!"
Toshizou Hijikata: "...Well, it's New Year's, so the shop'll probably be closed anyway."
This was my first time taking a spontaneous detour with Hijikata-sensei… Doing something like stopping somewhere on the way home togetherー that was a common occurrence among students. But it wasn’t the sort of thing teachers and students did together. I was so glad to have gone to the shrine with him. I'd been blessed with such unexpected luck, so early in the year. I couldn't help but smile.
Chizuru Yukimura: "It's quite crowded, isn't it..."
When we finally managed to arrive at the station plaza, it looked a little different than I had imagined.
Chizuru Yukimura: "All the stores downtown are closed for the New Year, so I thought things would be a little quieter around here..."
As I muttered to myself at the unexpected crowds, Hijikata-sensei's face twisted into a frown, as though he'd suddenly remembered something.
Toshizou Hijikata: "That reminds me… Recently, the number of businesses that open on New Year's day has been increasing."
There were New Year's sales, like mystery grab bags. So, in other words… If we continued on towards downtown, the congestion might get even worse.
Toshizou Hijikata: "What do you want to do? Go some other day?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Hijikata-sensei was always so busy with work. If I gave up now, I would probably never get another chance to go out with him like this. Most importantly, we were also in public. Today was an exception because we had gone on our New Year's shrine visit. On a normal day, you wouldn't find a student and teacher walking together… This was a tough decision. If this led to any needless misunderstandings, it would cause problems for Hijikata-sensei.
Toshizou Hijikata: "I'll message you the address of the store for next time. If you look it up online, you should be able to find a detailed map pretty fast."
He said that, but what should I do...?
[Go next time]
[I want to go with you]
Chizuru Yukimura: "I...guess you're right."
I couldn't help but brood. I knew that it was selfish of me, but I really did want to go together with Hijikata-sensei, if at all possible...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hijikata-sensei."
Toshizou Hijikata: ?
Chizuru Yukimura: "If it's too much trouble, do say no. But, I really..." I gathered my courage, and told him how I really felt: "If you have the time, I want to go there with you today. If it's at all possible, I'd really like us to go together..."
At that, Hijikata-sensei agreed far more easily than I had expected.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Sure, that's fine."
Chizuru Yukimura: !
Toshizou Hijikata: "Didn't I just say I was free right now? I was planning to take a break for New Year's anyway."
Chizuru Yukimura: "R-Right...! Thank you so much!"
When I thanked him, Hijikata-sensei smiled at me.
Toshizou Hijikata: "We already came this far. It’d be a waste to give up and just head home."
At the sight of his smileー For some reason, there was a prickling, throbbing feeling in my chest that was almost painful. ‘I wonder why...?’
Hijikata-sensei and I made our way past the station and walked towards the downtown area. The streets were lined with many shops, and it was even more crowded than the station square had been. If I got distracted for even a moment, I felt like I would become separated from Hijikata-sensei.
Chizuru Yukimura: "! P-Please excuse me..."
Someone bumped into me from behind, causing me to nearly lose my balance. I reflexively bowed to them. And then, I nearly collided with a couple walking arm-in-arm with one another in front of me.
Chizuru Yukimura: "W-Wow..."
Even though I was stumbling dangerously, I continued to chase frantically after Hijikata-sensei's figureー Seeing the state I was in, Hijikata-sensei let out an exasperated-sounding sigh.
Toshizou Hijikata: "Geez, guess I don't have a choice..."
I thought I heard him mutter something, and then, suddenlyー
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wah...!?"
Completely unexpectedly, I was suddenly pulled into his embrace.
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
Chizuru Yukimura: !!?
It must have looked as if I had purposely thrown myself against his chest...!
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Um, Hijikata-sensei...?" I reflexively tried to back away from him, but I couldn't move an inch.
His arm around my shoulder, I was pressed against him as he held me in a strong embrace...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Sensei...?" I could feel my face burning, and I timidly looked up at his faceー
It was clear from his expression that he was annoyed: irritation practically oozed out of him.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-I'm so sorry! It was selfish of me to ask you to guide me to the store...!" I frantically rushed to apologize. "I-I'm too slow and too clumsy and―and too careless to walk in this kind of crowd."
I thought that I must have made him worry about me as I staggered down the crowded street. As I rushed to make some excuses, Hijikata-sensei said…
Toshizou Hijikata: "I'm not angry with you. Shut up and walk!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "! Y-Yes, sir..."
As he scolded me, Hijikata-sensei's face was also tinged a slight shade of red. Maybe he had looked so irritated because he was trying to hide his embarrassment...
Toshizou Hijikata: "...We don't have a choice! If we just held hands, we'd still end up seperated in this kind of crowd."
Chizuru Yukimura: "O-Oh, yes...! It really is incredibly crowded here."
Toshizou Hijikata: "It's only a little further to the store. We're just gonna keep going like this. Okay?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "But―"
Toshizou Hijikata: "...Don't overthink it."
Hijikata-sensei's grip on my shoulder tightened, banning any further discussion on it.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ngh..."
I couldn't help but feel embarrassed… Even so, I felt that I really wanted to keep walking with him like this, from the bottom of my heart. I wish we would have taken a longer route to the accessory shop, though.
Soon enough, we made it to the store Hijikata-sensei had mentioned without further incident. As he had suspected, it was closed today. I couldn’t go in, but when I peeked into the store through the display window… unexpectedly, besides fashion-forward accessories, there were also many cute ones! Just looking at them made me excited. I would definitely visit it the next time it was open.
But, something was bothering me a little… Hijikata-sensei had said that he had found the pendant by chance when I asked him on Christmas night. Was it really possible to wander into such an obscure store by chance?
......I felt that I had caught a glimpse of Hijikata-sensei's heart, concealed beneath his icy exterior. The present he had selected was becoming dearer and dearer still.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I really, truly enjoyed myself today," I thanked Hijikata-sensei with a bow after he had walked me home. "Hijikata-sensei, thank you so much for inviting me out to the shrine today."
Toshizou Hijikata: "Don't thank me. If I didn't want to go with you, I wouldn't have invited you in the first place. More importantly… You should take a long bath, eat something warm, and head to bed early tonight. Head inside and warm yourself up."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Eh?" I blinked, puzzled as Hijikata-sensei spoke like he was in a rush to get away.
Toshizou Hijikata: "I'm the one who dragged you around all day in this cold. If you end up catching a cold, it'll definitely be my fault. If you end up stuck in bed with a bad cold, winter break will be over before you know it, and you won't have had any time to have fun. You wouldn't want that either, right?"
Chizuru Yukimura:: "That wouldn't be all that bad." I answered him with a smile. "Because when winter break is over and I head back to school, I'll be able to see you again."
Toshizou Hijikata: "......"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...I will see you again, right? You won't suddenly leave the school, right?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "What's wrong? Where did this come from?"
Before he could get the wrong impression, I continued speaking, somewhat hurriedly.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Well, because… I'm worried that you might go back home someday, Hijikata-sensei..."
Toshizou Hijikata: "...There's no way that'll happen. I'm going to help Kondou-san pass down the teachings of Shiei Hall... Feels like that's my role in life. I refuse to inherit my family's business. All that's left for me is, well, just you wet-behind-the-ears kids. I can't just up and leave you guys as easily as that."
Chizuru Yukimura: "So you really… You really, truly won't quit?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yeah, really truly."
Chizuru Yukimura: "So during winter break, and during my third year, and beyond even that, you'll always be there?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Well, yeah… I do think so, for your third year and beyond, but winter break's a different matter."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah...um, well, you know! I don't have anyone at home, so the breaks are boring for me! So, what I mean is that going to school is more fun than being all alone… So if you're also going to be at school during the holidays, then..."
Toshizou Hijikata: "...If you're bored during winter break, it's fine for you to come to school."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Pardon?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Starting tomorrow, I'm planning on working in the staff room practically every day. The student entrance is open, too."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......" I was struck dumb by the sudden, unexpected invitation.
Toshizou Hijikata: "How about studying in the library? You still need to do your winter break homework, right? If you come across a problem you don't understand, you can just come and ask me."
My heart started pounding at his words. While trying to get it back under control, I asked him in a small, quavering voice.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Is that really ok?"
Toshizou Hijikata: "Yeah. The school interior is freezing right now, but the staff room is heated. ...I'll make tea."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
I was still in shock. Hijikata-sensei studied me quietly.
Toshizou Hijikata: "...When there're no students at school, I get bored too, you know," he muttered brusquely, and with that, turned away from me.
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Um! I'll send you a text later...!" I called out to his retreating back. Although he didn't turn to look at me, he waved a hand lightly in affirmation.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......" Even after he had disappeared from sight, I still couldn't calm the rapid pounding of my heart.
I was able to spend the first day of the year with Hijikata-sensei… Plus, I had even managed to arrange to meet him again during the winter holidays...
Chizuru Yukimura: "I feel like I'm dreaming, somehow..."
I let out a breath, and it came out as a white fog. I had the feeling that a truly special year awaited me…
Then, that night… As usual, after I finished having dinner alone, I went upstairs to my room. A New Year's program was playing on TV, but I just couldn't bring myself to watch it… In my daze, I stared blankly out my window.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hehe..."
The events that happened today replayed in my head, making me almost giddy. The night of New Year's Day drew to a close as I dwelled on those memories.