Even after winter break, there weren't any changes for both students and teachers.
As Chabashira-sensei came into the class, she briefly offered a New Year's greeting and put her hand on the lectern.
"The third term starts today. They say January comes and goes, February flies by, and March disappears; this period of time will pass by you in a flash. Make sure you don't spend your days out of habit, and stay focused."
No one pointed it out, but the hair on the back of Chabashira-sensei's head was a little funny. There was just a little bit of bedhead there. She probably woke up late this morning and had to hurry.
For someone who was telling their students to focus, it made her words a little unconvincing.
Chabashira-sensei concluded morning homeroom and was about to leave the classroom when she stopped near the entrance.
"I forgot to mention one important notice. Next month, we plan to have our first 'student-teacher discussion' at this school. It will be centered around discussions about your career and employment, interwoven with talks about your school life up till now. Of course, we have already completed a survey with your parents."
While looking back, she passed on the message to the class.
Even though there might've been households making career choices purely based on the student's decisions, most would consider their parents' opinions.
This was proof that the school was actively working even without the students.
"I didn't know we had such a thing at this school. I actually thought we didn't."
Being the first to speak out, as always, was Ike. No one was surprised.
"Even though high school isn't compulsory education, we can't ignore the parents' words and allow students to decide their own paths. Of course, there will be parent-teacher conferences when the time comes."
Parent-teacher conferences. Does that mean there's a chance 'That man' might come again?
No, he clearly told me he wouldn't come back. But what will happen next?
While I was concerned about that problem, the immediate issue was the one-on-one discussion in February. That said, in my case, my future wasn't something I could control at will, so one could argue it didn't matter.
In that sense, it was very helpful that Chabashira-sensei knew about my situation, even if it was just a little. As deep discussions weren't necessary, it would likely only be a formality.
On the other hand, for my classmates, one-on-one or one-on-two discussions would undoubtedly become a major crossroads.
Would they charge straight ahead on their chosen path, or take a detour to discover a different one?
Parents and teachers would provide the students insight into aspects they couldn't see on their own.
"If you're curious about anything, it's okay to come and ask me directly."
Having delivered all the necessary information, Chabashira-sensei placed her hand on the door.
And then, with one hand closing the door, the other hand looked like it was patting the back of her head..
Apparently, she realized her own bed hair.