บท 687: Rise and Resolution of Conflict
Then, Shinichi raised his eyebrows and smiled with others.
"For the celebration party, I still feel a bit regretful if I don't say anything."
"Whether formal or not, at least let Sensei know that we managed to grab attention in the pre-meeting matches, won first place in the problem-solving activities, had lunch at the restaurant, and attracted attention at the afternoon tea party, all because of you."
Without carefully planned study sessions by Mafuyu, they wouldn't be able to retain any information.
Without Mafuyu's tireless checking and attention, they would lack confidence to face difficulties and those levels.
Without Mafuyu's always dull guidance and tips, Itsuki wouldn't be able to build her confidence. During the interviews for both sides, she went to various booths to talk to seniors and university professors, paving the way for her dreams starting now.
Without recommendations and encouragement from Mafuyu, Shinichi wouldn't take the initiative to attend exchange meetings, meet so many new friends, and make plans for the future.
Now they could stand here to celebrate the success of the exchange meeting, for Shinichi, Ichika, Yotsuba, and Itsuki, Mafuyu was the biggest contributor.
Therefore, even in a joking manner like this, Shinichi wants this awkward teacher to understand.
"You've worked hard too. Let's enjoy this celebration party together, Kirisu Sensei."
Mafuyu felt so confused that she couldn't calm down and faced him.
Past memories emerged, colliding with the present scene, and different faces merged over time.
"Stop saying these comforting words! The more you say this, the sadder I become...!"
The girl held her head and screamed in anger and sadness.
"We managed to grab attention in the pre-conference matches... All because of your presence."
The young man smiled with gratitude and acknowledgment.
"I'm…"
Mafuyu hid her changing expression.
"Sensei? Are you okay?" Itsuki took a step forward, but she extended her hand to stop her without lifting her head.
"Don't worry..."
Her fingertips trembled slightly, and she quickly withdrew them, but others didn't miss this scene.
Ichika pulled Shinichi's sleeve and asked in a low voice, "Is Kirisu Sensei too moved?"
"Really?" Yotsuba said in surprise, "I thought she had the flu. I feel like Sensei's face is a bit red."
"Ssst, kids, don't speculate!" Shinichi put his finger in front of his lips and lectured them.
"We should pay attention to Sensei. Whether she's moved or has the flu, her iceberg teacher image must not shatter in front of the students!"
Seeing Mafuyu's slightly distressed behavior, Shinichi intentionally said this to adjust the atmosphere.
And Mafuyu listened to the conversation of the three.
"...I understand, thank you."
Rarely did she not scold Shinichi directly, but spoke calmly.
"You guys, go ahead and barbecue. I'll go to the bathroom and be right back."
Mafuyu took her bag, lowered her face so they couldn't see it, and walked quickly to the toilet.
"Kirisu... Sensei..." Itsuki reached out, but still didn't stop her. She said to Shinichi anxiously, "Is Sensei really okay? What if I go to the toilet and check..."
"...Let her be alone for a while." Shinichi said with a sigh, "This is not our issue; it should be related to Kirisu Sensei's feelings."
"Don't you realize? Kirisu Sensei is very bad at accepting kindness and gratitude from students. She always positions herself against the students. If students make a mistake, it's up to them to fix it. The growth of students has nothing to do with her. She always keeps a distance from us..."
"This reaction may come from what happened to her in the past... I wonder if Sensei used to have a good relationship with her students and always cared for them, but because of that, she did bad things with good intentions and caused misfortune to the students. Now, that's why she chooses to wear a cold mask, disguise herself, and treat students with a mindset and methods opposite to what she used to."
Remembering what Mafuyu said, things Shinichi found in her room, and how she clearly wanted to get closer but only showed a convincing smile.
"As someone who got lost and hurt before, she tries to avoid making the same mistakes again..."
Only in this way could Shinichi explain why Mafuyu's attitude was always contradictory, why she always unintentionally revealed her vulnerability in front of him.
Shinichi shifted his gaze to the girls beside him.
"So, what happened?"
For some reason, the three of them looked at him with gentle expressions, without any sadness.
He thought the atmosphere just now was very heavy because of his words, but in the end, was it only him who felt heavy?
"I-I didn't realize it. I thought it was just Sensei's personality, or maybe her stomach was upset..."
Itsuki's eyes looked complicated.
"Although I vaguely noticed, I didn't expect it to be so deep..."
Yotsuba wanted to speak but stopped.
"Hehe..."
There was no ups and downs in that laughter; Ichika stared straight at him.
"We don't have time to get involved with Sensei's past, so let's not discuss it for now. But Shinichi-kun, it seems like you know Kirisu Sensei very well..."
"Isn't this normal?" Shinichi maintained his composure.
"I've known her longer than I've known you, and I opposed her for a while because of Fumino and the others..."
"Oh?" Ichika said gently.
"Are she and we the same in your heart?"
"Shinichi-kun, that's what you told me, right? You treat me as a lover, right? So, does this mean..."
Yotsuba stared at Shinichi in surprise. The expression of not denying immediately appeared in her eyes, and the multiple-choice question to choose one of the three popped up in her mind again.
(What did you say to Ichika? Asada-san, could it be...)
"Wait!"
Seeing the atmosphere suddenly change, Itsuki stood next to Shinichi and said to Ichika seriously.
"Ichika, you're confused if you care about this! Now is not the time to talk about this. If Sensei comes back and sees us facing each other here even without grilling meat, what do you think she'll think?
"For today and right now, everyone, including you, has worked hard. Please don't let unnecessary jealousy ruin this precious celebration feast!"
"I..."
Ichika lowered her head and took a deep breath.
"Guaaaa."
After letting out a suppressed cry, Ichika raised her face and smiled bitterly at everyone.
"Ahaha, forgive me~ Just pretend I didn't say anything earlier!
"If Kirisu Sensei isn't in the bathroom now, I definitely want to wash my face and calm down... As an older sister, I'm heavily punished by my younger sister. Truly embarrassing."
"Eh?" Itsuki waved her hand with a flushed face, "I didn't mean to give you a lesson! Besides, I've never fallen in love, so I don't know what it feels like to be jealous. I think you're doing this a bit awkwardly, and I'm also hungry..."
"Hey, is the last sentence the key point?" Ichika sighed, turned to Shinichi, and looked embarrassed.
"Shinichi-kun, even though that's what I meant, my attitude, tone, and timing are all problematic, so..."
"Okay, okay, I get it."
Shinichi placed his palm on his head, tidying his disheveled hair.
"Regardless of what you meant, let's forget about it now and enjoy the celebration party. Ichika Onee-san."
"...Yes," Ichika nodded lightly, her bangs sticking in front of her eyes, and only a slight curve at the corner of her mouth was visible.
Shinichi released his hand, and before Ichika could react, he flicked her forehead.
"Even if you know, you said those words at the wrong time, so you're punished."
Ichika covered her head and made a sad sound as usual.
"Why does this happen? You're clearly the first..."
Shinichi said lightly, "This is my punishment for making the atmosphere heavy without permission. Okay, it's over now! Everyone, start preparing the barbecue!"
"Yes!"
After giving the command, Itsuki ran enthusiastically to the sauce table and began preparing her special sauce.
Ichika also shifted her attention to the meat plate, rolling up her sleeves and holding an iron clamp to prepare the barbecue.
"Ha..."
The atmosphere returned to the way it should be for a celebration party, and Shinichi sighed in relief.
Then, he looked at Yotsuba, who had been facing this way with a dazed expression.
When their eyes met, Yotsuba slightly pursed her lips and averted her gaze.
"I... I'll help with the barbecue too!"
"..."
Seeing the energetic smile used to cover up, Shinichi just rubbed his eyebrows.
"If I had known, I would have acted foolishly..."
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