In Tokyo: They are heavily dependent on me

Chapter 108. Longing After the Rain

"Um, lunch is ready."

When it was noon, hearing the sounds coming from downstairs, Xun stood up to say goodbye.

Just as he was about to push the door open and leave, "Wait a minute," came Shoko's voice from behind.

"Given your mother's personality... she must have made lunch for both of you, at least eat lunch before leaving."

Since Ms. Shoko had already said so, Kaoru felt embarrassed to turn around and leave. Besides, the rain outside was still pouring down and she didn't know when it would stop. So the two of them followed her suggestion and went downstairs to the living room.

Lunch is ready.

It's for four people. Although it was prepared in a hurry, the food looks pretty good.

After getting her food, Shoko sat silently in her seat and began eating the food in her bowl.

"I was unaware that guests were coming, so I just prepared a few things casually. I'm so sorry, both of you."

The middle-aged woman spoke very politely, with a smiling expression on her face throughout.

Feeling embarrassed at the thought of being taken care of, Kaoru kept repeating things like "It's okay" and "I should be thanking you."

"You've come all this way just to see Shoko, thank you so much. I'm so sorry to have taken up your time."

That's overly polite!

Faced with the middle-aged woman's repeated apologetic words, a bewildered Kaoru scratched her itchy left cheek, while Kobayashi continued eating, oblivious to the situation.

Perhaps sensing that the other party's continued actions would bring him invisible pressure and trouble, Shoko, who had been silent all along, finally spoke up.

"Mom, don't disturb other people's meal!"

"Ah... I overlooked it."

"Really," she said, burying her face in the bowl and chewing harder with her teeth as if to vent her frustration.

After filling her stomach, the rain still showed no signs of stopping. Considering the risk of catching a cold if she went back in the rain, Shoko sighed and said to the two people who appeared in the living room, "Let's wait until the rain stops before leaving," and then went upstairs.

Kaoru and Kobayashi followed behind her into the room. Shoko went to the partially open window and slammed it shut with a loud bang. Instantly, the noisy rain seemed to be shut out into another unfamiliar world, becoming indistinct.

A suffocating silence fell over the surroundings.

Kobayashi, sitting on the tatami mat, glanced at the "low battery" message popping up on her phone. She politely borrowed a charger from Shoko and returned to her seat, which led to a conversation.

"Teacher, you seem to be fine. You're not sick or in any accidents, so why do you need to take two weeks off?"

Faced with her question, Shoko fell into a long silence.

Just when Kaoru thought she wouldn't answer the question anymore, Shoko lowered her head and spoke in a conciliatory tone.

"Actually... I've been considering whether or not to resign."

"I felt that leaving everyone like this would be very difficult, so I kept hesitating, and that's why I asked for leave..."

Upon hearing her words, Kaoru and Kobayashi froze.

Only after fully understanding the meaning of those words did Kaoru stand up, her surprised voice escaping uncontrollably.

"What...resignation?"

Ms. Shoko would never resign without a reason. As the person involved, Kaoru knew very well what her reasons were.

It was all because everything he did at the time made Ms. Shoko think of that aspect.

I don't want Hoshino-kun's life to be ruined, nor do I want to destroy my own.

That is precisely the only reason.

If we hadn't done that back then, the situation wouldn't have developed to the point it is today.

What exactly did you do... Hoshino Kaoru?

"But, didn't our teacher say something like, 'Ahem... my dream is to become a teacher, and I'm happy to be able to spend time with you all?' If we give up, wouldn't that be betraying a promise we made?"

"Well..."

Shoko's gaze lingered briefly on Kaoru, but only for a moment before shifting away.

"That's how the adult world is. Sometimes you have to choose between two very difficult choices. I've thought it might be better to run away, but... that wouldn't be what an adult does. If you're smart, Hoshino-kun, you should be able to understand what I'm saying, right?"

Xun felt his mind was incredibly heavy. He couldn't lift his head at all, and the only thing he could do was clench his fists tightly.

"Alright, now that you all know what the teacher is thinking, please share your thoughts with the teacher by raising your hands."

It felt like being back in the classroom—that's the feeling Ms. Shoko gives off now.

Kobayashi immediately raised his right hand.

"Yes, please tell me your question, Xiaolin."

"I think it's definitely better for you to stay, teacher. That new guy is always emitting the stench of menopause. Everyone prefers you, teacher."

"Really... I'm so glad and pleased that you think that way, Kobayashi."

Shoko's gaze lingered expectantly on Kaoru.

Deep down, I was hoping that thing would happen.

Those unspoken words, if you don't say them now, it will be too late, Hoshino-san.

—The thoughts in my heart were naturally left unspoken.

Just staring at him like that, there's nothing you can do.

She knew this perfectly well, but her body and actions seemed to be shackled, and all she could do was to face it all with this feigned nonchalance.

Why is this happening...? Why not say a single word?

Please... just say anything, even something trivial.

My mind always keeps making that urging sound, and then I wait for the next second.

It's okay, that's the right thing to do.

Even though that's what I'm thinking, my body's reaction... doesn't match my inner thoughts.

When she felt the cold touch on her cheek, Shoko raised her right hand and touched her face. Feeling the wetness on her fingertips, she subconsciously made a "eh" sound.

"Teacher... what's wrong?"

Kobayashi, standing beside her, asked in a concerned tone.

"I'm fine... I'm nothing... I'm just... a little..."

Once they realized what was happening, their brains couldn't even form coherent sentences.

The sound of rain outside the window seemed clearer than before.

Every breath was accompanied by a stinging sensation in my lungs.

Please...

Since we cannot change it, all we can do is beg.

Let's end all of this.