"Yeah," Tsuna nodded without hesitation. He picked up the eight stacked textbooks and placed them on Shouko's desk. "Ma—"
"Hmm?"
Tsuna swallowed the words that were about to slip out when he saw her wrinkle her nose and threaten him.
Ignoring her, Tsuna quietly wrote his name, Miyamura Tsunayoshi, on his textbooks with a pen.
"Ahem!" Teacher Fujiro, not wanting to miss this chance for silence, cleared her throat and said, "You guys keep writing. I'll tell you something. I'll post the rest of the schedule on the wall next to the blackboard. You can check it after class.
Classes officially start tomorrow. In the afternoon, I'll take you to pick up your uniforms and school shoes."
Meanwhile, Tsuna wrote his name on all eight textbooks, twisted his wrist, and returned the books to Shouko before continuing with his own work.
Even while writing, he paid close attention to what Teacher Fujiro was saying, fearing he might miss something important.
"From now on, I'll be teaching Japanese, music, and art. Other teachers will teach the rest of the classes."
Bang! Teacher Fujiro slammed the blackboard behind her, startling the students who were distracted.
Among them was Shouko.
This was precisely the reaction Teacher Fujiro wanted. Her eyes narrowed as she said sternly, "Don't think you can slack off just because I'm not teaching you in other classes.
If any of you cause trouble, come to me, and I'll show you the methods I've used as a homeroom teacher for seven or eight years."
"Okay, that's all. Keep writing. If there's anything else, I'll let you know."
Shouko glanced away from the podium. Looking back at her notebook, she froze—she had writtenMiyamura Shouko in her Japanese textbook.
When she had been writing Tsuna's name earlier, she kept mentally repeating it, but when it came time to write her own, Fujiro's sudden loud movement had startled her.
And so this happened…
She frantically looked around, but seeing that Tsuna hadn't noticed, she quickly closed the textbook, shoved it under the others, and calmly continued writing her own name.
Why didn't she erase it? Because it was a new textbook, and she treasured it, right?
Besides, it was just a name. It didn't mean anything. Tsuna and I are innocent, so why should I panic over a name?
Yes, that's right! That's right!
But her slightly trembling fingertips betrayed her.
Time flew to 10:24. At the podium, Teacher Fujiro was writing down names for roll call when her phone vibrated in her pocket.
She glanced at the screen—it was a group message in the teachers' chat. After skimming it, she quickly addressed the class:
"Okay, time's up. Line up in the corridor, boys and girls in separate rows. Get ready to head down and listen to the principal's rambling—uh, I mean, his speech."
She almost let slip the actual words from the group message, but caught herself in time, secretly relieved.
Without waiting for the students, she stepped out into the corridor to wait for them.
"Let's go, Tsuna."
"Yeah."
"Let's go, Nishimiya." At this time, Takagi, who was behind Shouko, stood up, took Shouko's hand, and left together with her.
Tsuna saw Shouko being led away. Before he had time to feel anything, a voice came from behind:
"That Miyamura-san? Aren't you leaving?"
"Let's go, Nishikata." Tsuna glanced back at the boy he had just met, then walked side by side with him.
All the first-year Class 2 students lined up and entered the gymnasium under the guidance of Teacher Fujiro. Tsuna glanced at the other students—they were all in casual clothes, except for a few in uniforms, likely from the student council.
"Okay! That's all I have to say. I hope you have a wonderful three years at Namikaze Junior High School!"
As the principal finished, enthusiastic applause broke out. Most of the boys clapped with relief, happy that the long-winded speech was finally over.
Tsuna clapped along, though he was fed up. The speech began around 10:30 and concluded at noon. He had to admire the principal's talent for dragging things out.
"Alright, everyone, go! If you need the restroom, go. If you need lunch, eat. Be back in class by two o'clock."
Teacher Fujiro, standing at the front, turned and shouted this, then quickly left the gym.
"Come on, Shouko, let's go back to the classroom and eat."
"Not yet. Shouko said she'd come with me to the canteen."
"Okay, I'll meet you back in the classroom." Tsuna nodded casually.
His impression of Takagi-san was still good—there was nothing bad he could say about her.
After watching Shouko and Takagi walk away, he turned to head back alone. He had only taken a few steps when Nishikata's urgent voice called out:
"Miyamura, wait! I'll go with you."
Tsuna paused and waited for Naoto Nishikata to catch up.
"Why the rush?"
"Do you know where the lost and found is?"
"Did you lose something?" Tsuna frowned.
"No," Nishikata shook his head. "I found a handkerchief and want to turn it in,"
Tsuna explained where it was, recalling from memory.
"Thanks!"
"At least eat your lunch first," Tsuna called as Nishikata suddenly ran off.
"No, the owner might be worried. I'll hand it in first—I can eat later."
Nishikata waved and hurried away.
Tsuna watched him disappear, then shrugged. Nishikata seemed like a good person.
As he thought that, a familiar voice rang out:
"Miyamura? What are you standing there for?"
Turning, he saw it was indeed her—Kawai Miki—accompanied by Ueno Naoka. He remembered hearing that name earlier that morning.
"Nothing. I'm hungry, so I'll head back and eat." Tsuna nodded politely, said goodbye to the two, and quickly left.
(End of Chapter)
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The teacher's name will be Fujiro Suzume, and I will use Fujiro as the last name.