While the cram school was somewhat unsettled by the poaching commotion, Harumi Junko had already met Reiji Furuhashi at Ichinose Academy.
The school teacher Kirisu Mafuyu, the cram school teacher Harumi Junko, the student herself Furuhashi Fumino, and then the student's parent Reiji Furuhashi.
This was no longer just a simple three-party meeting, but a four-party meeting including the cram school.
And when she returned to the cram school that evening with a grim expression, those who knew what she had gone to do today likely guessed the outcome.
"Harumi Sensei, did it go wrong again?"
Aki Tomoya looked at Harumi Junko sympathetically. Her expression clearly indicated that things hadn't gone smoothly.
But where was Furuhashi Fumino?
Only Harumi Junko had returned.
"Perhaps..."
This choice of words was somewhat worrying.
Furuhashi Fumino hadn't returned with her. Was she somewhere else, or did she leave with Reiji Furuhashi?
"Where is Fumino?"
"She went back with that Reiji Furuhashi."
"Huh?!" Kudo Sayaka looked astonished. "Wait, Harumi Sensei, didn't you mess up?"
Since Furuhashi Fumino didn't return together, and Harumi Junko said such misleading words, did that mean Furuhashi Fumino had compromised?
Harumi Junko looked worried and explained, "I'm not sure either. Furuhashi Fumino didn't intend to change her mind, but she did indeed go back with her Father..."
In fact, during the meeting, they almost started arguing again.
Reiji Furuhashi had also prepared for this meeting. He began by using Furuhashi Fumino's future as a reason to deny Furuhashi Fumino's idea, insisting that Furuhashi Fumino change her aspirations.
And because of this so-called "future," they almost got into a dispute again.
"So, what did Harumi Sensei mean by messing up?"
"...I feel like I just spoke the truth."
"So, what exactly was the truth?"
Facing Kudo Sayaka's anxious questioning, Harumi Sensei sighed and began to explain.
At the meeting at Ichinose Academy, Reiji Furuhashi strongly used the argument of Furuhashi Fumino's future to show his determination not to compromise.
"What were you doing before?"
Harumi Sensei couldn't help but question him like that at the time.
After Furuhashi Fumino's Mother passed away, Reiji Furuhashi ignored Furuhashi Fumino, not even showing basic concern.
As her only relative, he never guided Furuhashi Fumino.
And in Furuhashi Fumino's heart, what she remembered most clearly was what her Mother had imparted to her when she was young, finally deciding to aim for the Astronomy Department.
Now, Reiji Furuhashi was using the excuse of considering his daughter's future, acting as if he was very concerned. What was he doing before?
"Parental guidance is very important for children. Reiji Furuhashi evaded his responsibility. While the pain of losing a loved one is understandable, shirking the responsibility of a Father is simply shameful!"
Harumi Sensei had already asked Furuhashi Fumino about what had happened between them before. When Furuhashi Fumino's Mother passed away, after slapping Furuhashi Fumino's face, Reiji Furuhashi became colder day by day.
He never tried to understand what his daughter was thinking and kept talking about her future. It was simply laughable.
"If you truly cared about Furuhashi Fumino's future, why didn't you understand Fumino's aspirations before? Evading your responsibility as a Father and only now talking about her future, Reiji Furuhashi, you are truly too unsightly!"
If he had discovered Fumino's ideas earlier, whether to guide her towards the so-called "correct" direction or to further cultivate her, how could a Professor like him not be able to do it?
Even she, a struggling cram school lecturer who failed to get into Tokyo University, could teach Furuhashi Fumino. A dignified math Professor says he can't?
"If we're talking about future prospects, isn't a National University even more promising? If you had started cultivating her earlier, Fumino wouldn't have to work so hard. According to Reiji Furuhashi's so-called future, wouldn't a National University, if not Tokyo University, then Kyoto University, be very hopeful?"
There should be a limit to evading responsibility. To talk about Furuhashi Fumino's future as a Father now makes one wonder, did he even remember that he was a Father?
His stance now certainly looked like that of a Father considering his daughter's future.
But it still comes back to that one sentence.
"What were you doing before?"
In this situation, saying such things, Harumi Sensei felt disgusted.
Furuhashi Fumino still remembered that slap from back then.
And Furuhashi Fumino's experience couldn't help but remind Harumi Sensei of when she was slapped after failing to get into Tokyo University and putting on a brave face in front of her Mother.
That incident left a shadow on Harumi Sensei, who was just an adult then, and it still exists to this day, let alone how young Furuhashi Fumino was at the time.
Looking at him, completely unaware, only now putting on the appearance of a Father to talk about her future, did he really have no clue in his heart about his previous cold treatment?
"I don't want to point fingers at your family matters, but the following are heartfelt words I want to say as Fumino's cram school teacher. Please, Reiji Furuhashi, temporarily put aside your identity as a scholar and properly face your identity as a Father. If you truly care about Fumino's future, please talk to her properly yourself!"
When Harumi Sensei said those words, after more than ten years, she felt as if she had returned to her high school days.
Although it might be somewhat rude, even if Reiji Furuhashi was a qualified scholar, he was definitely not a qualified Father in the past ten years.
That side of him, the side of being a Father, was thoroughly marked by failure!
"I somehow feel Harumi Sensei was so cool at that moment..."
Kudo Sayaka stared blankly at Harumi Sensei, who had a slightly regretful expression. At this moment, she was far less cool than Kudo Sayaka had imagined when she was recounting the story.
"Harumi Sensei didn't say anything wrong. Regarding this matter, it's best for Fumino and her Father to sit down and discuss it properly."
Aki Tomoya, standing nearby, strongly agreed with Harumi Sensei's approach.
Since he was only now considering Furuhashi Fumino's future, Reiji Furuhashi should also take on the responsibility of being a Father.
The person who should understand Furuhashi Fumino the most is clearly him, her Father.
Even if he hoped Furuhashi Fumino would choose the humanities as he said, the person who should guide and help her is also him.
He never understood Furuhashi Fumino's true feelings, and only now discovered his daughter's wish was to aim for the Astronomy Department. To put it bluntly, he brought it upon himself.
"...Speaking of which, I was referencing what Aki-kun said last year."
Harumi Sensei's face showed an embarrassed expression at this moment.
Aki Tomoya was startled and looked at her in confusion.
"Well, last year didn't you also tell Kirisuna-sensei to persuade Fumino herself and not to bother us? I think it's also necessary for that Reiji Furuhashi to properly face Fumino, and his responsibility as a Father!"
I see...
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