The rumors spread so fiercely among the students that, of course, the teachers caught wind of it too.
"Hahaha, that's youth for you."
"Igarashi's probably going to be heartbroken for a while."
"Hopefully it won't hit him too hard."
"But honestly, Fujiwara and Kasumigaoka? Who saw that coming?"
"Maybe they were seeing each other outside of school already."
"Could be."
The teachers had no intention of interfering. They found it more entertaining to sit back and watch.
But—
Utaha's homeroom teacher, Keiko Nakamura, didn't feel the same way.
From her observations, Utaha Kasumigaoka was proud, independent, a model student with excellent grades.
Forget a boyfriend… she hardly had any friends at all in school.
So how did she suddenly turn into this lovestruck girl linking arms, making bentos, even giving a lap pillow in public?
Something wasn't right.
What's more, as Utaha's homeroom teacher, Nakamura was one of the few people who knew about her family situation. With that kind of trouble at home, how could she possibly be in the mood to fall in love?
She must be in some kind of trouble.
Was she being tricked?
Or threatened?
Worry churned inside Keiko Nakamura. As an adult, she knew well how dark the world could be. A pretty girl like Utaha would easily catch the attention of unsavory types.
Sure, Seiji Fujiwara looked harmless enough. But who could say what kind of person he was behind the mask?
So—
As soon as classes ended that afternoon, Nakamura called Utaha into her office.
The room was empty of other teachers—just the two of them.
"Kasumigaoka, please sit." Nakamura gestured to the chair across from her. Her tone was gentler than usual.
"Yes." Utaha sat down silently.
"Kasumigaoka," Nakamura began softly, "I've heard the rumors going around school. You and that third-year student, Fujiwara—are you dating?"
"Yes, sensei." Utaha answered quickly, as if reciting a line she'd prepared in advance.
"Dating normally?" Nakamura fixed her eyes on the girl. "If it's a healthy relationship, I won't interfere. But if there's any problem, anything at all you need help with, you can always come to me."
She paused, her tone softening even more.
"I know about your family situation, and I know you're a mature child. That's exactly why I'm worried. Whatever happens, both I and the school will be your support."
Support?
Utaha almost felt exhausted just hearing it.
Empty words. What use were they?
Could her teacher pay for her mother's surgery? Cover her hospital bills?
Utaha shook her head inwardly. Out loud, she answered flatly, "Thank you for your concern, Nakamura-sensei. But Seiji and I really are in a normal relationship."
Her voice was calm, almost too calm.
"If you don't believe me, you can call my mother. She knows about us. You can ask her yourself."
She didn't bother arguing—because it was clear Nakamura didn't believe her. Explaining wouldn't help. Better to cut straight to the point.
And sure enough, Nakamura froze.
She hadn't expected Utaha to volunteer her mother's number herself.
So open?
Had she been overthinking?
Or… was the girl bluffing, trying to scare her off?
After a moment's hesitation, Nakamura decided to trust her own judgment.
"Alright then." She nodded, pulling out her phone and dialing Mrs. Kasumigaoka's number. She hit speaker.
Beep… beep…
The call connected quickly.
"Hello? This is Utaha Kasumigaoka's mother, isn't it? I'm her homeroom teacher, Keiko Nakamura."
"Ah, Nakamura-sensei, hello, hello." A gentle, slightly frail voice floated through the receiver.
Nakamura glanced at Utaha, then carefully broached the subject. "Sorry to intrude. I just wanted to check in on your health… and also talk a little about Utaha's situation at school."
She paused, choosing her words.
"Lately it seems she's been… involved with an older student. I'm a little worried, since this is such a crucial time for her, and with your family's circumstances…"
She didn't even finish before Mrs. Kasumigaoka cut her off.
"Ah, Nakamura-sensei, you mean Seiji-kun, right?"
Her tone was calm, even firm. "I'm aware. He's not just Utaha's boyfriend—"
Nakamura's expression froze. "You're… aware?"
She didn't notice Utaha lower her eyes, her nails faintly pressing into her palm. Of course her mother knew. She would cover the lie for her.
"Yes," Mrs. Kasumigaoka continued, "Seiji is Utaha's fiancé."
Boom!
Like a bomb dropped, Nakamura's mind went blank.
Fiancé?!
They were already engaged?!
Did I hear that right?
But the voice on the phone went on steadily.
"The two children get along very well. They're already living together. Seiji-kun is an excellent, responsible young man. Entrusting Utaha to him puts me at ease."
Living together?
Nakamura sat there dumbstruck.
Two minors—already cohabiting? Did they not worry about the consequences?
"I've also heard the school has rules regarding boy–girl relationships. I hope you can be a little lenient with them," Mrs. Kasumigaoka added with a light laugh. "After all, as her guardian, I've already given my approval."
Crash.
The words struck Nakamura like a bolt of lightning. She stared at Utaha in disbelief.
"See, sensei? I told you—it's just a normal relationship." Utaha sighed as though helpless.
Nakamura's face flushed pale, then green, then white again.
So awkward!
They were already engaged, living together—with parental consent. And here she was, jumping to wild conclusions.
"…My apologies." After several seconds of silence, she lowered her head.
"No, no, Nakamura-sensei, there's no need to apologize. Thank you for caring about Utaha," Mrs. Kasumigaoka replied politely through the phone.
After a few more words, the call ended.
The office fell into silence.
Nakamura kept her head down, unable to meet her student's eyes.
Utaha slowly stood, smiling as she gave a small bow. "Sensei, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
"…Yes. Go on."
Utaha walked out with a calm air.
But the moment she stepped into the hall, that calm smile disappeared. Her expression twisted into something far more complicated.