The afternoon classes began, and before I knew it, it was the last class of the day. Since the start time hadn’t arrived yet, the students were spending their time as they pleased: some preparing for the next class, some chatting with friends, and some eating snacks while holding their books up.
“Josette, you’re eating something again. You eat so much, but your figure never changes. I’m so jealous. I tend to overeat because the food at shops is delicious, and then I end up in trouble later,” Patty muttered enviously, glancing at Josette’s seat behind her while preparing for the next class at her own desk.
“You might eat more frequently, but the amount you eat each time is small, so if you average it out, I don’t think it’s that different from Patty’s,” Kent replied.
“Hmm, is that so?” Josette loved to eat, but she didn’t constantly overindulge. She enjoyed her daily meals while paying attention to her total intake per day. Occasionally, when she encountered a new and delicious food, her intake would increase, but she maintained her attractive physique through such daily efforts.
“That shop is quite something. Pakupaku-san. *Munch munch*.”
This scene had become commonplace in the classroom, and while her classmates were initially surprised, they had all become accustomed to it.
“Josette, is this by any chance from that shop?”
” *Munch munch* Yes, it’s a new confection. Would you like to try one?”
“Huh? Really? Wow, it’s delicious.”
The classmate who spoke to Josette was happily chatting with her while eating the sweets.
“It seems like many girls like sweets.”
“That’s true. I couldn’t afford luxuries like sweets before, so I didn’t understand their appeal. But now that I can afford a little luxury and eat sweets, I understand their value.”
Patty’s living situation had improved dramatically compared to before, and she could now casually afford to eat sweets. For this reason, she could wholeheartedly agree with Kent’s words.
*Clang, clang.*
As Kent chatted with Patty, the bell rang, signaling the start of class.
“Yes, yes, everyone to your seats. We’re starting class.”
As soon as the bell stopped ringing, the classroom door opened, and Teacher Tia, who was in charge of the next class, entered.
“Um, I believe Teacher Arnet spoke about country names last time. We’ll be continuing from there today.”
It seemed that Teacher Arnet had successfully handed over the lesson material, as Tia’s class began from where the previous one left off.
“…And that is how it is. Um, Josette.”
“Yes? What is it?”
Tia continued the lesson, writing key points on the blackboard. When she finished explaining a section, she called on Josette. Josette, who was in the process of writing the board notes, stopped and turned towards Tia to answer.
“On the fifth line from the top, the character is written incorrectly. Thank you, Teacher.”
“Eh? Oh, you’re right. Thank you. Teacher.”
*Murmur, murmur, murmur.*
It was a casual exchange, but Josette’s seat was at the very back, far from the blackboard where Tia stood. Normally, one couldn’t see the characters on their notes from such a distance, and the students, noticing this incongruity, began to stir.
“Why are you suddenly making such a commotion? Did I do something wrong?”
Tia, sensing the unusual atmosphere in the classroom, asked, assuming she had made a mistake.
“We were just surprised that you have such sharp eyes, Teacher.”
“Huh?”
One of the students replied to Tia.
“My eyesight isn’t that good. I couldn’t see without glasses until recently, and now I can manage without them, but just enough for daily life… Huh?”
Tia said, looking around the classroom with surprise.
“Now that you mention it, I can see really well. I can even see that Eroni is hiding an ‘adult’ book under his desk. You know those things are not allowed in school.”
“B-but I was reading it so it wouldn’t be noticed! …I’m sorry.”
As Tia surveyed the classroom, she happened to notice Eroni reading an inappropriate book and cautioned him. Eroni hurriedly tucked the book into his bag.
“It seems my eyesight has gotten much better. It’s strange. But I can’t keep the class interrupted. Um, for the time being, let’s continue with the lesson.”
Since she couldn’t interrupt class for too long discussing her improved eyesight, Tia resumed the lesson, albeit with a puzzled expression.
“Alright class, that concludes today’s lesson. Since you’re all eager to go home, we’ll proceed directly to homeroom.”
Despite a slight interruption, Tia’s class concluded without further incident, and it was time for the break before homeroom. However, Tia didn’t leave the classroom and began homeroom immediately. When she was in charge of the last class of the day, she sometimes handled it this way to help students get home earlier. Everyone felt the same desire to go home quickly, so they were grateful to Tia for this consideration.
“So, that’s all the announcements. Homeroom is now concluded. Everyone, please head home safely.”
After relaying a few announcements, Tia quickly finished homeroom. Hearing her words, some students left the classroom immediately, while others gathered in groups to chat, moving on to their after-school activities.
“Teacher, aren’t you leaving the classroom?”
“Huh? Me? Are you perhaps saying you don’t want me to stay here, Kent?”
“N-no, that’s not what I meant.”
Homeroom had ended, but Tia remained by the teacher’s desk. Kent, feeling curious, asked her about it. Hearing his question, Tia’s expression became slightly displeased.
“Um, we’re heading to the shop now. Take your time! Let’s go, Josette.”
“I suppose we have no choice. See you later, Kent. Teacher Tia seems to be in a good mood.”
Patty, showing consideration, took Josette and left the classroom.
“I have a staff meeting after this.”
“I see. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate right after returning to work.”
Tia said to Kent with a sigh. While they were talking, students continued to leave the classroom one after another.
“Alright, everyone’s gone.”
Once Tia confirmed that all other students had left the classroom, she quietly closed the classroom door.
“Actually, during class, every time Kent came into my sight, I wanted to hug him. I was holding back so much. The other classes are still in their homeroom period, so please hug me until it’s over.”
“Tia.”
“Kent.”
In the now empty classroom, Tia hugged Kent.
“I really want to hug you openly in front of everyone, but I can’t. At least, please let me do this when no one is watching.”
And so, for the short time until the homeroom of the other classes ended, Kent and Tia spent time alone together, embracing.
The long-drawn-out Tia arc concludes with this story.
