4 — Her Special Tutor

The next few days went smoothly for both Ame and Sera as they settled into a comfortable routine in the apartment. They gradually became more acclimated to each other’s presence, learning each other’s habits and finding a rhythm in their shared space.

On Wednesday, after classes, Sera had a fun day shopping with her friend June, the two of them laughing and chatting as they browsed the stores, enjoying a carefree afternoon.

By the time Friday rolled around, the week had flown by.

In business class, Ame stood at the front of the room, teaching with her usual calm authority. Dressed in a sleek black dress, she commanded the class's attention as she wrote on the electronic board, the soft click of the digital pen punctuating her clear, concise explanations. The students, heads bent over their notebooks and devices, scribbled notes diligently.

Sera, however, found herself struggling to focus. Her hands hovered over her keyboard, but her attention kept drifting. Her eyes flickered to Ame, taking in the elegant way she moved, her dress hugging her hips as she shifted slightly while writing.

Sera bit her lip, glancing at Ame's figure—her gaze lingering longer than it should on her professors form. 

She sighed, trying to tear her eyes away to try and concentrate on her notes, but today it seemed the pull was irresistible. Every now and then, she'd steal another glance, her heart thudding in her chest, as Ame’s graceful movements seemed to draw her in all over again.

After about half an hour, Ame concluded her lecture with her usual precision. "And that’s all for today," she said, firmly.

"Remember, your first assignment is due on Monday at midnight." With a click of her mouse pointer, the electronic board began folding up neatly behind her. She turned to the class with a small but warm smile.

"Any questions?" she asked, her eyes scanning the room.

Luca raised his hand, catching her attention.

"Yes?" Ame gestured towards him.

"Sorry, I just forgot the word limit—how many words again?" he asked.

"A minimum of 1,500 words, and no more than 2,000." she answered firmly with a nod.

"Thank you." Luca said, already starting to pack his bags, though class hadn’t officially ended.

Ame’s eyes flicked around the room once more as she began pacing the front of the class, her hands clasped behind her back. The steady clack of her heels echoed through the room. "Any other questions?" she asked again, her tone patient.

The room remained silent. However, in the midst of that quiet was Sera, who did have a question but kept it to herself. She absentmindedly twirled a strand of her hair between her fingers, her gaze drifting out the window at the overcast sky, as if she was lost in thought.

"Alright then, you're dismissed. Have a great weekend." Ame’s smile widened as she turned back towards her desk, her movements smooth and poised, signaling the end of the class.

As soon as Ame dismissed the class, the room erupted into the usual bustle of students eager to head out. Chairs scraped against the floor, bags were hastily slung over shoulders, and the low hum of conversation filled the space as everyone packed their belongings. People moved toward the door in small clusters, some already making weekend plans.

June, always quick to find Sera, bounced over to her desk with a bright smile. “Hey, wanna come eat with me? Ren, Luca, and Hana are going too.”

Sera offered a gentle smile, her fingers nervously playing with the strap of her bag. “I appreciate it, June, but I’ve got something I need to take care of today.”

June paused for a second, sensing Sera’s hesitation, and then nodded, her expression understanding. "Alright, no worries! Catch you later, then?"

"Yeah, for sure." Sera replied, watching June leave with Luca, Ren, and Hana, their laughter fading as they exited the classroom together.

As the last of the students trickled out, the room became eerily quiet. Ame was still at her desk, briefly glancing at her laptop before closing it with a soft click. She began packing her things, moving with her usual composed efficiency. Just as she was about to leave, she noticed Sera still lingering by her desk, looking hesitant. Sera stood there, playing with the edges of her skirt, clearly wanting to say something but unsure of how to start.

Ame paused mid-motion, turning her attention fully to Sera. Her gray eyes softened as she addressed her in a calm tone, “Tsukiko?”

Sera bit her lip, her nerves evident, but didn’t back away. She was the last one in the room with Ame, and whatever she needed to say, she had decided to stay for it.

“I… actually did have a question.” Sera started, averting her gaze to the classroom windows.

Ame leaned back slightly in her chair, crossing her arms with a calm, yet inscrutable expression. “Why did you wait until after class to approach me?” she asked, her tone measured and curious, though her eyes remained sharp.

“I… didn’t want people to make fun of me…for my question..” Sera admitted, fidgeting with her hands nervously. After a moment, she mustered the courage to meet Ame’s eyes, holding her gaze in a quiet plea for understanding, hoping it would heighten the chances of Ame believing her.

Ame ran a hand through her sleek, dark hair, her eyes subtly sweeping over Sera from head to toe. Such a poor girl, she didn’t believe the excuse for a second—there had to be more behind it. But instead of pressing, she chose to go along with it for now.

"I see..." she replied calmly, her voice betraying none of her doubt.

“Well, what did you want to ask?” Ame continued, now sitting up straight, her elbows resting on the desk as she leaned forward slightly.

Her inquisitive gray eyes locked onto Sera’s, a hint of challenge in her gaze. Ame had been observing Sera closely in class, noticing how outgoing and outspoken she was with her peers, yet around her, that confidence seemed to vanish.

Fascinating, Ame mused. A subtle, sly smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she looked up at Sera, curious to see how the girl would respond.

“I’m kind of… struggling with where to start on this assignment,” Sera said hesitantly, “and I was wondering if you could stay back today to explain it again and help me study.”

Ame’s expression remained unconvinced for a moment, but then she tilted her head slightly, a small smile forming as she nodded in agreement, her elbows still resting on the desk.

“Sure… that’s fine. But remember, Tsukiko,” she added, her tone firm yet gentle, “I don’t offer extra help on Fridays.” Ame was always going to say yes, but she tacked on the reminder to assert a sense of control, subtly reinforcing the boundary between teacher and student.

“O-Oh yes, of course, Sorry I won’t forget again, Miss…Misaki..” Sera hugged her stomach, as she answered her gaze falling to the floor.

As the rain began to patter softly against the windows, the classroom filled with a calming ambiance, the muted sounds of droplets creating a rhythmic backdrop. The gray, overcast sky cast a soft light inside the room, wrapping the scene in a cozy stillness. Ame and Sera sat across from each other at one of the student desks, a small lamp at the corner of the room casting a warm glow over their textbooks.

Ame patiently went over the concepts Sera was struggling with, her voice calm and measured as she explained each point. Sera, though distracted by the soothing rain outside and Ame herself, did her best to stay focused, leaning slightly forward as she scribbled notes. After a few minutes of diligent effort, Sera finally understood the first concept Ame explained.

“Ah, I get it now!” Sera said, a flicker of excitement in her voice.

Ame smiled softly, her eyes reflecting a brief but warm approval. “Good job, Tsukiko. You’re catching on,” she praised, her voice quiet but sincere.

Sera blushed lightly at the praise, her heart fluttering for a moment.

Ame then glanced out the window, her gaze softening as she leaned back into her chair. She sighed gently, her expression taking on a nostalgic look. “I miss moments like this,” she said almost wistfully, her eyes still fixed on the rain as it trickled down the glass.

Sera tilted her head, curiosity piqued. “What do you mean? What do you miss?”

Ame shifted her gaze back to Sera, her smile widening just a little. “Studying like this… the quiet atmosphere, the rain, the focus. It reminds me of my student days. I spent a lot of time like this.”

Sera blinked in surprise, smiling in awe at Ame. “You must have been an amazing student.”

Ame chuckled softly, her eyes glinting with a trace of pride. “I was. I spent most of my time studying hard back then—especially when I was part of the Student Council.”

Sera’s eyes widened, that was a big deal for this school. “Wait, were you in AinaU’s, Student Council?”

Ame’s smile deepened as she nodded. “Not just a part of it. I was the president.”

“Wow,” Sera gasped, clearly impressed. “The president? Here? That’s incredible!”

Ame’s gaze softened further, a touch of nostalgia sweeping across her features as she folded her arms. “It was a lot of responsibility, but I loved it. It really helped me be who I am today.” She smiled wide, the sound light and melodic amidst the gentle rain. "Those were good times."

Sera for a few moments could only stare at her, admiring Ame in a new light, the rain outside somehow making the moment feel even more intimate.

Sera admired Ame's structured approach to life—her intelligence combined with a genuine kindness that shone through when they were alone. She longed for that to be the Ame she always experienced, feeling a twinge of dismay at the current student-teacher dynamic that kept them apart.

Caught in her thoughts, Sera paused in her writing, her eyes drifting into the distance as she averted her gaze, her pen resting motionless on the paper.

Noticing her silence, Ame leaned forward, concern etching her features as she placed her hands on the table in front of her. “Everything alright?” she asked, her voice gentle yet probing.

Sera snapped back to the moment, quickly nodding. “Yeah, yeah. Sorry,” she said with a light laugh. “I just, you know, tab out sometimes.”

Ame shook her head gently. “Is that so?” Ame decided to play a little with Sera, wanting to hear what she would say.

“Are you making sure to pay attention in my classes, Tsukiko?” she held her gaze firmly with investigative gray eyes, as she sat in front of her, leaning in closer as if to search for the answer.

Sera, immediately tensed up, completely aware of how close Ame was getting and it was written all over her face.

Feeling the intensity of Ame’s focus, Sera immediately tensed up, the proximity palpable as it registered on her face. “I… I… uh… try,” she stammered, her voice wavering.

Ame feigned disappointment, pouting just a touch. “That didn’t sound very convincing,” she said, her tone playful yet teasing.

“No, seriously! I really do try!” Sera insisted, her cheeks flushing as she realized how defensive she sounded.

“Perhaps… do I bore you?” Ame asked, a teasing glint in her eye.

“Hmm…?” Sera’s curiosity piqued as Ame leaned in even closer, propping herself up on the chair with her knees on the seat. Her elbows rested on the table, bringing her face inches from Sera’s, as she studied her eyes and the adorable features of her face, searching for the truth.

Sera flailed her hands in a rush, blushing, eager to clarify her response.

“No! You could never bore me!” Her voice trailed off dramatically as she instinctively leaned back, flustered by Ame’s closeness.

Ame smirked, undeterred. “Hmm…?” she repeated, inching even closer, her knees still perched on the chair, their faces now almost touching. In this moment, she completely forgot about the student-teacher dynamic, her emotions swirling to the surface. This normally outgoing, outspoken girl was so shy and endearing around her, and Ame couldn’t help but think how cute she was.

“Umm…” Sera cooed, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks as she averted her gaze, overwhelmed by a wave of embarrassment.

Finally, Ame relented, her voice dripping with playful sweetness. “Ohhh, fine. You’re off the hook for now…” she said almost seductively, allowing her eyes to flicker to Sera's lips for a brief moment.

Yet, she maintained her composed façade, not wanting to give Sera any ideas.

Ame gracefully pulled back, seamlessly returning to her seat as if nothing had happened, her demeanor angelic and composed.

Meanwhile, Sera was on the verge of a meltdown. She was so close! Her thoughts raced, swirling in a chaotic frenzy.

Desperate to regain her composure, Sera tried to sound more serious, carefully choosing her words to avoid sounding too awkward.

“B-but yeah, like I said… you could never bore me, Miss Misaki…”

Ame tilted her head, a playful smile dancing on her lips as she rested her hands on her thighs. She liked Sera’s more firm and serious answer.

“I’m so glad.” She purred. "Now, let's make sure you understand everything."

They continued going through the material together, with Sera focusing more now, and by the end of the session, she actually felt confident.

As they both closed their textbooks, Sera smiled, clearly relieved. "I think I got it. Thank you so much."

Just then, a loud crack of thunder echoed through the room, making Sera jump a little. "Whoa, that's a lot of rain..." she muttered, looking out the window at the downpour. She sighed, realizing her predicament. "And I left my umbrella back at the apartment."

Ame hesitated for a moment, her lips parting as if unsure whether to say what she was thinking. After a moment, she spoke, her voice soft but steady.

"I have an umbrella. Maybe I can walk you to the station?" There was a faint note of reluctance in her tone, as if weighing the potential consequences of being seen together. "I still have one last class to teach for the day, so I can't come with you all the way. I'll be back later."

Her hesitation was brief, but it lingered, the unspoken concern of others noticing them walking together under the same umbrella, sparking the thought that it could raise eyebrows if anyone recognized them.

Sera, caught off guard by Ame's unexpected offer, felt her heart skip a beat. Her eyes widened slightly as she met Ame's gaze, trying to process the gesture.

"That... would be nice," she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

After a brief pause, the silence between them hanging in the air, Sera added, almost shyly, "...if you don’t mind, that is..." Her words lingered, a mix of gratitude and nervousness evident as she tried to gauge Ame's intentions.

Ame sighed softly, torn between her role as Sera's teacher and her own desires. She knew it was risky, but as she weighed her options, desire won.

With a subtle shift in her demeanor, she nodded, finally saying, "Wait right here."

Sera blinked, perplexed, as Ame left the classroom, leaving her to wonder what was going on. After a few minutes, Ame returned, carrying one of her jackets from her office. She handed it to Sera with a knowing smile.

"Put it on," Ame instructed, her tone firm. "And use the collar to cover your face... you know, to hide from the rain."

But they both knew the real reason wasn’t to protect her from the downpour—it was to shield her identity as a student.

Sera blushed profusely, her face heating up as she stammered, "R-right, of course. Thank you..." She hurriedly slipped the jacket on, the fabric oversized on her smaller frame. The scent of Ame’s perfume clung to it, making Sera’s heart race even more.

Together, they made their way to the elevator. Sera, still flustered, gathered her things quickly, stealing glances at Ame whenever she thought she wasn’t looking. The elevator ride was silent, the tension between them palpable, but neither of them said a word.

When they finally reached the front doors, the rain poured down steadily, casting a soothing patter all around them. Ame, holding her umbrella, stepped out into the rain first, extending the cover to Sera as she joined her. The two walked closely, shoulders brushing every now and then, their footsteps syncing with the rhythm of the rain. Neither said anything at first, the silence between them filled only by the sound of the downpour.

Ame maintained her usual calm expression, but inside, she was acutely aware of Sera’s presence. Every accidental touch sent a ripple through her carefully constructed facade. Sera, flustered by how close they were, tried to lighten the mood with casual conversation.

"This rain’s something else, huh?" Sera muttered, her voice a little shaky. "Good thing you had the umbrella..."

Ame gave a small nod, her lips curving slightly. "Yes, fortunate indeed." After a brief pause, she added, "Here, hold onto the umbrella too, it’ll keep you more steady." She guided Sera’s hand onto the handle.

As Sera’s fingers brushed against Ame’s hand, a small, involuntary reaction flickered across Ame’s face—a slight widening of her eyes, the briefest inhale. She quickly composed herself, but the moment hadn’t gone unnoticed.

Sera glanced down nervously at Ame’s dress. The delicate fabric had been hit by a few stray droplets of rain despite the umbrella's best efforts. She bit her lip, feeling guilty.

"Sorry about your dress," Sera said softly, her voice laced with worry.

Ame glanced down at the damp spots on her outfit, then waved it off with a small, reassuring smile. "It’s nothing," she replied, her tone light. "A little rain never hurt anyone."

Sera exhaled in relief, feeling slightly more at ease as they continued to walk side by side. Ame’s calm, graceful demeanor soothed her, and for a brief moment, the world around them faded into the rhythm of their quiet steps, the rain falling gently around them like a comforting blanket.

Ame’s smile lingered as they walked, and Sera couldn't help but admire the way she handled everything with such poise.

Their quiet, almost intimate walk continued, the rain providing a kind of privacy on the campus. Both were lost in their own thoughts, hyper-aware of each other, yet comfortable in the silence. The warmth from their bodies mingled as they walked closely under the same umbrella.

Finally, they reached the universities station.

Sera hesitated for a moment, not quite wanting to break the connection they’d shared during the walk, but Ame turned to her, her eyes soft yet still guarded.

"Make it home safely." Ame said, her voice gentle, sincerity shining in her gaze.

Sera nodded, her face flushed. "I will. Thank you..." She glanced up at the sky, rain still pouring down, then back at Ame. "I’ll see you later?"

"Yes, Tsukiko. Take care." Ame replied, watching Sera disappear into the station as she stood under the umbrella, the rain continuing to fall around her, a small, secret smile playing at her lips.