That’s How I Found Out About Her Feelings

My head has been aching this morning. While Karou suggested I stay at home, I was adamant about going since our exams were right around the corner. However, I should have listened because I would later find myself lying on a bed in the nurse’s office.

I looked up to see Sensei standing by my side. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine, I guess.”

“Good. I’m glad you’re okay.”

I was still a bit upset about the other day, but I was in too much pain to think about it.

“Let me check your temperature.” Sensei took a thermometer and placed it in my mouth. “You’ve got a mild fever.”

She then placed her hand on my forehead, which confused me since she had already checked my temperature. She slowly moved her hand to my cheek, leaving it there for a bit. I marvelled at the delicate softness of her skin; it was like she was trying to transfer her warmth and tenderness through her touch. I missed this feeling.

The door suddenly opened, and the teacher I had seen her hanging out with entered, causing her to quickly remove her hand from my face.

“Azuma-sensei!”

“Did I catch you at a bad time?”

“No, you didn’t.”

“Great. Could I talk to you for a second?”

She glanced at me as if she wanted to confirm if it was alright for her to step away for a bit.

“Go. I’m going to rest some more.”

“Sensei?”

“Um, sure. I have some time.”

She closed the curtains to hide me, but now I couldn’t see what was happening. I knew it was rude of me to intrude on their private conversation, but I couldn’t help but want to listen to what they were saying.

“Have you considered what I said the other day?”

“What do you mean?”

“Have you forgotten already? I don’t blame you. You were probably surprised by it.”

What was he referring to?

“I like you, Sensei.” He continued. “I have admired you ever since you first joined the school.”

What!? He already confessed that he likes her! I could not believe what I was hearing. I shouldn’t be here.

“I want to make it clear that I don’t like you just because of your looks. I like everything about you. You’re so talented. Seeing you work hard every day, taking care of the kids, is really admirable.”

Do you like her or admire her? Which one is it?

“Ah, I see. Yes.”

Yes? Yes? Yes to what?

“Azuma-sensei. I appreciate that you see me in that light, and I’m flattered that you possess such feelings for me…”

Was Sensei about to accept his feelings? Does she like him as well? My weak head can’t take this!

“…but, I can’t accept them. You see, there’s someone I like. It was only recently that I realised how much I liked them. When I first met them, they were just another patient to take care of. But as the time we spent together increased and I got to know them a bit better, I began to see them in a different light. They’re someone special to me, and I don’t want to let go of them. I’m not sure if they feel the same way about me, and I think I did something to hurt them, but nevertheless, I want to be by their side. So, I’m sorry.”

Wait. Does that mean…

…Sensei likes me.

I’ve been such an idiot. The weight of my immature actions pressed heavily on my conscience. She was never interested in the other teacher, but I misunderstood the situation. The way I treated her these past few days was horrible, and yet…

…Sensei likes me.

Accidentally overhearing her heartfelt feelings shattered my entire vision of what our relationship was.

Ah, I understand now.

Sensei likes me.

“I see. Well, it can’t be helped, can it?” He stood up from his chair and walked to the door. “I hope whoever they are makes you happy.”

“They already do.”

Azuma-sensei left the nurse’s office. We were all alone in the room. I contemplated whether to sit up and speak to her, but I decided it would be best if I pretended to still be asleep. Sensei opened the curtains and approached me. I could feel her presence looming over me. I felt her soft touch once again on my face. This time, it conveyed a sense of sincerity and honesty. She placed her other hand on my other cheek. I could feel her breath, as if her lips were hovering inches away from mine. But nothing happened.

After school, as I was lying in bed, I replayed Sensei’s words in my head; the moment had an overwhelming hold over me, and I simply could not forget it. Did she really see me as a man? But I am a student, and she is a teacher. It would never work. How could someone so pure of heart like her like someone like me? However, there was a part of me that wanted to follow that path and see where it led me. Either way, Sensei’s feelings were clear.

Sensei likes me.

But how do I feel about her?