Chapter 27:

That’s How We Spent Our First Week As A Couple

I Need You, Sensei


It has been a week since I started dating Sensei.

No one knows we’re dating besides Haruno-sensei. Although we were dating, we hadn’t gone on any dates yet due to the fact that Sensei had an upcoming interview for a teacher role at another school, and I was also preparing to enter university. Karou and I were busy gathering the essentials for our individual subjects, and Reika was also preparing to return to university; the school allowed her to return, but she would have to redo her third year.

With everyone going to university, that left us with the question of what would happen to the house.

“We could sell it. I’m sure a house like this would go for a lot of money,” suggested Reika.

“You can’t sell it!”

“Yeah, but what are we going to do with it when we’re all living on campus?”

“I hate to admit it, but I agree with Onee-san.”

“But this house has been in your family for years. It’s where you grew up.”

“Yes, we made a lot of memories in this house, but I think it’s time we move on.”

Although it was sad that we had to sell our childhood home, this meant we each had the opportunity to experience what it would be like to live on our own. While Reika decided to live with Inaba-chan for a bit, Karou and I decided to rent a private apartment near the university; we would live in the same apartment complex but in separate apartments. This provided us with more independence and privacy, but it required us to take on additional responsibilities such as paying bills and managing household tasks on our own.

“So you’re moving?”

“Yes. I’m moving into my new apartment this weekend.”

“I wish I could help, but I’ve been so preoccupied with everything.”

“It’s fine. Please concentrate on your interview.”

“I will. Thank you.”

Later that weekend, Karou and I moved into our new apartments. It took us the entire morning to unpack our stuff and place it in our empty apartments.

“Thanks for the help, Sozen.”

“No problem.”

I received a text from Sensei.

“Hi. Would you like to come over to my apartment tomorrow?”

What!? Sensei’s inviting me to her apartment? This early in our relationship!? Why would she want me to come to her house? Does she…? Could we…? No! It’s too early! What could the reason be for her inviting me to her apartment?

I then got another text.

“I was wondering if you could help me out with my interview preparation.”

Oh, that’s the reason.

“Sure. What time?”

“Is 3 p.m. okay?”

“It should be.”

“Great! See you then.”

Could this be considered our first date as a couple? I know we are just going to be in her apartment, but this is the first time I will see her since graduation.

The next day, I went over to Sensei’s apartment. The exterior of the apartment complex was quite modern. Sensei’s apartment was on the eighth floor. When I finally made it to her apartment unit, I knocked on the door. When the door opened, my eyes were blessed by the sight of Sensei in a light blue fitness outfit.

“Sorry, Kurosawa. I was just exercising. Come in.”

“Yes! Excuse me for the intrusion.”

As I entered, the living area unfolded before me. Low-rise furniture was dotted around the room, and a small table was in the middle of a red carpet. An island connected the living room to the kitchen, which was large and equipped with modern appliances. Large windows allowed me to see the entire town. There were other doors, which I presumed led to the bedroom and the bathroom.

“Have a seat.”

I sat down on the couch, which was quite soft and comfy. Sensei brought a bowl of nuts and some drinks; she had a bottle of beer, and I was given a soda.

“You have a lovely apartment.”

“Thank you. Is it okay if I take a quick shower before we start?”

“Oh, sure.”

For the next few minutes, my mind was clouded with dirty thoughts. The sound of the shower running somewhat excited me, and the idea that Sensei was currently taking a shower while I was here made my heart beat fast. Once she had finished, she changed out of her fitness attire and into a more casual look. She now wore a black jumper, which covered a white crop top, and some black leggings. She was more alluring than before. Will I be able to concentrate with her in that outfit?

Sensei sat down beside me, her body quite close to mine. My eyes kept glancing at her outfit, which accentuated her curves. There was this wicked burning desire in my chest, but I reminded myself that Sensei had graciously invited me to her home. She was probably nervous about inviting me as well, so I had no right to take advantage of the situation. She is an adult, so I should also try to act like an adult to match her.

“How are the preparations for your next interview going?”

“I think they’re going fine, but I wanted to get your opinion, which is why I called you here.”

Sensei stood up and brought some papers.

“As anyone who is applying for a job should do, I did some research on the company and prepared some practice questions.”

“These look very detailed and well written.”

“You think so?”

She leaned forward a little bit, exposing the top of her cleavage. Was she trying to seduce me!?

“Yeah.”

“Is it okay if we practice some questions and answers, like we did before?”

“Sure.”

For the next ten minutes, Sensei and I played out an interview scenario. I would ask her different types of questions, while Sensei would do her best to give answers that would please an interviewer.

“And we’re done!”

“How do you think I did?”

“You did well. I think you’re ready.”

“You think so?”

Sensei moved herself a little closer to me. Sweat began to drip as her body got a bit too close.

“Yes. I don’t think you needed me after all to help you with it.”

“I see.”

“Um, Sensei? You’re a bit too close.”

Sensei noticed and quickly moved away. “Ah, sorry.”

There was a moment of silence. I couldn’t bear the awkwardness.

“Kurosawa…”

“Yes?” That was too quick of a response.

“What if I told you I invited you here because I wanted to see you?”

“What?”

“I already had Haruno-sensei come over this morning and help me with my interview preparation. The truth about why I invited you was because I wanted to see you.”

A shade of pink appeared on her cheeks. She was trying to hide the embarrassment on her face by looking down. Her hands clenched onto her legs, which were crossed on the sofa. She invited me because she wanted to see me. How adorable! But I also felt a bit bad because I was trying my best to keep a safe distance between us, mainly for my sanity. I needed to do something to make her feel comfortable again. So, I placed my hand around her shoulder and moved her closer to me. Her head was now leaning on my shoulder.

“Uh, uh. Kurosawa?

“I missed you too, Sensei.”

Sensei looked up at me with vulnerability in her eyes.

“When we’re alone, can you call me by my first name?”

“Your first name!?”

“Yes. I’m technically not your sensei anymore, so I’d like it if we were less formal when addressing one another in private. Can you call me Riho, and can I call you Sozen?”

“Okay.”

“Try it.”

“Ri—Ri—Riho-san.”

“Don’t add an honorific. Just Riho is fine.”

“Very well, Riho.”

“Yes, Sozen!”

For the majority of the time, I held back my desire, but I thought that a little smooch wouldn’t hurt, so I leaned in and kissed her on the lips. She responded by doing the same. A kiss and cuddling were enough for me that day.

Two days later, Sensei went for her interview. Together, we patiently waited for the school to call back. The phone rang, and Sensei answered it. When she ended it, she looked at me with happiness exuding from her body.

“I got it!”

“Oh my god! Congratulations!”

We embraced one another. I was proud of her.

“Where is your new job, by the way?”

“It’s not far from here. Don’t worry. We’ll be able to see each other often.”

The first day of university arrived. Karou and I entered, ready to explore what university life was all about. We were welcomed by upperclassmen, teachers, and people promoting their clubs. Reika had also started at the university again. I was glad to see everyone welcome her back with open arms. Karou and I went to our individual classes: I went to the economics department, whilst Karou went to the science and medicine department.

My first lesson was easygoing since it was an introductory lesson. I was able to meet new people, all of whom seemed to be very nice. After class, I went to Karou’s classroom to meet with her. When I arrived, she rushed towards me.

“Sozen! Sozen! Something unexpected and amazing just happened!”

“What? What happened?”

As I glanced towards the classroom door, a familiar figure emerged.

“Sensei!?”

“So—Kurosawa?”

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