Today was Monday, 3rd of February. Snow fell in rich amounts and temperatures had dropped as low as -20 degrees, leading most students of Kitahiro High to spend their break inside their classrooms. Ayane, Chizu and Sawako were no exception. Although Chizu had felt kind of tempted to go out and play in the snow, she had ultimately decided to stay inside with her friends, thinking it to be a lot more enjoyable. Now they were all sitting gathered in the classroom, talking about their latest get-together in wait for their next class to start.

''Hey, look!'' Chizu suddenly exclaimed, looking out the classroom windows in zest. ''Pin and the boys are having a snowball fight!''

''Eh?'' Sawako cooed, sounding somewhat worried as she leaned over and glanced out the windows.

''Huh? Seriously?!'' Ayane asked and scooched over as well, staring at the courtyard in wonder. ''Huh, you're right.''

''Oi, Ryu, if you can't throw any harder than that you've failed me as a pitcher!'' Pin laughed boastfully, ironically leaving him completely open to Ryu's next attack.

*Whack!*

''Bullseye!'' someone shouted as Pin hit the deck, landing himself in a big pile of snow.

Chizu immediately snickered at this and Ayane couldn't help to grin along as she watched their dimwitted teacher push himself out of the snow, demanding a redo against the buzz cut. Ryu, however, neglected this challenge with amazing charisma, a level of un-interest only he possessed. Of course, that didn't stop Pin from picking up a big chunk of snow and chase after him as he hurriedly tried to leave the scene.

Chizu laughed even more at this and Sawako smiled cheerfully, happy to see the boys having so much fun. As for Ayane, she never really stopped looking at Pin and Ryu. Watching them both run around the courtyard with Ryu avoiding every passing snowball as Pin came running shortly thereafter, grinning and shouting his teaseful antics, she wondered if Pin was really meant to be a teacher.

Other teachers didn't play with their students like that, especially not in the goofy-looking manner Pin was known to operate in. He was special in that sort of way. He was close to his students. More of a friend than he was a mentor. Sometimes, whether they liked it or not, as Ayane knew all to well.

Still, he wasn't all bad. A bit over the top, maybe, but he would never do anything to harm his students. Although be it in a frank and idiotic way; he really cared about them. He was a good teacher, and a good friend. But could he ever amount to anything beyond that, Ayane wondered, lips still curved up in a smile as she watched her teacher take another swift nosedive into the snow.

Spitting out big chunks of snow, Pin rose from the ground and grinned at his opponent.

''Not bad.'' he said proudly, causing the frost-bitten five-year-old to grin just as widely as he helped his father up from the ground. ''But can you beat your mother in a snowball fight?''

''Don't even think about it.'' Pin's tease was promptly shot down as the boy's mother came walking up to them, giving them both a loving glance as they resumed their walk through the snow-ridden park.

As of twelve years later, Ayane knew that Pin could amount to more than just a good teacher. He was a great teacher, and a great friend. But more importantly: He was also a great father, and a great husband.

She was just lucky enough to have discovered that first.

If you liked this fanfic and want more, be sure to let me know and I'll see what I can do. Reviews are always appreciated! ; )