Chapter 1: Unruly Student

Speed limits were only suggestions.

At least that's how Kirisu Mafuyu considered them when she drove to work. Forty kilometers per hour might be reasonable when the roads were full, but they were hardly busy in the morning. It should be perfectly permissible for her to go fifty, sixty, or even higher.

She would never admit it, since the only justifiable reason for speeding should be getting to school in a timely manner but turns at these speeds were much more interesting.

She zoomed through the streets and weaved from lane to lane. Her tires made their familiar squeals on the asphalt until she slowed down at the school parking lot. She took one of the spots reserved for teachers.

Mafuyu didn't teach any homeroom classes, so she headed straight to the teacher's room. Many of her colleagues were already there, and she gave them proper, polite greetings. There was a relaxed atmosphere at the moment as there were still twenty minutes until classes began.

She set her purse down at her seat and went over her lesson plans for the day. She was teaching European History to the second years, they were on the Renaissance now. For them, she had two periods in the morning and one in the afternoon. The first years had World History, ancient Egypt for the next few weeks. One period in the morning and another in the afternoon.

She was reviewing a lesson on how the Catholic Church commissioned artists when another teacher approached her. Goto-sensei. He was in his forties but already going bald. He taught physics and did so well according to what she'd heard.

"Morning Kirisu-san." He said with a pleasant smile.

"Goto-sensei," she said. While there weren't any students nearby, she still thought it proper to refer to him by the respectful honorific. Especially when he was her senior by far. "How can I help you?"

"You see, I'm having a bit of trouble with one of my students, a second year. He was really passionate about science and did well in those classes, especially in physics, but recently his grades have been dropping."

Mafuyu nodded. "I see. Are you asking me for advice? I would think you're more qualified to handle him than I am."

He grinned. "I'm flattered, but in this case you'd be wrong. I've tried talking to him already, but nothing I've said gets through. It's a shame. He's no Ogata Rizu, but I could definitely see him making worthwhile scientific contributions when he's older. Of course, that would only be possible if he starts paying attention in school again."

Mafuyu's eyes narrowed. Worrisome. Declining grades were always cause for concern, but even more so when it was a case of a student neglecting their talents.

"I talked to the headmaster about it, and he recommended I ask you for help on this. Would you be willing to talk to this student and set him straight?"

Mafuyu nodded. "Of course. Where can I find him?"

"In room 3B afterschool today. I'll be with you."

"Very well, and what's his name?"

"Kita Jurou."

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Mafuyu had already been waiting in the classroom when Goto-sensei brought Kita-kun in.

The boy glanced at her but didn't say a word in greeting. He was tall, half a head taller than Goto-sensei, which put his height at around 185 cm. His hair was uncombed, and there was stubble on his cheeks which he hadn't bothered to shave. His uniform was clean at least, but it was wrinkled and the buttons on his shirt were misaligned. His expression was mostly blank, boredom the only emotion she could read.

Mafuyu disapproved. He wasn't one of her students, but if he had been, she would have spotted the behavior long ago and given him a few choice words.

"Sensei," he spoke to Goto-sensei. His voice was deep but carried an immature drawl. "How come there's another teacher here already?"

"This is Kirisu-sensei. She's here to help me convince you to take school seriously again."

"Really? Then hello Kirisu-sensei." He bowed, but only with the slightest dip of his head. "Sorry for wasting your time."

"Wasting my time? There is no need to apologize. If the time is used to help a student, I consider it well spent."

He shrugged. "Okay."

Mafuyu frowned. "Very well. Let me ask you some questions first. I've been told that you did well at school, particularly in science. What changed over the past few months?"

Kita didn't meet her eyes. Not out of apprehension or shyness, but as if he couldn't even be bothered to look at her. His lazy gaze was directed at the wall behind her. "I found something more important to do than study and do homework."

She crossed her arms. "And what is that?"

"I don't have to tell you." Was his dismissive answer.

"Watch your tone, Kita," Goto-sensei warned. "You may not have her for any of your classes but she's still a teacher."

"Okay, I will. Sorry Kirisu-sensei."

"I accept your apology." Mafuyu would, regardless of how lackluster it was. "Now, you're right when you say you don't have to tell me what you find preferable to schoolwork but listen well. It's essential for you to enjoy your youth, but not at the expense of your education. It is irresponsible and will end up painfully when you're an adult. Besides, you're well-suited for science. Isn't that right, Goto-sensei?"

The older teacher nodded. "That's right! Come on, Ki-kun. What happened to the young man who would ask me after class about anything he was confused about? No matter if it was for school or a piece of science news that you read online? You have the drive and talent for science. Is something wrong? I've told you, you can talk to me."

"Nothing's wrong." Kita snorted, his apathetic expression replaced by a wry look. "And also, I don't have any 'talent'. I only did well in science because I liked it."

Kirisu spoke "Then this new activity preoccupying you. It's more enjoyable than learning science?"

"It's more important."

She saw how he dodged the question but considered her words carefully before pressing further. "More important than getting good grades? More important than preparing yourself to become a contributing member of society?"

"Yeah, more important than that too." His tone was serious.

Mafuyu gave him a doubtful look. "Would your family share that opinion?"

Kita's mouth shut. His lips pressed hard together in a thin red line, and he glared at her.

Goto-sensei sighed. "I wanted to keep your parents out of this since I know you have some sort of complicated relationship with them, but I doubt they'd be happy to hear about this. Should I go to them?"

Kita frowned. "Maybe you're right about that. Fine then. Sensei, can we make a deal?"

"What sort of deal?"

"If you get my parents to tell me to do well in school, I'll get my grades back up."

Goto-sensei's eyes widened. Mafuyu understood his surprise, it was an easy condition to meet.

"Is that all?" Goto-sensei asked.

"Yeah."

"And if I get them to do this, you really promise to do well in school again?"

Kita smiled, genuine amusement in his eyes. "Yeah."

"Very well then, I'll get on that immediately."

"Good luck. I guess you're done with me then, goodbye." Kita walked over to the door and stopped. "Thank you, Goto-sensei. I mean that, but from now on, I think it would be better for you to focus on students who actually need your help. Oh, and thanks to you too, Kirisu-sensei. I guess."

Once Kita left, Goto-sensei thanked her. "I don't think I could have done it without you, Kirisu-san."

"Not at all. I'm glad it worked out, but I didn't do much at all." Mafuyu grabbed her purse. "I hope you succeed with your student, Goto-sensei. See you tomorrow."

"Goodbye."

Mafuyu left the school. In contrast to her drive that morning, she reined in her top speed on her return home. There were significant numbers of students on the streets. Even if she did find some enjoyment from faster maneuvers, she would never endanger them.

She arrived at her apartment building and entered her door.

Her home was filthy. Disorganized stacks of books and garbage bags filled the rooms and hallways. There were a few boxes with products she'd ordered, although she couldn't remember what they were for. In addition, even though there were numerous bulging garbage bags, empty cans and convenience store meals were littered through both her kitchen and bedroom.

Mafuyu hadmade efforts to clean. It was just that, for some inexplicable reason, they were never successful.

It was disheartening when she allowed herself to mull over it, but today, it didn't bother her at all. She may have only played a small role, but she'd helped set a student on the right path. She had the right to be proud.