The rapid squeaking of a marker against a blackboard filled the lecture hall prominently, followed by a voice detailing the written equations in a similar deft manner. Even if Nariyuki personally didn't have to take notes of the material, following along as an assistant required just as a high of a demand of focus.

It was the last week of his internship at Ichinose University, which of course meant it was also his final rotation in the program. In the past six months, he had had the pleasure of shadowing all sorts of professors in the school's vast array of departments while also undergoing his own education classes at Tachibana. Juggling the schedules between the two had certainly been difficult, but Nariyuki couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity. Being able to learn the procedures and nuances of a classroom first hand was a privilege that many education majors often overlooked before heading into the field. As someone with prospects of starting his teaching career at Kokasu High, it was a necessary step towards overcoming the high hurdle that was their employment process.

Yes…he couldn't be more thankful, especially with the diversity of professors that he had been allowed to shadow. Different teaching styles, and different personalities. In combination with assisting with administrative tasks, he had done his due diligence in taking notes on each and everyone of their curriculums, evaluating their effectiveness towards overall student learning. For the most part, they had all been what he had expected from college professors. Professional. Astute. Treating their students with the respect that was needed, while still maintaining the decorum of an expected teacher-student relationship.

But this…

This last stretch in the program…was something he had not been able to foresee.

Multivariable Calculus. That was the final class for his rotation. It was notorious for being the course with the highest drop and fail rate at Ichinose. The fact that it was Nariyuki's last course to shadow was certainly intimidating, but that wasn't the reason for his surprise and uneasiness.

It was how Professor Takahashi went about teaching it.

Specifically how brief he was with his explanations.

"That concludes my demonstration of how to apply the Riemann integral," Professor Takahashi said before immediately wiping away what he had written off the board. "This along with the divergence theorem that I demonstrated last week will be important concepts in your upcoming final. Do make sure you perfect these methods promptly by the week's end."

"P-Professor!" One of the students raised his hand in a panic. "Could you please go over the steps one last time? I wasn't able to copy everything down…"

The man barely batted an eye to the request.

"I believe I made myself clear that I wouldn't be repeating myself at the start of class. If you're having trouble keeping up, then I suggest you either pay more attention or ask your peers for assistance."

It was nearly impossible for Nariyuki to ignore the whispers of frustration that seemingly rang out through every row of the lecture hall, and he was perfectly empathizing towards their reaction. Asking peers for assistance mattered very little when hardly anyone was able to keep up with the lecture. Professor Takahashi was clearly knowledgeable in the study…with almost genius-like qualities when it came to calculus, but it almost seemed as if he didn't care whether his students followed along or not. It had been an ongoing issue that he had observed since his first day of his two weeks shadowing the professor so far, and the disdain that the students held for the instructor was simply getting worse and worse. The scorn obviously wasn't directed towards him, but as basically the professor's assistant, Nariyuki felt somewhat responsible for doing something about it.

Though he wasn't sure what he exactly could do.

"That concludes today's lecture. I will have today's quizzes graded by the end of the day. I expect the average this time around to be higher considering how poorly you all performed on the last one. If you want to pass my class, then I suggest you prepare yourself well for the final. There will be no curves or negotiations of grades. You are all dismissed."

The annoyed grumbling of the class was again synchronous, and before any of the students had a chance to voice their complaints, Professor Takahashi had already left the lecture hall. Expletives of "lousy teaching' and "unfair grading" rang around the room. With their final exam rounding the corner, none of the students had expected a pop quiz at the start of class today. It was safe to presume that the professor's expectation of a higher average for the assessment would be far from coming true.

So here Nariyuki stood, conflicted, a spectator to whispers and curses of the man that he was supposedly working for. He had no real say, no title of great significance, no autonomy to make any change to the class structure, especially this late into the course. He was a mere intern…a student just like everyone else in the room.

Was there really nothing that he could do?


Nariyuki was in charge of grading the quizzes from today.

It was exactly how he feared. The average was lower than the last pop quiz. He really couldn't blame them. If he were enrolled in the class, he'd be amongst that proportion too.

A huge contrast in Professor Takashashi's class compared to the other professors he had shadowed so far was the fact that the man offered no resources outside of his primary lecture. The only thing that his students had to rely on was their own ability to generate notes from his already fast-paced lecture. That was what he had inferred from his past two weeks of observation, that it was nearly impossible to 'study' for his assessments. No homework and no out of classroom texts to practice with. It was an inefficient way to reinforce memory.

Of course he would have liked to express this problem to the professor…but he had only been his assistant for a very short time. They were hardly close, and the man was already intimidating enough on his own. He could easily be stepping over boundaries if he were to attempt to offer his advice over a matter that wasn't asked of him directly. Additionally, the internship was almost at its end. At this point, all he had to do was complete the tasks given before him to really make it through.

Yes…that would be enough.

But…

'Would I really be okay with leaving things like this..?'

His thoughts were interrupted as the sound of the faculty door opened. Professor Takahashi walked into the communal office, and naturally Nariyuki's body tensed at the sight of his temporary boss, especially with his previous thought still fresh in his mind.

The man walked up to his desk and handed him a stack of papers.

"Complete this paperwork for me by the end of your shift," he said impassively. "Once you're done you can leave it in my office. I presume you're finished grading the quizzes?"

Nariyuki nodded punctually. "Y-yes sir. I just finished them actually. The class average was quite lower than the last pop quiz."

The professor said nothing to that, simply reaching for the pile of quizzes, skimming through its contents and then scoffing. The reaction bothered him, and Nariyuki felt something inside of him stirr. The man put the papers beneath his arm and was prepared to leave him to his work.

But at the very last second…

Nariyuki decided to speak up.

"Uhm Professor."

Professor Takahashi stopped in his step, turning to him in acknowledgement. The nervousness returned in full effect, but Nariyiku allowed himself to speak his mind.

"I've noticed while grading the quizzes earlier that a lot of the students are struggling with the past unit…especially the section over the divergence theorem," he started shyly but also matter-of-factly. "I think a lot of the students would really benefit from it if you perhaps went over it with the Riemann integral again in the next class…especially since you know…it's a major concept for the final. With more instructed practice they could definitely get it down within the next week…and I'm sure they would all really appreciate it if you could-"

"Why would I care what they appreciate or not?"

Nariyuki blinked twice at the blunt interruption, unsure if he had heard correctly.

"W-what?"

Professor Takahashi returned to stand directly in front of him, staring down with an inscrutable expression.

"I don't think you understand, Yuiga-kun. The moment that students sign up for my class, then it's my rules that they have to abide by. All of my grading policies and expectations are clearly outlined in the syllabus. There is a reason that we have a drop option at the university level of education."

"I…I understand that sir," he returned tentatively. "But if the structure of the class itself isn't proving to be nurturing of student learning…then shouldn't there be changes made?"

The man raised an eyebrow in reply.

"You're saying that I need to do more work than what I'm paid for. Is that what you're implying?"

Nariyuki hesitated, feeling himself cave under the imposing stare of the professor, but slowly but surely, he steered his gaze resolutely.

"If your students are struggling…then yes."

Silence enveloped the room around them. It was already at the time where most of the other faculty members had headed home, but the privacy did very little to assist in calming the tension between them. His heart was pounding, and when Professor Takahashi finally decided to respond, Nariyuki felt his entire body still in anticipation..

"I respect your bravery to confront me about this, but I believe you're still misunderstood over one thing, Yuiga-kun."

The man's gaze hardened and they met his own eyes fixedly.

"The reason that my class has such a low pass rate…is because I make it intentionally difficult to pass."

It took very little for the words to incur his shock, and all Nariyuki could do was stare with wide-eyes at the explanation.

Professor Takahashi sighed in annoyance as he shook his head sardonically. "Education has just fallen to such low levels these days. All these sad excuses of professors working towards a higher focus on opportunity and equality, and all it has achieved is including minds of those that are incapable and of little potential. What the world needs right now are brilliant minds, those with talent and aptitude. The students who simply believe that working hard enough will allow them to do great things are sorely mistaken. If you aren't born to do something, then that's just it. That is what my class demonstrates."

His eyes then focused on Nariyuki coldly.

"Those who can't keep up are simply not meant to pass."

It was instant, the way his heart clenched forcefully at the professor's implication. Anger, dark and rich, surged through Nariyuki. You're wrong, he thought. This was something that he wouldn't stand for. The man may not have been directly referring to him, but by simply uttering those words, Professor Takahashi had crossed the line against the person most dearest and closest to his heart.

'If it means being able to fulfill my dream…I will overcome anything I'm bad at!'

No one was allowed to slander Fumino's efforts like that.

"I disagree," he bit back firmly. "Passion and hardwork can lead to endless possibilities and inspiration for any field. Talents are a gift, but they don't dictate your happiness and direction in life. The reason that the world is so beautiful is because of that exact choice. Even in your class right now…there are those with a willingness to learn and experience things about calculus that may serve as an inspiration for the future. Taking away that opportunity from them is just wrong."

And then…with an earnest and defiant stare,

"Just because you weren't born to do something, doesn't that mean you can't be great at it!"

Once the words left his lips, Professor Takahashi's eyes narrowed, and within those cold irises, Nariyuki felt as if he perceived a hint of slight vulnerability…a fear almost. But in a matter of seconds it was gone. The man chuckled, and his austere expression returned in its entirety.

"Yuiga-Kun," he said with a smile that was much too friendly to be deemed genuine. "It's to my understanding that you're in your last week of your internship here, correct?"

"Y-yes…" Nariyuki shrinked back warily, unsure of where the man was going with the question.

"The internship program has a very high success rate for its candidates. There's not much you need to do besides remaining compliant with your mentors. It would be a real shame if you happened to fall out of line with your superior when you're this close to the end, wouldn't you say?"

His blood ran cold at the unforeseen threat.

"T-that's-"

"Just sit back and do what's asked of you," the man emphasized before turning away. "No need to make this more difficult for the both of us, do we?"

All too soon Nariyuki was reminded of reality. His position. His lack of autonomy. At the end of the day he wasn't able to make the changes.

Afterall…he was just an intern.

Professor Takahashi walked out of the faculty room without another word, leaving Nariyuki to deal with his feelings in silence. In contrast to how it may have appeared, many would have seen this as a fortunate event for him. He had spoken out of line to a superior, calling the man out for his ideology without receiving any form of repercussion. He had been lucky.

And yet…

Nariyuki couldn't help but feel that he had lost formidably in some way.


"Nariyuki?"

"Furuhashi..." Nariyuki smiled at Fumino's voice, finding comfort from the familiar warmth laced in between. It was nearing the end of the night, and so naturally he had taken the initiative to call the girl for their end of the day chat. He hadn't even realized just how much he had yearned for her voice until the solace from actually hearing it settled into his heart fully.

It had truly been a long day.

"I missed you," he said instinctively, "Or I mean…hearing you…your voice I mean. Sorry, my mind is pretty out of sorts right now," he explained while blushing in embarrassment.

Fumino giggled lightheartedly through the speaker.

"Do you want to video call?" She asked.

He blinked, taken aback by the proposal, but surely enough he nodded eagerly with a smile.

"I would love to."

With a few taps on Fumino's end, their call changed into a video format. Familiar golden eyes and silky blue hair filled his screen. If his heart had been comforted earlier from hearing the girl's voice, now it was brimming with warmth and ardor from the sight before him.

His lips naturally curled upward.

"Hi."

"Hi," Fumino returned with a shy smile, running a towel through her hair in a somewhat hurried manner. "Sorry, I just took a shower, so my hair's still a bit damp..." The girl's bashfulness over the matter was adorable, and Nariyuki couldn't help but smile widely in response.

"I like it," he said honestly. "The way your hair frames your face so naturally whenever you finish showering…I think it's a really special type of beautiful that only I'm lucky enough to be able to see. I mean…not because I see right as you get out of course! Just…afterwards…you know…when I happen to be with you…or…whenever we get to sleep together..."

He wasn't making things any less awkward with his rambling.

"S-sorry…I'm being weird again, aren't I?"

From the other side of the screen, Fumino's bashfulness from his compliment remained, but she smiled fondly despite herself. "Just a bit…but…"

This time it was her turn to blush profusely.

"I like it…when you say weird and honest things like that to me."

"Now that definitely sounds weird."

If it was possible, Fumino's blush deepened further at his amused gaze, pouting in a way that was just much too cute for him to contain his adoration.

"Y-you started it, dummy…"

He laughed brightly, and surely enough, Fumino joined in on him as well, giggling heartily at their silly exchange. They remained that way for a while, teasing each other in fun before Nariyuki asked how Fumino's day had gone. Unlike him, who had finished taking finals for the spring semester a week ago, Fumino was still in the middle of taking hers for her classes. One more fall semester remained for the both of them after this term, and hearing again just how hard the girl was working to do her best despite already being set for work was something that always managed to bring a smile to his face.

She really was such an inspiration.

"What about you?" Fumino returned his question. "How was your internship today? I know how busy it must be with your final evaluation right around the corner," she added sympathetically.

"Ah…uhm.."

At the mention of the program, the pleasant atmosphere shifted to one of tension as Nariyuki was reminded of the 'conversation' he had shared with Professor Takahashi earlier in the day.

'Those who can't keep up…are simply not meant to pass.'

How badly he wanted to say it… to express his feelings of discontent and retell the entire exchange to Fumino. But the urge was held off as he remembered just how busy the girl was with her current exam schedule. The harsh words that Professor Takahashi had said to him…Fumino was the last person that needed that on her conscience right now.

So instead, he forced out a smile.

"It was alright," he said evenly, doing his best to remain neutral. "Thankfully, I've already finished my own finals at Tachibana, so I've been able to focus a lot better on my tasks at the internship. Compared to how hard you're working right now for your exams…it's honestly not that stressful. I was told that as long as I remain compliant for the remaining time then I should receive an offer without any problems."

As he said this, Nariyuki did his best to not focus on the words that caused his chest to tighten uncomfortably. 'Remaining compliant'. It really was that simple. All he had to do was to sit back and listen…to not cause trouble, and everything would turn out the way it was intended.

'Just sit back and do what's asked of you.'

But when he considered the outcome of actually listening to Professor Takahashi's instructions…when he thought of all the students struggling to keep up in his class…

The feeling of loss returned to him once more.

"You're doing the thing again."

Fumino's sudden voice surprised him, and Nariyuki blinked as he was immediately brought out of his conflicting thoughts.

"T-the thing?" He repeated, confused.

The girl nodded with a knowing smile.

"The face that you make when something's on your mind," she explained. Nariyuki blushed lightly, surprised by how easily he was able to be read, and he quickly averted his gaze in hopes of escaping the attention.

"I-it's nothing really."

"And that's what you usually say when it's actually something really important."

The instant reply only served to further intensify his already deep-seated blush.

"I guess I'm just that obvious huh…" Nariyuki said with a light chuckle.

Soft as it was, Fumino's next smile was one of understanding.

"Only because I'm the same way…"

He started at that, eyes wide as his mind processed the girl's words slowly.

They really were the same way. Trying to keep their negative feelings to themselves…doing their best to smile through pain…it was a habit that they both shared in hopes of avoiding being a burden to others. It was admittedly unhealthy. Lonely even. And before knowing Fumino, he had many nights where he had cried himself to sleep because of it.

And yet…when they were together…somehow the result would always turn out like this. Even when one of them tried to hide their pain, even when one of them was sure that suffering alone was for the best…

The other would always be there with a promise to listen…to support the other with a smile.

Relief flooded through his body at the reminder, and Nariyuki felt the weight from his chest lift all the same.

"I…had an argument with the professor at my internship," he admitted honestly.

"With the new one? Professor…Takahashi, was it? The one that teaches multivariable calculus, right?"

Nariyuki nodded in reply, and his expression softened as he allowed him to smile. The fact that the girl didn't settle on the revelation and was instead entirely intent on helping him continue to open up was more encouraging than he could put into words.

"It wasn't exactly an argument moreso a disagreement," he explained quietly. "It's only been a week since I started assisting him, but it's obvious to me just how difficult his class really is. Right now…only twenty percent of the class has a passing grade. The material itself definitely isn't easy…but it's his method of instruction that bothers me the most." His face fell as he was once again brought back to the exact exchange that he had shared with the professor. "I tried talking to him about it…to consider offering more resources and instruction for the upcoming final…but he immediately turned the idea down. He told me that he intentionally makes the class near to impossible to pass so that only those with talent for the study make it through."

He stopped himself, hesitating to proceed, but the painful words eventually found its way to his lips.

"He said…that if you aren't born to do something…then that's just reality. I was extremely angry…because it felt like he was downplaying all your efforts that you've made so far to be where you're at with your dream in astronomy." Nariyuki then tore his eyes away from the girl as he felt himself filled with shame. "But…I was disappointed in myself…because in the end…I let him walk away without being able to make a change. I told him what I thought was right…that talent by no means is the sole decider on what a person can or cannot be, and he threatened to expel me from the internship if I continued to go against him. In the end…I was helpless. I couldn't bring myself to say more."

His eyes fell to the floor sadly.

"I just…feel so upset. Even though I know that he's in the wrong…there's nothing that I can really do to help his students…"

After he finished, it was silent. The self deprecation in his heart was there, firm and merciless. Bringing his gaze up to meet the girl's, even if it was through the phone, it seemed like an all but impossible task.

Until…

"Is that why you spent the entire night making study guides for their final?"

His head shot up, eyes meeting Fumino's for the first time since opening up over the matter.

"H-how did you..?"

Fumino giggled lightly at his speechlessness. "I can see them on the table right there, silly. Those are clearly calculus equations written down. And last time I checked, you're an education major, so you must have made it for someone else. "

Almost immediately, Nariyuki's face shifted from one of surprise to hot embarrassment. It was exactly as she had inferred. As soon as he had gotten home, he had studied up on resources that he found online and began to make review sheets for the latest unit in Professor Takahashi's class. Truthfully, it was a response of desperation. He was frustrated, and sitting around doing nothing after what the man had said to him was something he couldn't bring himself to do. Thus, he had spent hours doing work that was clearly beyond what was asked of him, formulating what he believed was the proper study material that the professor should have been providing for the students.

But even so…what difference would it really make in the end?

"It was a silly idea…" He said diffidently, voicing his meek thought process. "I'm technically part of the school staff, so I'm not allowed to provide any material to students unless it's approved by the instructor. Even if I give these to him, I doubt he'd actually hand them out to the class. It's meaningless…"

"No."

Immediate and firm, Fumino's retort came at a breakneck pace to pull him out of his lamenting with wide eyes. "It's not meaningless," the girl continued resolutely. "You're kind Nariyuki...and it shows. Even in a situation where you were threatened…even after you told yourself that there's nothing that can be done…you still couldn't stop yourself from doing something to support them. You made these study guides…because you're kind. Because you'll never leave behind anyone who's in need of help. It's not a silly idea…it's because that's the person that you are."

Nariyuki stared mutely, unable to generate any other type of expression. It was an expected response at this point given just how often the girl was able to render him dumbstruck with her maturity, and all Nariyuki could do was remain absorbed as Fumino continued with a reminiscent expression.

"If there's anything I learned in the past four years trying to repair my relationship with my father…it's that dreams aren't meant to be hidden. People will be able to understand and even admire your passion if you're willing to embrace it fully. That's what you taught me, Nariyuki. Before I got to meet you…I thought it would be impossible to convince my father. The person who firmly believed that I wasn't cut for the science department…I thought there was no chance that I could ever earn his approval. And yet…that night at the field…because of your encouragement…because of your reminder of how much my love for the stars came from my heart…I was able to be brave. My dad…the last person that I thought would ever support my dream…I was able to share my love for the stars with him."

Her eyes peered into his deeply, and even through the phone, Nariyuki felt the wholeheartedness in her gaze in its entirety. How had he nearly forgotten? Fumino's father had once been the exact same way, firmly believing in only talent and aptitude as the decider of everything.

And yet…against all her doubts…

Fumino had managed to convince him.

"That's why I know that you'll be able to convince your professor too, Nariyuki. Because your dedication to help students…your desire to see them discover parts of themselves that they never knew they had before…there's nothing in the world more genuine than the feelings that you hold for your dream. You're kind…and anyone with a heart can see just how much you're in the right about this. That's why he had to threaten you…because deep down…he knows he's in the wrong too...he knows that you're already much more of a teacher than he is."

Then…with a knowing smile.

"And in the end… if he still can't accept it…then as a previous graduate from Yuiga Sensei's class…as one of the least talented prospects for the science department that now works at the NAO…I'll personally have to come over to set him straight for you."

"Because those students deserve a chance to be themselves."

The belief on her face utterly transformed him. Why? Why was the girl always so capable of making him feel this blissfully affirmed? His heart warmed to look at her, of the faith in her voice, the way her eyes looked to him tenderly, as though nothing else mattered in the world than his happiness.

She truly…with all his certainty…was the best support he could ever ask for.

His eyes crinkled with gratitude and the lightness in his heart brought forth a joy that threatened to overflow in his chest.

"Thank you, Fumino," he said with a voice filled with sincerity. "I can't tell you just how much it means to me to hear that."

"But…you're wrong about one thing," He added suddenly. "What you said about my feelings for my dream being the most genuine…"

A warm blush, and then shortly after…

He smiled assuredly.

"They would almost certainly come after my feelings for you."

For how long it had been himself being rendered speechless for the majority of their call, seeing Fumino blush and avert her gaze bashfully was a sight that tugged on his heartstrings even more than it usually did.

Which was to say…that it was more than adorable.

"Dummy…" She whispered with a small smile.

Nariyuki smiled back, and finding himself more than encouraged now, he stirred himself forward with an open-hearted request for the person he trusted most.

"Fumino…"

"Yes?"

"Would it be okay if you stayed up with me to help me finish making these study guides?"

Another smile from the girl, and without any hesitation...

Nariyuki received his answer positively.

"Of course."


~Three Days Later~

Tense. That was the best way to describe his mental state at this very moment. Standing in front of the professor's office door with one hand raised and the other holding a stack of papers, it took every effort for Nariyuki to maintain his composure and confidence for the objective that lied before him.

It was now or never.

This was his opportunity to speak to the man.

With a deep breath, Nariyuki willed himself forward and knocked.

A grunt of acknowledgement followed from inside. He opened the door, and following normal courtesy, Nariyuki bowed respectfully upon entering.

"Professor Takahashi."

The professor raised his head and met his gaze. An indiscernible emotion passed through the man's eyes as he realized just who exactly his visitor was.

"Ah, Yuiga-kun. Did you already complete all the paperwork I asked of you this afternoon?"

"Y-yes, I did…" He answered tentatively. "But I'm actually here to talk to you about something else, Sensei."

Shutting his laptop on his desk, Professor Takahashi shifted his full focus to him with a raised eyebrow. "Go on."

Another deep breath, this time mentally. His heart was pounding, eyes razor sharp. He couldn't stop himself now.

No.

He needed to say it.

His eyes found the floor as he once again bowed deeply.

"Please reconsider what you talked to me about last week!" Nariyuki exclaimed beggingly. "I know you have no reason to listen to an intern like me, but your students deserve a chance to partake in your curriculum appropriately. Please…it would do them wonders if you offered them more instructed practice before this upcoming final. Even a simple review session would be enough…just to at least address key concepts and equations."

"Anything to give them a chance…"

Nariyuki wracked his brain for anything further to add, but came up empty. This was it. He had expressed everything that he could in his request.

Everything else…he could only hope.

"Yuiga-Kun…" Professor Takahashi finally said after a long silence. "I believe I've already given you my answer. I will not change how I teach this class. Did I not say that if you brought this up again that there would be consequences?"

"You did…"

Against the anxiousness that had formed in his chest at the reminder, Nariyuki clenched his fists tightly at his side.

"But even so…I can't turn away from what I believe in," he said resolutely.

"Your students deserve a chance to be themselves."

Professor Takahashi heaved a heavy sigh.

"You've made that clear the first time," he said somewhat tiredly before looking to him with an almost pleading look. "Drop it, Yuiga-Kun. This is your final warning. I don't want to have to expel you from the program if I don't have to."

It was futile. The man wasn't going to change on his own accord, and Nariyuki was disheartened by the result…but unlike last time, he wasn't without a plan.

He still had one last hope.

*THUMP*

He placed the stack of papers he had been holding directly in front of the professor where he could see them.

The man blinked impassively, looking to him in question. "What is this?"

"If you won't offer them more resources yourself, then please give this to them," Nariyuki said calmly. "They're review sheets for the final that I made from my own learning."

It felt like an eternity as Professor Takahashi stared at him with a deadpan look. Eventually, the man scoffed, waving his words away, as though they were no more than a hot wind to be fanned off.

"First of all…I have no reason to approve these," he said directly. "Giving these out to them goes against the entire point I made previously about making my class intentionally difficult to pass. And second, how am I to believe that this is even a reliable study guide? For all I know, your 'self learning' could be far from sufficient."

There it was. The immediate condemnation of his eligibility. Just as he had expected.

This was his gamble.

"Then let's make a deal," Nariyuki said intently. "I'll take your final exam right now. Right here. If I manage to score an A or higher, then you hand these out to your students at the next class."

Professor Takahashi's eyes went wide at the proposal before immediately narrowing back in question.

"And if you don't?"

Hesitation. It flashed in his heart for a heavy moment, but with a determined gaze, Nariyuki steered his resolve and stared into the man's eyes firmly.

"You can expel me from the program, no questions asked."

"..."

The professor's wide-eyedness was gone. He was straight-faced, staring at him with an uncanny amount of subtlety. The seconds ticked by, and eventually, the man reached for the top packet of the stack, inspecting its contents.

"You made this in the past three days, you say?" He said neutrally without looking up from his appraisal.

"Y-yes."

No reply was given after. Professor Takahashi continued to examine the study guide in detail, no doubt checking the validity of every practice question and every concept explanation written. Nariyuki was almost afraid that the man would be able to hear his pounding heart as he waited through the foreboding silence.

After what was a solid five minutes, the professor finally looked up from his inspection.

"Nariyuki Yuiga." For the first time throughout his shadowing of the instructor, Professor Takahashi appeared slightly impressed. "This…is talent. Do you understand that? Perhaps your path into education isn't as much of a fit as you first presumed. Only someone with gifts in mathematics could make such a comprehensive review like this in such a short amount of time…that's where your true talents lie," he said matter-of-factly.

And then…

"You're much more capable than any of the students you made these for."

He was silent, but only for a very brief moment. A compliment as it was, it didn't stir any positive emotions from Nariyuki. In fact…the fight in his heart resonated even more firmly than before.

"No," he returned purposefully. "You're wrong. I wasn't able to do this because I have an affinity for math…I made these study guides because I couldn't stand seeing you talk down on those trying to excel without it. Someone close to me is precisely someone like that; talentless, hopeless when it comes to math…but still…even with all the obstacles in front of her…she was able to join the greatest institutions of science in the world...because she believed in her ability to overcome her shortcomings. It's because of her inspiration and her unwavering belief in her dream that I was able to spend hours upon hours researching and studying outside resources to learn your concepts. I did this…because there are those in your class that are like that too; ungifted but very much passionate."

His eyes met the professor's once again, steadfast, and the wordlessness on the man's face was now as clear as day.

"I stand by what I said earlier…those who are always willing to do their best to be themselves…I won't ever turn away from them."

Fumino's smile came to the forefront of his mind, and strengthened…Nariyuki spoke his final words with the utmost confidence.

"Because that's my dream."

Unmoving in his seat, one would question if Professor Takahashi was even alive for how still he was. The man seemed both unreadable, and yet strangely affected by his passionate dialogue just now. Through the silence, Nariyuki could only stare back, doing his best to remain firm in his conviction.

Until finally…

"Out," the professor nodded towards the door.

The dismissal was ambiguous. Was he expelled? Or did the man just want to be alone?

"S-so you'll give it to them?"

"Out," The man repeated with the same professional tone, avoiding his inquiry. "I expect the paperwork I asked of you this afternoon to be on my desk by the time you leave today. Understood?"

It was far from the response he had expected. His question still hadn't been answered, but the fact that he was still asked to submit his tasks for the day at least debunked his initial assumption. He was still in the internship.

In regards to the professor actually coming around to his request, he could only hope.

But so long as that hope remained…

Nariyuki could continue to look forward with a smile.

"Y-Yes sir!"


~One Week Later~

"We passed!"

"I can't believe it! I thought I was for sure going to fail the class!"

"I guess Professor Takahashi isn't as heartless as I thought. The resources he gave us for the final were extremely helpful!"

Nariyuki couldn't stop the elated smile from forming on his lips at the sentiments of the class. It had been about a week since his confrontation with Professor Takahashi, and since then, the smiles on his students' faces had become more and more evident. The final exam had been taken yesterday, and the scores had just been given out a few minutes ago. Nariyuki of course had been given the responsibility of grading them, so he knew of the overall marks. Nearly half of the class had scored an A on the test, and as a result, the expected twenty percent pass rate of the course had shot up to an outstanding sixty. Nariyuki couldn't be more relieved by the fact, but a lot of his positivity was directed from the apparent change in Professor Takahashi's character. The memory of the class after their 'talk' was still ingrained deeply in his mind.

"That concludes the review session for the final. If there are any other concepts or equations that you need me to go over, ask them now."

It must have been the first time that the students had been given a class designated as an exam review, much less allowed to ask questions during one, because for a moment Professor Takahashi's entire class was stunned.

But within seconds…hands were being raised all around, and a hoard of questions and topics were being asked. The professor's irritation for the matter was still observable, but he was no doubt answering them to his best ability, much to Nariyuki's joy and relief.

The session continued for another half hour, and when it finally concluded, the man placed a familiar stack of packets at the front of the room.

"In addition to this review session, I have one more resource that you may use. Pick these up on your way out. They're study guides filled with practice questions and summaries for key concepts for the exam. If you have plans on acing the exam, then I suggest you use this resource fully."

Again, the disbelieving silence returned…

And then all at once,

"T-thank you, Sensei!"

The memory reached its conclusion, and Nariyuki returned to the present with a reminiscent smile.

"Y-Yuiga-Sensei."

His head whipped up suddenly at the unexpected call. In front of him was a group of three students, specifically the ones that had been cheering earlier from their excellent exam results.

"Y-Yuiga is just fine," he said before rubbing his nape. "I'm not a teaching assistant or anything…just an intern," he explained sheepishly.

"Oh…Yuiga-san then," the girl quickly corrected, opting to still use one of the more respectful honorifics. "My friends and I just wanted to thank you for all the hard work you did for us. Without the study guide that you made, I don't think we would've done nearly as well as we did on the final."

His eyes went wide at that, curiosity getting the better of him.

"H-how did you know that I made it?"

One of the other girls of the group chimed in to explain. "We went to Professor Takahashi's office after the exam to thank him for the study guide, and he told us that you were actually the one that made the entire thing on your own to help us."

Oh.

If Nariyuki had been surprised mere moments ago, now he was astounded. It wasn't like he had expected the professor to take credit for his work, but he didn't think the man would actually divulge the truth to his students, especially in a way that seemed…kind.

"I-I see…" He said quietly.

"So, thank you, Yuiga-san," the girl continued sincerely. "For all the help."

And then in an identical manner they all bowed together.

"From the bottom of our heart, we all really appreciate it."

In moments like this, Nariyuki would usually find himself flustered by such heartfelt gratitude. Afterall…he was just an intern. All he had done was make one study guide to show for his efforts.

And yet…in this very moment…his heart couldn't be anymore at ease, and Nariyuki accepted the appreciation presented to him with an earnest smile.

He was glad.

"Of course."


He hadn't had much time to prepare for his final evaluation. As soon as the last class had ended, Nariyuki had been called to the faculty room to speak with the head of the human resources department to go over his performance of the internship. It was a given that the decision on whether he would receive an offer or not would be made by the end of it, but quite frankly, it wasn't nearly as nerve wracking when he already had Kokasu in mind as his first choice.

Thought he'd be lying if he said he wasn't somewhat nervous to hear what the higher-ups had to say about him.

"Nariyuki Yuiga." The HR department head, a kind-looking woman, spoke clearly. "Your instructors and I have evaluated your performance during your time interning here, and I speak for all of us in saying that we are very impressed with what we've been able to see. You're a very hardworking gentleman, and I think you have a very bright future ahead of you going into the education field."

The straightforward praise was unexpected, and Nariyuki couldn't help but blush lightly.

"T-thank you…it really means a lot to hear that, Sensei," he managed to return cordially.

"If there aren't any other comments from your end then I'd be happy to extend an offer for you to work at Ichinose once you graduate," the woman continued positively. "From what I've been told, you're aiming for a position as a high school teacher, correct? We have plenty of opportunities in our high school department for you to start your career in. I've heard that you're also a previous alumni from there. It wouldn't take you long to adjust to the culture if that's the case."

A compelling incentive, but Nariyuki's heart was well set on a decision already.

"I appreciate the offer, Sensei…but for now…I'm going to have to decline. My goal is to apply to Kokusa High once I graduate."

"Kokusa?" The woman perked up at the mention of the school. "That's a very prestigious academy."

Nariyuki chuckled sheepishly in reply.

"Indeed."

"Well, if that's what you're committed to then who am I to stop you. I'm sure you'll be able to achieve great things over there. And who knows? If things don't turn out the way you want over there, you're more than welcome to return to us." The woman smiled amiably. "Our offer will still stand if you do."

Nariyuki returned her smile with a grateful one of his own.

"Thank you, Sensei…"

She nodded before extending a hand towards him, and Nariyuki returned the gesture firmly. "I suppose that concludes your time with us for the time being. It was a pleasure having you work with us, Yuiga-san."

"Likewise. I'm truly grateful for everything I was able to learn here."

The woman smiled one last time and Nariyuki bowed, dismissing himself from the room. He stepped into the hall and closed the door behind him. So caught up in the finality of everything, he failed to notice the figure waiting outside the door next to him.

"Kokusa, huh."

Nariyuki yelped at the sudden voice, his heart nearly leaping out of his throat from the startle.

"P-Professor Takahashi…" He said in recognition, managing to collect himself just barely. "Ah, uhm yes…my apologies…I suppose I didn't tell you that I wasn't actually planning on teaching here…"

The man made a noncommittal noise. "Why apologize? It's your decision in the end. Though I will say that I know plenty of colleagues who failed to get accepted as instructors at Kokusa. Are you sure you won't end up the same way?"

The statement was news to Nariyuki, but he didn't shy away from it. Instead, he smiled, returning the man's challenge in the only way he knew how.

"I guess I won't know until I try."

As usual, Professor Takahashi's expression was unreadable, placid to a fault, though at this point Nariyuki was somewhat used to the cryptic gaze. Eventually, the man scoffed…and though it was subtle, there was a hint of amusement found in his eyes this time.

"Figured you'd say something like that."

The professor turned away, prepared to leave from what was possibly the last time they would see each other, and in a surprise, Nariyuki found himself tempted to say something as a farewell.

But he was beaten to it.

The man turned back towards him…and smiled at him genuinely.

"Take care of yourself, Nariyuki Yuiga."

Surprise. Followed by elation.

It was a given that his appreciation found its way to his lips all the same.

"T-thank you, Sensei!"


The evening sun cast its soft glow onto the campus pavement, shifting slowly as he walked through the front of the university grounds towards the exit. Six months was fleeting when he considered the entire duration of college thus far, but the time was certainly enough for him to have gotten used to location. It was bigger than Tachibana, which also meant of course that there was more to take in. For a place that had served as mere training for his future career, Nariyuki was surprisingly sentimental about leaving Ichinose for the foreseeable future.

Perhaps completing the internship meant a lot more to him than he had initially presumed.

At the thought, Nariyuki's mind drifted to Fumino with a smile. The girl had likely just returned home from her apartment for the weekend, no doubt waiting to hear his results for the internship. Calling her as soon as possible was entirely on his mind. They already had set up a date for the weekend, but waiting until then to tell her was something that he knew he didn't have the patience for. Embarrassing as it was to admit, Nariyuki really yearned to hear the girl's voice right now, though that was usually how he always felt.

"Nariyuki."

To the point where he was even imagining it he supposed, but after a second of processing, Nariyuki realized that the details of the voice just now was too realistic for it to be from mere imagination.

His eyes shot up, and standing directly in front of him next to the school gate was Fumino, evidently waiting for his arrival.

"F-Furuhashi?!" He practically shouted with a sudden fluster. "W-what are you doing here? I thought you just got back from your apartment…"

The girl smiled softly in reply. "I did, but I wanted to see you as soon as I could, so I decided to come here first so we could walk back together," she motioned to her luggage at her side to show that she had indeed come directly from the station.

"Jeez…" He looked to the girl speechlessly, both embarrassed but deeply moved by the gesture. "You didn't have to do that for me, you know?"

She blushed lightly. "I know…but if it means getting to see you earlier…then I'm always more than happy to…and besides…today's the day of your final evaluation. I wanted to be the first person to know about the result," she said shyly.

Nariyuki's heart melted at the girl's words. "I don't think that would have been a problem. There's no doubt that you're the first person that I would call to share about it with."

"You know it's not the same as hearing it in person, silly."

She was exactly right. It was entirely different. Having Fumino here before him, witnessing the smile that caused his heart to skip time and time again, he couldn't think of anything else that could make him happier in the present moment.

"Well?" The girl looked to him intently, eyes curious and filled with anticipation for his answer. It was silly, she was more nervous than he had been before receiving the answer himself.

And that alone spoke wonders for how much she cared.

"I passed," he said before smiling softly.

"They gave me the offer."

At first, the girl's reaction was silent, staring at him in stillness, and for a moment Nariyuki wondered if he had said something strange.

But surely enough…the emotions poured into her expression fully, relieved.

And Fumino closes the distance between them in a tight embrace.

"Congratulations," she said with a watery voice. "I'm so happy for you."

"Furuhashi…" he brought his arms around Fumino, stunned by how visibly affected the girl was by the news. "I-it's really not a big deal. I mean in the end I had to turn the offer down anyway to tell them that I was going to apply to Kokasu…all I really did was boost my resume for when that time comes..."

Fumino shook her head against his chest.

"No…It's more than that." Fumino lifted her still tearful eyes, and Nariyuki felt himself go still as they peered into his deeply. "You gave it your all, Nariyuki. It's more than a big deal. You were able to learn and work hand and hand with all sorts of students and teachers, and not only that…you were able to make a difference and be there for those who needed your help. You supported them."

His eyes went wide, and in that moment, the faces of the three students who had thanked him earlier flashed in his mind.

'From the bottom of our heart, we all really appreciate it.'

"It's one small step forward, and maybe to everyone else it might not look like much," Fumino said before leaning in even closer to him. "But no matter what anyone else says…no matter how others might think of it…it's a step forward that you willingly took towards your dream."

Golden eyes. Beautiful and fervid. He had long lost himself in them.

"And to me…"

Her hands reached up to caress his face, and she smiled tenderly.

"That's more than enough reason for me to be proud of you."

Quiet and dumb, he stood, eyes wide as Fumino's familiar touch settled into his heart. Warmth began to unfurl inside him, filling him with sincere emotion that he had long accepted as a feeling that could only be unlocked by the very person before him.

Nariyuki allowed himself to identify it. Happiness. Unadulterated and true. It spurred him forward to bring his arms to the girl's waist.

And though they were clearly in public, nothing could've stopped him from leaning in to capture Fumino's lips passionately.

"I love you…" He said resolutely after finally breaking apart. Fumino's eyes settled into his lovingly, and it was all Nariyuki could do to not melt from the sheer warmth conveyed through them. It was clear to him that some eyes of nearby students had become drawn to them, no doubt judging them for being so openly intimate.

Thankfully, both of them shared the same feeling over the matter.

'You're the only one in the world that matters.'

Fumino leaned into him, and brought their lips together once more.

Whispering against them in certainty.

"I love you too…Nariyuki."


A/N: Longest chapter so far, holy moly, but it was a ride to write. I apologize for the delay and thank you all for your patience.

Appreciate all the support this story has gotten. I feel like it's been so long since I've started this story, but I just never get tired of writing about these two. They're just the greatest couple, and I hope y'all continue to enjoy what I have in plan for them. If you guys have any comments for the chapter, feel free to leave a review. Your feedback is always appreciated.

Until Next Time!