Part I
Chapter 33
An annoyed breath passed through Minamo's lips as she watched the traffic ahead of her remain stagnant. Although she wasn't in any particular hurry to get back to her apartment, she never really enjoyed spending more time in her vehicle than necessary; sitting down for long periods of time always greatly bothering someone of her athletic nature.
Come on...move already.
The cars in front of her didn't seem to hear her thoughts as they stayed frozen upon the road, a somewhat normal sight for this part of the city. On any other day, Minamo would go to great lengths in order to avoid such a busy place, visits to the heart of the local metropolitan area always such a gigantic, laborious endeavor to undertake because of the congestion. However, on this particular day, she had to forego her usual aversions.
She glanced out the window as she waited, watching thousands of pedestrians, bags full of high-priced designer merchandise clutched tightly in their hands, flow past the towering malls and businesses that were located along the sides of the streets.
…I wonder if I did spend too much?
She looked down at her own purchase then, which was stuffed inside a glossy, branded bag that sat upon her passenger seat.
…I don't know. It's ok to spend like this once in a while, but...when's the next time that I'm going to wear this outside of Friday? Now I'll have to force myself to find occasions to wear it on. Geez, what a pain...
With a lengthy sigh of annoyance, Minamo attempted to get the price of her freshly acquired dress suit and heels off of her mind. Spending large amounts of her hard-earned money on clothing wasn't something that had ever sat too well with her, especially when it was of a style that she disliked to begin with. The skirt-look didn't exactly conform to her tastes and desired image, and, if it wasn't for the special occasion that was quickly coming upon her, Minamo would have never even thought of wearing such a getup, let alone purchasing one.
It'll be worth it though, I guess. The administrators will be happy, and I should look nice in it. I mean, it is pretty fashionable, but…
The butterflies began to return to her stomach as she focused her attention back to the road ahead of her.
…ugh, what about the kids? Will they think that I look silly? I never dress up like that, but…oh! The kids! Geez! Well, I got all their college information ready, so that's good. Grades…grades! All done! I think…? I'll double check one more time when I get home…just to make sure. Oh, and then…!
A review of the speech that she'd be giving to her students, the details of the logistics of their futures, their career choices, their lives, all of it flowed through her mind for almost the hundredth time today, her usual perfectionism taking control of her thoughts.
Should I bring them some treats? No…don't be silly. They aren't that young. But…it'd be nice though, wouldn't it…? Some sweets? Would it be cheesy to do? Or, mayb-
Her eyes suddenly caught her reflection in the rear view mirror, her face appearing slightly erratic.
Minamo smiled to herself then, taking in a deep breath to calm down her nerves.
The other teachers are right. Maybe I do think things over too much. I'm just going to get myself worked up about all of this again. Come on, just give it a rest for a bit, Minamo. Everything is going to be fine…
With some effort, she was able to push back all the worries, persuading herself that her upcoming performance would be nothing short of immaculate. But within just a minute, however, they all returned to her, Minamo once again furiously pouring over the momentous event's details, of the long-awaited day when she would finally be graduating the first senior class of her teaching career.
...oh, better go.
Traffic was beginning to move again, and she brought her car into the flow as she continued to mull everything over, needing it all to be as carefully planned out as possible before the fact. Minamo had seen off classes before in her time, but to do so as a homeroom teacher of a third year class was proving to be quite a different experience. This would be the last occasion in which she would be able to personally assist this set of students in both their academic and home lives, and so she wanted to make absolutely sure that they would be as ready as they possibly could be for their post-high school adventures, and, of course, to make sure that their final day on campus was an enjoyable one.
…yeah, they'll all be fine. I did my best for them…I hope it's enough. They were all so crazy, but…they're all good kids. They really are…well, most of the time anyway…
She looked over to her purchase again, beginning to snicker.
…oh, man, I really did forget how those guys can act sometimes, though. I'm sure they're all going to give me a hard time about wearing this, I just know it. Especially the heels. I'm not going to hear the end of that one…ack! Speaking of kids…ugh, I totally forgot about Yukari…
Minamo turned her car onto a ramp as she continued to motor along the road, getting onto a highway that would take her close to her neighborhood.
She's going to have a field day with me. When was the last time that I dressed up like this? Was it for a meeting…? I forgot, but, I do remember her torturing me about how I looked in it. Man…she better not do that in front of my students…
Slowly, as the minutes went by, Minamo began to feel herself relaxing as she fell into the groove of driving on open, traffic-free lanes.
…I mean…why can't she just say that I look nice for once instead?
Her thoughts began to wander just slightly off their regular tracks.
And…you know, I wouldn't mind it if she did. Maybe it's not my kind of outfit, but…if Yukari said I looked good in it…well…
For just a brief moment, her heart enjoyed a break from its restraints, that old emotion still residing deep inside her, craving to be free.
…I'd really…love that…
The guard, however, quickly returned as she became aware of herself, and the cell was shut closed.
…anyway...the kids…oh. What about the kids who didn't get into the college they wanted? What should I be telling them…?
Minamo began to shift her attention to other matters then as she continued to cruise upon the road, her feelings for her old friend having just been hauled back into the darkness, denied of liberty as they became a scorned captive once more, robbed of the warmth that they had just so fleetingly felt.
That wonderful warmth.
The last time that Minamo Kurosawa experienced it, had truly experienced it, had been right there in the woman's own home, almost a year and a half ago. On that day, Minamo's heart had bled so freely in front of the one individual that she still loved so deeply, even after fifteen years of never being able to find the courage to tell her so, Yukari always so oblivious to her affections, her desire for her. But even though she had almost completely lost control of herself on that occasion, weeping right there at the kitchen table for the one she loved, Minamo had still been able to hide it all away somehow, able to recover the situation as the normal operations of their awkward friendship had resumed.
Throughout another summer, throughout another round of high school antics and real life dramas, she was still just Yukari's friend, and that's all that the woman in question needed to see her as, that the world needed to see her as, in the scope of their old relationship.
Oh…guess I should pick up some groceries when I get back. I could use the walk…I need to stretch my legs!
Her car continued on with the journey home under a bright, open, March sky.
"I'll never forget you, sensei! I swear I'll write you a letter every week!"
"Thanks for everything, sensei. You're the best teacher in the world!"
"Thank you!"
"Yeah! You're the best!"
"We love you!"
Minamo smiled widely, the expression fueled by her happiness as she gave her students one last batch of hugs and farewells, a few parting words of advice, and hearty assurances that she would stay in close touch with every single one of them.
"Let's go out and celebrate, sensei!"
"Yeah...come with us! C'mon!"
"We can get dinner together! Oh, and do some karaoke, too!"
"Yeah!"
Her humble smile melted them all. "M-...maybe! Maybe...maybe we'll do something together!"
That class burst into cheers.
"Let's go tonight, sensei!"
"Yeah! Tonight! C'mon, Kurosawa-sensei!"
Minamo had to shout her next words over their boisterous pleadings. "O-ok! You guys…you guys tell me where you're going…and I'll join you there if I can! But…but just for a bit…!"
The raucous group of homeroom students loudly celebrated her decision, soon holding a discussion as to where they would be holding their party at, making absolutely sure that their dear sensei would be attending as well.
And then, after another ten or so minutes of tearful farewells and heartfelt applause for her, Minamo escorted the lot of them out of the classroom and into the hallway, their diplomas clasped tightly in their hands as they departed from their final homeroom session. "Take care, guys!"
Another hail of love, and then it was all finally over.
With a tired, heavy sigh, Minamo walked back into the room, wearily plunking herself down onto her desk chair, her mind and heart feeling so strangely fatigued after the long, hectic day.
Good luck, kids.
Her smile was still there, gracing her face, but the wistfulness that she was now experiencing had begun to take some of the charm out of it. The entire graduation ceremony, the love from her students, the dismay they expressed in leaving, all of it had suddenly caught up with Minamo in the silence of the now empty classroom.
She propped her elbows upon her table, having a bit of trouble in doing so, given how little space there was left. Strewn across the top of it was a huge assortment of presents, flowers, cards, and other gifts that her students had showered her with, the whole of it looking like something out of a store display.
Her chin rested in her hands as she gazed upon it all.
...did I actually mean that much to them?
Every kind word and gesture that her students had just presented her with went through Minamo's mind then, warming her heart even further than it already had been. From the very second that she had entered into their final homeroom at the end of the day, to hand out their diplomas and give her farewells to them, Minamo had been outright bombarded with their affections. She had naturally been prepared to deal with some form of gratitude before heading in, but the sheer magnitude of the appreciation that she had received had left her absolutely stunned.
Her fingers went to a flower in one of the bouquets, rubbing a petal between them as she attempted to cope with all of the adulation.
They…were just being nice, weren't they? They'd do that for any teacher…wouldn't they…?
Minamo had always been modest about her reputation on campus, but she had never been ignorant of it. Everyone loved her, from the youngest student to the oldest faculty member, a fact that she was constantly reminded of every single day. But yet, to walk into her own homeroom and feel the fullest force of that pure adoration was just something that was so surreal to her. She had been appreciated by her previous classes before, but to hear it with such might from a graduating class…
…it's because they were my kids. I was with them all this time, and now, I can't see them every day anymore…
She sighed quietly to herself, the weight of the situation starting to truly get to her. Those were her third years, most of them having been with her since their first day on campus, that she had personally helped with all sorts of issues, had found colleges for, had basically assisted in planning out their entire lives. Every single one of them had been dear to her, and now, after witnessing the amount of love that they had just hit her with, Minamo had, after all these years of teaching, finally understood just how dear she was to them.
She began to chuckle awkwardly, her smile breaking apart as a somber joy escaped from within her, Minamo closing her eyes in order to keep them dry.
I never knew. I never…I never thought they could see me like that. I always figured that I was just their teacher…and they go and give me all these gifts? And now, they even want me to go out with them tonight? I…can't believe i-
"…coach?"
Minamo sat up abruptly, her head twisting toward the classroom door, her smile restoring itself to almost twice its original size. "Kagura!"
The girl stepped inside slowly, looking around the room. "Hey…so is everyone gone already? I didn't wanna' bug you if you were still with your class, 'cause ours just got out, so, uh…"
"No, no! Come in! Come in!" She got up from her seat, heading over towards her.
Kagura looked at her blankly for a moment before a sneer flew across her face. "Man, coach…ok, I guess I can say this now that we're alone, but, man, that is totally not you…"
Minamo crooked her head with confusion. "Wh-what isn't…?"
The teenager laughed lightly. "Your clothes…I mean, I think you look great in them, coach, but, uh, I just, well, I guess I'm not used to seeing you in something like that." She nodded towards her.
Minamo looked down at herself, snickering along with her former student as she clacked a heel upon the floor. "Ah…well, thanks. Yeah…I suppose you can think of it as my costume for today…"
Kagura got out a few more laughs, promptly ceasing them once she took a look at the desk behind her sensei. "Holy crap!"
Minamo turned around, becoming instantly embarrassed. "Ah…they're just…gifts the students gave…"
"Man, it's like it's your birthday or something!" Kagura rushed towards the desk, gawking at everything that covered it. "Look at all this swag! I…damn, I shoulda' got you something, too…"
She spun around. "No…don't be silly. I think…I think the kids went…a little overboard…"
"…nah, coach. It's probably not enough, really."
Minamo leaned in closer, her student's voice having just become quite low. "Ah…sorry, what was that?"
Kagura shook her head. "N-nothing…anyway..." She raised an arm up, a sealed diploma gripped in her hand. "Um…yeah, anyway…I just…came by to show you thi-"
Minamo didn't hesitate for a second as she threw her arms around her most favorite pupil, giving her a warm, tight hug. "I'm so proud of you, Kagura!" She stepped back, placing a hand on the girl's hair as she messed with it. "Congratulations! You don't know how happy I am for you! Didn't I tell you that you could do it?"
Her student looked down at the ground with obvious bashfulness. "Y-yeah…yeah…"
She held the girl by the shoulders then, smiling humorously at her shyness. "You're going to be a great athlete, Kagura. I'm not kidding: you're probably the most talented student that I've ever had. I'm so proud of you and so excited to see what you're going to do in the future."
Kagura swallowed hard as she tried to contain heself, bowing her head. "…thank you for everything…"
Minamo chuckled. "Don't thank me! It was all about your hard work, Kagura. I can't ta-"
"You really changed my life, coach! If I hadn't met you then I don't know where I'd be right now."
Her eyes opened widely, Kagura's voice suddenly full of passion.
The girl raised her head up, abruptly taking one of her coach's hands in both of hers, gripping it tightly as she began to shake it up and down with vigor. "You're the nicest person I've ever met…you're the best sensei in the world. Th-thanks…thanks for everything! And…you really mean a lot to me, coach…and everyone! Like the whole squad! And class, and stuff…and…and…you're the best…"
Kagura went on with her unrestrained praise, Minamo becoming startled as she was taken aback by it all. Eventually, though, the blaring speech wound down after some last exasperated breaths from the girl.
"…s-sorry…just…I've just wanted to say that to you for a while now. You really are amazing, coach. You're my…hero and stuff, you know? And…you're just awesome…an awesome athlete…and person…and…"
Minamo looked at her stupidly for a few more moments, finally relaxing as she felt the special connection that she had made with this particular student re-forge itself all over again, the love from her so tangible. "…hey, hey…I get it! Th-thanks…that, all of that…means a lot coming from you, Kagura. I'm not sure what to say…" She bowed her head to her respectfully. "Thank you. I'm really honored that…you can think about me that way…"
"I swear that every other kid thinks the same stuff about you, too! I really swear it!"
She chuckled nervously, feeling her face turn red. "You…well…I…"
Kagura began to laugh again as she watched her sensei stutter. "Sorry…I get kinda' emotional with stuff like this. But…yeah, thank you for everything, coach. There's no freakin' way that I could have ever asked for a better person to teach me stuff."
She grinned sheepishly. "…it…it was my pleasure. But…Yuka-…Tanizaki-sensei is your homeroom teacher. You should be thanking her, really…"
"Oh, I did…the whole class did!" A thoughtful look came onto the girl's face. "She…she's weird, but, yeah, we all appreciate her. She gave some nice advice to me just now too…but…you know, I just kinda'…gelled with you more, I guess. I mean you're 'coach' to me…you know…nothing against Yukari, just, uh…"
She gave her a sweet smile, the word 'coach' always sounding so endearing to her when this girl said it. "Don't worry…I get it. I'm very glad to have had you in my classes, Kagura. Oh!" Minamo folded her arms across her chest, gaining a bit of her usual seriousness back. "So, are we still on for summer?"
The teenager's face was suddenly filled with immense enthusiasm. "Heck yeah! Oh, man! I'm so pumped! Thanks…thanks again for arranging it!"
"No problem! It'll be a good opportunity for you to keep in shape before you head off to your university. And, of course, I think that you'll get a better feel for the nature of competitions as a whole as well. That's pretty invaluable experience to have for what you're planning to do."
Kagura laughed. "Yeah! Totally! I…ok, well, I hope you aren't upset at me for this, but, I was so pumped about this, so…some of my juniors kinda' already know about the whole assistant coach thing. So, uh…I might have blown it already…" She laughed again.
Minamo gave her a mock glare of disapproval. "Well…you probably shouldn't have done that. I don't want them thinking that this will become a customary practice or anything. You're just a special exception, and I wanted to explain that to them myself." She sighed. "But, anyway, we'll meet here next Wednesday and I'll start showing you the ropes when I conduct practice then. Sound good?"
Kagura saluted, a hand to her forehand. "Right, coach!"
"Good." She placed a hand on the girl's shoulder again, holding her steady. "I'm counting on you to be a good example to everyone, so no more blurting out things like that to the girls, ok? I know that they're your friends, but you're going to have to learn to treat them as your students when you're out there at the pool with them. It's a different sort of relationship when you become their coach, so remember that. Ok?"
The girl nodded gleefully. "Yep, yep! I'll remember, coach. Sorry!"
"It's alright. Anyways, w-" Her head turned around upon hearing some chatter from behind her, Minamo spotting some other high school students mingling outside the door. "Oh…hey, guys!"
Kagura chuckled, immediately understanding the situation. "Hey, coach, I should probably catch up with my friends now, so...you can talk with these guys."
Minamo looked back towards her, smiling as she did. "Yeah…I'll talk to you later and fill you in on the rest of what we're going to do, then."
"Sure!" In a flash, Kagura sped out of the room, zipping past all the other students. "See you later, coach! Thanks!"
She waved to the girl quickly as she darted out, and then began to address the crowd.
For the next twenty or so minutes, they all slowly trickled in and out of the classroom: students from her other P.E. classes, students that she'd helped from other homerooms, some of her squad and club members, a wide variety of boys and girls that she'd helped out on numerous occasions.
And all of them had come for the same reason, to just simply thank and say goodbye to their favorite faculty member, Minamo an exhausted woman by the end of it all.
She leaned against the desk after the last student had departed, truly drained now, her modesty having worked overtime in the face of all the raw affection.
…I love you guys. Thank you…thank you all so mu-
"M-may I come in, Kurosawa-sensei…?"
Minamo glanced up. One of her own homeroom students, a nervous young girl with wispy hair, was peeking around the door frame. "Oh, yes! Of course. Did you forget something here?"
The girl gave a slight shake of her head. "…I just wanted…to talk to you, Kurosawa-sensei. But…if you don't want to, that's fine, too."
"Don't be silly." She pushed herself off the desk, waving towards her student. "Come in, come in."
"…may I close the door, please?"
"...um, sure. Is there something wrong?"
Her student slid the door shut behind her as she stepped inside. "I just…wanted to talk to you alone, Kurosawa-sensei. After…everyone left. I was waiting…um…"
Minamo peered at her quizzically, unsure of the girl's cautious tone of voice. This particular student had been in her homeroom class since she was a first year; a bright young teenager with good grades and an equally good attitude. However, Minamo had always noted that she was a little too shy for her own good, now appearing even more anxious than she usually was.
…guess she's a bit more emotional about leaving high school than I thought.
She put on her best smile for her, trying to make her feel at ease. "Sure. What would you like to speak with me about?"
The girl looked around the room again, as if she were making sure that no one else was hiding amongst the desks. She then looked back at her sensei, over to the chalk board, back to her again, and then fidgeted around a bit before she took in a few long, deep breaths.
Concern came onto Minamo's face. "…hey, are you alright? You look sort o-"
"I wanted to give you something, Kurosawa-sensei."
"…give me something?" Minamo crooked a brow, looking back at the table behind her quickly. "You already gave me some wonderful flowers. I really love them, by the way."
"…I had something else too, sensei."
She chuckled. "You don't have to give me anything else. You guys overdid it to begin with, yo-"
Her student quickly pushed forth her hands to show her an envelope that was clutched between her fingers, something of which Minamo hadn't noticed her holding along with her diploma. "Please accept this, sensei."
"Ah…?" With some hesitancy, she took the white envelope, staring down at it with curiosity. "Th-thanks. What's this…?"
The girl backed up a few steps, fumbling with her hands as she hesitated with a response. "My feelings."
Minamo looked back up, her student now staring straight at her face with the most determined of expressions.
"I've wanted to tell you this…for the longest time. I'm in love with you, sensei." She bowed. "Please go out with me."