Chapter 7:
"KUGA!"
The intercom erupted as the sound wave all but trembled through the school, the headmistress's voice echoing on the other end.
"KUGA NATSUKI! Get down to my office right now, damn it!"
"Headmistress."
"Hold on a second," The headmistress said to the newcomer before once again yelling into the intercom. "KUGA! I SAID GET YOUR A--"
"Headmistress!"
"What!?" The red head screamed only to look up and see none other than Kuga Natsuki standing at her door.
"Oh…" She mumbled, her finger still on the call switch. "Never mind."
She furrowed her eyebrows at the teacher.
"Have a seat." She growled, directing Natsuki to the chair in front of her desk. Unwillingly the biker took it, feeling every tense muscle strain from the movement. She knew she was in trouble.
"What the hell is this about!?" The red head exclaimed, holding up a piece of paper.
"Sugiura-sensei–"
"Shut up! I'm not done." The headmistress barked, slamming the paper to her desk. "What the hell were you thinking!? I thought you were better than this! Sure, I had my doubts at first. I saw your record and almost refused you the job, but Sakomizu told me you were up for it; that you could handle this responsibility." She went silent for a moment, but returned at full volume.
"I denied experienced teachers to give you a shot and you've been nothing but great! You get your work in, aid in operations, your students even like you, but this!?" She referenced back to the piece of paper. "Suddenly I'm getting an email from a bar buddy of mine telling me one of my teachers getting into a brawl! Oh, and that's not even the topping on the cake, no, there's STUDENTS as well. You wouldn't believe how cold my blood ran when I heard him tell me you had children in a TWENTY-ONE AND OLDER CLUB! And not just students! Minagi Mikoto, our star athlete? Yuuki Nao, not surprising, but our STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT?"
The red head paused again, sighing as she continued to glare at Natsuki.
"What the hell were you thinking?" She finally asked, stressing every word. "What on this green earth made you do this? How did this even happen?!"
Natsuki made to answer, but the headmistress held up her hand, cutting her off. "I don't even want to hear it, Kuga! Now, this is what I'm going to do. You have been nothing but a godsend for many of your students. And I know you well enough to believe I'm missing something in this equation currently giving me a headache, so I'm letting this slide. No wait! I'm not. I'm going to supervise you for a while. Not your classes though, that blow horn gives me a headache. But I want you to report to me every morning when you get into school and before you leave. Do I make myself clear, Kuga Natsuki?"
All the young teacher could do was nod and stand, immediately making her way for the door.
"Kuga!"
Natsuki froze, her hand already on the door handle. She heard a soft sigh escape the headmistress's lips.
"Listen, I know that was harsh, but I don't take these things lightly, especially when the reputation of our school is in jeopardy. But I've known you long enough to figure out something's wrong…You didn't even snap back at me when I was yelling, and you're not talking to me now…Just know that I'm here if you need to talk or need help, alright? You're a good teacher; I'd hate to lose you."
Natsuki said nothing, but merely nodded before exiting, slamming the door in frustration.
Through her frustration Natsuki was able to keep her cool through the entire week, even to the point where her classes began to grow suspicious of her odd behavior. She hadn't thrown anything at anyone, even Yuuki Nao. Something was wrong but no one had the courage to ask. Finally the last period of the week rolled around, though Natsuki wasn't sure she was happy about it due to what she was being subjected to.
"And that is why I chose to do my report on Tamemoto Kuroki. After the battle of Yalu River, the battle of Liaoyang, the battle of Shaho and the battle of Mukden he should have been promoted to Field Marshal, but the government refused him his right! He had the guts to take on the Russians, the Japanese 1st army being the most successful unit in the first modern war Japan had ever faced!"
The entire class remained silent at the end of Haruka's speech, who looked increasingly satisfied with her performance while everyone else attempted to decode her misused words. Had he really commanded the Japanese left flunk at the Battle of Liaoyang, revulsing a disorganized Russian attack from 25 August-3 September? Natsuki, unwilling to go back over the jumbled speech, merely stood and walked to the front of the class.
"Yes, very good Suzushiro-san. Tamemoto Kuroki was indeed an inspirational man." The young teacher said wearily as the blonde resumed her seat with a grin on her face. "We'll continue the speeches tomorrow…"
Natsuki unwillingly allowed her eyes to drift down to the row to look as Shizuru, sitting in her usual front row desk next to Haruka. Upon meeting the teacher's gaze the third year's eyes softened, causing Natsuki to look away and continue her announcement.
"For those of you who haven't even started your speeches, even though they are due today you now have the weekend to finish them." Natsuki heard an audible sigh emit from half the classroom.
"Don't forget it though, especially with the founder's day festival today. It'll be important for your progress reports." Just as she finished the bell rang, signaling everyone to rush out of the room in the weekend panic.
"No running in the halls!" Haruka yelled as she chased after the students.
"Ara, I do hope Suzushiro-san remembers she's also not allowed to run in the halls."
The only student remaining was Shizuru, still sitting in her desk. The young teacher stayed silent. She had been avoiding the girl for the past week, leaving right after class, attending those stupid faculty meetings she's rather skip, even hiding in the mornings in the headmistress's office, giving an unusually lengthy report until the bell rang. But now what was she supposed to do? Run out the door? Escape out the window?
...Not a good idea considering they were on the second floor. All Natsuki knew was she couldn't face Shizuru…not yet.
"Kuga-sensei…"
Natsuki looked up to see Shizuru had stood and was moving closer. She kept a reasonable distance.
"I apologize…for getting you in trouble. I understand what we did was foolish, Yuuki-san, Minagi-san and I, but…" She fell silent, avoiding eye contact as she spoke. "I…do not regret my actions."
"Fujino-san---"
"I understand why you're being hesitant; the complications…but please," Shizuru finally lifted her gaze to meet Natsuki's, "I can't stand not seeing you everyday- and I don't mean in class. At lunch, after school…I'm not foolish Kuga-sensei."
The biker wanted to look away, but couldn't bring herself to.
"Please, don't avoid me…Natsuki…"
"Fujino!"
The door flew open to reveal a disheveled Haruka followed closely behind by a mousy looking girl with short brunette hair and glasses. "I am NOT covering for you this time! The meeting is going to start soon and we NEED to finish the final preparations for the Festival! It starts in an hour!"
"Ara ara! It seems Haruka-san has found me once again." Shizuru chuckled, plastering a smile across her face. "And also dragged Kikukawa-san along for the ride it would seem."
"Hello Fujino-san, Kuga-sensei." The girl nodded, Natsuki recognizing her from one of her classes.
"Enough pleasantries!" Haruka exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger at Shizuru. "Fujino, it's your responsibility to see your plans through!"
"Yes, as usual Haruka-san, you're correct." Shizuru sighed while maintaining a smile.
Haruka allowed a smile to cross her face before turning to Natsuki. "Will you be attending the festival Kuga-sensei? I've heard you've been helping with the preparations all week."
Natsuki scowled, glancing quickly at Shizuru before averting her attention to the paper work on her desk.
"No, I won't be." She said, shuffling though the papers. "It's not really my thing. Anyway, I have to get going."
Before anyone could stop her Natsuki walked out the door, throwing on her coat as she passed Haruka.
After a short walk home Natsuki decided she needed to find a mechanic to fix her bike; the walking allowed her too much time to think. She was originally looking forward to a quiet evening at home, just her and the television, maybe play a video game. But soon she found herself lying on the bed, just staring up at the dull ceiling. The young teacher had been ignoring the problem all week. One very stressful week of ducking around corners and running with her tail between her legs, but Shizuru needed to realize this was a bad idea. She thought if she just gave Shizuru space she'd find someone else, something else to be fascinated with. That was the professional thing to do; cut off all ties…
Natsuki turned on her side, now facing the window by her bed. She had a nice view of a brick building, a cat situated on a fire escape. She rolled over on her other side. Cats irritated her.
It was almost dark by the time the biker actually got up to eat something, scrimmaging through her fridge to find half a cheese pizza with mayo. She ate, half-heartedly, while watching the news. She usually didn't like watching news channels. They only talked about bad things that happened to people, never any good news unless it's meaningless for people to know or an outright lie, disguising something stupid as beneficial.
She scoffed at this thought. Good things did exist in the world, despite people's lack of interest. Natsuki could remember the feeling during those times: some in her high school, some in college, and one specific moment where music was playing and her heart was racing.
Was she a hypocrite? Natsuki's eyebrows furrowed at the thought. She hated hypocrisy among many things and couldn't stand associating herself with the term, but there was no other way to describe it. Was she, like the news stations, only looking at the bad? The young teacher ran a hand through her hair in frustration. True, it's inappropriate to have a relationship with a student but this wasn't something that felt…inappropriate. Usually when a teacher gets in trouble they've done…this and that…Natsuki blushed at the very thought, trying not to picture Shizuru in that position…or any position…
Another reason was preferential treatment, but that wouldn't happen. She always gave students what they deserved, not that Shizuru need any help being an A+ student. So if no harm was done, was there really anything wrong about her feelings? She had already tortured herself the past week, having run around the entire school just to avoid the person she actually wanted to be with. But she made a professional decision, a choice she already regretted. The young teacher had no doubt that the third year would find someone more interesting than 'the new history teacher'; would move on…
But she didn't want her to.
Natsuki sighed as she looked up at the clock, noticing it was almost nine. Reluctantly, she stood and walked out of the apartment, her intended destination set. The very thought of Shizuru moving on made her heart stop and a hollow feeling settle in her stomach. This week had been a nightmare, being unable to speak to the chestnut haired girl. She didn't want a repeat of this, ever. Natsuki couldn't and didn't want to imagine a lifetime of it, unable to see the chestnut haired girl. What was this feeling?
Love?
She doubted they were that developed. She deeply cared for Shizuru, there was no other way to put it. Love was far too dramatic and 'liking' her was an adolescent notion far from her mind. All Natsuki knew was that she felt far more comfortable with the young girl…the young woman than anyone else. Mai was right, she treated her differently; allowed her in. The truth of the matter was she couldn't help it; she can't change her feelings, nor ignore them for that matter.
The lights danced brightly and the booths almost glowed, contrasting the night's dark shades. It was definitely a colorful festival to say the least. Natsuki couldn't imagine what it was like during the day.
She wandered around the entertainment and concession stands for what seemed like an eternity, occasionally greeted by a random student, but Shizuru was nowhere to be found. Had she left already? No. That wasn't it. The third year would stay close in case anything happened. It was almost ten by the time Natsuki rested, now exhausted from her search.
"Damn that bubuzuke!" Haruka yelled from nearby, startling Natsuki as well as Kikukawa Yukino, who hastily followed after the third year. "She's nowhere to be found! Eh?"
The young teacher didn't know whether it was a cruel punishment for her idiocy this week or just cruel fate, but Haruka instantly spotted the biker.
"Kuga-sensei? I thought you said you didn't like festivals." The girl's statement sounded accusing, but Natsuki ignored it.
"I don't. I just came looking for someone."
"Good luck finding them in this crowd." Haruka pointed out, as if proudly announcing the outcome of her hard work.
"Who are you looking for, sensei?" Yukino asked, causing Natsuki's eyebrows to furrow.
"Um…I was looking for Fujino-san actually. I need to speak with her." Yukino appeared oddly surprised while Haruka merely released a loud laugh.
"You might as well wait for Monday, sensei; she's nowhere to be found. I've checked every inch of this area."
"Yeah…Thanks." Natsuki growled, unsure of whether to laugh or yell at the ignorant nod the blonde gave her, as if she actually helped.
"Come on Yukino, I see some mischievous delinquents." She said before marching off towards what looked like Yuuki Nao heading into the bushes with a young man. Yukino, much to Natsuki's surprised, stayed behind, watching the busty third year disappear around the corner before turning to the young teacher.
"Fujino-san is up the hill. Follow that path over there," the mousy girl said, pointing out a set of stairs Natsuki had not noticed before. "She was attending a meeting in the headmistress's place, seeing as how she was…unable to go…"
"She got drunk, didn't she?" Natsuki groaned.
"Well…yes, so Fujino-san took it upon herself to entertain some very important investors."
"Then why is Haruka going on about how she abandoned her post?" Natsuki asked. Yukino didn't respond, but merely looked back up to see Haruka chasing Nao out of the bushes, the young man already unconscious on the ground.
"Fujino-san asked me not to tell her. She knows Haruka performs best in her absence, even if it's merely to spite her. Even so, I don't think Haruka really believes the Kaichou disappeared for no reason. She may be harsh at times, but she does trust Fujino-san in some respect. She's probably just hurt she wasn't informed, that's all."
"Just up the path?" The young teacher asked, causing the girl to look back at her with a small smile.
"Yes, just up the path."
The stairway was narrow and lined by hedges, almost seemingly never ending at times. Natsuki almost thought Yukino sent her on a wild goose chase, but soon the path opened to a traditional Japanese house, the stairs ending where a garden began. The biker wondered if this place belonged to the school, but found it an odd addition. Walking around a bit, the young teacher didn't see any signs that the house was currently being inhabited. There were no lights on, no old men in business suits, and certainly no Shizuru. Natsuki cursed under her breath. Just when she found her resolve the third year decided to become damn near impossible to find!
The other side of the house was just as silent, resting on a hill facing the festivities. In her opinion the festival was far more enjoyable from up here. Though her mind was preoccupied she could still see the bright lights and active spirits dance about, letting her see the festival without the frenzy.
The young teacher walked through some brambles to find she wasn't the only one of this opinion. Leaning against a nearby tree the young teacher silently observed the now located Shizuru, dressed in a pink and lilac kimono, as the she watched the activities. Her hair was down, falling freely around her shoulders as her dark red eyes reflected the light from below, a small frown adorning her face. She was sitting on the cold grass, curled up slightly for warmth.
"You're going to freeze out here." Natsuki said quietly, almost sure the young woman wouldn't hear. But she was mistaken, the third year jumping slightly at her voice.
"Kuga-sensei…" Was all she could muster as Natsuki approached, removing her coat.
"Here," The teacher said, holding the leather jacket out. "Well, come on."
Before Shizuru could accept it Natsuki bent down, placing it around the teen's shoulders.
"What about you?" Shizuru asked, a slight blush crossing her cheeks. Natsuki noted this with a bit of hope.
"I've got a hoodie, I'll be fine." She responded, taking the grassy seat next to Shizuru.
A small silence settled between them. It wasn't entirely uncomfortable or unwelcomed by Natsuki's standards.
"Kuga-sensei, why are you here?" The third year asked, keeping her gaze at the lights down the hill. "You can't have just come to enjoy festivities, not all the way up here."
"What is this place?" Natsuki asked, looking over her shoulder at the traditional house.
"It was built a few years ago for meetings," Shizuru responded quietly. "Mostly it's used for official meetings, entertaining important people, but besides that…it's sort of my get away."
She smiled slightly. "I come here when I don't feel like dealing with the world. Not many people visit; the headmistress sometimes, but besides her…"
Shizuru finally looked up, watching the teacher silently. "What are you doing here? You wouldn't have been able to find me unless Kikukawa-san told you where I was."
Her eyebrow's furrowing, Natsuki was unsure of what to say. She had so many feelings balled up in her chest; it was almost like she couldn't fully express them all. Instead the young teacher fell back into the soft grass, resting her hands behind her head.
'Just let it all out.' Natsuki thought, finding her voice as Shizuru watched her carefully.
"I'm sorry," she began, gazing up at the starry sky, "About this week. I shouldn't have treated you the way I did. I thought that…if I gave you space, you'd forget what happened, maybe move on to someone else."
She looked back to Shizuru and found her inquiring red eyes. It was comforting, having the third year look at her so honestly. "I can't ignore it…or deny it. I'm not even sure I want to. All I know is I don't want a repeat of this week. I can't stand not seeing you, but…," Natsuki paused, swallowing a large lump in her throat. "I don't have professional feelings towards you, Fujino-san. I can't pretend I don't. It's not far to you or me."
"Natsuki…" Shizuru whispered, but the biker continued.
"I don't know where this will go, Shizuru. It's not exactly under the best circumstances…but I want to try." Natsuki felt her face heat up at the sight of the young woman's watery eyes, unsure of what to make of them. "Th-that is if you want to. I mean- I understand if you don't--"
"No! It's not…" Shizuru choked out, leaning over the young teacher as a tear fell. "I'm just…relieved. I was so afraid Natsuki was upset about our dance."
Natsuki smiled slightly before turning her head away, her blush deepening.
"Believe me, I was…far from upset."
A sudden weight on her shoulder caused the young teacher to look up, horrified to see Shizuru's teasing smile.
"So Natsuki enjoyed our dance?" She asked in a suspiciously sweet voice. "What exactly did she like about it?"
"Sh-shut up!" Natsuki exclaimed, but her cry was drowned out by a loud bang. Both women looked up at the sky to see the first firework of the evening, followed by another forming the shape of a flower. Neither knew what exactly lay in store but, despite this uncertainty, relief washed over the couple. They lay there in the grass, simply watching the fireworks for what seemed like eternity, each wanting nothing more than time to freeze.