Chapter 1: ~Uesugi-sensei~
Futaro Uesugi stood before the staff mirror which was situated just at the entrance of the staff room. He focused on the reflection of his flat, straight hair that draped around his head like a lifeless dome. He sighed as he attempted to comb it into some semblance of presentability, but after several unsuccessful efforts, he resigned himself to what nature had bestowed upon him.
"Another day, another futile attempt," Futaro muttered under his breath as he walked away, slipping the comb back into his desk drawer.
As an English teacher at a Kaisei High School in Tokyo, Futaro's daily routine was quite simple and predictable. He arrived at school early, always making sure to take the least crowded train to minimize human interaction and upon reaching the school, he would make a beeline for the sanctuary of his own desk, forcing the bare minimum of the usual morning pleasantries with colleagues and students alike. His lunch breaks were usually spent alone at his desk, and usually with his head down so as to not bring any attention to himself.
Kaisei High School was not where he imagined he'd build his teaching experience. But here he was. Nestled among the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets of the city, Kaisei is a pristine, modern campus adorned with lush greenery and state-of-the-art facilities, attracting the children of some of the wealthiest families in Japan. He could still remember the look of frustrated jealousy when the first-year graduate hire reports came in, and his classmates realized he had somehow scored one of the best schools in the nation as a recent grad. As the son of a single father who had struggled to make ends meet, Futaro was all too aware of the contrast between this gilded world and his own humble beginnings.
But of course, reality is always harsher than fiction. Despite the idyllic atmosphere surrounding the school, the students were under immense pressure to succeed. Their constant striving for perfection and aggressive competitiveness often left them emotionally drained. Many panicked and often others simply dropped out.
"Good morning, Uesugi-sensei!" A cheerful voice interrupted Futaro's morning thoughts. He grimaced momentarily before plastering on a forced smile.
"Ah, good morning, Yamada-kun," he replied to one of his more exuberant students who always greeted him no matter what Futaro's demeanor seemed to be. Futaro liked Yamada-kun. He was utterly unfazed by Futaro's grumpy demeanor and therefore felt it less necessary to put on airs for the first year.
Soon, the classroom filled with students, all sporting the same thick cotton long-sleeve button-up and tie. This was a fancy school after all, and they needed to look the part. Futaro felt a familiar tightening in his chest. It wasn't that he disliked the other kids he taught–he genuinely cared about their education and well-being. But the chaotic energy they brought with them, amplifying the cacophony of voices, laughter, and teenage hormones, made him feel like he'd rather be anywhere else. He often wondered if he'd ever get over it. Everything else got easier the longer he taught, Why shouldn't this? But it's been three years since he began teaching, and those same nervous jitters had never truly gone away.
"Alright, everyone, settle down," Futaro called out, trying to regain some semblance of control over the room. The students gradually quieted down, returning to their seats and preparing for the lesson ahead. As Futaro surveyed the room, he mentally prepared himself for another day of teaching English, all the while secretly yearning for the peace and quiet of his empty apartment.
"Today, we're going to discuss the use of metaphors in English literature," he began, launching into his lesson with practiced ease. The students listened attentively, taking notes and occasionally asking questions. Futaro answered them all with a patience that belied his introverted nature, hiding his discomfort behind a veil of professionalism.
As the day went on, Futaro found himself retreating further into his own thoughts, dreading the inevitable post-teaching day conversations and invitations to social events from colleagues. He knew they meant well, but their efforts only served to reinforce his own desire to remain detached and alone. You'd think that after three years of rejecting their invitations, they'd get it ...
"Uesugi-sensei!" Haruki Tanaka called out, jogging up to Futaro as he exited the school gym. With glasses perched on the bridge of his nose and neatly combed brown hair, Haruki was an easygoing and friendly science teacher who couldn't read the room well. "I heard there's a new izakaya opening nearby. A few of us are going tonight. You should come along!"
Futaro sighed inwardly, steeling himself for yet another refusal. "No thanks, Tanaka-sensei," he replied curtly. "I've got a lot of grading to catch up on back home."
"Come on, Uesugi-sensei," Haruki pressed on, undeterred by Futaro's dismissive demeanor. "You can't spend your whole life buried in papers. Let loose a little! Besides, my sister Naoko will be there. She's always asking about you."
"Really, I appreciate it, but I must decline. And stop telling your sister about me," Futaro said, attempting to mask his irritation. In truth, avoiding social situations was his preference, but he didn't want to seem entirely ungrateful or rude.
"Suit yourself," Haruki replied, shrugging. "But the offer still stands if you change your mind."
As they parted ways, Futaro couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for constantly turning down his colleague's invitations. Haruki was genuinely trying to befriend him, after all.
The next day, Rika Sato, the department head of the English department, called Futaro over to her desk. Her short silver hair and professional attire exuded authority, and her no-nonsense attitude was well-known among the staff.
"Uesugi-sensei," she began, her tone stern. "I've noticed that you've been isolating yourself from your colleagues. As your superior, I must remind you that forming connections is essential in fostering a healthy work environment."
"I understand, Sato-sensei," Futaro replied, bowing slightly. "I'll do my best to improve."
"See that you do," Rika said, nodding curtly. "We're here to support one another, not just our students."
Futaro walked away from her desk feeling frustrated. What was it to her–or to anyone how he spent his free time? It's not like he had much of it to begin with and as adults, they should respect that R&R is critical to the mental health of teachers. R&R–to Futaro–meant simply being alone.
"I can't keep doing this," Futaro thought as he prepared to leave the school for the day, choosing instead to walk home just to avoid having to be cramped inside the train during the afternoon rush. Out of all the things there were to dislike about Tokyo, being packed in tightly like a sardine nearly every day twice a day was easily his least enjoyable part.
But deep down, Futaro knew that his avoidance of connections was hindering him from truly experiencing life – or at least, that's what the romantic comedies he secretly watched late at night seemed to suggest. And as he trudged home, immersed in his own world, he couldn't help but wonder if there might be some truth to those cheesy Hollywood films after all.
The next morning, Futaro arrived at the high school early, as usual, and was greeted by the sight of a new face in the teacher's lounge. A vibrant young woman with long, reddish-brown hair and librarian-like glasses was animatedly chatting with Haruki. Her enthusiasm seemed to light up the room, and even from a distance, Futaro could sense her energy. She looked older, and she seemed to have a calmer more confident aura, but Futaro could sense them anywhere. It was unmistakeable to Futaro who this woman was.
Haruki called out to him, gesturing for him to come over. "Ah, Uesugi-sensei! Let me introduce you to our newest English teacher–"
"Itsuki Nakano," Futaro said, trying to mask his shock.
Haruki glanced between Futaro and Itsuki, he appeared a bit puzzled. "Do you two know each other?" Futaro hesitated for a moment. A part of him regretted even suggesting that he knew her.
"We used to go to high school together back in Aichi," Itsuki added. She smiled at Haruki which seemed to have been easily disarmed. "Long time no see, Uesugi-sensei," Itsuki said brightly, extending her hand to him. "I'm really looking forward to working with you."
"Likewise," Futaro replied curtly, giving her hand a quick shake before retreating to his desk. He tried to ignore the feeling of warmth that lingered on his palm from the brief contact.
It was definitely her. He thought. For the briefest of moments he wondered if it was just a girl who looked like Itsuki Nakano. A doppleganger perhaps. She was so similar, yet different. Her features matured and a kinder, calmer aura surrounding her. It was intimidating for Futaro, but there was no denying that it was still her.
He sat at his desk, brooding quietly as the morning announcements droned on in the it was finally time for Itsuki to introduce herself to the staff. Futaro could hardly hear the words coming out of her mouth which–to him– sounded like a constant buzzing ring in his ears, distracting him from the present moment. A specter from a past he had long since ran away from stood before him, invading his work and forcing herself back into his life. He had let his imagine form a fantasy in which she had decided to work at Kaisei intentionally. But the more Futaro ruminated on those thoughts, the more ridiculous they seemed.
"...Isn't that right Uesugi-san–" Futaro was coaxed out from his thoughts when Itsuki addressed him.
"S-sorry?" Futaro frowned. He glanced at his coworkers who eyed him with a mixture of confusion and surprise.
"I was just sharing with the staff that you used to be my tutor in high school. Remember?" She smiled in a way that seemed to encourage him to contribute to her introduction. When it was apparent that he wasn't going to say anything she continued. "Though, I suppose now I should actually refer to you as 'Uesugi-sensei' now that we work together as teachers. I guess old habits die hard," Itsuki laughed. The rest of the staff giggled nervously as Itsuki moved on to share her academic background.
As the day went on, Futaro found himself observing Itsuki more than he'd like to admit. She moved gracefully through the halls, always with a smile on her face, engaging with students. She seemed like a natural and already students seem to be approaching her, though Futaro discarded that as simply being coincidental because she was a new teacher and students are naturally curious.
During class, Futaro kept up his usual grumpy demeanor, correcting his students' mistakes with a sharp tongue and unyielding patience. The students might not have liked him, but they respected him for his knowledge and commitment to their education.
"Uesugi-sensei, can I ask you a question?" one of his students timidly ventured during a rare quiet moment in class.
"Make it quick," Futaro said, barely looking up from the papers he was grading.
"Um, I was just wondering… Have you met Nakano-sensei yet? She seems really nice."
Futaro's pen paused on the paper. "I have. She's new," he said simply, not wanting to betray any of his internal thoughts on the matter.
As the school day came to an end, Futaro found himself once again in the staff room, packing up his things. Itsuki was still there, humming to herself as she tidied her desk.
"Long day?" Futaro asked gruffly, surprising even himself with the attempt at conversation.
"Definitely! But I love it here already," Itsuki replied with a smile. "I can't wait to get to know everyone better."
"Good luck with that," Futaro muttered under his breath, slinging his bag over his shoulder and leaving the room.
"Ah, Fu-Futaro?"
Futaro paused in his steps, suprised at being directed so plainly by Itsuki. "It's really nice to see you again. It feels like almost no time at all has passed."
"Yeah. It's nice to see you too. Even though we graduated seven years ago, I could still point you out easily," Futaro grunted. "But we're not the same as we when we were kids."
Itsuki laughed somewhat awkwardly. It was the first time all day that her smile faltered at work. "I... I suppose that's true. We're much older. You don't mind right?"
Futaro raised his eyebrow. "Mind what?"
"Mind that I call you by your first name. I just thought that since we have that familiarity..."
Futaro adjusted his bag over his shoulder. "You can call me whatever you'd like," he then exited the staff room, closing the door behind him before Itsuki could even get out the words 'see you tomorrow.'
Futaro's footsteps echoed down the hallway. His feet moved quickly yearing to leave the school as soon as possible. He scowled as he recalled her cheerful face and the way she seemed to fit in so effortlessly with their co-workers. Why is she even here? Why did she have to come here? Why her? Why them...
On the other hand, Why should it bother him? He'd always been content with his solitary existence, finding comfort in his own company and his dedication to teaching. Itsuki's presence should change nothing about how he navigates his day to day life.
"Uesugi-sensei! Wait up!" Haruki's voice echoed through the empty corridor, pulling Futaro from his thoughts. He ran to catch up with Futaro. He was dressed down into an athletic polo with the schools logo and a pair of shorts also branded with the school colors.
"Tanaka-sensei," Futaro acknowledged with a nod. "You working out at the gym?"
"Ah, no. I'm coaching. New duties and all that since I'm no longer the youngest person on staff," he chuckled with a noticeable hint of pride. "Soooo, speaking of your kohai's and all that. What do you think? About Nakano-sensei, I mean," Haruki asked, a knowing gleam in his eyes. "You two seem... familiar."
"Something like that. Beyond that we don't really know each other," Futaro replied, trying to sound dismissive. "It was a long time ago."
"Ah, I see," Haruki grinned, slapping Futaro on the back. "Well, I can't lie, my sister will be relieved to hear that. Anyway, Nakano-sensei seems nice. And she's definitely enthusiastic about her job. It'll be good for your department. Maybe you two will work close together."
"Sure, and I doubt it. I don't make it a point to take on kohai's . We've discussed this before when you were a first year," Futaro mumbled.
"I know. But… well, alright then... Have a good evening," Haruki said, turning back towards the gym. "Maybe one day you'll change your mind. See you tomorrow!"
"Good night," Futaro replied, ignoring Haruki's comments. He continued down the hall and quickly exited the building.
As he boarded the train home, Futaro's gaze wandered out the window, watching the city lights blur together. It had felt like the longest day of his life. Somehow he could already picture Itsuki so clearly and vividly in his mind despite not thinking about her or her sisters for years now. They were a product of his inexperience and indecision from another life and when he moved away from Nagoya, he'd left all that behind.
"Change is inevitable," he muttered to himself, his fingers tapping against his leg. "But does it have to be so... annoying ?"
With a sigh, Futaro leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes, trying to block out the conflicting thoughts swirling in his mind. Tomorrow was another day–another chance for him to reset himself. Things would surely go back to normal by the end of the week.
The next day, Futaro arrived at school with a steely determination to keep his focus on his job and his teaching alone. He walked through the bustling hallways, as if he were a man on a mission–in a sense, he was. He was on a mission to not let himself get distracted by Itsuki Nakano.
"Uesugi-sensei!" Haruki called out as he approached, a wide grin on his face. "The new English teacher–Nakano-sensei–she brought some sweets from a famous bakery nearby! You should got to the staff room kitchen before they run out. I think the principal is already on their third. Isn't Nakano-sensei super great? And I heard from some of the gym teachers that some of the boys have already formed a bit of a crush on her," he said as he bit into a fresh looking pastry.
"Tanaka-sensei," Futaro responded flatly, "you know I don't engage in idle gossip." Futaro sighed, his eyes scanning the hallway for any sign of Itsuki. "And I'm not interested in any sweet treats, or which students have a crushes on her that she may have. I'm here to work. The same as I always have for the past three years." Futaro felt more exasperated than usual for so early in the morning. He assumed he just needed more coffee. "What's up with you anyway? You've never minded a new teacher this much before–Certainly no one minded me this much when I started."
Haruki furrowed his brows, peering at Futaro curiously. "Do I detect a hint of jealousy, Uesugi-sensei? You've been acting even more prickly than usual. I know that she said you were her tutor in high school, but you're acting like you hate her. Did she reject you when you were both in high school or something?"
Futaro's grip on his bag tightened as he clenched his jaw
"Come on, senpai," Haruki nudged him playfully. "You can't tell me you haven't noticed how great she is. She's a natural teacher. In fact maybe there's a few things that you could learn from her. She could be a great influence on your, uh, less-than-approachable demeanor."
"Whatever," Futaro rolled his eyes, refusing to admit that Haruki was right. Itsuki had indeed made an impression on him, but admitting that would mean acknowledging his own insecurities. "I am a great teacher Tanaka-sensei, and I'm starting to question whether or not you understand what professional boundaries are."
"Suit yourself," Haruki shrugged, Ignoring Futaro's biting words. "Sooner or later everyone needs someone. I'm just trying to make it easier for you to know who you can turn to."
Later that day, Futaro found himself in a department meeting led by Rika Sato, the stern and authoritative head of the English department. Her short silver hair and professional attire demanded attention and respect from everyone in the room.
"Alright, everyone," Rika began, her voice firm and unwavering. "We've received new textbooks for the upcoming semester, and I expect all of you to familiarize yourselves with the material. Ensure you have lesson plans prepared and ready to go before the next term."
As she continued to outline expectations and deadlines, Futaro couldn't help but steal a glance at Itsuki. She sat attentively, nodding along with Rika's instructions and jotting down notes. Her maturity unnerved him. It was as if it was the same girl he knew from all those years back. Was she alway this studious?
"Uesugi-sensei," Rika suddenly addressed Futaro, drawing him out of his thoughts. "I expect you to continue your excellent work in the classroom. However, due to some unforeseen staff changes, I'd also request to see you take on a more active role within the department. As such, you will be working alongside Nakano-sensei as an official homeroom teacher. She can learn from your teaching techniques and, in turn, help you embrace a more collaborative approach." Rika paused, her gaze unwavering. "Furthermore, you will be taking on the role of the girls' volleyball team's new coach to diversify your presence at the school– as per Tanaka-sensei's suggestion. As a third year teacher, the principal of Kaisei insists that our colleagues must challenge themselves as much or moreso than our students. Because naturally, how can we expect our students to perform at our very best, if we ourselves cannot."
Futaro's heart sank as he registered the new responsibilities being placed upon him. He stole a scowl at Haruki who suddenly seemed very interested in the pattern of his tie. He clenched his fists in frustration, feeling the weight of the expectations bearing down on him. "But, Sato-Sensei," he started, choosing his words delicately. "I worry that with these expanded roles I will struggle to maintain the quality and depth of my current lessons. Is there a possibility that someone else could take charge of the girls volleyball team?
Rika sat at the head of the staff table, her fingers steepled as she addressed the group. Futaro sat rigidly in his seat, trying to appear composed despite the tension in his shoulders.
"Unfortunately, our PE coaches are already stretched thin with the upcoming nationals for basketball and baseball," Rika explained. "Tanaka-sensei is already engaged with boys team and unfortunately our senior staff are too busy working with the third year teams. Our Principal has informed us that the Kaisei is determined to send our basketball and baseball teams to nationals this year, and so their focus will have to be entirely on that. So we all have to pull our weight, do you understand, Uesugi-sensei?" Rika asked, raising an eyebrow.
Itsuki suddenly raised her hand from across where Futaro was sitting. She emerged from her notes and coughed forcefully. "If... If Uesugi-sensei feels that he'll be overwhelmed, I can co-coach the team with him," she offered meekly.
Rika nodded thoughtfully. "That would also ease any potential discomfort from having a male coach for some of the first years."
Itsuki beamed at the approval and added, "Plus, it will give me a chance to learn more from Uesugi-sensei and improve team cohesion."
"Hmm, yes," Rika tapped her chin. " I think we'll try that then. That's it for now then. I'll be sure to get the proper paper work to both Uesugi-sensei and you too Nakano-sensei. Meeting adjourned."
Futaro's head spun as his colleagues shuffled out of their seats and hustled out of the meeting room, leaving behind a silence that was only punctuated by the ticking of the old wall clock. He felt like Itsuki had come bursting in like a hurricane, disrupting everything in her path and somehow managing to make his situation even worse than it already was. He didn't want to be a coach. He didn't know the first thing about coaching any team, let alone a volleyball team. And how the hell is he supposed to be a mentor? That seemed like an impossible task. A part of him felt like walking right back up to his supervisor and outright refusing to take on these roles. If only I didn't have to make rent ... Futaro scowled.
Reluctantly, Futaro exited the meeting room and returned to the staffroom where Itsuki was waiting by his desk. "Takana-sensei told me that since we'll be working together that he and I could switch desks."
"Is that so?" Futaro sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I guess that's fine. Tanaka-sensei doesn't need an excuse to talk to me whenever," he replied curtly.
"Can I just say that I think it's great to be working alongside you again Uesugi-sen-"
"Let's make one thing clear, Nakano-sensei," Futaro interrupted her. "I don't need your guidance. I will lead. You will follow. Simple as that. I am the lead teacher, and you will not change my curriculum or approach to how I teach the kids. Do I make myself clear?" Futaro's eyes looked down at Itsuki, who's smile faltered slightly.
"Of-of course, Uesugi-sensei," Itsuki choked, as her face contorted to a more forceful smile. Her eyes mistened and her breath seemed to hasten. "I'm well aware of your capabilities as a teacher. I'll do my best to not stand in your way," she said, not meeting his eyes. Futaro raised an eyebrow skeptically but didn't respond. A part of him instantly regretted his words. But he needed to establish boundaries early on. He didn't want any excuse or a chance to give her an 'in.'
As the day came to a close, Futaro found himself trudging back to his apartment, his thoughts consumed by everything that had happened in the day. He wished that he could just go back to teaching English plain and simple, without having to worry about forming connections or expanding his responsibilities.
Upon entering his apartment, he tossed a case of convenience store rice and fried chicken into the microwave and began undressing into his pajamas, when something caught his eye. A box of memories sat at the bottom of his closet, untouched for years. An inexplicable urge prompted him to open it, revealing a high school graduation photo of a younger version of himself, Itsuki, and her sisters – Ichika, Nino, Miku, and Yotsuba.
His eyes lingered on Yotsuba for a moment, taking in her cheerful smile and the happiness that radiated from her. A pang of nostalgia and regret washed over him as he questioned himself, "How did things turn out this way?"
With a heavy sigh, Futaro carefully closed the box filled with old memories and placed it back on the top shelf of his closet. He reached for the old photograph that he had left out and tossed it onto the kitchen bar and returned to his chicken. He had not even bothered to sit down, instead he pulled out some chopsticks from the convenience store bag, ripped the pipping hot container open and began inhaling his paltry dinner in large bites. As he hastily shoveled food into his mouth, a piece of rice lodged itself in his throat. He panicked and reached into his fridge where he grabbed a cold orange juice from the fridge and chugged it, trying to wash down the debris. Coughing as the rice scratched the back of his throat, he glanced at his drink and then back to the photograph. Of course! He couldn't believe he'd forgotten! She was the whole reason he began drinking orange juice in the first place. Futaro placed the empty can next to the photograph and with another sigh, he finished his meal.
Author's Note: Hi Everyone! Happy New Year! As promised! Here's the first chapter of my new work, Lesson Five. It's an Itsuki X Futaro fic that's going to cover roughly one Japanese academic school year. WITHOUT A DOUBT, THIS IS AN ITSUKI FIC. I worked practically all of November to see this story come to reality as I wanted to challenge myself with having a *complete* story that had a bit more of a contemporary pace and tone. If you're a reader of Marching Forward, you'll likely notice that the beats and pace of this fic are a bit different, and that was done intentionally so for the purpose of brevity and keeping chapters a more reasonable novel length. I am very excited to share this project with you because this is one step closer to discovering what my voice as an amateur writer is, and one step closer to having a complete piece of work that I can publish. On the topic of Marching Forward, the schedule of that fic will be as usual, once per month, and you can expect the next chapter to be roughly around the 20th to 25th. Of January. While I aim to make Lesson Five a more fast-paced publication. (yay work!)
I would like to extend my kindest and sincerest thank yous to everyone in the Gotobun community that supported me and tolerated me all of November as I stressed out about completing this novel, and I'd like make a special mention to Reddit User QuantumLatke/ Or Gazara12 on FFN and Twitter User NekuNutz for their unrelenting support and encouragement throughout the writing process.
Please enjoy this saccharine ride of two awkward nerds falling in love and learning to work together as adults as they march forward into a new phrase of their lives.