I practiced as a monk alone in Japan.

Chapter 294 Topics among friends?

"Well, it's too early for that. Let's talk about it later. Let's eat first."

A feeling of shyness, or even fear, arises spontaneously.

When such an unprecedented emotion arose, Sakuraba Yuki's first reaction was naturally to run away.

She didn't know what she was running away from. She had known this boy for so long, and their relationship was so deep. Where could she possibly run to?

But a nameless fear seems to prevent him from taking any further steps; he seems too afraid to even consider that so-called future.

Gen Tsukino didn't delve too deeply into what the other person might be thinking at that moment.

The refusal was simply expected.

Humans are animals that crave change yet fear making it. They seem to be moving forward forever, but in reality, making each choice is quite difficult.

It seems that there's always an opportunity to postpone things unless the seriousness of the problem is immediately apparent or so urgent as to be unavoidable.

Sakuraba Yuki is clearly that kind of person too, but there's nothing to blame her for. After all, overreacting would be seen as being too sensitive, so let's leave it at that for now.

The two returned to the dining table and set out a variety of dishes.

With slightly flushed cheeks, looking like she'd been through a lot, Sakuraba Yuki opened a beer and handed it to Tsukino Gen.

"We don't have any good wine at home, so let's drink this."

Gen Tsukino smiled and took it, "Actually, it's okay if you don't drink."

As you take it, your fingers touch the back of the other person's hand—it's a perfectly normal contact. It happens frequently in daily life, and no one in this era is so sensitive as to care about that, except, of course, certain extreme groups.

However, because she was somewhat unsettled at the moment, the touch of her fingertips gave Sakuraba Yuki a feeling as if she had been electrocuted; essentially, it was because she was too emotionally sensitive.

It was taken back in an instant.

Gen Tsukino was completely stunned; anyone who didn't know better would think they were carrying an electric current.

Realizing the awkwardness, Sakuraba Yuki quickly said apologetically, "Um, your hands are a little cold."

Is this an excuse?
Sakuraba Yuki wanted to punch her own head.

Wasn't I the one holding the ice-cold beer? How did his hands become ice-cold?

Gen Tsukino paused for a moment before realizing what she meant, then smiled and said, "Indeed, Sakuraba-sensei, have you heard of a certain saying?"

"what?"

"Boys with cold hands were angels with broken wings in their past lives, so we should cherish them."

"Ha ha ha ha."

What started as a strange sense of tension and panic turned into bursts of laughter in an instant.

The mature body of the intellectual woman, trembling with excitement, created a rather spectacular and alluring scene.

However, Gen Tsukino didn't show any sign of remorse; he simply smiled and took a small sip from the bottle.

Smiling, Sakuraba Yuki looked at the boy.

"What kind of outdated, non-mainstream sayings are these? They don't sound like something a kid your age would say. They sound like something people used to say when I was in school."

"Really? It's not that exaggerated. After all, the internet easily leaves traces. I actually think many things from the past are quite interesting."

Sakuraba Yuki thought for a moment and then smiled and said.

"Yeah. Back then, the internet wasn't as developed as it is now. People online seemed very kind and would genuinely help you solve problems. It wasn't like now, where it's full of rumors, sarcasm, and insults. It's like everyone rushes to take sides and declare war when something happens. There's no such thing as calm thinking or judgment; you're just led by the nose. When I watched videos at night, apart from some funny ones, it was mostly upsetting content that made me inexplicably angry."

What Sakuraba Yuki said is indeed the current state of the internet.

However, Tsukino Gen didn't have any profound thoughts on this, since it wasn't something he could change.

"It's normal. Many people use the internet as a place to vent their negative emotions. Nowadays, everyone is under a lot of pressure in real life. There are too many things to think about at work and in studies. It seems that online, one can temporarily put their mind at ease and vent in a simple and crude way. So my advice to everyone is surprisingly consistent."

"what?"

"Read fewer comments and don't think about them."

"Hahaha, by the way, quickly try the food I made, and stop talking. This braised beef and potato stew took a lot of effort, try it and see if it suits your taste?"

Gen Tsukino scooped up a spoonful.

Savor it carefully.

As Yuki Sakuraba watched the other person taste the food, she felt inexplicably nervous.

It was an emotion I hadn't felt in a long time.

It's like when you were a student and finished an exam, waiting for the teacher to grade your paper. The teacher is grading your paper right in front of you and will give their judgment in the next moment. It's hard not to feel nervous.

"Ah."

The next moment, Tsukino Gen's face showed a smile of enjoyment.

"Very good. The balance of sweetness, saltiness, and a touch of sourness is excellent. The texture is also just right; the potatoes are soft and tender, and the beef is chewy. Chef Sakuraba's cooking skills are much better than I expected."

Being praised so directly by the boy made Sakuraba Yuki feel a little shy.

With her cheeks slightly flushed, she forced her head back, looking quite proud.

"That's right, don't you even know who did it? And what do you mean by 'much better than you imagined'? Did you predict beforehand that I would do a terrible job?"

Gen Tsukino quickly shook his head.

"That's not true. It's just that I have a rather picky palate, and it's hard for me to find ordinary cooking skills satisfactory, so I didn't expect that Chef Sakuraba would cook so well."

"Hmph~ You know how to talk. Try this one~"

It seemed like the situation had suddenly turned into a tasting event.

At Sakuraba Yuki's insistence, Tsukino Gen tasted each dish and made unique judgments on each one.

It was practically a grand 'post-tasting experience,' requiring almost every word of praise from Gen Tsukino.

Actually, Sakuraba Yuki's cooking skills weren't really that delicious or unforgettable. At least, they weren't as good as what I made myself.

But for a woman living alone, coming to Zhaori to make her way in the world, facing the pressures of life and working in such a competitive environment as Zhaori Private High School, maintaining a certain quality of life is already quite remarkable.

Gen Tsukino doesn't think that, under the same conditions, many women could do better than Yuki Sakuraba.

Therefore, praise is actually relative.

Just like the happiness that modern people experience, it also needs to be compared.

Comparing yourself to those above you can cause pain and anxiety.

Only by looking down can one glimpse that little bit of comforting happiness.

"By the way, you'll be a senior in high school soon. Have you thought about your plans for the future?"

As a teacher, these are the kinds of topics I can bring up with my students. Sakuraba Yuki asked naturally.

After finishing their meal and drinking beer, the boy casually replied, "I'll probably continue my studies; I don't plan to work for the time being."

Sakuraba Yuki nodded in agreement.

"With your grades, you definitely deserve to go to a good university, otherwise it would be a waste of such good grades. However, although this is reasonable, I still find it a bit surprising that you said it."

Why the accident?

Tsukino Gen asked curiously.

Sakuraba Yuki thought for a moment, carefully choosing her words before speaking.

“Your lifestyle seems very independent and self-reliant, and we all know about your background. I’ve seen quite a few kids like this, and they all feel a strange sense of responsibility. It’s like if they study for a few more years, or if they procrastinate for a few more years, their whole life will collapse.”

"So many kids like this will say with righteous indignation that they need to find a job to support themselves, which makes them seem more independent and self-reliant, and they don't want to accept any more financial assistance. You, on the other hand, are very calm and clear-headed."

Tsukino Gen chuckled and said, "If there's assistance available, why not take it? Life is already harder than most ordinary people's, so receiving more help is only natural. I already lack many resources compared to ordinary people; wouldn't it be absurd to refuse help?"

"That's true. So, which university are you planning to apply to?"

"Showa University, that's probably the only place I've considered."

"Hahaha, you're really talking big. With your grades, you can definitely do it, but don't be complacent. You'll still need to work hard for a university like Showa University."

"Okay, I understand, Sakuraba-sensei. Talking about studying at school, talking about studying during meals—don't you get tired of it?"

Tsukino Gen suddenly asked.

This question startled Sakuraba Yuki. "If we don't talk about studying, what can we talk about?"

Her question was clearly made with some unease, because she had subconsciously thought of aspects that evoked a slight fear in her.

But that's not what Tsukino Gen meant.

“Our relationship isn’t just that of teacher and student. We’ve known each other for so many years, it’s normal to talk about things that are just between friends.”

"Friends..."

The woman seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, yet also seemed to feel a regret that she couldn't ignore.

"correct."

"So, what kinds of topics do friends talk about?"

Sakuraba Yuki suddenly felt like she was acting like a fool.

It should be said that if she lost her identity as a teacher in front of this boy, she seemed to be at a loss for words.

It felt like the awkward tension of not being able to find a foothold on a lonely mountaintop.

"Why does Sakuraba-sensei seem like she's never really made any friends?"

"It's all your fault! Besides, the way you talk to me as a friend and then called me 'teacher,' that's really mean!"

"Hahaha, okay, then I'll call you Sakuraba-neechan."

"Hmph, let me think about it. How about we talk about what happened between you, Kazama, and Asagiri? I've mentioned it before, but I don't think I really know what happened between you."

Gen Tsukino looked at him irritably, "Then you might as well say studying. Are you really interested in these things?"

Sakuraba Yuki couldn't help but laugh, "Of course, every girl is interested in gossip, especially your complicated love triangle. I'm really curious about you two."

Sakuraba Yuki intended to be more direct and insightful.

In truth, she didn't really want to know, and her stance wasn't that of a complete bystander or gossip.

Even saying it aloud carries a hint of self-destructive sentiment.

But it seems that only by asking this question can one alleviate the guilt in their heart.

Just as I was about to speak.

"Bang bang bang!"

The door suddenly rattled violently.

The two exchanged a glance, and the words they were about to say were abruptly cut off.

Sakuraba Yuki belatedly stood up, muttering in confusion, "Who's knocking on the door like that?"

She walked to the door and opened it.

Suddenly, an extremely gloomy face appeared in front of him.

She glared fiercely at herself.

"Is my husband here with you? Is he?"

……

(End of this chapter)