Hikigaya Hachiman is still in the dark

"I'm just stretching my facial muscles to make my body warmer. This isn't some weird intention like becoming the King of Facial Expressions." I complained a little angrily as I approached Mr. Hiratsuka.

"This joke is not funny at all." As she said this, Teacher Hiratsuka probably finished her cigarette. She took out the small ashtray she carried with her and disposed of the cigarette butt skillfully. Teacher Hiratsuka put the ashtray in her pocket and it seemed that she had no intention of continuing smoking.

"Then please explain what you were doing at the school gate so late at night? If you were thinking about lewd female students or something like that, I will beat you until you regret being born into this world, and then send you to the police station."

Teacher Hiratsuka tried hard to look serious, but a smile unconsciously appeared on the corners of her mouth, and she looked as if she was struggling with something.

"Teacher, your jokes are not funny at all."

"Eh?" Hiratsuka-sensei looked shocked. Please don't show everything about yourself on your face, okay? Also, are you sure that was a joke and not verbal abuse? Or a criminal declaration or something like that?

"So, are you done with work?"

"You're changing the subject so seriously..." Before I could finish my sentence, Mr. Hiratsuka hit me on the head with his hand blade.

"That's why I was talking about work. You should be the one to change the subject!"

It doesn't look like he's joking. After all, the deadline is the day after tomorrow, and Mr. Hiratsuka, who is in charge, will probably be a little worried about his work.

"There's still a little left. Today's interviews are almost over. It will be fine if I just summarize them a little tomorrow."

"I see." Mr. Hiratsuka put on a relieved expression, "So are you ready to go back now?"

"About that." I looked at my watch to check the time. I should still be able to catch the train.

"As a reward for your hard work, I will take you back today." With a proud look on his face, it seems that Mr. Hiratsuka is very confident in his car and driving skills.

"That's troublesome." I responded and got into the car with Mr. Hiratsuka.

The car still has the driver's seat on the left as usual. The advanced car heater gradually warmed up my cold body. The car has luxurious leather and aluminum products, as well as seat belts that make people feel so handsome.

It was completely dark. Looking out through the car window, I saw a world full of lights. The light from the street lamps and shops became like flowing water due to the speed of the car. If I had to make a metaphor, I was probably swimming in a river of light.

The night view of Chiba is still so attractive today.

"Hikigaya, Yukinoshita is coming back?" I heard the voice of Mr. Hiratsuka asking from beside me.

"Almost. Probably tomorrow's flight." I turned my gaze away from the window and looked at Mr. Hiratsuka beside me.

"Is that so? Tomorrow?" Mr. Hiratsuka seemed to be thinking about something. "If possible, I would also like to meet Yukinoshita and see how my former student has grown."

"Normally, aren't students the ones who come to see their teachers?"

Chapter 46: Not a single blessing message was sent to me

"Hey, you're right." As if she suddenly understood something, Hiratsuka-sensei said, "But when Yukinoshita was abroad, she would also send me text messages on Labor Day, Teacher's Day or Spring Festival, wishing me a happy holiday and so on."

"Huh? I see." Having received unexpected information, my voice sounded a little surprised. I thought she was the kind of person who wouldn't reply unless someone sent her a text message.

"Yukinoshita has grown into a person that makes me happy." Teacher Hiratsuka smiled happily. Maybe she was really moved and happy by Yukinoshita's growth. But after a while, the smile on Teacher Hiratsuka's face gradually faded, replaced by a slightly disappointed and hateful expression. She glanced at me and said, "In comparison, someone didn't even send me a blessing text message."

As expected, the topic turned to me. Well, I'm not just a fan of Hiratsuka Sensei. I've never actively sent text messages to other people. After all, it would be very embarrassing if the other person is too busy to reply. The experience in junior high school almost made me suffer from text message phobia.

However, I still feel a little embarrassed when being asked this in person. If I say I don't have time, it would be nonsense. A few seconds is nothing. With Mr. Hiratsuka's IQ, he should be able to see through this lie at a glance.

"So, teacher, when Yukinoshita comes back tomorrow, will you go pick her up?"

"There's no point in changing the subject Hikigaya!"

Did it fail? It seems that the same method really cannot be used multiple times! Thinking back carefully, my method of changing the subject never seems to have been successful. Is there a strange setting that "changing the subject will never be successful"?

Seeing that I didn't say anything else, Mr. Hiratsuka sighed.

"After all, it's you who's going, so this is understandable."

Although I was forgiven, why did it sound a little uncomfortable?

Without noticing my subtle expression, Mr. Hiratsuka continued to talk to himself, "I have a reservation for tomorrow afternoon, so I may not have time to go..."

"We can meet again later. There's no rush. Besides, Yukinoshita should come and visit you on her own initiative."

If the information just received was correct, Yukinoshita should have taken the initiative to find Mr. Hiratsuka.

"Yeah, that's right. There's always a chance to meet each other." As if accepting my suggestion, Mr. Hiratsuka nodded to agree with my point of view.

"Speaking of which, Hikigaya, are you going to pick up Yukinoshita?"

"For now, I have an appointment with Yuigahama." After hearing my answer, Mr. Hiratsuka smiled with a little relief.

"Oh, so you three are together again." Don't use such ambiguous expressions. People who don't know may mistakenly think that some strange incident has occurred that may affect social stability.

"Before that." I looked at Mr. Hiratsuka with a somewhat dark look. Maybe he noticed something strange about me, and he straightened his body unconsciously.

"Why does Yuigahama have my current phone number? I don't think I told her, right? If I remember correctly, there are laws regarding the disclosure of private information."

"I thought it was something else!" Mr. Hiratsuka returned to his previous state, and then gave me another slash with his hand. "Don't threaten me with the law. The law refers to leaking to strangers. Yuigahama is your friend after all. I have no problem giving her your latest phone number."

This is a serious argument, so there is no way to refute it! If you define it carefully, Hiratsuka-sensei is also helping his friend, and there is nothing illegal about it. Even if the person involved is not happy about it, such behavior is at most just meddling in other people's business.

"Also, you should explain to me why you suddenly changed your number in your junior year, because I received a lot of text messages and phone calls asking about your recent situation."

"Normally, wouldn't you ask Komachi? Why are you asking?"

"Eh? This?" As if a little embarrassed, Mr. Hiratsuka's cheeks turned slightly red. "Because I said I can grasp the students' situation in real time."

It's just your own boast.

"Hmm." She scratched her head awkwardly, but immediately put on a serious expression again: "So, what happened to you during those days? If you hadn't returned to Sobu High School as a teacher, I have the illusion that I would never see you again." My heart suddenly ached for some reason, a deep pain, as if it was the kind of pain that tore the soul apart. I did not answer Teacher Hiratsuka's question, but just looked out the window in silence. Just like before, the colorful street lights and shop signs on the street were shining with brilliant light. My pupils should be full of lights now, confusing lights.

What a beautiful city. It is still so beautiful even when the cars are driving so fast.

I guess something wonderful is happening in this corner of the city. All the people I’m in contact with live in such a city. If she’s not lying, she’s probably somewhere in this city right now, looking at the same night view and the same sky as me. Maybe we’ll have the same dream later.

I added my own expectations without authorization and looked carefully, and saw a self-deprecating smile on the car window.

I clearly no longer care about it. Now I just want to abide by the promise made to Yukinoshita and grow into a gentle person.

But why does the beautiful night view make me feel sad?

"It seems like you don't want to say it!" After noticing my abnormality, Teacher Hiratsuka didn't continue to ask me what I thought. She just patted my shoulder with a little concern.

"Hikigaya, don't forget that there are always people watching over you, people who are willing to help you."

“If you get hurt outside, come back here, a place where you can feel safe.”

I glanced at him slightly: "Isn't it arrogant to pour your passion into a stranger and then come back for comfort when you're hurt?"

"You're so unlovable. Did the atmosphere just now look like the time to say something like this?" Teacher Hiratsuka smiled helplessly, "Even if this is the case, there are people who expect you to share your troubles and pain with them."

"Isn't this kind of person..."

"Yes." Mr. Hiratsuka interrupted me bluntly, showing an unwavering look, "There are people like this. As expected, I was right to hand over Umi no Hoshi and Tamasaka to you. Re-education must continue."

"Don't say things like that that treat people like children."

Feeling the warmth in the car, the gloom in my heart was swept away.

"Hahaha, in the eyes of teachers, students will never grow up forever." Teacher Hiratsuka turned his face, and his serious pupils were reflected in the small space, which was different from the night scene and lights in my pupils. "So, the pursuit like in school days is also allowed."

"No, it's finally time for graduation."

"You're really not cute!"

"I wasn't born into this world to be seen as cute by others."

Hiratsuka-sensei and I spent our time on the road bickering like this. There are all kinds of connections between people, which we usually call bonds. Just like what is depicted in boys' comics, bonds are what people pursue and rely on.

People who have a bond have trust, so when they are deceived, both people will feel that something is quietly changing between them. Unlike the attack of an enemy, the betrayal of someone who has a bond is often the saddest thing.

Yukinoshita, Yuigahama, Isshiki and many, many other people, we are all connected by this ethereal thing called bonds.

However, I know how fragile the relationship between us is. Things based on past connections are more fragile than anything else, and it is easier than anything else to fall deeply into them.

For example, if you meet an old acquaintance and you haven't communicated with each other for a long time, how would you start a conversation? Most of the time, you can only deal with it awkwardly, talking to each other about irrelevant things like a stranger, and you will feel nervous for no reason. That's because there is a fault in your relationship, a fault composed of space and time, which is the shackles that bind you.

So, so, I looked at my haggard face in front of the mirror, wearing lifeless pajamas, and my hair had grown a lot of hair because of my bad sleeping posture. More importantly, the big dark circles under my eyes that were visible at a glance were showing my anxiety...

"It's understandable that you'd lose sleep because you're going to pick up Yukinoshita."

Thinking of this, I cheered myself up a little, and after washing up, I finally made myself look less decadent. After saying "Yoshi" to the mirror, I walked out of the room.

Since Hiratsuka-sensei sent me back, I had no choice but to take the subway this morning. As expected, even though it was the weekend, the subway was still crowded with office workers going to work. Although I wanted to complain, since it was Friday, I was in a very good mood. If I didn't consider picking up Yukinoshita...

I bought the ticket at the ticket vending machine, and when checking the luggage, I carefully confirmed that it was Mr. Pan that Yukinoshita wanted. After seeing the scary doll, I put my luggage on the security check machine with peace of mind.

After checking my luggage, I boarded the tram. Since I basically rode a bicycle to school in high school and had an enviable dorm life in college, I have never had much experience with riding the tram. Although I can't say that I can't cope with it, I still have a little disgust for the crowded crowd.

After enduring a ride of more than ten minutes, I finally arrived at the station near the school. In fact, my apartment is not far from the school, but since it was not completely warm in the morning, riding a bike was not a good option, so I chose the subway.

In warm seasons I usually ride a bicycle to work. Although walking is more beneficial to the body, maybe I am used to riding a bicycle, so I still prefer it. Thinking carefully about last night, Hiratsuka teacher's car seemed pretty good. Maybe I can use the money I have saved to buy a car, which would be more convenient.

"Good morning, Mr. Hikigaya. You don't seem as energetic as before today. Are you suffering from insomnia?"

When I arrived at the school gate, the physical education teacher who was checking the students at the gate spoke to me.

"I'm not particularly insomniac, Mr. Wanjing, are you on duty today too?"

"Of course. A day's plan begins in the morning. I must monitor the students' physical condition carefully." Wan Jing said proudly, bending his arms exaggeratedly to show off his muscles.

It's still disgusting after all. Muscle idiot is still the attribute I can't accept the most. As expected, Totsuka is the popular trend!

"Then just take your time." After responding perfunctorily to Teacher Wanjing, I walked towards my own office.

"Hey, Hikigaya-kun."

"Good morning, Mr. Hikigaya." When I entered the office, Mita and Yuexia greeted me respectively, and I responded to them with "Good morning".

Walking to my desk, I put down my briefcase, took out the handouts and checked today's classes. There are relatively few classes on Friday, only two classes in the morning and only one class in the afternoon, but since Mr. Fujiwa is not there, I have to teach one class.

I looked towards the still empty seat in the office. As I expected, Mr. Fujiwa didn't come today. After the farewell ceremony, Mr. Fujiwa almost never came to the office again. I heard that the new teacher seemed to be transferred in next Monday...

Chapter 47 It's Yuigahama After All

"Well, Mr. Hikigaya, the flu is quite serious recently. If possible, could you remind your students to put on more clothes?" I don't know when Yuexia appeared next to my seat. She must be going to get the documents on the other side, but it seemed that she didn't need to pass by me at all!

"Well, it's really amazing now. Several of my lovely students have had to leave my stage due to colds."

"This is a classroom, not some unknown stage." I responded to Mita a little rudely, and then smiled at Yuexia beside me: "Thank you for your reminder, I will inform my students."

"Wait, Hikigaya-kun, if you want to treat us differently, you don't have to be so obvious." Mita looked at me with an expression as if he was about to cry. Before that, you should also pay attention to the difference in your attitude towards me and Yuexia. When we first entered school, you never left her side, and I was ignored a little bit. Although I've long been used to this, I'm not a generous person.

"Eh? There's no discrimination. Mr. Hikigaya has always been like this..." Yuexia glanced at me secretly, and her eyes met mine. She didn't say anything else, like a frightened cat, and just said "That's it" and went back to her desk.

What? I'm very concerned about it. I have to prepare for class next, so I automatically ignore Mita who is drinking coffee sadly at his desk and saying things like "What youth is this?" and "It would be great if it were me."

After finishing a day's classes and saying goodbye to Reina and the others, I went to the special building as usual to finish the work on the school magazine.

Speaking of which, Christmas is coming soon. I wonder what kind of activities the school will hold this time. I remember that when I was in high school, there was a joint event that made me miserable. I still remember the president's magical gesture in my mind. However, that gesture was so funny that it made people wonder if the structure of his hands was a little different from that of ordinary people.

When that image appeared in my mind, I couldn't help but laugh. Thinking back to his appearance, even the boring journey became interesting.

At this time my cell phone rang. I took out the time and looked at the screen. It was Yuigahama, who must be urging me to pick up Yukinoshita.

"Xiaoqi, are you out yet? The time is almost up!"

"I'll check on my work and I'll come to the station to meet you as soon as I'm free."

"Is that so? Then go as quickly as you can."

"Ah."

"Then come on!"

"it is good."

I hung up the phone. It seemed that Yuigahama was looking forward to meeting Yukinoshita. After all, they had such a deep friendship. I would finish my work as soon as possible and go with her. There was still a long period of free time before the agreed time. If I tried hard, I should be able to pick up Yukinoshita after dinner.

Before I knew it, I had walked to the department room. I pushed open the door and saw the chairs still scattered in the empty classroom as before. At the big table in the middle, a young girl was busy working on a laptop.

"Ah, you're here, Mr. Hikigaya."

"Good afternoon. Where's Tamasaka-san?" After saying hello, I sat down at my seat nearby.

"She has the flu, so she's taking the day off to rest."

"Is that so?" I nodded. I remembered that Yuexia did say that the recent flu is quite serious. It seems that I should pay attention to it. Thinking of this, I took out my notebook and prepared to start working. Inadvertently, I saw that Hai Zhixing seemed to be wearing a mask as well. Wait, why did I say yes? This is really strange.

"Are you okay? The flu seems to be quite severe recently. The weather suddenly changed yesterday. If you are sick, it would be better to go back and rest."

Hai Zhixing's hands typing on the keyboard paused for a moment. Because she was wearing a mask, I couldn't see her expression.

"No matter what, I won't fall to the point where the teacher would worry about me. I'm not an idiot like Tamasaka!" This person said something infuriating.

"Then why do you wear a mask?"