Survive in Azure Files

So, I pray sincerely that a future of peace and tranquility will come to me.

And to everyone I care about.

...including Hanako.

After that, the peaceful time lasted for a long time.

Chapter 16 Maybe it’s because of your secret crush on me

With Mary’s guidance, I completed a prayer worth remembering.

"If I can help the teacher, even if it's just a tiny bit, I will be satisfied."

What a gentle and kind child.

Looking at her who was now thinking about me wholeheartedly, I sighed in my heart, and then said bluntly:

"So, can you do me another favor?"

"Yes, of course."

Although it was expected, I was still touched that Mary did not hesitate for a moment.

After thanking you, I didn't delay and got straight to the point:

"Do you know a nun named Utazumi Sakurako?"

Although the Sisters of Trinity play an important role in the Holy Trinity, for some reason, perhaps because of their policy of staying away from political activities, there is very little information about this ancient community available on the Internet.

So I decided to ask Mary directly, who was a member of the congregation and someone I could trust.

"Eh? Lady Sakura?"

Mary was surprised for a moment, then nodded and introduced me: "Yes, Lady Sakurako is the representative of the nuns, an outstanding nun, and is admired by all of us."

A representative of the Sisters, that is, something like the Mother Superior of the Sisters?

Even though I had guessed that Sakurako's identity was not simple, I was still a little surprised.

"So where can I find her?"

"At this time, Lady Sakurako should be in the office handling official business... Teacher, do you have something to talk to her about?"

Before I could answer, Mary suddenly seemed to think of something, and her expression changed slightly: "Huh? Could it be that the student you just mentioned who had a conflict is..."

"No, I just have something to do."

"Oh! S-Sorry!" Mary was panicked at first, then blamed herself, "I actually committed the sin of making assumptions. I am really far from mature enough."

"This can't be called a sin at all!"

As I comforted Mary, I felt emotional in my heart.

Unexpectedly, my charm had reached such an extent that even such an excellent nun lost her usual calmness and composure, revealing her youthful and cute side that matched her age.

Soon, Mary recovered, and I continued to ask:

"Can you tell me where her office is?"

"Please let me take you there."

Not refusing Mary's kindness, I followed her closely and soon arrived at an office.

After confirming with me that I didn't need her to introduce me, Mary left first and I knocked on the office door.

Hearing the call to come in, I pushed the door open and saw Sakurako, whom I had met yesterday, sitting behind the desk.

Seeing that it was me, Sakura was slightly surprised:

"Teacher? May the blessing be with you today as well. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Her words were very polite and her voice was extremely soft, but her slightly furrowed brows and her face without a smile formed a sharp contrast.

In short, I secretly wondered if she was a little angry.

After all, she had already told me a lot before, but I came to her again today without any hesitation, which seemed a bit tactless.

So I apologized first: "I'm sorry. Actually, I didn't come to see you yesterday on purpose."

“…Huh? Did I misunderstand? Hmm…”

Sakurako suddenly felt ashamed: "I should be the one to apologize. I'm sorry. I must have troubled you by talking to you out of the blue."

I also suddenly realized that I might have some misunderstanding about Sakurako.

It seems that she is not as unkind as her appearance makes her feel?

Although it was obvious that he was hiding many secrets, at least his attitude towards me could be described as both sincere and friendly.

Perhaps, it is because I had vaguely sensed this before that I came to ask her for help again.

But maybe it's because she has a crush on me.

As I thought about it, I said to Sakurako, "But I do want to know about Hanako's situation from you."

Hearing this, Sakurako's expression became serious again, but she patiently explained:

"Teacher, maybe I didn't explain it clearly enough yesterday. Regarding Hanako-san, I can only tell you about 'Utazumi Sakurako''s' personal impression of her."

I would like to believe that Sakurako has no reason to lie to me about this matter.

Then, the reason why Hanako hates Trinity becomes even more intriguing.

Sakurako, as the "representative of the Sisters", would not be able to reveal it to me due to her position...

Could it be related to the tea party?

Suppressing my confusion for the moment, I continued:

"It doesn't matter if it's not that in-depth. In fact, my current understanding of Hanako is limited to that she is a girl with poor academic performance... and a little bit strange."

Sakurako frowned again: "Nagisa-san used Xia Lai's authority to set up a cram school, but she didn't even tell you that?"

I just smiled awkwardly, thinking that the word "utilize" might be a bit too much.

However, Nagisa didn't give me much information.

Maybe I believe in my abilities and feel it is unnecessary.

"…I am sorry for my impoliteness. Please forget my inappropriate words just now."

Sakurako took a deep breath and said, "If what you need now is only information that is known to everyone, then if you don't mind, please let me tell you about Hanako's other face that was once known to the public."

I nodded and said, "Thank you."

"Actually..." Sakurako pondered, "When Hanako was in her first year, she was a famous talent in Trinity."

As expected, from Sakurako's mouth, I got a completely different image from the current one -

Excellent academic performance, good conduct, and decent interpersonal skills.

No matter from which aspect, he is a perfect model student with a bright future.

However, the changes happened quietly and rapidly.

Everyone was shocked. Hanako had completely changed since then. Not only did her grades plummet, but her interests and hobbies also became completely different from before, causing many of her former classmates to avoid her.

As for the reason, no one knows.

"…That's all." Sakurako stopped talking and said sincerely, "Teacher, if you have any more questions, I will try my best to answer them within the scope of what I can say."

And I, who have been pondering over this since a while ago, can’t help but mutter:

"Friendly exchanges...?"

"what?"

"nothing."

I stood up. "Thank you very much for the information."

"This is what I should do." Yingzi smiled and stood up as well, "Then please let me take you there this time too."

I didn't refuse.

On the way, I was secretly sighing in my heart.

It seems that Hanako was qualified to say that I didn't understand before. However, that was only the case before.

What disgust.

Obviously, he is tired.

Chapter 17: The Enigmatic Hanako-san

Today's cram school activities started on time again, and no one was late or absent.

Including Hanako, who had some conflicts with me in the morning, also arrived at the cram school classroom on time and even took the initiative to greet me, and I responded normally.

Only a few hours had passed, and she seemed to have completely forgotten the unpleasantness of this morning, as if nothing had happened.

However, I can clearly feel that the distance between us has become even greater than before.

The most direct evidence is that Hanako never harassed me again.

Although he still communicated with me, it was always kept to the minimum, and his attitude was polite and respectful, almost impeccable.

I don't mind this at all. Instead, I can completely understand Hanako's feelings and feel sympathy for her.

So, for the time being, I won’t approach her rashly.

But before that, there is one thing I need to make clear in person.

After finishing today's tutoring, I deliberately asked Hanako to stay. She didn't refuse, but agreed immediately.

A small episode was that Koharu, who was happily carrying her schoolbag and preparing to leave the classroom, looked at me, then at Hanako. I don’t know what she thought of, but her face turned red and she shouted, "H is not allowed, death penalty!" She insisted on staying to supervise us, which made me sigh.

It was Hanako who had to take action. She successfully scared her away with just one sentence, "Oh, Koharu-chan, do you want to join in too?", and I didn't need to call on Azusa and Hifumi for help.

After everyone else left, Hanako and I were the only ones left in the dim classroom.

"Teacher, is there something you need to talk to me about?"

If it were before, Hanako would not miss such a good opportunity. She would probably use an ambiguous tone and say some strange words that would be hard to resist.

But now, she had a smile on her face, but her eyes were extremely cold.

I secretly sighed and even felt a little nostalgic.

Hanako's previous harassment made me feel embarrassed, but when she suddenly stopped harassing me, I felt uncomfortable again. People are really strange creatures.

On the bright side, maybe this is just another trick of playing hard to get.

I didn't beat around the bush or say some polite words to ease the situation, but got straight to the point:

"First of all, I want to apologize to you."

Hanako pretended to be amazed: "Ah, a teacher who knows everything can actually make mistakes?"

...a pink-haired kid who needs education.

The corner of my mouth twitched, and I said calmly: "Don't interrupt, just listen to me."

"Hehe, I'm so sorry."

Ignoring her sarcasm and provocation, I continued:

"I was wrong when I said I understood you. I don't fully understand your experiences, feelings, and thoughts. I just made assumptions based on my own experience. I'm sorry about that."

After Mary's counseling, hearing Sakurako's information, and putting myself in her shoes, I no longer had any desire to be angry with Hanako.

Even if I look at it from another perspective, I am just taking a step back and apologizing to my future lover. After all, I was indeed wrong, so there is no need to worry too much about it. As long as I can be true to my heart, that is enough.

"Oh." Hanako nodded meaninglessly, "Is there nothing else?"

...but her attitude is indeed very irritating.

"Of course more than that."

I stared at her and said, "Although I still don't understand what you have experienced, as a teacher, I will do my best to help you achieve your wish."