Kissing My Student, It's Over if We're Caught-Chapter 1Volume 3 .2 - Touka Kiriharas Recent Surprise: Living with an Adult Woman

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I, Touka Kirihara, stood at the entrance with Yuzuka-san, watching Gin leave.

Afterward, we turned to face each other again.

“Well then.”

“Yes.”

Without saying much, we sat down at the table, facing each other.

This was the second round—this time, it was the real deal.

Yuzuka-san was the first to speak.

“First of all, thank you. Despite the big fuss the other day, you even treated me to tea.”

“Don’t worry about it. I did it because I wanted to. It wasn’t because Gin asked me to.”

I spoke in my well-practiced honor student mode, honed at school. Yuzuka-san tilted her head slightly.

“Oh, sorry. No, I really appreciate it. Gin told me a bit, but you offered to let me stay at your place, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct. My father rented this apartment for me to live alone. But there’s an unused room. It would be a waste not to use it, so you can stay there until you find a job.”

“…I see. Honestly, that would be a huge help. But at the same time, I can’t help but wonder. Why would you make such an offer? I mean, I broke up with Gin a long time ago, and he turned me down the other day, but as his ex, wouldn’t I be the most annoying person to you? So, why?”

“It’s not that I find you annoying or anything.”

I tried to smile warmly… or so I thought.

“That’s a lie! I won’t be fooled! You hid it well for your age, but ever since Gin was here, I’ve felt those slightly cold stares!”

My cheek twitched involuntarily.

“Ah, I knew it! I hit the mark, didn’t I?”

“…Of course! If you knew I was trying to hide it, pretending not to know would be the adult thing to do, wouldn’t it?”

“I’ve had enough of that in my receptionist job! I’m sick of it! I’m already retired! Currently unemployed! Therefore, no reason to pretend! Got a problem with that!?”

Her declaration left me speechless.

Gin had told me she was quite the character, but seeing it firsthand left me at a loss for how to react.

But…

“…If I accept your offer to stay, we’ll be living together, right? Even if we get along well, living with someone you don’t know can be stressful. And we’re the current girlfriend and the ex. Just talking is complicated. If we start living together just on the surface, it will fall apart soon. And that would end up causing Gin more trouble.”

I fell silent for a different reason.

“I don’t know how you feel about me, but I’m older than you. Please, don’t hide anything and speak honestly. Can you do that?”

She said it straight, without looking away.

I looked back at her and nodded seriously.

“I understand… I’m sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry for diverting the conversation.”

“No, it was important.”

Though we strayed from the main topic, Yuzuka-san’s questions were justified.

But because of that, I could prepare.

I had imagined this conversation many times and thought through my words carefully. Now, I would convey them to Yuzuka-san.

“You’re right. Normally, I wouldn’t suggest room-sharing with someone who dated Gin. But… we’re not normal. To be honest, I didn’t make this offer for your sake. It’s for Gin.”

“Huh?” Yuzuka-san tilted her head again.

“I said you could use the vacant room freely. But there’s one condition. I have a request.”

What I’m about to say might be very rude to Yuzuka-san.

Some might even get angry, thinking I’m mocking them.

But I believe Yuzuka-san—this person—won’t react that way.

“If our relationship with Gin gets exposed, I want you to protect Gin. I want you to make him happy.”

Yuzuka-san’s expression turned a bit stern.

“What do you mean?” she asked for an explanation.

Taking a breath, I spoke.

“I love Gin very much… I adore him.”

My chest tightened at that moment.

Come to think of it, this was the first time I had confessed my feelings for Gin to someone.

Holding my aching chest with one hand, I continued.

“Our relationship started because of my selfishness. I forced Gin, who tried to keep his distance as a teacher, to stay with me. But he stayed with me. And as he did, I grew to love him more and more. Now, I can’t imagine being with any other man. I don’t want to. But I’m still a child, and Gin is my teacher. If everyone finds out, we’ll both get hurt. I was prepared to stay with Gin even if that happened. I even proposed it to him. But Gin was different. As you know, Gin intends to take the blame to protect me. I can’t stand the thought of his life being ruined because of me.”

Imagining that scene made my voice catch.

I quickly wiped away the tears that had welled up and continued.

“From now on, I plan to keep my distance as much as possible. But if, by some chance, our relationship gets exposed, I want you to support Gin.”

“Does that mean I can be with Gin?”

“Yes. When the three of us talked here the other day, I was convinced. No matter what happens, you won’t abandon Gin. Even if he disappears to protect me or his family, you’ll find him, catch him, and stay by his side. Even if it means throwing away your own life, you’ll act for Gin’s sake.”

Yuzuka-san lowered her gaze slightly.

“…Yeah, that’s true. I would do that. But is that really how you feel? Don’t you want to do the same?”

“Yes, but I think it’s impossible. If that happens, Gin won’t see me again… Isn’t that right?”

“…Yeah. That’s true. Gin is that kind of person. So, basically, you want me to be Gin’s insurance? You want me to be the backup for a love that could ruin his life if exposed?”

“Yes.”

“I see… I see.”

Yuzuka-san seemed to freeze for a moment, then made a dissatisfied face.

“…I feel like I’ve been told something really rude, but… somehow…”

After speaking hesitantly, she let out a big sigh.

“The troubling thing is, I understand how you feel, Kirihara-chan… Yeah.”

“Then…”

“Alright. I’ll agree to those terms. I’ll be in your care for a while.”

“Thank you.”

“I should be the one thanking you. Honestly, it’s like getting a free place to stay without any drawbacks.”

The conversation ended without any conflict. Yuzuka-san smiled a bit.

“Being near you means I’ll get to see Gin too.”

…So, she still loves Gin. She hasn’t given up at all.

“Did that make you a bit uneasy?”

“…No comment.”

“I said to speak honestly.”

“Don’t tease me. I don’t like that childish attitude.”

“Oh, that was honest.”

“If you keep it up, I’ll impose a fine. A thousand yen for each tease.”

“Eek!? Not that again! Please, be gentle…”

“…?”

Anyway, the discussion was settled.

My cohabitation with Yuzuka-san began.

I need to let Gin know.

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On the train ride home, my heart—Gin Hashima’s heart—was filled with anxiety.

Were Kirihara and Yuzu having a peaceful, constructive discussion? That worry wouldn’t leave me. I vividly remember the unpleasant sweat that broke out when my phone vibrated.

However, Kirihara’s message was calm.

‘The discussion is over. Yuzuka-san will stay at my place.’

‘I see. Thank you. Was there any trouble?’

‘No. Everything’s fine.’

After that, I received a similar report from Yuzu.

It was late, and they decided to sleep.

Yuzu’s bed was the living room sofa.

That might be fine for a couple of days, but it would be tough if it continued.

‘Kirihara’s place probably only has a towel blanket. I’ll send over a futon from my place. I’ll arrange it as soon as possible.’

‘Got it~. Thanks, sorry for the trouble.’

Despite my worries, Yuzu’s tone was cheerful.

…So, the discussion really went smoothly.

But it’s too soon to relax. Problems could arise once they start living together.

“…What should I do if that happens?”

Even after returning home and getting into bed, I couldn’t fall asleep easily.

──And so, three weeks passed in the blink of an eye.