Chapter 2005: It can't be

"How is it, sensei? Feeling better?"

"Shut up and just continue, you audacious brat. 5th period has already started, finish this quickly."

Despite sounding annoyed there, Hayashi-sensei never made an attempt to stop me. She even obediently sat down on the side of the bed while I climbed up from the other side and positioned myself behind her.

My hands started on her temple, massaging both sides as gently and relieving as possible before slowly going down to her neck and eventually, her shoulder.

While I was doing it, I trickled in my report by doing a narrative summary of every event that happened during the camp.

I also added in my observations. Since her reason for asking me to report was to become like an observer to catch any issues that may arise, I squeezed my memory of anything that could be considered valuable information.

Of course, I probably misinterpreted that but with Hayashi-sensei listening without even raising a question, I could only take that as her approval.

Anyway, since I didn't leave out anything except my intimate moments with my girls, Hayashi-sensei learned about my successful attempts to sneak inside the girls' area.

Her reaction wasn't really that strong about it as if she already knew I wouldn't be able to hold myself back in not meeting any of them.

All in all, her only complaint with my report was how I only focused on the girls.

In my defense though, there's no significant event on our side other than finding out that someone got caught sneaking into the girls' area during the night

"5th period? Sensei, you haven't heard from Kinoshita-sensei yet? I requested an early leave."

"What? When did you request that?"

Ah. I see. So, my assumption earlier was wrong. She probably didn't think much of why I looked for a few minutes before the end of lunch break.

This woman. I guess it's still hard for me to read her expression properly. She's quite great at maintaining her composure.

However, that also means... Hayashi-sensei was more expressive when we were in close proximity to each other like this. And even more so when we have a point of contact.

Presently, she might not be sweating but her body temperature had already risen to the point I could sense the heat radiating from her body.

And with my hands firmly pressed on her flawless skin, the way her body minutely squirmed from the sensation was fully transmitted.

It's not close to being affected by me yet but it's more like she's starting to get more comfortable with my touches.

There's no more subconscious rejection even if I run my fingers on the entirety of her neck and shoulder.

Of course, I haven't tried massaging her back yet so it's still too early to say that she won't mind me getting closer to her anymore. At the very least, I could say that Hayashi-sensei has acknowledged my massage skills.

"I only requested it earlier... Something came up and I have to go to Tokyo today. It's also possible that I won't be able to attend school tomorrow."

Since Shio would be reporting this earlier as well, that should be enough. But then again, I could also just be more open to her right here. I shouldn't trouble my Shio too much.

"Tokyo. What business do you have there?" Hayashi-sensei sounded unamused. She also turned her head to face me and stopped the movements of my hands.

With her interrogative eyes drilling into my face, she was probably trying to figure out if my request to leave had any relation to my current conflict with Ichihara Jun.

"I'll be escorting a group of girls to a recording session," I answered in the simplest way possible.

However, since it ended up sounding so vague, Hayashi-sensei narrowed her eyes, applying more pressure on me.

"Elaborate."

Her forehead which had just felt relieved from the fatigue was once again becoming wrinkled with how focused she was on me.

I don't know if she's still feeling concerned or just outright suspicious but I understand that I have to give her a convincing answer here or she might just deny my request to leave.

Although that's not going to stop me from leaving, that would lower my good boy points in Hayashi-sensei books.

And so, without revealing too much information about Yue, I explained to her my reasoning.

Hayashi-sensei listened without even blinking an eye. She knitted her eyebrows because it was still vague but after a few seconds of processing it, she let out a sigh and faced the front again.

"You. You're going to tire yourself out sooner or later."

"Don't worry about me, sensei. I'm getting enough rest, you know? Besides, being with them helps relieve my fatigue. Also, I think spending time with you like this is also helping me out."

Yep. I'm being honest with that last part. No matter how she tried to appear strict and uptight every time I went to her, the growing familiarity between us offset that.

It's safe to say that even if she gets angry at me because of something I did or will do in the future, I probably just take her scolding without flinching.

But as expected, Hayashi-sensei was again dumbfounded at my words. Her head, which had just returned, twisted again to look at me. From the expression on her face, she thinks I'm just being frivolous.

Unfortunately for her, that's not the case at all.

"Huh? You shameless student. What the hell are you on about?"

"I mean it as it is, sensei. It's pretty relaxing for me to spend time with you even though I'm only supposed to accomplish your task for me."

I shrugged and then my hands on her shoulders moved again. They gently slid to the edge of her shoulders and moved down to her arms. From there, I leaned closer, anchoring my chin on her side before gradually enclosing her in a seemingly loose embrace.

Hayashi-sensei's eyes widened upon catching up on what was happening. Then, her body jolted as though she tried to shake me off. It was unsuccessful, of course.

I would've let go if she did that again but to my surprise, Hayashi-sensei calmed down.

A few seconds later, along with a weird pause as though she was hesitating, the woman in a lab coat in my arms muttered softly.

"... I see. Good for you."

Upon saying that, she lowered her head and continued, "However, you shouldn't get this comfortable with me. You shameless brat, I get it now. You're the complete opposite of your father."

"Didn't you say I resemble him a lot?"

"Not when it comes to dealing with women! You... Don't try this with me."

"I'm not trying anything."

"Don't play dumb. You know what you're doing."

Well, she's not wrong but there's no change in her. It's like her mouth and body had different thoughts.

But I guess this should be enough. Better not to push her too much or I might really draw her ire.

Upon putting on a meaningful smile, I lifted my head and loosened my arms before retreating to the other side of the bed.

Her gaze followed me so I raised my arms, a gesture of surrender.

"Sorry for the sudden embrace, sensei. I thought I could convey my feelings better like that. You won't believe me otherwise, after all."

"How can I believe you? Every time you're with me, you're becoming more audacious." Hayashi-sensei was unconvinced. She pointed at me, her fingers trembling slightly. However, it's not because she's angry. It's something else.

"Ah. I guess that's how it looks for you, sensei. I can't blame you for that. I should've asked for your permission."

"Haa... At least you recognize your mistakes. Enough about this... Go now before I change my mind and reject your request to leave."

With another sigh, Hayashi-sensei stood up and returned to her chair, refusing to look at me again.

I closely watched her back and noticed how she was trembling. And it's still not because she's angry. From how I see it, she's holding herself back. As for whether from anger or something else, it's hard to figure out without hearing it from her.

"I understand. I'll be taking my leave then, sensei. See you in my next report."

I made my way to the door after saying that. Hayashi-sensei didn't say anything but I saw her nodding her head before sitting back down and trying to fiddle with the things on her table.

When I stepped out of the infirmary, I peeked through the glass opening of the door and saw her looking at me.

Somehow, she looked like she was about to crumple her hair from subdued frustration.

I waved at her and she waved back but not the same kind, it was a gesture for me to hurry up and go away.

Mhm. Looks like I pushed a sensitive button... Is it because of the hug? Can it be her first experience of being embraced? It can't be, right?