When he discovered that Yamamoto-sensei's phone number was no longer in service, Hirakawa Tetsufumi couldn't help but let his thoughts run wild.
Combining that with Yamamoto-sensei's earlier warning and Amamiya Yoru's threat—it naturally led to a troubling speculation:
Could it be Yamamoto-sensei resigned because of Amamiya Yoru?
And if this were some detective story—especially one involving a certain famous "death-bringing elementary schooler"—then Yamamoto-sensei might already be…
No, no. That was going too far.
Besides, according to the so-called "Second Rule of Detective Stories," the first suspect is usually not the real culprit.
(Though, to be fair, that "rule" was something he had just made up.)
Still… if a certain famous detective were here, he would probably point straight at her and declare:
"The culprit is you, Amamiya Yoru."
And successfully eliminate one wrong answer.
What on earth was he even thinking about?
Hirakawa rubbed his temples in frustration. All of that was just wild imagination. Changing phone numbers after resigning wasn't strange at all.
Still, it did make things troublesome. Finding Yamamoto-sensei now wouldn't be easy.
Of course, the school probably had her address on file. Even if she had moved, asking around neighbors or the moving company might lead to answers.
So visiting her directly was technically possible.
But—that would be overkill.
This was just about a single student. And all he wanted was to ask about Amamiya Yoru.
Even without Yamamoto-sensei, if he could just talk properly with Amamiya, he should be able to find the answer.
And if that failed… there was always the "secret weapon" of calling her parents.
Yeah. No need to trouble Yamamoto-sensei.
Decision made.
However, Kuda-sensei still looked worried.
"Hirakawa-sensei, are you sure you didn't dial the wrong number?"
"I checked it before calling."
Even so, he walked over and confirmed it again with her.
No mistake.
"I see. So you were looking for Yamamoto-sensei because of… Amamiya?"
"Yes."
"Can you tell me about it?"
"I'm not entirely sure myself. That's why I wanted to ask Yamamoto-sensei. But since I can't reach her, I'll leave it."
"I see… Well, if there's anything I can help with, feel free to come to me."
Kuda looked at him warmly.
Then
"Good luck."
She even made a small cheering gesture with her fist.
It was kind of cute.
Hirakawa couldn't help but smile.
"I will. Thanks, Kuda-sensei."
"You're welcome."
A considerate young colleague really was much easier to deal with than troublesome students.
Though comparing them like that, as a teacher, might not be entirely appropriate.
The next day at noon, during lunch break, Hirakawa returned to the classroom, intending to talk to Amamiya again.
But just as he spotted her and was about to approach—
"Hirakawa-sensei."
Tsutsui Shiori suddenly appeared out of nowhere and stood in front of him.
"Tsutsui-san, what is it?"
"Sensei… I thought about it seriously yesterday."
She lowered her head, clearly a bit embarrassed. After taking a deep breath, she continued:
"About threatening you before. I sincerely apologize."
Then she bowed perfectly, a full ninety degrees.
"That was inappropriate of me."
So it was about that.
Honestly, if not for Amamiya's situation, he would have already forgotten about it.
After all, she was still a minor—his student. And since it had only been a verbal threat, it wasn't that serious. Besides, after understanding her circumstances, he could somewhat sympathize.
It was just a hedgehog's way of protecting itself.
And what he had said yesterday after school had been half-joking, not a real accusation.
So
"It's alright. You can raise your head, Tsutsui-san."
She slowly straightened up, though her face was still slightly red.
"I just… didn't know how to properly apologize."
"It's fine. Recognizing your mistake is enough."
"Then… Hirakawa-sensei… goodbye."
She nodded shyly and walked away with her head lowered.
Yes, yes, just like this.
A once-problematic student recognizing her mistake under his guidance.
Moments like this truly gave him a deep sense of satisfaction as a teacher.
Watching her retreating figure, Hirakawa felt a quiet sense of accomplishment.
Now then
Time to deal with Amamiya Yoru.
With that small success boosting his confidence, he walked up to her desk.
The quiet, well-behaved girl sat there writing something… a diary, perhaps?
As he approached, she immediately closed the notebook, stood up politely, and gave a slight bow.
"Hirakawa-sensei, are you looking for me?"
There was no trace of the girl who had threatened him before.
"I'd like you to come to the staff room with me. There's something I want to discuss."
"Of course."
She agreed immediately.
After tidying her notebook, she followed him out of the classroom under the curious gazes of their classmates.
Was this really the same girl?
For a moment, he even doubted his own memory.
Anyway, he would ask her properly in the staff room.
Once seated in the staff room, Hirakawa looked at the girl standing before him.
She stood straight, her expression obedient and calm—completely devoid of the earlier hostility.
"Amamiya-san."
"Yes."
"Can you tell me why you've been late these past few days?"
Last time he asked this
He got threatened.
But this time—
"I'm sorry, Sensei."
Amamiya Yoru immediately bowed.
Sincerely. Without hesitation.
"I've caused you trouble recently. It won't happen again."
Hirakawa fell silent.
But while he was lost in thought
She didn't move.
When he finally snapped back, half a minute had passed.
And she was still bowing.
Perfectly still.
"Ah, sorry! You can get up now."
"Yes."
Only then did she straighten.
"Sensei, is there anything else?"
"No. As long as you understand your mistake, that's enough."
"Thank you, Sensei."
"No—no need to thank me."
After finishing that conversation—one he couldn't quite put into words—Hirakawa sat down at his desk, deeply questioning himself.
Was it before that was an illusion?
Or was it now?
But since she had promised not to do it again
It should be fine, right?
Probably.
Probably.