Here Lies Love and Trouble (Raychu & Harifah)

[Harifah]

Shinnosuke was quick to answer when he realized how unsettled Koichi was, albeit completely flustered and stumbling in his words. "There's really no need to apologize. It's not your fault, Sensei. Not at all. Just a bit nervous. It will be gone soon enough." He put his hands at the edge of the desk near him, palm facing down and his thumbs under the desk. He was unsure whether he was making an effort to hide it or prevent it from shaking anymore. Either way, he was trying to stop the teacher from worrying. He would always be calm when they talk so he was confident it would not go on forever.

 

Shinnosuke did always have a problem in dealing with people especially the ones that are older than him. He favored silence more hence why he does not talk much. His manner was quite unfriendly and finds it odd that people was eager in conversing with him. He was mostly conviced it was a miracle that he was adopted since adopting parents are mostly incline to choose expressive children from what he had observed. He only started to progressively respond to others a few years back, his tendecy of remaining quiet was getting less frequent.

 

"The author had already drew me in the first few pages. I love his writing. The words he used seems very vibrant to me. And he could clearly depict how different it was back then. It is a distinct experience and more interesting than I initially thought." Shinnosuke's eyes were glimmering as he described his thoughts to Koichi, hearing him wanting to know his impression of the book. Surrounding himself of books made him grow fond of it. He had always wanted to at least talk about one of them yet no one seems to be interested before. To begin with, the book was already fascinating in his opinion. Finally being able to simply give his point of view fueled his excitement even more.

[Raychu]

Koichi continued to watch the boy fumble with his hands. There's really no need to apologize. It's not your fault, Sensei. Not at all. Just a bit nervous. It will be gone soon enough. Shinnosuke said, stumbling with his words. She shoved his hands under the desk, causing Koichi to stop frowning, but keep a neutral face. "Alright, but do tell me if I'm the one making you that nervous with something I'm doing. I don't enjoy causing my pupils to feel like that around me," he said, trying to sound playful and happy, but it came out more dead than any of that. He needed to stop being so worried about things like that, it was causing him more anxiety and stress.

 

Koichi knew that the longer he dwelled on the little things, the worse he'd turn out to be. He was going to cause himself an ulcer with all the stress he put himself under. But it was a natural habit for him to over analyze everything that worried him. His thought process never stopped causing him to worry, he tried to fix it, get help, but it never went away. He just needed to find other things to fill his mind with and not the bothersome thoughts that always brought him down. It was a difficult task but he somehow managed most of his days. He usually used teaching as his escape from those worrying, self-critical, and dark thoughts his brain conjured up. Sometimes he wondered if he'd be okay with all the times he'd drop his mood.

 

Koichi smiled widely, nodding his head, acknowledging he was listening. He loved his excited Shinnosuke was getting just sharing his point of view. He seemed to be less nervous, if he was even nervous at all. "Yes! The book was so captivating in just a couple of pages that you have a hard time just peeling your eyes away to stop! I especially love how the point of view was for the book and the story is magnificent!" said Koichi chuckling. This was bringing out the child in him who always yearned to express his little view on the book. Just talking with Shinnosuke was filling his childhood wishes. This was grand for the teacher, it was the best day he'd had this week. Just a simple exchange of opinions could change his entire mood and day. He didn't care how simplistic it was, this was just wonderful.

[Harifah]

His fingers was the only obvious giveaway for his anxiety when they tremble visibly. They always feel a bit numb every time although he would pay no mind to it at all since it was never bothersome. After Koichi had requested to be frank when he is troubled by his actions, Shinnosuke nodded firmly to show that he had no qualms in doing just that. He recalled several times where he had acted similarly on their encounters. The teacher must have noticed it before but keep himself from saying anything until now.

 

Shinnosuke was delighted that Koichi appears to be thrilled as he was when conveying his opinion. "Thank you very much for the book. But is it really fine for you to just give it away? Won't you miss it, Sensei?" he inquired. It was in a gentle voice when he thanked him but changed into a much more intrigued tone as he asked. For carrying only a few boxes, he was feeling guilty to be given such a book. He was absolutely grateful to receive it but could not help wondering whether the teacher had held any kind of hesitance when parting with one of his collections which had given the impression was well liked.

 

Feeling that his uneasiness has lessen for his finger movements to be controllable, Shinnosuke used his right hand to pick up a pair of chopsticks that he had also brought along to eat his lunch with. Recess was not that long so his lunch may end up not being eaten if he was to ignore it. He held his hands together, his chopsticks held between his fingers as he thanked for the food. His lunchbox had two seperate compartments with the rice complete filling one of them while the others was packed into the other. He started to eat as he waited a reply from Koichi, unaware that he was smiling when chewing the egg.

[Raychu]

Koichi gave a small nod to the question. "I will most definitely miss it but it was only collecting dust when being with me. Knowing it's gone to such a good kid who I'm sure will take care of it, then I don't mind giving it away. Plus, when seeing the happiness on the young boys face come from it it makes my choice much better. I can tell you are enjoying the book quite thoroughly," he said calmly. He was going to miss the book, but he could get over it. Seeing Shinnosuke being happy was much better than being selfish and keeping the book for himself. He knew that is was the right thing to do in the end. It spread joy to the boy that he wanted to spread to all his students, it made him tingle inside with happiness. He seemed to have finally done something right in between all of his wrongs.

 

Koichi face lit up as he thought of a better idea. "I'm sure you'll want to read the rest of the tetrology so I can surely give you the last three. But since a lot of the books I have, I don't have much time for them anymore, would you like me to bring in a selection for you to choose from? I promise they are in mint condition. I try to keep them looking as new as they were when I bought them. All you'd have to do is meet me here for lunch tomorrow as well. I'm sure my schedule is full of meetings from then on out. It's supposed to be a secret be we are planning for an overnight trip to the mountains. It'll be nice to be hiking, I haven't gotten a chance to do it in forever!" he laughed. He knew he wasn't supposed to tell but they were going to find out sooner or later, he just made it slightly sooner.

 

He watched boy eat, realizing he was forgetting about his own food in the end. He grabbed his chopsticks, putting them between his hands, quickly giving his thanks for his meal. He began to eat quickly, forgetting he needed to give himself time to plan for the next class hour. They were supposed to work on math but he was having new text books sent in and had no idea if they were retrieved yet or not. It was irritating how slow the school worked and how he had to check up on those things usually by himself. He hoped he didn't look to disgusting when stuffing his face with his food. He wanted to finish as fast as he could so he still could have more time to talk with Shinnosuke before running off to obtain his new material.

[Harifah]

Shinnosuke took a while to respond, ensuring the food in his mouth was completely chewed and swallowed. "Thank you again. I will make sure that no harm comes to it," he replied, feeling more pleasant once more when knowing Koichi was fine with giving away the book.

 

It was a change of scenery to be eating in this kind of situation. It was more because of the person present than the venue. The cafeteria was the most crowded place at the time of recess and also the last option for Shinnosuke on places to be spending time at. The atmosphere would usually be filled with the idle chatters of the students however there is a clear view of the school's garden if one were to sit by the windows. On the other hand, his classroom was more calmer which unfortunately, he was seated at a desk at about the middle of the classroom, which did dissapoint him at first. He finds the courtyard most fitting yet in the classroom he was now in with Koichi, he did not mind if the placed lacked something. He was content enough to be talking with the teacher in front of him.

 

While he was glad to be offered the other three novels of The Sea of Fertility series, Shinnosuke was taken aback to be offered even more books by Koichi. "I would love to. I will surely come back here tommorow," he hurriedly replied, slightly afraid that the suggestion was merely a joke. Although, he knew the teacher would not say anything like that. He was just baffled by the thought, not believing much what he had heard.

 

At the same time, Shinnosuke felt a tinge of glee that Koichi had trust him enough to tell him about the trip. Even supposing that he had no one in mind to reveal it to. While he does enjoy the outdoors, he was never the type to be doing any vigorous activities. He surely had never gone hiking before so he hoped it would not turned out to be a horrible experience. He remembered his previous school trip which was when he was still a junior high student. It was a simple one where he visited historical places, learning more about the country.

[Raychu]

Koichi was glad that Shinkosuke ensured the book would not be damaged. It was really hard giving away his book not knowing how the book he took so hard to take care of, ends up. It could still be in good condition or it could be completely trashed, it always worried him to think about that fact. He hated when books were treated poorly, even if they were non living, they still held living stories in them. Books should be treated with respect because of the wise wisdom they held from other people's brains. Some of those people were deceased and those books were all they held of their knowledge in life.

 

I would love to. I will surely come back here tommorow. Shinnosuke spoke quite fast, Koichi had to take a minute to catch up on the younger boy's words He nodded, smiling widely. He was happy that the boy was excited to see the other selections of books. He glanced at the clock, time was running out. He was debating using the rest of the time to eat or actually try and make conversation or just to finish his food. He wasn't that hungry anyway and he'd rather have w nice discussion than sit in an eerie silence. He hated the quiet, it always bugged him.

 

Koichi closed his lunchbox back up, putting back in his briefcase. "So Kiritsume, how is school going for you? I know your grades are spectacular, I mean in a mental sense. I don't see you hanging around with a lot of people, you kind of just stick to yourself most of the time. But that's also when I notice you reading books," he laughed. He really was curious to know more about the boy than the fact he just liked books but he tried to do it in an ethical way that showed he was professional. He didn't want to seem like he was just trying to pry in a weird way. "Of course you don't have to answer, I wouldn't want to be a bother." He also didn't mind if the boy asked him questions but saying that would've been to nonprofessional for his tastes.

[Harifah]

Shinnosuke only packed a slightly small portion since he would regularly be not that hungry at this hour, currently only some of it left. He fumbled with the chopsticks before placing it down by his lunchbox, hearing Koichi had wanted to know how he was faring in school. He guessed that Koichi was trying to make idle chatter so not saying anything will make the teacher rather uncomfortable regardless when he mentioned that he was free to not speak. It was easier for him to talk about it compared to when he was asked about home albeit he was still hesitant, not knowing what words to choose. He wondered was it very obvious that he was regularly alone. It did not occur to him that he will be the kind of person to stand out much for a teacher to notice any detail of him. Since the teacher seems to be kind enough to offer him those books, he felt pretty obligated to answer. "I enjoy school. Being alone, I do not mind it much," he spoke softly and a bit slowly, giving a moment of pause in between sentences while his glances switching back and forth from Koichi to his lunch and wearing a normal expression.

 

A part of him did have an intention of wanting to get closer to Koichi. He knew that it will not help if he were to remain quiet. While the teacher was always the one to be calling out to him, it was never the other way around. His only contribution was probably suggesting their present meeting to discuss about the book which was Koichi iniative at first. There are students who approach the teachers on daily basis so he thought would not be wrong if he were the one to did it once in a while, just that it would be unusual for him to do something like that. He pondered whether it was fine for him to ask about Koichi in return but was not sure what to exactly say thus leaving only his answer without any question. With his little interest and not being used to making conversations, Shinnosuke was finding it troublesome that he does not know what to add at this moment. He wished to be able to talk more, wondering why it was much more simple when expressing his thoughts on the book.

[Raychu]

Koichi felt like he struck another cord as the Shinnosuke seemed reluctant to speak about how his school was going. He thought it was the most appropriate question being a teacher and all but he guessed he invaded privacy that he shouldn't have. Trying to continue comversation, he tried to shrug it off. "I'm glad you enjoy school, I hated my high school years, my teachers never understood where I was coming from. Middle school was a blast for me though, I had the best teacher ever. I'd say he was even the reason I decided to become a teacher myself. He always put school aside when it came to mental health, he worked with every student never looking down on them or pressuring them. He was a good man," he said in a thoughtful tone. It was weird for him to talk about his old school teacher but he just said it out of sudden thought. "I think I'd mind being alone, I can't stand not having someone to talk to! I'm too talkative for my own good!" Koichi laughed awkwardly, trying to change the subject from his teacher. Not that he minded talking about him he just didn't want to bore the younger boy with his stories.

 

Koichi stared at the clock, frowning at how close it was before the bell would ring. Recess always went by so fast and he wanted this one to last hours, but he knew that wouldn't happen. He wanted to continue talking with the boy about books and school, but school called for the both of them to return to their own business. He pouted, sticking his bottom lip out slightly. He looked light a child not getting their way and he didn't care. His open personality was what made him different from all the other teachers. He didn't try to shield how he really was, he didn't pretend to relate to the children, he was Koichi, his own person. He didn't care what people thought of him, they just needed to focus on themselves. He once tried to hide his quirks but it didn't turn out well, he turned into what he hated the most, a mindless robot.

[Harifah]

Seeing how Koichi's response differs with his statement, Shinnosuke finds it amusing that they were kind of interacting right now just because a single event lead to another. He could not help but smile hearing the teacher talked about his idolized person. How the one that was in front of him displayed an open and gentle personality compared to the usual strict teachers which they had conveyed to have little care, it made he more at ease. He could recalled that the teacher acted the same with every students, sensing a slight dissapointment deep inside, realizing he was not that special to him.

 

Shinnosuke noticed the teacher looking at the clock and instinctively glanced at it as well. Noticing how dejected the person with him seems, he was unsure if the teacher was starting regretting spending his time during recess with one of his students as there was nothing else to speak of after having discuss the book. He was not much of one who would make conversation and knows that it would be troublesome to others being like that. If he had to choose, he would rather be a listener and would not mind if the person he took interest in talked all day. Not a single obvious topic that he could choose that would not pass the boundary between a student and a teacher. He was thinking of various questions involving Koichi's personal life but as he himself was not ready to reveal his to him, there was no right for him to do so. Maybe in the future, he thought to himself. There were many opportunities for him to see the teacher at school so he thought that from time to time, they could get to know each other.

 

Finishing his lunch, Shinnosuke did not feel the need to return to his classroom even if he knew lessons were about to start. There was not any reason for him to linger outside class before however now he finds it difficult in even getting out of the seat. Even if he knew that he will still meet the teacher again tommorow also when recess arrives, his unstatisfaction remains. He fiddled with his lunchbox and left his chopsticks inside, packing it clumsily as if it would gain him more time to stay in the classroom with Koichi.

[Raychu]

(Hey! How are you? ^7^)

 

Koichi looked at the boy clumsily packing his lunch up. He hated having to kick Shinnosuke out but he had to prepare for his next class. He still had a job as a teacher to do, though I took away from much more fun things. He was glad that he would be able to meet the boy the next day so they could talk once more. He wanted to know not about Shinnosuke but he had his boundaries as a teacher. He did not want the boy to be treated poorly because of his relationship with a teacher if they became friends. How was he supposed to break that barrier between them? He couldn't do it without the criticizing from the people around him. He could handle it but could the boy in front of him? He asked so fragile and delicate like a flower. Just a simple kick could ruin him, Koichi didn't want that, it'd break his heart to see the boy hurt.

 

The bell rang breaking Koichi out of his zombie like state when thinking. "Oh, I guess I'll see you tomorrow then? Im glad we could talk Shin- Kiritsume," he breathed out. He had to cut himself off from being too informal with the boy by using first names, he couldn't bring himself to do it without permission. He barely had known the boy but he was becoming so infatuated so quickly. He hoped the boy didn't notice how weird he was becoming around the boy, he didn't need to give off the wrong impression. He smiled at the boy, watching him leave after his goodbyes. After he left his students started to file in returning to their seats. Once again it'd be a long day waiting for tomorrow to come.

 

_________________

 

Koichi once again was bouncing in his seat waiting for the bell to ring for recess. Since he was so excited he even forgot to pack his lunch. He was too focused on collecting his books for the boy to take home. He had many classics that were in mint condition and he hoped they would stay that way. Books didn't betray people or mistreat them so people should do the same and respect them for what they are. He hated seeing reckless people just spilling drinks and food on them without a care. If one textbook was returned in poor condition he'd break inside seeing how careless the student was. Everyone knew in his class that if they didn't take care of the books he'd give them a weeks worth of cleaning duty for not being responsible. He was usually lenient until it came to the books they were meant to care for. He never would bend on that rule.

 

The bell rang, signaling recess. Everyone got up, bowing to him and exiting the room. He nodded and once they left he reached into his bag pulling out a different array of books, setting them neatly on his desk in order from the published date. He didn't like unorganized areas, the reason why his desk looked clear and shiny unlike many of the other teachers in the school. He knew how to take care of his belongings and how to keep things in order instead of randomly throwing them in places. It was easier if you were organized instead of recklessly throwing things down. It added more stress than actually needed, especially when you lost something that you needed then.

 

Koichi watched Shinnosuke enter causing a wide smile to spread across his cheeks. He felt his cheeks getting a bit hot from the happiness he was displaying. "Kiritsume, wonderful for you to join me! I'm glad you could make it," he said in a cheery tone. "I have books here you can choose from, pick whatever you like or take them all, I don't mind."

[Harifah]

(^.^ It's been a while. Sorry, things just got piled up. I'm fine. How about you?)

 

"Y-Yes, it was nice that we had this discussion. See you again tommorow, Sensei," Shinnosuke smiled, getting up in the process while also taking his lunchbox using one of his hands. In the back of his mind, curiousity was growing on what he heard was really true. A slight sound of his name came out from the teacher's mouth, his given name although Koichi still called him by his family name. It was an odd feeling that he could not describe. He was confident it was not discomfort, upsetting or that kind of sort. Was it just his imagination fueled by his need of wanting to get closer to the teacher? Asking about it was an easy way to clear his doubts but that would also cause some awkwardness or embarassment, thus he exited the classroom without another word after pushing the chair back into the desk and giving the teacher a slight bow. He hurried to his classroom thankfully making it before his teacher entered which seems like only a few moments after he had taken his seat.

 

______________________________________________

 

As recess was coming closer, Shinnosuke became much more excited and enthusiastic to once more meet Koichi. He was constantly reading Spring Snow when he had found the time, really eager to enjoy the sequels and more of the other books he would receive. Rushing after hearing the bell even if there was no need to, he kept back his study materials and grabbed his lunchbox. He left his classroom and walk with a quick pace, smiling to himself all the way.

 

Peeking for a while before stepping into the classroom, seeing Koichi made him lower his guard and more relaxed. "I am pleased to be here. Give me a moment," he stated, his voice was perky to just hear his voice. He placed his lunchbox on the same table that he had sat the day before. Walking towards the desk arranged with the books, he first noticed that their covers was quite different with modern novels that he had as well as one he had seen in stores. While he could take all the books, his bag may end up being heavy for him to carry as there was also his textbooks. He did not want to really leave some since Koichi had brought them just for him although that he was told that the teacher did not mind, it still bothered him.

[Raychu]

(That is good! No worries, I understand when things pile up. Don't apologize for it. I am great.)

 

Koichi watched the boy closely, not once taking his eyes off of him. He seemed stuck at what books to take. He hoped Shinnosuke wouldn't overstock his bag being unable to carry it, he could always keep them here until tomorrow if need be, but before he said anything he wanted to let the boy pick what he wanted first. The older man help an attachment to each book so letting them go pained him, he didn't want to send them to the wrong person. He knew Shinnosuke was a good person to give them to, though he still didn't want to give them up because to that fear. He looked at some of his books, some were old, others were new. He never stayed in one genre of books, he varied with many. He loved to see the wide views of the words on the page and each author's style. It was a relaxing method for him, especially when he got too stressed with the work given from being a teacher.

 

Koichi noticed how long the boy was taking, wondering if he just didn't know what to choose. "I can give some recommendations if you'd like, I personally think him you'll like a couple more then the others," he said softly. He didn't want to sound like he was pushing the boy to choose quickly, he just was worried that he didn't know what to choose at all. Although he did have his motives for making him speed up, he really wanted to have a conversation with the boy besides the topic of books. He wanted to know more about him personally.

[Harifah]

(Question. Weekends should be the next day right? Or will it be just a half day?)

 

Shinnosuke examined what was laid before him, scanning each of the books, one by one. He was quite unfamiliar with them, lost on making a choice. Picking up a book, he turned to the first page of the novel in his hands and quickly read the whole page in order to grasp what the story was like as authors tend to write strong openings. It was what he would usually do when he was in book stores rather than reading the summary if there were any written on the back cover. He finds reading summaries confusing, unable to properly follow the flow of the story if he did. He then put it back down where it was originally placed after he was done. Being overly conscious of Koichi, he would give him a few glances at him before returning his eyes on the books arranged on the desk. He could not stop twiddling his thumbs while his hands are free.

 

Hearing Koichi suddenly speaking out startled Shinnosuke since he was just about to give him another glance but only just a little due to his voice being gentle. He realized that he had taken longer than he should. "Then Sensei please go on ahead, if you would. To be honest, most of the titles are new to me," Shinnosuke replied, letting out only a short nervous laughter. He trusted the teacher's choice seeing how he had easily grow fond of Spring Snow.

 

Picking out his selection of books was not the only thing on his mind. Shinnosuke was trying to think off what he could talk about with Koichi today which might have distracted him from actually deciding on the books to choose. He did not want it to end up like yesterday where he was mostly being silent after they had finished giving their own opinions on Spring Snow. Wanting to know more about the teacher was not just a simple attachment to him, fully knowing what it truly was. He had expected to have nothing of a chance and stopped himself from having false hope. Being with the teacher had already made him content.

[Raychu]

(It will be a half day)

 

Koichi nodded, pushing the rest of the tetralogy to the boy before pushing two new books to him. One was Forbidden Colors and the other was Black Rain. They were complete opposites of each other but that led into diversity for the boy. "These two books would be your best bet. Now that I think about it, some of those books are quite hard to comprehend without reading other classics," he said laughing. He remembered how hard of a time he had comprehending the material, it soon him months to understand the books. With the books he gave they were the same comprehension as Spring Snow. He decided it was best to start the boy off small then have him work his way up to higher books. Just rushing into the hard ones is a terrible idea. You can read the story but it's a different meaning when you actually understand what is happening.

 

Koichi stared at the boy, looking for any specific reactions. He was curious what to ask about today. Could he ask something kind of personal or would that be going too far? He didn't know what to say to the boy if he couldn't ask personal questions, he already asked the main question about school, he didn't have much else left to ask. He was caught in a bind trying to figure out what to say to the boy.

[Harifah]

Shinnosuke watched Koichi deciding on the books and then moving them towards him. There were exactly five of them. He figured that would not be to heavy for him to carry for the day. "I see. Thank you very much," he responded, showing his gratitude by giving him a smile and was getting excited to be able to read them soon enough. He stacked the books on top of each other and lifted them to place the stack on the desk that was beside the one he was going to sit at so he would know which one he should take after recess ended. He would not want to put it right near him when eating, fearing he would somehow ruin them, for example accidentally dropping his food on top of it, ruining the cover and also the pages inside. Thoughts of scenarios that would happen, increasingly being worst than before pop into his mind even though it was unnecessary to think of that as he had already resolve the problem. He was growing cautious with the books since they had become very valuable to him, obtaining quite a gift.

 

"Should we put the others somewhere else, Sensei?" Seeing that Koichi would be having lunch at that very desk, he wanted to help clearing out the table so they could talk more with each other after he had already wasted some time when choosing out the books. There was still the fact on whether the books that had not been selected would troubled the teacher which causes him to worry however tried not to show it on his face. Not seeing the teacher's lunchbox, he guessed that it was still in his briefcase and did not bring it out yet, just to settle the matter of him giving away the books earlier. He picked up what he could carry so that he would not overexert himself and waited for Koichi to answer.

[Raychu]

Koichi watched the boy smile at the books, making him feel fuzzy inside. He absolutely loved seeing Shinnosuke happy, it was a wonderful feeling for him as a teacher. "Ah, no. That won't be necessary, I won't be eating. I accidentally forgot to pack my lunch," he laughed. He always joked about his clumsiness since it was apart of his character, it made him someone unique. "I'll just leave them here until the end of the day." He neatly stacked the books on top of each other, pushing them to the side of his desk. He just needed to remember to pack them before he left. He sliding admit it but he was glad the boy only got select few, he still had an attachment to his books of not wanting to give them up. It would take awhile for him to get over that but he at least is willing to give them to the boy in front of him.

 

"So how was your day?" he hummed. That was a basic question he could ask before he tried to make any conversation that might have been more personal than he could handle at the moment. He was still trying to figure out if he could even ask personal questions without sounding weird. What was he supposed to do? He really wanted to know more about the boy, he was unsaitifsied knowing he liked books. "How's life outside of school?" He spoke out what he was thinking unconsciously. He bit his tongue from asking more questions, since that one seemed to go over a thin line real quick. He furrowed his eyebrows in panic, unsure of how to cover up that mistake.

[Harifah]

Shinnosuke placed the books he was carrying right next to the stack that Koichi had made. "Is that so..." he uttered, uncertain whether it was fine to have his lunch here. It will be awkward to just eat in front of him if the person with him were not planning to have any lunch today. It will be disappointing for him if he were to return to class immediately without sparing some time to chat with the teacher. When Koichi asked about his day, Shinnosuke's face instantly lit up that the teacher still wanted to talk to him after yesterday. "It went normally, I guess." he replied softly. "But at the moment, I am feeling very delighted." Having promised himself to express what he could but it was not his intention and said more than he wanted. "...to be given these books." Quickly he added, hoping the teacher would not notice him being somewhat odd although it was one of the reasons, it was not the main one and tried to prevent the teacher from pressing it any further.

 

While Shinnosuke gave his reply to Koichi's abrupt question, he started averting his eyes from the teacher as it was unusual for him to even say anything about it to others besides his family. "I don't go to cram school or have any kind of part time jobs." He would not want his parents to spend extra money and had always put complete effort in studying during his spare time, aiming for a scholarship in the university of his choice which in turn made him have difficulty in socializing. Feeling there was no need for a part time job since he held no such desire for anything at the moment as most students would work to buy the things they want. "At home, there isn't really anything problematic that comes to mind. I am comfortable with how things is right now." Whereas he was not sure that Koichi knows that he was adopted unless he had read his student profile about it, presently he would not want to mention it and generalized his answer.

[Raychu]

Koichi smiled at how excited the boy seemed to get, it was just like yesterday when he was talking about the books. The fuzzy feeling he felt didn't go away, it only grew stronger. His smiled widened when the boy brought up how happy he was to have that books, but it dropped the moment Shinnosuke seemed to become uncomfortable. "I-I didn't mean to make to it weird or get so personal! I'm sorry! That must be a really strange thing for a teacher to ask, right? I'm sorry," his voice grew quiet, the room becoming silent. He dipped his head, looking at the books in a pile. He didn't mean to be so weird, asking strange questions that he shouldn't. Why was he such a bad poor teacher. He should've been better than that, but he always let himself slip up. How unprofessional to act like that in front of a student. It was better to make a mistake in front of another staff member than a student, you're supposed to set an example for them.

 

Koichi slowly looked up, forcing a smile on his face. "How another you ask questions instead?" his voice meek. He really didn't want to ask anymore, stepping over the boundary line was a common habit for him to do. He needed to remain behind the fence of the boundary. Perhaps if Shinnosuke were to ask questions he could remain behind that fence without a problem. But when he got to running his mouth he always forgot he had to stay in a professional area.

[Harifah]

Witnessing how Koichi reacted on how he had behaved, Shinnosuke was annoyed with himself. Not seeing the teacher's face saddened him more than he had expected. "There is nothing to apologize for," he hurriedly refuted, wanting the teacher to stop feeling guilty since he was aware that he was concerned by it himself. He knew that he was unable to act normally in situations like this and did not imagine it would affect him terribly by not fixing it in the past. Thinking of the appropriate things to say, he paused for almost a minute before continuing. "I genuinely do not mind you asking those types of questions, Sensei. I am just... not used to answering it." Hoping that the teacher would still make simple conversations with him, he wanted to convey properly what was on his mind.

 

Shinnosuke was dumbfounded when Koichi suggested him to ask the question while he had not think of any yet, his head becoming a complete blank. He did not want to say something that would give him the impression of not acknowledging the bounds between a student and teacher. Although the teacher had lifted his head, it did not soothe him one bit because he had a hunch that the smile is rather different than before. "Is today faring well for you too?" he inquired and gave little time for him to think about it more, not liking the thought of the teacher having to wait for him asking just a single question. He knows that he had already ruined a part of it and would not want to be someone that destroyed his day.

[Raychu]

Koichi seemed to listen to the words spoken by the boy but he did not register them. He felt so bad about bringing up something he shouldn't have. If Koichi was going to get personal he should've talked about himself to an extent first. That way it was more appropriate for his to ask such a question. As he boy asked the question, his smile softened. "It's been good, I've been quite excited to talk to you. It's very fun when we have conversation together," he hummed. He felt himself softening up and letting the previous incident go. Shinnosuke didn't seem as affects by the question as the teacher thought he was. He was just becoming paranoid once more, like always. He always panicked when he thought he went against the lines of boundaries.

 

Koichi propped his elbow on the desk, resting his chin in his palm. "May I call you Shinnosuke? If not that is fine, I just rather would be on a first name basis with the students, it relaxes me as well as them," he smiled wider. He was calming down like he needed to. His little shut down might've scared the boy, which he did not want. He felt so guilty already, anymore guilt and he might snap. "I should tell you something about my personal life since I dug into yours, right? Unless you don't want to know, only if you want to know." He was starting to feel more chatty and up for any conversation. His eyes softened as he started into the other's. He was having more fun talking than any ring he ever did.

[Harifah]

Returning the smile, Shinnosuke could feel his excitement return when hearing Koichi replied. "I also enjoy talking with you, Sensei. I find it very pleasant." He was relieved and elated to know the teacher was glad when they spend time with each other. Only by the sound of the person in front of him saying his given name, he could feel his face heating up out of joy. He had a hard time to believe what he had heard was true. It took a few moments after for him to fully comprehend what the teacher had said. "S-Sure, please do." There was a tinge of happiness inside of him, knowing that he could hear the teacher saying his name again in the future. Since the teacher mentioned of calling his students by their names, it made him wonder who else was he on first name basis with. Thinking about it had slightly made him disappointed, even though he knew it was not that uncommon for a teacher to do that.

 

It seemed to Shinnosuke that he had managed to become more closer with Koichi, making his smile broader. "I would not mind on hearing about it. I am quite curious." He did thought that if the two of them were to have conversation together, it would mainly be about books thus not seeing little possibility of getting to know the teacher more other than his loves of books. "In return, I will tell more about myself," he added, meeting his gaze with Koichi's once more. His cheeks was still warm from before. It was obvious to know how elated he was by merely looking at him and he was not even trying to hide it.

[Raychu]

Koichi's smile grew even wider when the boy said he could say his first name. It made him feel a lot more excited than saying any other students' name, though he would not say that. "Shinnosuke it is then," the name rolling of his tongue so sweetly. It was like tasting a drop of honey, it felt so wonderful to say. "I'm glad you enjoy talking to me, I hope I'm not too boring of a guy. Just tell me if I am, I'll try to spice it up every now and then," he teased, laughing. He did mean it though, if the boy did think he was boring he should say something, Koichi liked to keep his students interested, that's why a lot of his students enjoyed his teachings. He never kept his classes the same, he tried to change things every now and then to keep them interested in what they were learning.

 

Koichi nodded, figuring out how to start talking about his personal life without going too far. "Well I'm the only child in my family. I used to be a lot like you when I was a kid, books were my everything. Though it gets lonely without having some friends," he laughed. "I'm still a single man and I live alone. I don't have much to say about myself besides that. Oh! I love hiking and nature. That's it for me, you're next." He didn't have much he could say without out going past the boundaries of teacher and student, just bringing up his lack of a love life was already barely crossing the line itself. He was proud how much he kept himself from just rambling on about his complete personal life. That wasn't for Shinnosuke to hear, especially not on school grounds. Koichi couldn't exactly strut around and openly admit he's gay, he would get fired for it. People still didn't like it even though it was around for so long.

[Harifah]

"You were never boring, Sensei," Shinnosuke mentioned with a soft tone. He had always and still do enjoy Koichi's company. Never did he find it to be a dull moment when spending time with the teacher. He listened to each and every detail Koichi mentioned about himself, even if it was only a simple one.

 

"Excuse me," he spoke, realizing that his lunch was being ignored ever since he had laid it down. Not wanting Koichi to think that he was trying to avoid from answering, Shinnosuke quickly went over to where he had put it while taking a deep breath when he walked in an attempt to mentally prepare himself when he had not once involve himself in this kind of conversation before sitting down. "I have three sisters, two older and one younger. That makes me the only male sibling," he slowly started, looking back at the teacher and smiling since his happiness had not faded away yet. He did not intend to bring up that he was adopted, fearing it will somehow make the situation awkward. At least he hoped not to for today. "I have a sweet tooth and hate anything that taste bitter. I also love the nature but I never gone hiking before so the upcoming trip will be a new experience for me. Probably that is all I can say right now."

 

Staring at his lunchbox, Shinnosuke definitely feel kind of weird to eat in front of Koichi. But he knew if he did not eat now, it will be wasted thus he unwrapped them and give his thanks for the food. Picking up the chopsticks, he was still uncomfortable with the teacher looking at him. "Would you want some, Sensei?" After the words had escaped from his mouth, the hand that was resting on his lap and hidden from the teacher's sight immediately clenched into a fist. He had already regretted blurting it out. If the teacher were to accept, he did not have a spare chopsticks however they could share his. Although, another way would be that he could go borrow one from the cafeteria but it will take a while. On the other hand, if Koichi were to refuse the offer, he would not know how to react.

[Raychu]

Koichi pursed his lips. He was never boring? That's a plus for him then. "Glad I don't bore you to death with my constant talking," he teased. He really did love spending time with the boy, it was great. He hadn't had this much fun with anybody in forever. Which was ironic since he only had been talking with the boy for a few days.

 

Koichi gave a face of awe. "A lot of sisters, huh. I wish I had a sister or a brother but sadly I did not. I always dreamed of being an older brother that took care of the younger sibling, but my parents had their hands full enough with me," he laughed. That truly wasn't the case, they had their hands full with work and kids were getting in the way of that. His parents did love him but they were too focused on their work to even notice him half the time. That's probably why he latched onto everyone else for guidance, but it didn't turn out too great. He seemed like he was clingy with strangers. The only adult who understood him was his middle school teacher.

 

Koichi's eyes widened in surprise at the offer. "Oh that's fine! I wouldn't want to eat your meal, it'd make me feel bad. I'll just make up for what I didn't eat at home. I'm not going to lie, I stuff my face a lot, though it's not the healthiest food," he smiled. He really enjoyed the offer but he couldn't bring himself to share food with Shinnosuke, especially when he didn't have his own chopsticks to use. Plus it was a little weird for a teacher and student to share food, though the student did suggest it, he didn't want to get the boy in trouble.

[Harifah]

Shinnosuke dropped his head to look at his food, wishing he could hide his embarrassment. Even if they had become more friendlier with each other compared to before, he knew there was little to none of a chance that Koichi would accept his offer since their relationship was purely between a student and a teacher. But he did had a slight hope that he would be wrong. It would still be unusual however he would not mind if the teacher were to accompany him and eat together. "I see," he muttered quietly, loosening his fist as his other hand grabbed a part of his meal with his chopsticks that he was holding and put it in his mouth. Chewing his food more than he should have, it was very tough for him to swallow. He was trying to pretend as if he did not suggest of it and ease his nerves.

 

Pondering what else could he talk about, various things that he wanted to say and ask about Koichi came into his head but find it difficult to actually say it out loud. Things like even if he was currently single, was he in a relationship before or was his home far away to live alone. It seemed to be very unappealing for him to casually ask something so personal. Nevertheless, Shinnosuke would not want to hastily end their conversation for today. He still wanted to hear the teacher's voice, especially when he calls him using his name. "How long have you been a teacher, Sensei?" He raised his head to face the person in front him, smiling which turned out a bit constrained.