In Tokyo: They are heavily dependent on me

Chapter 94. Suffocation

"Loneliness...is this what it is?"

If one could scrutinize Ms. Shoko's entire life from beginning to end with a critical eye, one would probably... feel exactly the same way she does.

Upon closer reflection, aside from necessary professional interactions, teachers rarely initiate contact with others. They don't maintain open communication with friends, lovers, or even family.

The loneliness the teacher mentioned... that's probably what it means.

Xunqing couldn't help but think about it.

"Hoshino-kun, your life is completely different from your teacher's."

"The future is bright... dazzling and spectacular, as beautiful as blooming fireworks."

Shoko sipped her coffee, leaning against the refrigerator door in a relaxed pose.

Because they are popular, it is only natural that they will be liked by others.

Because they are liked, their lives are relatively happy.

The teacher may hold this view.

but......

"Shoko, no one's life will be happy if they keep comparing themselves to others. I'm no exception in this regard, so it's best to get rid of this kind of thinking as soon as possible."

Shoko paused briefly while drinking her coffee.

She belatedly realized what Kaoru was trying to say... and a slight look of displeasure crossed her face.

"Honestly, they're just juniors, yet they're lecturing their teacher, and besides..."

Shoko suddenly leaned closer, her mature face gazing into Kaoru's eyes from below.

"How many times has Hoshino-kun called me 'Shoko' today? I've told you before, don't address your teacher in such an offensive way."

"I know Shoko was happy when she was called that."

If she truly felt resistant to such things, Ms. Shoko wouldn't have reacted that way at all.

That smile... in Kaoru's eyes, clearly showed she was enjoying herself.

"Hoshino-kun, I can't stand you! If others hear this, they'll misunderstand."

"That kind of thing doesn't matter, as long as you call out like that when no one is around."

Even though it's just using names to address each other... it feels like touching some kind of taboo that can't be touched.

This clear feeling arose in Kaoru's heart.

"No, this is the one thing I absolutely will not compromise with you on."

"Even if I did that, there's nothing the teacher could do."

"Hoshino-kun... The teacher is very angry and is about to lose control and hit you."

Shoko placed the coffee on the table beside her, extended her right hand, and tapped his forehead with her bent index finger.

The movement was slow. Kaoru instinctively reached out and grabbed her wrist. Noticing that the other person was trying to resist with their other hand, she controlled both of her wrists at the same time and then brought her cheek closer.

The hot breath exhaled continuously slapped against Shoko's cheeks.

She could clearly feel... her body temperature rising.

My breathing quickens uncontrollably whenever I see his face getting close.

Deep within her heart, places that had never been touched by men began to gradually become full.

Kaoru's lips moved closer.

No... that won't work...

Despite holding this thought, her body showed no intention of resisting at all.

"Shoko, you're so cute."

Seeing that even the roots of her ears were flushed crimson from the closeness of her body, Kaoru gently bit the earlobe on which the surface of the glass had become incredibly hot.

The moment she felt the clear touch of teeth, Shoko's body tensed into a straight line, and with the last vestiges of reason remaining in her mind, she uttered a weak yet emotional sound.

"Hoshino-kun......."

"Shoko, close your eyes."

"No...please...let's stop here..."

Shoko symbolically slapped his stomach with her knee, the force so light it was more like a coquettish gesture than a sign of resistance.

Because she couldn't feel any real pain, Kaoru's actions became increasingly reckless.

The refrigerator behind the two made a noise from the collision, and just as everything was getting out of control, there was a knock on the front door.

At that moment, reason returned to my mind.

"Sorry... I need to go open the door."

Kaoru loosened her hands, straightened Shoko's disheveled collar, composed her confused expression, and then went to the door and opened it.

The other person appeared to be the owner of the apartment building, and they were talking about something that sounded trivial.

As the conversation drew to a close, the person who knocked on the door finally revealed their true purpose.

"Um! This weekend... if you have time, could we go to a nearby restaurant for dinner?"

"I'm sorry... Mr. Mochizuki, I'm very busy this week."

"Ah, it's alright, next week is fine too. By the way... is there anyone else in Shoko's room?"

The other party clearly noticed the men's shoes in the entryway.

Perhaps because she often receives visits from students, Shoko remained remarkably calm in the face of such a situation.

"Yes, he is my student. Would you like to say a few words to him, Mr. Mochizuki?"

"Ah, no need for that. I'm not good at dealing with younger people... Anyway, see you next time."

He's one of Shoko-sensei's suitors...

It's perfectly normal for this to happen. Ms. Shoko is the kind of person who is very mature in age, and her personality and figure are the kind that men can't resist. It's only natural that she would be pursued by men.

Even though that's how it is... Kaoru still can't help but care about these things.

What... is it that I feel this way...?

The front door was closed, and footsteps gradually approached.

"Hoshino-kun, what were you doing just now?"

On Shoko's familiar face, the usual calm expression returned.

The enthusiasm in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by... a wariness that was not easily noticed by others.

Women are wary of unfamiliar men.

"Glass... I was just..."

Snapped--

He was forced to stop halfway through his sentence at that moment.

Kaoru's cheek twisted to one side due to the force applied.

Tinnitus completely overwhelms the brain.

Even thinking becomes dulled by instinct, making them completely unaware of the current situation.

"I don't want to ruin my future, and Hoshino-san should feel the same way."

What came into view was a face replaced by anger.

"Enough...Get out."

"teacher......"

"Stop talking... that's enough..."

A feeling of powerlessness spread throughout my body.

Kaoru moved her legs and left the apartment.

The moment the door was closed.

Shoko slumped to the ground, her body weak, curled up, hugging her knees, and finally burying her face in them.

Even breathing is impossible; no matter how hard I try to inhale, I still feel a suffocating pressure in my lungs.

Kaoru's face appeared in my mind.

"Feel sorry......"

"Hoshino-kun..."