The First Failing Student (7)
Oh. So this was Selena's room. It smelled wonderful.
Selena ushered me inside, fidgeting the whole way. The place was a studio, though the bathroom and kitchen were separate — a small difference, but a welcome one.
It was more than enough for a young woman to live in. That much was clear.
"Um, Teacher Sion."
"Hm?"
"If you look around too much, I'll get embarrassed."
"Ah, sorry. I couldn't help myself."
"It might take me a little while. It's a humble place, but… please make yourself comfortable."
"Got it."
She darted off toward the kitchen. I quietly crossed the room and carefully settled myself onto the single-person sofa.
She'd asked me not to look around too much — so a little looking should be fine, right?
Her calm, tidy nature had soaked into the atmosphere of the room. Everything was so neatly arranged that, studio or not, it never felt cluttered.
Was she a minimalist?
If the space could be called bare, it was bare — except for one enormous teddy bear. A few spots were worn thin, the kind of wear that came from constant use. The thought made me smile without meaning to.
I was still buzzing with the thrill of visiting my favorite character's room when something on the desk caught my eye. Suddenly I felt like I was looking at something I wasn't supposed to see.
A vibrating massager. A pink bullet vibrator. A C-shaped dildo.
Our first meeting flashed unbidden through my mind, and my imagination promptly ran wild with images of her using those things in this very room. I startled myself.
That aside… was she airing them out after use?
A tremendous clatter erupted from the kitchen. I jumped and rushed over.
"Selena? Are you okay? Did you hurt yourself?"
"Yes. I'm fine."
She'd simply dropped a pot. No injuries in sight. I let out a breath of relief.
"Teacher Sion."
"Yeah?"
"Did you… happen to look at my desk?"
"I didn't."
The lie must have been painfully obvious. She went pale and bolted for the bedroom. I trailed after her just far enough to watch her frantically scoop everything off the desk into her arms.
Then our eyes met.
Her fair face flooded scarlet. She turned away in silence and faced the wall. A tiny, mortified sound slipped out behind her back.
Only after a drawer slammed open and slammed shut again could I face her properly.
"I'll pretend I didn't see a thing."
"I'm so sorry. Leaving something so… unsightly out like that."
"No. It's proof you're healthy. Yeah."
"I'll get dinner ready."
"Sure."
It took a long time for the heat in her face to settle.
By the time a savory aroma began to fill the air, I heard Selena calling for me. I made my way into the kitchen without complaint.
A small table and a pair of tall chairs occupied one corner of the kitchen. Selena moved busily about, bringing out side dishes and the main course — braised short ribs.
"Is there anything I can help with?"
"You're the guest."
"I just feel bad sitting here."
"You don't have to feel bad. You're my benefactor, Teacher Sion."
"I haven't really done anything that special."
"You've had a great influence on me."
"Thanks. Still — I can at least set the rice."
Selena hesitated, rolling her eyes in thought, then beamed and nodded.
"That wouldn't be so bad either."
"Yeah? So where's the rice cooker?"
"It's this way, husband—ah."
"Huh? Soba?"
"Yes, soba as well. I know how to make it, so whenever you'd like some, please tell me."
"You know a lot of dishes, huh? You'd make a fine wife~"
Selena jumped. I was about to ask what was wrong when she whipped around, presenting me with nothing but her back. A glimpse of smooth, pale skin beneath her clothes made my heart lurch.
There was a bit of a stir, but still—
"Well then, let's eat!"
"Hehe. Yes. It isn't much, but please have plenty."
"Isn't much? At this rate the table's going to collapse. And when did you even make the soup?"
"I had leftover ingredients in the fridge. Just a little while ago."
"Thrifty of you."
"Um, Teacher Sion."
"Hm?"
"Is there someone you're seeing?"
"No? There isn't."
Up until now I'd done nothing but study myself into the ground to become a teacher, after all.
"That's a relief."
"A relief?"
"Ah — inviting you to my home like this. It could be misunderstood, that's all."
"Ah. Right."
"Yes."
Conversation cut off abruptly. An awkward atmosphere settled over the table, and the clink of utensils rang out with unnatural clarity.
I was still searching for something to say when—
"Teacher Sion."
"Yeah. What is it?"
"Earlier, when you were coaching me. You put the ball in my left hand."
"Ah, yeah, I did."
"Did I ever tell you I was left-handed?"
"Pfft—!?"
It was absolutely not something I'd seen in the game's encyclopedia. Absolutely not.
"I just… saw it in the Service Club files."
"I see."
She nodded with an unreadable expression. Was she finding me suspicious?
"The fact that you're kind doesn't change, Teacher Sion. Even if that was a lie, I don't mind."
"Was it that obvious?"
"You didn't know? When you lie, Teacher Sion, the corner of your mouth twitches."
"Ah."
"Like this."
"Is that so. I had no idea I had a tell like that."
"Excuse me for a moment."
All of a sudden she smiled and reached out. Her slender, pretty fingers came to rest along the edge of my jaw. A cool, soft touch brushed me for an instant, then was gone.
Selena put the grain of rice that had stuck to her index finger into her mouth. Her red lips looked strangely alluring.
"It's a relief to know you need a little looking after yourself."
"Ah, sorry. I'm a bit of a mess."
"I prefer it that way. I find fulfillment in filling in other people's gaps."
Maybe that kindness was where her ability came from. Her warm, smiling eyes made me feel oddly shy.
As if I'd somehow become a child again.
After that, I shared dinner with a Selena who kept showing me little signs of affection, chatting quietly all the while.
The spicy braised short ribs were so good I could easily have gone back for several bowls. Eating with a beauty probably helped.
It was a rare, leisurely Saturday morning. I was sprawled out with Lady Cheese parked on my stomach when my phone buzzed.
She really was diligent. I liked that about her. A moment later the call came through, and I picked up. Her voice was as composed as ever, though there was a faint lift of excitement underneath.
Something good happening, maybe?
"Ah, Teacher Sion. I'm sorry to bother you while you're resting."
"No, no. What's up?"
"You left something behind yesterday."
"Huh? Did I? What did I leave?"
"A button."
"A button?"
Feeling puzzled, I sat up. I went straight to the wardrobe and checked my suit jacket. Sure enough, one of the buttons was gone — only a torn thread marked where it had caught on something and ripped free.
"You're right. One of them came off."
"Would it be all right if I came to your place to sew it back on for you, Teacher Sion?"
"Huh? You'll sew it on? Nah, I can't put a precious student out like that."
"As… compensation."
"Compensation?"
"I'd like to meet the cat at your house, Teacher Sion."
"Ahh."
"Would that still be all right? I think it would be a nice change of pace."
My roommate wasn't coming back for a while, and I'd already told her she could come see the cat someday.
Was this my chance?
I glanced sideways at the weekly quest list. For some reason the word Selena looked like it had turned bold, but anyway.
"All right. I'm home alone right now, so it works out. Want me to come pick you up? You'll need a car to get up here from the dorms."
"Ah— No. I'm already here. Right in front of your villa, Teacher Sion."
"Huh? How did you know where I live?"
"I asked the Director, and she told me."
Her initiative was terrifying.
"And if I'd said no?"
"I was going to leave the button and go. In the mailbox."
"I see. All right. Want to hit the call button?"
The bell rang almost at once, and I pressed the entry release. After a short wait, a careful knock sounded at the front door.
"Ah, Selena — come on in."
"Excuse me."
"Sorry if it's a bit of a mess. Ever since I started working I haven't had time to tidy up."
"It's clean. You could even join the Service Club."
"I'll pass on that. Housework is a pain."
"Hehe. Shall I do it for you instead?"
"No. Cleaning my office is more than enough."
Selena stuck out her lower lip in a faint pout of disappointment, then casually surveyed the room.
"Where is the cat?"
"Here."
I turned so she could see my back.
"Oh my. Hehe. She must adore you, Teacher Sion."
"Yeah. An annoying little sister."
"But you don't mind, do you?"
"I'm completely happy. I wish she'd cling to me forever."
"May I pet her?"
"She won't hiss, will she?"
"She isn't."
"Then go ahead. If she's got her eyes closed and isn't complaining, that means it's okay."
"Excuse me."
Maybe it was Selena's gentle hands — Cheese started up a contented little purr. Before long the cat that had been clinging to my back had buried herself in the valley of Selena's chest.
I'm jealous. I want to be a cat too.
"Ah. I've already taken my reward first."
"It's fine. It's not urgent."
"Um… which way is your room, Teacher Sion?"
"That way."
"Before that, may I wash my hands?"
"Bathroom's over here."
"Thank you, Teacher."
I took the cat back and watched Selena head for the bathroom. As I followed the sway of her figure, I noticed she'd brought a bag with her.
She'd said she was coming to sew on a button, so maybe there was a sewing kit inside.
Once she'd washed her hands, we went into the bedroom together. There was something faintly sly about the way she smiled at me, but I didn't dwell on it.
I was too busy wondering how I was going to complete the creampie quest.