The Proposal
(Akane's PoV)
–
Then, Matsuro sensei's lesson literally flew by like it was going on x2 speed. It was strange.
I couldn't focus because my mind kept wandering to what he wanted to tell me, so I used my phone to record the whole lesson so I could listen to it at home if Shin would give me five minutes of free time.
I occasionally stared out the window at the world outside and at the rain falling against the glass. To be honest, I missed that grey sky. It matches me more than the sun does.
"...And this is the end for today's lesson." The teacher spoke, followed by the sound of a chair scraping against the floor.
I turned my head to him and noticed that his gaze was already on me.
"I'll be generous for today, so you'll be free for these remaining fifteen minutes while I discuss something with Takanashi. Don't be noisy, okay?" He said in a polite voice.
"Yes, Matsuro-sensei," Chiaki stood up and bowed.
And then, everyone's gaze was on me like an automatic reflex, making my heart feel a little wave of disgust.
I could already hear their whispers.
'Tch–'
"Stand up and come outside, Takanashi. It won't take long, I promise," He said, smiling.
And then, he walked out of the class.
Reluctantly, I stood up from my seat and followed him outside, feeling everyone's unspoken words on me.
Once I stepped outside, I closed the classroom door and stood in front of the teacher.
"Uhm..." I crossed my arms. "May I know the reason why you called me here, Matsuro-sensei?" I asked, trying to maintain a polite tone.
He smiled even more.
"Don't worry, Takanashi. This is good news, actually," He said, pulling out a small letter from his pocket. "Here, open this and read it out loud." He handed it to me.
I stared at the small piece of paper for a few instants before taking it, wondering what it could've been.
As I took the letter, I inspected it from every angle. The sender was the school's principal himself, and the receiver was indeed me. Akane Takanashi.
Despite Matsuro-sensei's words, this letter could still hide a very ugly surprise in it.
I stared at it for another few instants until I finally found the courage to open it.
I then took out another small piece of paper and tossed the useless envelope in the pocket of my hoodie.
"Come on, read it," Matsuro-sensei said, sounding like he was impatient.
"Okay..." I took a deep breath and then started reading.
"Dear Akane Takanashi... I deeply apologize for this letter. I'm aware that this kind of communication should be handled in person, but I'm really busy right now with matters related to our festival. The reason for this letter is very simple, so I won't be long.
I've spoken with the representatives of the most prestigious university in Tokyo, and they're very interested in offering you a scholarship after reviewing your grades and national test results over the years.
This scholarship includes fully paid rent for four years in one of the highest-rated student accommodations in the central district near the university, as well as four years of free university tuition.
Also, the representatives would be interested in a first meeting after the school festival to discuss further details of this offer.
As the school's principal, I'd like you to really consider this offer, because the last time Tokyo University was interested in someone from our school was more than ten years ago.
You may ask Matsuro-sensei any questions, or, if you want a personal meeting with me, ask Sora Fujimoto for an appointment. I'll do my best to be free. Thank you.
Kind Regards, Sakamoto Takeshi"
After reading all of that, I blinked multiple times, while a strange feeling started to wrap around my heart.
I couldn't tell if I was happy or sad. The only thing I knew was that my hands were gripping the letter so tightly that it could shred at any moment.
"So... what do you think about it, Takanashi?" Matsuro-sensei asked, his voice softening.
As he spoke, I snapped back to reality and then took a deep breath.
Then, I slowly folded the letter and put it in my pocket, not being able to stop thinking about what I had just read.
"Well... this is a lot, I must admit..." I sighed, looking up at him. "But... why me? I mean, there are other students with similar grades, so why?" I asked.
"Every teacher, including me, has been observing you. They always admired your approach to school and how respectful you are despite the way you dress." He said. "Plus, you never failed one single test in every subject, and that's clearly impressive."
"Is that the only reason? As I said–" I tried to speak.
"No, of course it's not only that, Takanashi." He said, his voice softening even more. "Everyone of us has noticed."
I felt a shiver down my spine for some reason.
"Noticed... what?" I asked.
"That during the Class-Parent meeting, you or your parents never came." He said.
My heart skipped a beat, and my eyes widened.
'Don't tell me that... they...'
"That's–"
"I know how hard it is to live without your parents, Takanashi. We're similar, in some ways," He said, sounding more like a father than a teacher. "I've personally done some research and found that your parents died during middle school in a car crash, and that you lived alone with the help of a tutor who left you, right?"
After hearing his words, I felt both relieved and shocked.
'How the hell did he find something like that...? Guess that the disgusting man had done a perfect job of completely erasing me from the family.'
"Right," I said, lowering my head. That was the only thing I could do.
"I apologize for that, Takanashi. I know that I should stay out of your family's affairs," He said. "But I recognize sadness when I see it. And that's why I did my best to recommend you." He then put a hand on my right shoulder, making my body stiffen. "A pure, talented genius like you who knows the value of respect is much more suitable than a rich kid who only does that out of obligation."
After his words, I stood silent for a few instants, staring down at the floor under my feet.
Millions of different thoughts flooded my mind, and one of them was painful.
'What about Shin...? I can't leave him alone... I don't want to... I don't want him to suffer.'
Being recommended to study in the most prestigious university in Tokyo with a scholarship can sound like a dream, and I can't hide the fact that months ago, studying out of this town would've been my choice to permanently cut ties with my family.
But after Shin, my plans had changed, and I never expected something like this to arrive so suddenly.
I was torn in multiple parts.
Studying to build a successful future with the risk of losing the love of my life, doing my best to remain with him and build a family, or making him come with me.
The third option was the hardest, but the question was still the same :
'What if he gets his family back?' That question hit much harder this time.
Without realizing it, I was trembling.
"Takanashi, is everything alr–"
"Yes, Matsuro-sensei. Everything is alright. Thank you for this proposal," I said, looking up at him and stepping back, making him pull his hand away from my shoulder. "But... Can I think about it until the school festival? I need to handle some personal things before making a definitive choice. This is such big news..." I said, trying to mask my nervousness.
Matsuro-sensei smiled warmly.
"Don't worry about it, Takanashi. You have some time to think," He said. "I'm here for any questions, so feel free to ask me everything, whenever you want, okay?"
"Yes, Matsuro-sensei. Thank you so much for this chance and for your kindness." I said, bowing politely.
"Haha... Raise your head, Takanashi. There's no need for such formalities now," Matsuro-sensei waved his hand. "Whatever your choice will be, just really think about it, okay?" He added.
The last sentence made me shiver.
'Really think about it.' I wonder what my choice will be.
But no matter what, Shin had to know about this as soon as possible. I couldn't hide such a bomb from him.
"Yes. I will, Matsuro-sensei. I promise. And thank you again." I said, trying to force a polite smile.
"I'm sure you will, Takanashi. You're a brilliant student." He replied.
And then, the bell rang, making every student realize that lunch break had 'finally' arrived.
"Seems like I have to go now," Matsuro-sensei sighed. "Don't forget to tell Tsugikawa about today's lesson, and remember that I won't be at school tomorrow, so Takaneda-sensei will take my place, okay?"
"Yes, Matsuro-sensei. See you on Monday." I bowed again, and then he walked away with a smile.
After a few moments, I raised my head and went back into the classroom to grab my bag and head to the rooftop to meet Shin and Sora.
Silence fell in the class as soon as I stepped in, and I felt like everyone was analyzing all my movements.
'This is so annoying.' I thought before grabbing my bag.
Then, I walked a few steps and stopped right in front of the door, stomping my feet against the floor loud enough to make everyone hear me.
Without even looking back, I knew that everyone's focus was on me.
"If anyone has something to say, at least have the guts to say it to my face. Your gossip disgusts me." And then I stepped out, walking directly toward the rooftop.