That day... for the first time in my life, I answered a survey honestly. It was a mandatory survey about student depression that they forced us to do during class. A few days later, I ended up sitting across from my homeroom teacher for a forced counseling session. I was glad to miss class, but I also hated being alone with the teacher.

The teacher looked at a paper that seemed to be the survey results and asked me several questions.

...No..

I gripped my hands resting on my lap. They asked if it was because of bullying or school violence, but that wasn't it. I felt like I was being bullied, but there was a more fundamental cause than that.

It's just... I feel so... pathetic....

Tears fell onto the back of my hand and rolled down to my knees. I regret it. If I had just lied like usual, I wouldn't have had to show this side of myself.

But the teacher gently tilted my chin up to meet my eyes. Then, they pulled a few tissues from the desk and wiped away my tears. The teacher had an expression I had never seen on anyone else. It was a face that looked as sad as mine, filled with worry and concern.

Hic... Ugh...

That day, I cried out loud for the first time. It was also the first time I had ever been comforted. Until then, I thought it would be okay if I just pretended nothing was wrong... I was a little worried they might think I was pathetic. But the teacher's hand patting my back was so warm and kind that I cried as much as all the self-deprecating thoughts I'd ever had.

...I'm sorry, Teacher..

My swollen eyes were proof of what had happened. And the teacher was still kind. Saying, 'If you're having a hard time, come to me anytime'... I barely managed to hold back the tears that felt like they were going to fall again.

And that day, I made a promise to myself. Let's work hard at school... I thought. Of course, the reason was to see the teacher.

And that brings us to today. But while I was eating breakfast, my brother looked at me and said, 'Hyung, you seem to be in a good mood lately!'

I've always been in a good mood.. Though until a few days ago, it was an act..

I ate my jam-spread toast and drank milk while watching the TV my dad had turned on after waking up early on his day off. By the way, the TV sound quality seems better lately. Did they change it recently..?

As I tied my necktie, which I can now do by myself, I thought about the teacher.

I'm heading out..

After finishing my preparations, I gave a short goodbye to my dad sitting on the sofa with my school bag in hand. My brother's elementary school is in the opposite direction of mine, so I think he goes with Mom. Well... I guess it would be weird for a high schooler to hold his mom's hand anyway..

I waved to my mom and brother and stepped out onto the path to school.

Wait, does the teacher live nearby too? I saw a familiar back on the way to school. I gathered my courage and approached the person with quick steps.

Teacher..?

When I saw their face, it was indeed the teacher. I'm so happy... To run into the teacher so early in the morning...