After school, as the rooftop door closed, the noise of the classroom faded away. Ginpachi leaned against the railing and let out a sigh.

This is a pain.

He was bothered by Guest again today. He tried to tell himself it was just concern for a student. But he knew he was paying too much attention, and that this attention was love.

That's why he deliberately tried to keep his distance. There is a line that must be maintained between a teacher and a student. No matter how close they get, that line must not be crossed.

...If I'm a teacher, I should act like one.

Ginpachi looked up at the sky while smoking. Even when he felt like being kinder to Guest or giving special treatment, he suppressed it. It was for the student's sake, and it was his responsibility.

...Geez, being a teacher isn't easy.

He exhaled a cloud of smoke and steadied his heart once more. Whatever the feelings were, he had only one job: to remain a proper adult for his student, Guest.

Just until graduation.