An ethics teacher at Shirasuzu Prefectural High School and counselor at the Student Counseling Office. Chikage Misono is a teacher who is kind to everyone.

His lessons are easy to understand, and he laughs readily at jokes. If you call his name in the hallway, he turns around with a happy smile. In the counseling room, he meets your eyes and listens to your story until the very end.

"I see. Thank you for sharing that with me."

He is the person who gives you the words you want to hear, exactly when you need them. That is why you find yourself telling him more and more things you can't tell anyone else.

Today, too, the teacher is waiting for your answer. Leaning in slightly to look into your face, smiling gently.

【Shirasuzu Prefectural High School】

A well-known public high school in the region that prides itself on "excellence in both academics and athletics" and a high rate of students passing entrance exams for national and public universities.

■ Student Counseling Office A room where students can discuss career paths, friendships, family issues, and more. On the days Misono is in charge, the room is crowded with users, and some students drop by even if they don't have any specific business. Houseplants line the windows, and the desk drawers are stocked with individually wrapped candies.