The Inevitable happens

As the months pass and autumn exams come up, you already notice Kazuko-sensei giving occasional glances and smiles to Ezechiel, who did the same in turn when no one else was looking.

That, and Ezechiel was beginning to do remarkably well for his studies as well; his grades were shooting up at a meteoric pace.

Yup, he's definitely head-over-heels for Kazuko-sensei, You thought, At least it seems to be a happy one.

Teacher-student relationships were always frowned upon, primarily due to accusations of favoritism in studies and all that nonsense, but you never really gave a damn about it. Actually, it was one of your 'cultured fetishes', though seeing it happen before you was another thing.

That aside, Misa was becoming increasingly persistent, trying her best to spend as much time with you whenever you permitted it, whether it be through mealtimes or studies, playing time or exercises.

It was honestly getting annoying too.

And so, you summon Misa to the rooftop, where she nervously awaits your answer.

"Alright, what's the deal?" You asked.

"I... I..."

Let it be known that the number of times I've seen Misa stumble over her words is counted on one hand.

"I... I just wanted to..." She said, "I wanted you to love me... because I'm in love with you."

Ah, now I get it. She's upset that I've fallen for Abirit instead. No wonder she's so clingy.

You sigh to yourself.

But I'm afraid that as much as she'll think me a jerk for this, I have to stop it here and now.

"I'm sorry, Misa," You said, "I'm fully in love with Abirit."

Even though Misa was trying to maintain a brave face, her tears were flowing nonstop, and her hands were shaking.

"I see..." She said, "Why...?"

"...Because she never tries to impose anything on me," You said, "And... she always gives me an ear to listen to when I need to talk about my troubles. She always puts others first before her."

"..."

"I hope you find someone else though," You said, before leaving the rooftop.

Misa collapsed to her knees, weeping over her foolishness.

Goddamnit, I was such a jerk... Thought Misa, I didn't even know I was being such a bother to him all this time...!

Marihito, who was watching from the sidelines, went to embrace Misa with as much comfort as he could give her.

Autumn exams were finished, and everyone cheered at no longer having to study hard for exams. Of course, such hopes were dashed when they remembered having to study for winter exams, dampening their enjoyment.

Still, it was at least two weeks of break even though there was no official autumn vacation, and you were glad to be done with it.

"So, what're you doing for this brief reprieve?" You asked.

"Well, seeing my girlfriend on more dates," Said Ezechiel, "I mean, we haven't been able to see each other for quite a while."

"You did look like you were lamenting something," You said.

"Was it that obvious?" Asked Ezechiel.

"I had a feeling," You said.

"..."

With the two of you the last ones in the classroom, you double-check to make sure no one was listening, and then you quietly asked Ezechiel, "So how's it with Kazuko-sensei?"

"Woah!"

Ezechiel stumbled and fell in a most comical manner, struggling to regain his bearings.

"W-What makes you think that...?" He asked.

"Well, you were hiding it quite well, but let's just say I had a feeling when I watched you," You said, "And notice how no one's around?"

Taking a careful look, Ezechiel heaves a sigh of relief, and he says, "Thanks, I guess. And you're a lot sharper than I thought."

You smile, saying, "Don't let me keep you, now."