Kitahara Ayano's Keen Interest in Kiyoharu

Chihaya Academy's main gate.

An elegant Bentley sedan's rear door opened, and Kitahara Ayano, dressed in a cinched top and a long pleated skirt, stepped out. Her light chestnut hair was styled into a retro braid at the back of her head. While it might have looked a bit dowdy on an ordinary girl, it suited Kitahara Ayano's classical beauty perfectly.

"I didn't expect to meet Teacher Chihaya again so soon."

"Me neither. It's an honor to help Miss Kitahara adjust to life at Chihaya Academy."

Kitahara Ayano smiled noncommittally and followed Kiyoharu forward.

She seemed to favor wearing long skirts, covering her lower body and revealing only two sections of her fair ankles.

"Back when I graduated from junior high, my original path was Chihaya Academy. Unfortunately, there was a renowned painting instructor abroad willing to take me as a student, so I had to study overseas," Kitahara Ayano said, looking at the scenery within the campus with emotion.

"The conditions here definitely can't compare to the high school Miss Kitahara attended."

"No, I should say... each has its own merits. Besides, compared to a foreign land where the language and culture are unfamiliar, the people here are more interesting."

Speaking of interesting, Kitahara Ayano suddenly stopped and stared at Kiyoharu, her gaze intense.

Why is she looking at me?

Kiyoharu pretended not to notice and changed the subject: "The Literature and Arts Club has club activities almost every weekday, and occasionally organizes off-campus events on rest days. For off-campus events that involve highly specialized situations, advisors are generally required to attend. As for daily on-campus club activities, attendance is optional, depending on Miss Kitahara's schedule."

"I understand. Ah, Teacher Chihaya is indeed as shrewd and capable as the rumors say."

"You flatter me."

"So, why did you choose to become Teacher Chihaya? There are many more meaningful positions available within the foundation," Kitahara Ayano suddenly cut in front of Kiyoharu, blocking his path. With her hands behind her back, she leaned forward slightly, tilting her delicate face up towards him and blinking her eyes. "I'm very curious."

Curious about what the heck... Kiyoharu was a bit speechless and said calmly, "It's just personal interest. Teaching and nurturing people is also a very meaningful endeavor."

"Oh."

Kitahara Ayano nodded thoughtfully, it was unclear whether she believed him or not.

"Take me to see the gallery. I heard there are original works by our school's students on display there?"

"Yes, there are, but I'm afraid they might be a bit childish for Miss Kitahara."

"Childish is good. The products of children's unrestrained imagination are more likely to spark inspiration."

The gallery was an annex building located next to the library. In the spacious hall, the marble floor was spotless. Kitahara Ayano's wedge sandals stepped on it, creating distant echoes.

It was morning, still class time, so the gallery was empty, with only Kiyoharu and Ayano, who had come for a temporary visit.

This made Kiyoharu have a bad premonition.

What if she freezes time in this place and then...

Kiyoharu suddenly felt a bit anxious.

"Kiyoharu-kun, do you usually visit art exhibitions?"

"Miss Kitahara, please continue to call me Teacher Chihaya. I'm more accustomed to the title of teacher at school," Kiyoharu corrected her tactfully.

"Kiyoharu-kun" was a unique nickname used by people in their circle for him, exclusively by Airi. As a close friend, Kitahara Ayano couldn't possibly not know this. Thinking about it this way, she must have done it intentionally.

"Alright... then I guess Teacher Chihaya is interested in painting."

"Not really. I never visit art exhibitions, except when accompanying Airi."

Actually, Airi wasn't particularly fond of this either. That woman's mind was filled with how to run companies and make money. Art? Irrelevant.

Sometimes, when it involved vested interests, she had no choice but to attend some art-related events.

"But I distinctly remember at last year's Shibuya art exhibition, Kiyoharu-kun stared at someone's painting for a long time. It was Airi who couldn't stand it and called your name to pull you away."

"Huh?"

Something like that happened? How come I don't know?

Stunned, Kiyoharu tried to recall. He did remember accompanying Airi to an art exhibition in Shibuya last year.

As for specifically staring at someone's work, that was absolutely baseless. Kiyoharu admitted he was a common man. Looking at these artworks, he could only feel "this seems impressive," but couldn't understand the deeper meaning at all.

"I'm sorry, I don't remember. Could you tell me what Miss Kitahara's work looks like... uh, approximately?"

"It's a theme of snowy mountains and a solitary village."

"Oh, there seems to have been a similar painting. I was thinking about something else at the time, and perhaps I just happened to be standing in front of that piece, spacing out?"

Yes, that was exactly it.

That painting reminded Kiyoharu of the Painted World of Ariandel in Dark Souls 3, and made him think about Sister Friede, and how to defeat Sister Friede without taking damage...

For a son-in-law who was addicted to games and lived idly, in such a boring environment as an art exhibition, what else could he think about but these things?

Who knew that he would be misunderstood by Kitahara Ayano, who was secretly observing him from somewhere.

"Lies."

Kitahara Ayano didn't buy Kiyoharu's explanation. A hint of slyness appeared in her eyes. "Actually, I've been observing you secretly for a long time, Kiyoharu-kun. Through my observations, I've come to three conclusions."

"I'm eager to hear them."

"First, you don't like Airi at all, and Airi doesn't like you either. You are not the model couple that the outside world claims you to be. Instead, you are like a husband and wife in name only, but estranged in reality."

Oh my god! Coming out so strong right from the start. I think you're not studying art, you're studying criminal investigation!

Kiyoharu scoffed internally, but he just shook his head repeatedly. There was no nervousness on his face, only a ridiculous smile as he commented dismissively, "A bit amusing. So, what's the second conclusion?"

"You're marrying into the Chihaya family, not for money or wealth... to be precise, not just for superficial benefits. You have a deeper pursuit, although I haven't figured out exactly what it is yet."

Kitahara Ayano paused after speaking, lost in thought.

"What about the third point?" Kiyoharu asked.

"It's inconvenient to discuss with you at the moment, but... you're very interesting."

"Thank you, to be called interesting by a talented woman from Tokyo, I'm practically overwhelmed with gratitude," Kiyoharu said with a hint of sarcasm. "Can we continue touring the gallery now?"

"Yes, of course... Being with you, Kiyoharu-kun, makes everything interesting."

Muttering strange things, Kitahara Ayano seemed to unconsciously move closer. Her spirited eyes were always drawn to Kiyoharu's face, as if his face held some peerless mystery.

Kiyoharu had to push her face away. Ayano's cheeks were soft and felt exceptionally good to the touch.

Despite being rejected so unchivalrously, Kitahara Ayano merely pouted, undeterred, and continued to follow him through the gallery.

To Kiyoharu's surprise, Kitahara Ayano didn't cause any more trouble until the tour was over.

The expected time-stopping segment did not occur.

Afterward, a staff member from the school's personnel department took Kitahara Ayano to her office.

Given her status, she naturally had her own independent office, on a different floor from Kiyoharu in the same building, so Kiyoharu was finally able to get rid of her for the time being.

Phew...

Kiyoharu felt a bit numb. Kitahara Ayano's attitude towards him clearly held a strong desire to probe.

When a woman becomes curious about a man, it's the most dangerous precursor.

No, I've already settled into married life. I can gain favor with girls just by lying still, can't I?

Look at the reasons Kitahara Ayano gave, it's pure self-inflicted obsession.

Can this world get any better?

"Senpai, you seem troubled?"

Kiyoharu, who was spacing out, was interrupted by Shimaura Hitomi from across his desk.

"Ah, it's nothing too serious."

"If it's convenient, could you tell me about it?"