Let's Explore the Area Ahead Later

Chapter 18: Let's Explore the Area Ahead Later

As time passed, more people gradually filled the office.

No one found it strange that Kitahara Ayano was sitting in Kiyoharu's seat. In everyone's eyes, Ayano, Kiyoharu, and Shimaura Hitomi had always belonged to the same small circle, all trusted confidantes of the Young Lady.

However, quite a few male teachers seized the opportunity to strike up conversations with Kitahara Ayano.

Kiyoharu had been engaged for a long time, so the female teachers and students who admired him at school could only admire from afar. They didn't dare to act on their feelings, especially with the fearsome reputation of the "Tokyo Demon" preceding him.

Ayano, on the other hand, was still single. Her quiet personality made her the top choice for many gentlemen. Now that she was here at Chihaya Academy as a consultant, all the eligible bachelors at the school were holding back their energy, eager to impress her, much like peacocks displaying their plumage.

Kitahara Ayano politely dealt with these bothersome men, without revealing her inner frustration.

"Teacher Chihaya, I heard that since you joined the faculty, you've been ranked first in the 'Most Popular Teacher' survey every year?" Kitahara Ayano suddenly shifted the topic to Kiyoharu, who was preparing his lesson.

"That's right, Teacher Chihaya is practically a star in the students' eyes. If he weren't already taken, countless female students would be dying for him," Haneda Miho, the office's gossip queen, began chattering away again. "In the annual survey, Teacher Chihaya's votes are always far ahead, crushing the second place."

"It seems Teacher Chihaya is not only handsome but also an excellent lecturer. I happen to lack experience in communicating with students, so I'll audit your class to learn, Teacher Chihaya."

"Great idea!" Haneda Miho volunteered eagerly. "I'll help you apply for an open class with the principal. Teacher Chihaya, you don't mind, do you?"

"I don't mind."

Auditing his class was fine, but what Kiyoharu truly worried about was whether Kitahara Ayano would cause trouble during the lesson.

However, Kiyoharu thought again. If Ayano wanted to cause trouble, she could do it whether she audited or not, especially with her Time Stop ability.

Thinking this way, he felt less worried.

Although Kitahara Ayano was cunning, she maintained a ladylike image on the surface and didn't embarrass Kiyoharu.

She couldn't possibly do something crazy like "strip Kiyoharu's clothes off while he's lecturing"...

It was the second math class of the morning.

Two temporary plastic benches were added at the back of the classroom, and Kitahara Ayano and Shimaura Hitomi sat side by side.

Shimaura Hitomi naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity to learn, as Kiyoharu would teach more substantial content and pay extra attention to student interaction during open classes with auditors.

For Shimaura Hitomi, simply being able to stare intently at her senior for over forty minutes was enough to keep her captivated.

On the surface, Shimaura Hitomi was still there to learn, holding a notebook and pretending to take notes.

Kitahara Ayano, sitting beside her, wasn't taking notes. Instead, she held a drawing board, occasionally observing the situation in the classroom and sketching a few lines on it.

"Ayano, are you sketching?" Shimaura Hitomi asked softly, full of curiosity.

"Not exactly sketching, just recording inspirations I encounter in life. I'm preparing an important piece recently."

"The 'Ultimate Masterpiece'."

"You know about it too?"

"Yes, Airi told me. She said this work is very important to you, Ayano... If you need any help with the material for your work, you can always ask me! For example, scenes of students' club activities, or the cultural festival, anything..."

"Mmm, thank you."

Silly child, what's so inspiring about boring scenes of vulgar mortals huddling together for warmth?

The truly valuable thing is the man you secretly love, hehe~

Kitahara Ayano had seen through Shimaura Hitomi's feelings for Kiyoharu long ago. She wasn't very familiar with Shimaura Hitomi; they only occasionally went out with Airi on weekends during middle school. Kiyoharu, after going abroad, had only been seen in photos and videos. However, Ayano's naturally sensitive perception of the outside world allowed her to see the truth at a glance.

Just as easily, she could see that there was no such thing as love between Kiyoharu and Airi.

Contrary to the gentle and traditional image she presented to outsiders, Ayano was a thrill-seeker at heart.

A playful curve formed on her lips, and Ayano continued to whisper to Shimaura Hitomi, "It seems Airi is willing to share everything with you."

"It's okay, yes, we chat often."

"Do you talk about sweet marital life?"

Shimaura Hitomi instinctively thought of that, but looking at Ayano's frank expression, she realized she was overthinking. "I guess so? She occasionally complains to me that Kiyoharu is addicted to games... Sorry, I shouldn't have said that! It seems no one at school knows Kiyoharu likes playing games..."

"It's okay, I won't spread it around. We're all good friends with Airi."

Ayano's thoughts were confirmed once again: the Chihaya couple was married in name only.

Otherwise, Airi would definitely share details of their affectionate life with Shimaura Hitomi. In that case, Shimaura Hitomi would have unconsciously shown a hint of gloominess, rather than mere shyness.

Girls like Shimaura Hitomi were as transparent as a fish tank in front of Ayano; she could see exactly what they were thinking.

More than half of the class had passed, and Ayano's draft had taken shape.

The protagonist's image during class was based on Kiyoharu.

The remaining details would require close observation using Time Stop to fill in.

Thus, Ayano gracefully stood up and left, heading to the restroom.

Kiyoharu, standing at the podium, saw this scene and became vigilant.

Is it about to happen?

With a hint of apprehension, Kiyoharu prepared himself and adjusted his stance to be ready.

A moment later, the familiar sense of stagnation washed over him.

After everything froze, Ayano entered through the front door of the classroom, her brow furrowed.

Kiyoharu stood behind the podium, looking down at his lesson plan, his entire front pressed against the podium, concealing his vital areas.