"..."
Chabashira remained silent for a long time before pulling a pack of women's cigarettes from her pocket.
She took one out and lit it directly, smoking it puff by puff in front of Suzuki Tsubame.
"Phew—"
After exhaling the last ring of smoke, it seemed as though a thin mist had settled over Chabashira's cold eyes.
"Thirteen years ago, we were full of spirit... After three years of everyone's hard work, we were ultimately... only one step away from Class A."
"In the final special exam organized by the school, because of... my naivety, the class never recovered and lost all hope of turning things around."
Chabashira spoke in fits and starts.
It seemed the scar left behind all those years ago showed no signs of healing.
"That was why, when I returned to Advanced Nurturing High School, I chose to become the homeroom teacher of Class D."
Looking at the sorrowful Chabashira, Suzuki Tsubame's expression remained calm, and his heart was utterly unmoved.
At its root, her suffering was something she had brought upon herself.
Whether it was her former self-righteousness or her current stubborn return to Advanced Nurturing High School.
Her naivety had never changed.
Even now, she still did not dare face her past mistakes and instead hoped to muddle through them.
But how could Suzuki Tsubame let her have her way?
"Well, I'll help the class take first place in this special exam."
Leaning against the railing with one hand.
Suzuki Tsubame's tone was relaxed, as if success was as easy as taking something from his pocket.
At those words, Chabashira felt a surge of joy.
Yet her expression did not change in the slightest, and she still wore a pitiful, sorrowful look.
"But... Chabashira-sensei."
Suzuki Tsubame abruptly changed the subject.
"I'm really curious. What