"A retreat for faculty?" Keita asked, surprised, holding the slip of paper he'd found in his locker.
Underneath it, a delicate, subtly scented note written in fine pen:
"I'll be waiting Friday night, at the 'Sakura no Yoru' inn. Tell no one. — Y."
By the time he arrived, it was already night.
The inn was small and traditional, nestled in a remote area surrounded by forest, with steam rising from an onsen nearby.
Too peaceful to be a coincidence. Too perfect to be innocent.
He stepped into the reception area. Empty.
Then he heard footsteps on the wooden floor.
He turned.
Yuzuki-sensei stood there in a light yukata, tied loosely at the waist.
Her hair was casually pinned up, no glasses.
She looked... different.
Or maybe this was just her—truly her.
"There wasn't another room," she said, toying with the edge of her yukata.
"So... we'll have to share."
Keita swallowed hard, then smiled.
"I don't want another."
The room was small, with a double futon laid out on the floor and a dim lamp casting a soft glow.
Outside, it was gently raining, the sound almost hypnotic.
She sat at the edge of the bed, pulling him slowly down beside her.
"Here, Keita… we're not student and teacher anymore. Just two people who… can't pretend they don't feel this."
He cupped her face in his hands.
"Then this weekend… I just want to be your man."
She closed her eyes—and when she opened them, there was no hesitation left.
Only desire.
And that night, the rain bore witness to a bond that was forbidden…
But real.
More real than any lesson or test.
No rules. No excuses.
Just them.