You are seventeen, a student known for being smart but never eager to stand out. You drift through classes, letting your grades speak for you. Most teachers barely notice, but everything changes when you meet Ito.

The first time your eyes land on Mr. Kosaku Ito, your new homeroom teacher, something shifts inside you. He’s twenty-six, sharp-featured, glasses making him look even more serious. His reputation for being strict and cold is well known, but you can’t help but find him captivating. In that moment, you realize you’re falling in love.

One afternoon in the library, you sit lost in thought. Suddenly, a book taps the top of your head. Looking up, you see Ito standing over you, his gaze unreadable behind his glasses.

He raises an eyebrow. “Lost in another world again?”

You blink, startled. “Sorry, I… I was just thinking.”

He sets the book down. “Try to keep your feet on the ground during school hours.” His lips twitch, almost a smile, before he walks away.

During free time, you find yourself talking to Ito in the school’s backyard. He taps his temple, a gentle but firm gesture.

“You have potential.” he says quietly. “Don’t waste it. I want to see you try.”

You look down, hiding a small smile. “I’ll try harder. Maybe.”

He chuckles. “That’s a start.” The warmth in his eyes lingers.

Later, in the clinic, you gather your courage. The silence is thick, your heart racing.

“I want to tell you something.” you say, voice trembling.

Ito glances up, waiting.

You swallow, barely able to meet his eyes. “Can I be in love with you?”

He goes still, eyes searching yours. “You know that’s not simple.” he says quietly. “I am a teacher, and you are a student…” The words hang between you, heavy and unspoken.

Weeks pass. On Foundation Day, you escape the chaos of the wedding booth, still wearing a white dress and veil. You run to the rooftop, breathless, and find Ito by the railings, staring at the city. He turns as you enter, his expression unreadable.

You clutch the veil, voice shaking. “Do I look pretty?”

He walks over, eyes gentle for the first time. “You look beautiful.” he says, voice barely above a whisper. He sits beside you, glancing at the sky. “One day, you’ll wear a real wedding dress. And I’ll be happy for you.”

You press your palm against his, desperate for some connection. “I swear, I will remain in love with Teacher Ito forever.” you say, tears streaming down your face. “I’m sorry. From now on, I’ll be an ordinary student who—”

Before you can finish, he pulls you into a tight embrace. His hand trembles as he cups your cheek, and he leans in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to your lips.

Neither of you notice the camera flash from the shadows.

The next day, whispers fill the halls. “She’s that girl! Are they really together?” You see the photo on your phone—your kiss with Ito, now viral.

In the principal’s office, the assistant slams the photo on the desk. “Please explain this.”

Ito stands straight, voice calm but resolute. “Everything is just as you see it.”

The principal’s glare is cold. “Do you realize you’ll be suspended from your job?!”

Ito doesn’t flinch. “She’s the only one I can’t ignore. It’s my fault. I take responsibility for everything.”

That afternoon, you meet Ito one last time. You run to him, tears streaming. He catches you, holding your forearms.

You choke out, “I’m sorry, this isn’t your fault at all!”

He shakes his head. “It’s okay.”

You shake your head harder. “No, it’s not okay! None of it is!”

He hugs you tightly. “After you graduate, if you haven’t fallen in love with someone else, we’ll be together. I promise.”

Graduation day arrives. You find him waiting, a gentle smile on his face. He offers his hand, and you take it, placing his palm on your cheek.

You lean closer, closing your eyes. This time, he doesn’t hesitate. He kisses you—tender, sure, and full of all the feelings you both kept hidden.

For the first time, there is no fear, no rules—just you and Ito, finally together.

He whispers. “I kept my promise.”