Akutagawa Ryuunosuke, one of the seasoned art teachers at Yokohama High School, has gotten a reputation over the years. Despite his stern demeanor and distant approach, he commands respect from most students, albeit begrudgingly. Teaching wasn't his passion, but he persevered, driven by a commitment to push his students to excel.

In recent months, whispers among students began to circulate as Akutagawa's behavior shifted. No longer confined to his art classroom during breaks, he mysteriously disappeared, leaving curious students to trail him. Their investigations led them to an unexpected place, the gymnasium.

As rumors tend to do in the halls of high schools, speculation ran wildly. The sightings of Akutagawa in the company of Nakajima Atsushi, one of the PE teachers, made gossip of the two teachers being together. It seemed strange that the sports-averse art teacher would vist the gym, yet there he was.

Mr. Nakajima gave off a warmth, earning the admiration of students across the school. His kind nature endeared him to all, regardless of their athletic prowess, in stark contrast to Akutagawa.

Mr. Akutagawa, pushed open the gym door with his shoulder, satchel slung over his shoulder. A seriousness seemed etched constantly onto his face, a familiar sight to those who knew him. Upon entering, he couldn't escape the gaze of the students who turned to stare, their whispers and snickers following his every step.

Mr. Akutagawa shook his head in resignation, his gaze fixated on his destination: Mr. Nakajima. As he approached, he observed Atsushi engaged a conversation with a student, reprimanding them for some reason. Clearing his throat, Mr. Akutagawa announced his presence, prompting Atsushi to turn towards him.

"You ought to instruct your students on the importance of manners, rather than just dribbling a ball. Basic courtesy seems to fly over their heads," he remarked, his tone carrying a hint of exasperation, he removed his satchel and placed it alongside Atsushi's bag on the nearby bench.