“I apologize, sensei. I have no idea that she enrolled in your course.”
Several minutes later, we’re now inside Ichihara-san’s car. While she hadn’t started driving yet, the engine was already turned on.
Earlier, when she and Marika t at the entrance of the boxing gym, the latter cautiously asked her. Most likely, the ringlet girl thought Ichihara-san was there for her. She’s wary, for sure. But considering Ichihara-san had no idea about her enrollnt in my Basics of Boxing Course, she’s probably keeping it a secret. Or at least, only her escorts know about it.
“It’s fine. You don’t have to apologize, Ichihara-san. I don’t find her troubleso at all.”
“Really? Have you gotten closer to her? I rember. She’s with your...”
Right. She’s aware of my relationship with Sena. So, seeing Marika with the girl most likely filled her mind with ideas as to what has happened.
“Closer. Maybe, yes. But only to her and not to the guy engaged to her.”
“I see... That’s a relief then.”
“Hmm? Will there be a problem if I have also gotten closer to Ichihara Jun?”
“I hate to say this but I don’t find him pleasant at all. He’s too obnoxiously spoiled. As much as possible, I avoid getting in contact with him... Oh. Please keep this a secret, sensei.”
Hearing all those along with her sigh of relief, I couldn’t help but consider that as the woman unloading her stored grievance against Ichihara Jun.
“Ichihara-san, I know you’re not airheaded enough to blurt that out to without proper thought. You’re aware of it. Or rather, you have a hunch that I also don’t like him.”
It’s not really a secret, anyway. In our last talk, before I accepted her offer, I told her about Ichihara Jun.
“... You got there, sensei. I just... It’s hard for to air out my grievances. Being the daughter-in-law of that family, I have to keep my complaints to myself.”
“I see... It must be hard.”
Or so I would’ve normally ended my response at that. However, I could sohow sense there was sothing more to it. And as soone who trusted his guts regularly, I leaned close to Ichihara-san, just enough to apply so sort of pressure to her before continuing,
“...However, Ichihara-san, may I know the real reason? I may be young in your eyes. Younger than that nephew of yours. But even if you trust enough to hire for Koharu-chan, I’m finding it hard to believe that it will be enough for you to see trustworthy enough to keep quiet about the grievances you have about the family you already belong to.”
“...”
“Is this so sort of test or... there’s another reason entirely?”
Seeing that she imdiately pursed her lips as though she was preventing herself from talking or replying to , I pushed even closer while adding that. For sure, she wouldn’t be able to dismiss that as it’s a clear suspicion on my part.
With my eyes observing her closely, I noticed her grip on the steering wheel tightening. The sa as last ti when she explained how Marika found out about being an instructor at the gym, her body started shaking a little.
Whether it was out of fear or nervousness, I had no idea. Unfortunately, to get to the bottom of this, I couldn’t back down yet.
Even if it would risk getting kicked out by her and canceling the offer she made with , I gently placed my hand over hers, partly to hint at her that I’m on her side and partly to show her how bold I can be.
Little by little, her shaking gradually stopped, and her head that was hanging low raised again to face ..
Ichihara-san’s clear eyes then locked with mine as she tried to recompose herself.
Following that, she opened her mouth with a newfound determination occupying her face.
Sohow, I could already sense what she was about to say... She’s going to affirm my trust, right?
“Onoda-sensei... You’re correct. I... I’m testing you. However, it’s not because I don’t see you as trustworthy enough.”
“Then why?”
“Will you believe if I tell you that I’m afraid of that family?”
Afraid, huh? Are they monsters in disguise? What about her husband then?
“I don’t know. And I don’t know them well enough to judge. Besides, Ichihara-san, I’m an outsider. Don’t you think you’re putting so much on my shoulder just by revealing your thoughts on ?”
“... Y-yes. You’re right. I’m probably doing that. However, Onoda-sensei, I have this feeling that if it’s you, you won’t be easily intimidated.”
“Why do you think so? I’m still young, not even strong enough to stand on my two feet. I’m also still relying on my parents to get through this phase in my life. I think you’re overestimating my abilities.”
“You stood up against Jun by yourself. That alone is... comndable.”
Ah. I see. So, she already had these thoughts ever since that day. Although her offer for to beco her daughter’s personal trainer ca up from my stellar result as the Instructor of that course, this seemingly hopeful trust in was born upon seeing unfaltering even against the likes of Ichihara Jun and Marika.
Now this makes wonder how her life is inside the Ichihara compound.
“Alright. I think we better stop at this, Ichihara-san.” Retracting my hand back and returning to my previous position, I said that in a way that shows my resignation to what she was hoping for .
It doesn’t matter to if this job is canceled. I can’t be stupid enough to beco her beacon of light out of the ager accomplishnt of standing up against Ichihara Jun.
Besides, Ichihara-san sounded a little too desperate to have soone by her side that’s not related to the Ichihara. Most likely, I would beco the outlet to lighten the load of her mind.
That’s like becoming a tool for her. What’s in it for , right? I’m busy enough to care for my girls. I can’t afford to be used by her like this.
“Eh? Onoda-sensei...” Sensing my intention to opt out of this, Ichihara-san hurriedly turned to as panic started to set in her eyes.
“I an it, Ichihara-san. I believe you’re asking too much of . I’m simply a Boxing Instructor. I don’t think we should mix personal issues here. I’m willing to listen but that’s all.”
“... I... I apologize. I sounded foolish there. Now that you ntion it, you’re right. I shouldn’t have tried to mix in my personal issues here. I must’ve looked desperate.” Ichihara-san drooped her shoulders as she released a rather depressing sigh.
Even if I am bound to clash against the Ichihara Family, I don’t think it’s wise for to shoulder this woman’s trouble.
We could reach a compromise. Just that, I wouldn’t actively act for her benefit.
“It’s fine. I’m not that numb and coldhearted. I can sohow see where you’re coming from but it’s just not really sothing you should ask a stranger or rather, an acquaintance to help.”
Ichihara-san's response to that was a simple hum that was agreeing with my words. She seed to have lost her will to talk or she was too ashad to do so. Either way, I guess I should end this here.
“If you’re still up for it, I can still be Koharu-chan’s personal trainer. However, if it will be awkward for you then I’m also fine with not going through with it at all.”
Not long after I said that, Ichihara-san looked at again, the light in her eyes turned into soone pleading.
“No. Onoda-sensei, please don’t cancel it. I won’t try and do the sa thing anymore. Let , at least, fulfill my promise to my daughter.”
Though she still looked as beautiful as before, the look of despair on her face wasn’t really sothing pleasant to see. Had I kept quiet and let her release all of her frustrations from that family, she’d probably be smiling pleasantly at this mont.
Alas, my mind wouldn’t change easily.
“Okay. Sure. I’ll also feel bad if Koharu-chan becos sad. Please lead the way, Ichihara-san.”
“Thank you, Onoda-sensei. I’m indebted to you.”
“Don’t feel that way, Ichihara-san. You’re going to pay for my services anyway.” I shrugged and put on a smile.
Seeing that, Ichihara-san did the sa, albeit a little forced. In any case, that’s enough to sweep away the depressing air in her car.
A while later, she started driving towards the Ichihara’s compound.
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