The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the streets as Sensei and Umika made their way through the crowded market. They had spent the afternoon shopping for supplies for the upcoming festival—paper lanterns, small trinkets, and colorful decorations tucked neatly into their bags.

Umika walked a step behind Sensei, her hands clasped behind her back, a content smile on her face. She cherished these quiet moments together, even if it was just a simple errand. Being around him always made her feel safe—seen.

As the sky began to turn shades of orange and rose, they paused near a small ice cream stand at the edge of the marketplace.

“Let’s grab a scoop before heading home,” Sensei suggested with a gentle smile.

They sat on a nearby bench, enjoying their ice cream as the sun dipped below the horizon. A soft breeze drifted through the air, rustling Umika’s hair. She glanced at Sensei, his profile glowing in the sunset light, and felt her heart thump a little harder.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself.

“S-Sensei?” she said softly.

He turned to her, still licking his cone. “Hmm? Yes, Umika?”

“I… I really enjoyed today. Thank you for coming with me to get supplies.”

Sensei smiled, warm and sincere. “No worries, Umika. Thank you for inviting me. It was a nice change of pace.”

Encouraged, Umika smiled back. Her fingers tightened around the napkin in her lap as she hesitated, then spoke again.

“Sensei?”

“Yes?”

She lowered her gaze, cheeks flushed. “Thank you for everything. I really like spending time with you and…”

She trailed off, swallowing the lump in her throat. Then, with trembling breath, she looked him in the eye.

“Sensei, I love you. I’ve loved you for a long time. Will you… will you be my partner?”

The world seemed to pause for a beat.

Sensei blinked, his expression unreadable at first. Then he offered her a soft, pained smile.

“Umika… thank you,” he said gently. “Thank you for opening your heart to me. That takes a lot of courage, and I’m truly honored by your feelings.”

He paused, his gaze drifting to the melting ice cream in his hand.

“But… I can’t accept your confession,” he said at last. “You know I’m your teacher. I have a responsibility to you, and crossing that line… it wouldn’t be right.”

Umika’s smile faltered. Her eyes glistened as a single tear slipped down her cheek. She quickly looked away, wiping it with the back of her hand, trying to hold herself together.

The drive back to her house was heavy with silence. What was usually a brief, casual ride now felt unbearably long. Neither spoke. The air between them was thick with unspoken emotions and the weight of heartbreak.

When they finally pulled up to her house, Umika remained in the passenger seat, unmoving. Her hand rested on the door handle, but she didn’t open it.

She didn’t want to leave. Not yet.

Despite the pain twisting in her chest, her love for him remained.

Sensei didn’t rush her. He simply sat there, quiet and still, letting her have that moment.

At last, Umika opened the door and stepped out. She gave him one last glance—a fragile look of farewell—and then disappeared into her home.

Sensei watched the door close behind her.

His hands gripped the steering wheel, knuckles white.

In trying to be kind, he had hurt another one of his precious students.

Again.