In This World That Favors Men, I... ~Starting a Sweet School Life in a World With a 1:8 Gender Ratio~ - 57

Chapter 57: Spring is Here Too

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“Satou-sensei, do you have a moment regarding the report from the recent exchange meeting?”

“Mizushima-sensei. Is there something wrong with the report?”

While A-Class homeroom teacher Satou was working on administrative tasks in the staff room, the grade coordinator, Mizushima, called out to her.

“No, there’s nothing wrong, but some revisions are needed.”

“Revisions?”

“Yeah. It seems our students left a really good impression at St. Catherine Academy. They’ve asked if we would be interested in participating again next year.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. The boys were well-mannered and, how should I put it, they were particularly kind toward the girls. Their behavior was highly praised. It seems they were well-received by both the teachers and the students.”

This was the first time their school had been invited to participate in St. Catherine Academy’s “Inter-School Exchange Meeting.”

For the boys, who were often mocked as having been “gathered with money,” receiving high praise from one of Japan’s most prestigious traditional schools was a significant achievement for their academy.

“As expected of our students. In that case, rather than a simple revision, we might need to rewrite the layout from scratch?”

“You’re sharp. Sorry, but yeah, it seems we need to do just that. If this were a one-time event, the current report would be fine, but since it might become a regular occurrence, there are some missing elements. I was thinking we could review it together in the small meeting room at one o’clock. Would that work for you?”

“Yes, that’s fine by me. I’ll be there. Thank you.”

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“Alright, this looks good. Thanks for your hard work Satou-sensei. I’ll submit it now. I think it’ll be well received.”

“Thank you very much. It’s all thanks to your guidance, Mizushima-sensei.”

“Hearing that makes me happy, but really, this is the result of your dedication to your students. A-Class went through a lot, after all. Honestly, at first, I wasn’t sure how things would turn out.”

“That’s true… So much happened. When one of the boys dropped out, I was questioned as the homeroom teacher, and you defended me. I’m truly grateful for that. To be honest, at that time, I was even prepared to quit teaching. So, me being here now is all thanks to you.”

The weight of being a homeroom teacher for A-Class for the first time was heavy on Satou. On top of that, a male student who had become a key figure in the school suddenly dropped out of school. This was a huge burden for Satou, who was still lacking in teaching experience. When she was criticized in the staff meeting, she had been completely unable to defend herself.

“You’re exaggerating. That was beyond your control, and I didn’t do anything that major either.”

“No, back then, I was so overwhelmed that I didn’t even thank you properly. I really appreciate what you did. If there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know. Anything at all.”

“That’s… You’re way too trusting. Though, I suppose that’s also one of your good qualities, Satou-sensei.”

“Too trusting…?”

“Yes. Even though we’re colleagues, a young and adorable woman like you shouldn’t be saying ‘anything at all’ to an old guy like me. Someone might get the wrong idea.”

“W-What? Oh! No! That’s not what I meant… And besides, you’re not an old man, Mizushima-sensei!”

Satou, flustered by the unexpected remark, felt her voice trail off.

“Your ears are turning red. That just makes you even cuter. Does this mean I have a chance?”

“A c-chance? I… No way. I mean, I’m just…”

“Ah, don’t worry about it. Sure, my grandmother is the head of this academy, but using that to my advantage would be workplace harassment. Hm? Wait, is this already sexual harassment? Sorry, did I make you uncomfortable?”

As Mizushima leaned in slightly to look at her face, Satou’s entire face turned red.

“Not at all… I mean, I just can’t believe this is happening.”

“Sorry, sorry. This isn’t really the kind of conversation we should be having at work, huh? But, to be honest, I was just looking for the right moment. It actually takes a lot of courage to bring up something like this.”

“If I’m not mistaken… Are you saying that… No, no, that can’t be… I must be misunderstanding. I’m sorry—”

“You’re not misunderstanding. I’m asking you out, but since we’re at work, we probably shouldn’t talk about this here. How about tonight? Would you like to go out for dinner?”

“T-T-Tonight?! But… I wasn’t prepared for this… And I haven’t even picked out something to wear. Going in my work clothes would be rude to you!”

Going on a date dressed in work attire was unthinkable, especially if the invitation came from someone she was genuinely interested in. That was simply common sense for women in society.

“To me, you look adorable just the way you are. But yeah, I guess tonight is a bit too sudden. Sorry, I can be pretty impatient. How about this weekend instead? It’s spring break, so you should have some time, right?”

“Yes! I can make time… No, I will make time. I’d love to go!”

“Great. Do you have any food preferences? I was thinking of going somewhere casual.”

“I’m not picky at all! But… Are you really going to make the reservation? It feels like I’m leaving everything to you, Mizushima-sensei…”

“I’m the one who asked you out, so of course. I’m looking forward to the weekend.”

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“Hmm hmm hm-hmm~♪”

“Huh? What’s up, Onee-chan? You’re humming.”

In front of the mirror, Hanako Satou was carefully tending to her skin. She was practically glowing with excitement.

“Ehehe. I ended up getting a date somehow! ♡”

“Wait, what?! A date? With who?”

“You won’t believe it, but… with MizuP!”

“MizuP? You don’t mean… Mizushima, the heir to the academy?”

“Yep! That Mizushima!”

“Whoa! That’s amazing! How did you approach him?”

“I didn’t! He actually asked me out!”

“What?! No way! That actually happens? I thought men making the first move was just an urban legend!”

In the working world, free romance was a distant dream. For women who had lost out in the competitive dating scene of their school days, the idea of being asked out by a man seemed almost mythical.

“Right?! I was totally surprised, but of course, I said yes immediately! What if he says, ‘Will you marry me?’ Oh my god, what do I do?!”

Satou’s fantasies inflated like a hot air balloon.

“Come on. No way that happens on the first date. But if he was the one who asked you out, then maybe someday…?”

“Right? Right?! It’s okay to hope a little, isn’t it? I was about ready to give up on marriage, but to be proposed to by my dream guy, MizuP… It feels like a dream!”

“Well, you were in the MizuP fan club back in high school.”

Yes. Even now, the MizuP Fan Club still existed. Though their activities had mellowed out, back when Satou was in high school, the members were so devoted that they had to impose strict rules to avoid bothering Mizushima, who was one of the few male teachers at the school.

“Of course! He’s my perfect type after all!”

“When I heard you got a job at Eika Shuuei, I was kinda worried you’d turn into a stalker, but I never thought your dream would actually come true! Congrats! I hope it works out for you!”

“Thanks! This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance from the gods… I’m going to give it my all!”

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