The Students I Once Tutored As Part-Time Home Tutors During My Student Days Had Suddenly Achieved Excessive Success In Their Careers. - Chapter 14: Flag.

Flag.

Five days had passed since the day Sora proposed a home visit. It was a Saturday.

“Onee-san, you’re so beautiful! Do you have time right now!?”

“I don’t have any time.”

While walking in the city, she was approached, and with a sharp and immediate response, she dismissed the person.

“Hello! Onee-san, I have something I’d like you to help with. Is that okay?”

“I’m busy right now.”

In another instance, she made a quick, resolute decision.

“Hey there, pretty lady! Wanna hang out for a bit? I’ll treat you to your favorite thing.”

“I’m not interested. No, thanks.”

In yet another case, she responded with a firm and immediate rejection, displaying an expressionless and aloof demeanor that left no room for ‘opportunity’ or any hint of possibility.

The time was 1:40 PM. In such moments, Sakurai Nanase, who had just finished a modeling photoshoot, was walking toward the university.

“There are still way too many guys trying to hit on me here. You’d think he’d get the hint…”

She mumbled in the tone she used when she was a delinquent, while she gazed at the rose quartz bracelet on her left wrist.

“I guess this makes it seem like I have a boyfriend after all… I thought it was a nice item.”

If she wore a rose quartz love stone, maybe she’d run into ‘that idiot.’ Furthermore, if people knew the meaning of this power stone, fewer men might approach her.

She bought it for these two reasons, but recently, she felt its effect was too weak.

“The friendship bracelet he gave me has already broken… That pouch can’t be used… And these two items are probably less effective than this one…”

It had been over two years since she parted ways with ‘that idiot.’ She had already used up the nail oil and perfume that had been given to her as gifts.

The only thing that remained physically was a branded pouch given to her during her last class with ‘that idiot.’

“Keep working hard towards your dreams, Nanase-san. I’m sure you can work with this manufacturer too,” he said as he handed it to her.

She confirmed in secret that the manufacturer mentioned by her mother was indeed her favorite one before accepting the gift.

“Give me a more practical gift… That’s why he calls me an idiot…”

Nanase, who had a picture of his smiling face in her mind, sighed and continued walking with a slightly clearer mind.

It was at that moment. Her smartphone, which was in her pocket, began to vibrate.

“Is it my manager?”

To avoid inconveniencing others and to ensure she didn’t become a walking distraction by using her phone while walking, Nanase moved to a corner and came to a stop. She took out her phone from her pocket and checked the display. Immediately, she answered the call from ‘Mom.’

“Nana-chan, are you okay now?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I just finished a photo shoot. What’s up, Mom?”

“Well, you see, there’s a special sale on meat, eggs, and vegetables at our regular supermarket from 4 PM today. If you have time, could you pick up some groceries for us? I’ll be working late today.”

“Got it. But I have a class at the university in a bit, so I might be a little late for the sale, maybe around 30 minutes.”

“Thank you so much, even if you can just stop by.”

“Sure thing. Anyway, I’m a bit busy right now, so I’ll hang up. Good luck at work, Mom.”

“Thank you!”

After this simple exchange, Nanase immediately switched her phone screen and added ‘Stop by the supermarket. Definitely’ to her schedule app.

“…Honestly, if I hadn’t met Sensei back then, if Sensei hadn’t scolded me, I wonder what would have become of me now…”

Thinking about her rebellious phase from that time, Nanase squinted her eyes and overflowed with gratitude. Still, she knew there were limits to being straightforward.

“But someday, I’ll definitely give that idiot a piece of my mind. That lecture was so annoying…”

Someday, she would definitely give him a piece of her mind. She secretly harbored thoughts of scolding him if he didn’t work as hard as she did.

***

At the same time,

“One month until Sae-san’s home visit…”

Sora, who was working on a Saturday to catch up on his work, diligently created materials while checking his schedule.

“I need to make something as clear and understandable as possible…”

The day after suggesting the idea of a home visit, it was decided that the visit would take place at Sae’s home.

Sora had assumed that Sae’s parents would also be present, but on the scheduled day for the home visit, it turned out that Sae’s father had a business trip. This meant it would be a three-way meeting between Sae, her mother, and Sora.

(From Sae-san’s reaction, it seems like she intentionally chose that day…)

To maintain a similar structure as when he used to tutor her two years ago.

(Well… it’s easier for the meeting to take place on that day. I need to make sure I can show how much she’s improved…)

At the time, Sae’s mother had been a tremendous help to Sora. She brought desserts, gave him gifts, and treated him to dinner. For Sora, who lived alone, such hospitality meant a lot.

“Now, let’s give it our all a bit more…”

Sora had already finished his work for the day and was in a position to head home anytime, but he chose to stay a little longer. He wanted to show his progress, and he wanted to be seen as a “reliable teacher.” So, he spent his time accordingly.

“Oh, by the way… I remember there’s a sale at that supermarket starting at 4 PM today.”

Recalling the flyer he had received when he visited the store, Sora muttered to himself.