The Students I Once Tutored As Part-Time Home Tutors During My Student Days Had Suddenly Achieved Excessive Success In Their Careers. - Chapter 30: Home Visit (Part 2)

Home Visit (Part 2)

“Sae… Why are you sitting next to Sora-sensei? The composition of this is just plain strange.”

“It wouldn’t have been obvious if you hadn’t said anything, Mom.”

“There’s no way it could be like that.”

The home visit began with this exchange between mother and daughter, and thanks to it, they could approach the conversation with a relaxed atmosphere.

“This is a report on Sae-san’s attendance for the previous and current academic years. To be honest, her attendance has improved significantly this year.”

“Oh, in the previous year, she had ten times the absences by this time, but this year, it’s not even five times. You’re doing great, Sae-san.”

“Thanks.”

While Sae’s seating arrangement had been corrected, she was still audibly pleased with herself. She had successfully defended her chosen spot.

“Moreover, she has had no tardies or absences since April this year, so if things continue smoothly, she should graduate without any issues. There’s really nothing to worry about at this point.”

“Mom, it seems like there’s nothing to worry about.”

“That smug look of yours, stop it.”

While Sae’s smugness wasn’t visible due to her positioning, judging by her mother’s twitching expression, she was probably feeling quite proud of herself.

“Now, let’s move on to her test scores. Given her attendance last year, her current scores are quite impressive. I personally have no concerns about her grades. With her strong foundation, she should continue to excel.”

“Mom, even Sora-sensei has no concerns. He thinks I have a strong foundation.”

“You don’t need to repeat everything…”

By looking at her mother’s face, it was clear that she was giving Sae the evil eye and growing exasperated. Presumably, Sae was making another smug expression.

“Despite balancing her part-time job, she has managed to achieve these scores. By adjusting her study habits to focus more on application, she could easily aim for a prestigious university.”

“Hummuuu….”

“…”

Her mother’s expression showed signs of irritation. Perhaps Sae was once again making an overly confident expression.

(They still get along so well, huh?)

Smiling at the thought, Sora continued to observe the interactions between mother and daughter.

“Sora-sensei.”

“Yes?”

“Is there anything you could say to give Sae a reality check? Please, don’t hesitate to bring her back down to earth.”

“Wha!?”

Sae, with wide eyes, was probably regretting her earlier behavior.

“Indeed, if I were to provide some guidance…”

“Sora-kun, you don’t need to listen to Mom’s request.”

“No, no. Given this opportunity, please feel free to discipline her without worrying about your position. It might be for Sae’s own good.”

“Haha, indeed. Praising too much isn’t ideal, is it?”

“Exactly.”

Their conversation was fueled by the rapport they had built over time. It was a reasonable argument. In response, Sae, with trembling lips, glanced back at them, pleading with her eyes. “Even if you have to say something, please go easy on me,” she silently implored.

“Now, Sae-san… From a position excluding the teacher, one thing.”

“Um, okay…”

Sora shifted his posture to face Sae directly and conveyed his message.

“As a professional, even though you’re still a student, I think it’s okay to increase your workload a bit more. You can afford to trim some of your current free time.”

“Uh…”

To be honest, saying this in front of Sae’s mother was intimidating. However, this was something he needed to discuss because Sae had chosen the path of a professional.

“Creating some leeway for high school graduation is good, and it’s true that graduation should be your top priority. But I also want you to focus on building a foundation for a full-time career at this stage, even if it means sacrificing some of your current free time. For example, getting used to multitasking in the midst of a busy schedule, managing your schedule more accurately, and studying illustration during your free time.”

“…”

“Personally, what I’d like to see you aim for, Sae-san, is to become proficient in managing your time for graduation, even if it means trimming some of your current free time. Another goal is to further solidify the foundation so that you won’t struggle even if you become a full-time professional.”

The proverb “You can’t chase two hares at once” was something he was aware of. Focusing on work to the point that she couldn’t graduate would be the worst outcome, but being a full-time professional wasn’t something one could do half-heartedly. Sora wanted her to face this challenging transition during her student years to prepare her for it.

“…Mom, Sora-kun said something weird.”

“He hasn’t said anything weird? Since you’re not taking university entrance exams, you’ll have more free time. Besides, when Sora-sensei says something like this, he must be sensing that you’ve reduced your workload. I’m sure of it.”

“Huh?! Is that so…?”

“Hahaha… Even though this year should be busier than last year, you’ve been consistently on time and absent-free. Of course, I’m genuinely happy that you’re attending and trying to support your homeroom teacher.”

“Uh…”

“Even if you try to put on a good face, it’s obvious, Sae. After all, the teacher has been watching you closely.”

“I… I’m going to work now.”

Those were Sae’s final words.

With a fiery look in her eyes, she abruptly stood up and hurried towards her room with quick steps.

Sora found himself alone with Sae’s mother.

“I apologize for her sudden departure. She’s a free-spirited girl who acts like this whenever she gets motivated.”

“No need to apologize; this isn’t a formal parent-teacher conference.”

The purpose of this home visit was to discuss graduation-related matters with Sae’s parents. Since Sae had already held several parent-teacher conferences at school, there was no problem with her leaving the room during this meeting.

“Also, I’m sorry for prying into your private matters.”

“Fufu, I’m quite satisfied that you’ve struck the right chords. I didn’t expect you to hit that spot, though.”

“There really wasn’t anything to warn Sae-san about in her school life… And I apologize for saying strange things despite being a teacher.”

“Well, it might be a topic with mixed opinions, but I’m really pleased to have a fine teacher who thinks about my child’s ‘future.’ Your words take into account not only Sae’s family’s policies but also her path for the future, right?”

“Ahhaha, I’m glad to hear that.”

Sae’s mother had always been someone who made Sora genuinely happy with her words.

“My daughter has her quirks, but I hope you’ll continue to look after her, Sora sensei.”

“Well, I have many shortcomings, but please continue to rely on me. I will do my utmost to support Sae and ensure she graduates. So, please count on me.”

“I’ll be counting on you.”

As Sae left the room, the conversation shifted to a more adult tone. They both bowed across the table, expressing their gratitude and mutual respect.

“Oh, right! By the way… I have a favor to ask of you, sensei.”

“A favor…?”

“Yes. When Sae graduates from high school, would you consider making her your wife?”

“What!? Are you still making that joke!?”

“I’ve been saying it seriously all along! Sae is a really great catch, you know? She’ll only get cuter from now on, her hobbies won’t cost you a thing, and she’ll earn just as much as I do.”

How did the conversation take such a turn from before? Perhaps it was because Sae’s mother, who had her own quirks, was the one who raised Sae.

After all, it’s often said that “blood is thicker than water.”