"No need for a part-time job… Why are you asking about that?"
"Nothing much, just, as a teacher, I want to know about your family situation."
Hiratsuka waves her hand. Though her tone is still blunt, there's a cautiousness in it, as if she's trying hard to avoid misunderstanding. She continues: "Still the same as before, just you supporting the two of you?"
Yuu nods. As his homeroom teacher, Hiratsuka naturally knows their family situation and often asked about life matters in the past—whether it was scholarship opportunities or job openings, she'd share them without hesitation. She's a highly responsible and kind-hearted teacher, far different from her outward appearance.
But what does this have to do with the Service Club?
"Well, how should I put it…"
Her fingers tap the desk rhythmically. Hiratsuka purses her lips, pondering briefly, then explains first:
"The Service Club isn't exactly an official club since it only has one member, and its activity space is just an empty classroom formerly used as a storage room… It's more like a hobby group, maybe?"
"A club like that obviously has no funding, doesn't meet the member quota, and doesn't generate positive contributions for the school. If the student council inspects, it basically won't survive a disbandment review."
"So, for a club like this to secure funding, it needs at least three members and activities that pass the student council's scrutiny."
She pauses, looking at Yuu, her brows slightly furrowed as if struggling to choose the right words. She scratches her hair in frustration and finally opts for bluntness.
"I've talked to the member, and I'll find some tasks for you all to do. You'll help with club activities. For the other member, I suggest you find a reliable friend to just put their name down…"
"Then, if we manage to secure club funding, she won't take a single yen. It'll all go to you to use."
"…"
After that statement, the counseling room falls into an odd silence. Too shocked, Yuu stares blankly at the calm teacher before him, speechless for a moment.
After slowly processing, he finally speaks, his voice tinged with disbelief:
"Sensei, you're… aren't you basically instigating a student to misuse public funds for personal gain?"
Handing over all the club funds to him is clear enough—Hiratsuka wants to use this method to funnel school money to Yuu as extra income.
"I know, if my superiors find out, I'm screwed. But if you don't tell, I don't tell, she doesn't tell, who's gonna know, right? As long as we all keep it secret."
Glancing instinctively at the door to ensure it's tightly shut, Hiratsuka shrugs resignedly: "I already got chewed out at noon, I don't want a second lecture… So just listen carefully."
She pulls a cigarette pack from her chest pocket, deftly taking one out. Without lighting it, she tucks it in the corner of her mouth, using the tobacco's scent to calm her slightly complicated mood.
In a slightly hoarse but calm and gentle voice, she says slowly:
"Since it's a small club, the funding isn't much—not comparable to what you earn working day and night—but the upside is it's easy, and you can learn useful things."
"As long as you work seriously and complete the tasks I give you, this money is your legitimate income."
"Don't take it too seriously either. I'm still following school rules. Besides, other clubs misuse their funds for personal stuff too. Compared to them, what you're doing is nothing."
Leaning back in her chair, Hiratsuka bites the cigarette filter and gives Yuu a carefree smile.
"So, Tenkuji, think of it as working for the school! I can only help you this much; the rest is up to you."
The student before her seems ordinary but has high pride, wanting to support his entire family with his own ability. This is clear to her. As a teacher, Hiratsuka can only use this roundabout method to get him to accept a bit of her help.
Even if it's just for her own satisfaction, she's ready.
"…"
But for some reason, Yuu falls silent again, looking at her with a strange expression. On his handsome, clear face, a complex mix of wanting to speak but holding back, then wanting to speak again but stopping, blends with a bitter smile.
He hesitates, then finally speaks:
"Going this far for me, I'm really grateful, Hiratsuka-sensei… You're truly a good person."
"?" A giant question mark appears above Hiratsuka's head.
Just say it, why are you suddenly giving me a good person card?!
"But I made quite a bit from part-time work during summer break. Even if I don't work this semester, it's enough… So you don't need to take this risk to help cover my household expenses."
Seeing Yuu's slightly resigned expression, Hiratsuka reflexively protests: "No way! Angel Cafe was renovating all summer, and you were out on the streets handing out flyers—still calling that enough?"
She slams the desk, as if the matter's settled.
"I'm not giving you money for free—think of it as helping me! No need to cling to your pride this much."
"…"
The corner of his mouth twitches, and he presses the bridge of his nose like he has a headache. Yuu roughly gets what's going on.
Maybe mid-July, Hiratsuka happened to see him working part-time on the street. Unable to bear the pitiful sight of him supporting his family by handing out flyers, and having already given all the help she could before, she knew Yuu wouldn't accept direct financial aid. So she devised this plan to help him out a bit, right?
Her method is a bit clumsy, but Hiratsuka is indeed a kind and responsible teacher—Yuu confirms this again with a sense of resignation.
If he didn't have the system, he probably wouldn't hesitate much now. He'd thank her, accept this new part-time job, and find ways to repay her kindness as best he could, right?
Unfortunately, Yuu currently has millions of yen in his bank account. Helping out is fine, but he can't accept money that risks Hiratsuka's job—and with his current wealth, a few tens of thousands of yen in club funds don't appeal to him.
Still, Hiratsuka's kindness is rare, and rejecting it outright feels wrong… But to avoid more trouble, Yuu decides to say no.
"Sensei, actually, after handing out flyers, I happened to find a really well-paying job."
"Over one summer, I earned enough to cover three years of high school tuition."
He uses gentler words to convey he's not short on money.
"If you don't believe me, I can withdraw the cash and show you… It's all legit, money I earned myself."
Well, or you could say kisses.
Keeping that added line in his heart, Yuu looks at Hiratsuka with sincerity and seriousness.
"…"