Stalker? Is that the vibe I'm giving off right now? Great. Just great. I really hope I don't look like some creep stalking the so-called love of my life.
"Professor Takuma?" a girl calls me.
I am Takuma Aoi. A cursed human. I don't age. I don't get sick. I've lived for over a thousand years. A blessing and a curse.
"Yes? How can I help you?"
"I'm a little confused with this part of the book. Can you help me?"
"Oh, this part's easy. Just read the first paragraph, your answer's there. You just need sharper eyes. Don't overwork yourself, okay?"
"You're so sweet, professor! That's why you're our favorite!"
As she turns to leave, I can't help but ask, "Oh, before you go, how's Ms. Rika Momozono?"
Rika Momozono. My wife, reborn as a normal Japanese college girl. We've been married a thousand times in her past lives. I never worry about her forgetting me, because on every 18th birthday, her memories return. All I have to do is wait.
"Oh, her? She's fine! A hard worker. No trouble with lessons at all," the girl replies.
"I'm glad to hear that. I just want to look out for all of you."
Teaching isn't my passion, but it's the only way to stay close to her. I've spent the past seventeen years changing jobs, moving cities, just to be near her. This weekend is her 18th birthday. Soon, I'll no longer be a stranger.
I sip coffee in the cafeteria, eyes drifting to her at the track field. She's still beautiful. Same eyes, same smile, same hair the wind loves to play with.
Honestly… this feeling should be illegal. I must look like a creep. But one day, you'll understand me, and then I won't have to feel guilty for loving you.
"Aren't you staring too much at those sweet girls?" Ayaka's voice cuts in as she presses a cold soda can to my cheek.
I flinch. "You scared me."
"I scared you? You scared me with those eyes. Don't tell me you're a creep," she jokes.
"Don't be stupid. I only see them as younger siblings. As professors, we have to look out for them."
"Sure, sure. Just don't eat your words later."
Oh, Ayaka… if only you knew.
I pack up for my next class. Rika's class should be ending—perfect timing. I take the aisle I know she'll walk down.
"Good morning, Professor Takuma," she greets.
"Good morning, Rika."
She's alone. Perfect.
"Just checking... have you finished your current lesson? A lot of your classmates are struggling."
"Already done. But thanks for asking!"
"That's good. As a professor, I want to look out for everyone equally. But I'm glad you're ahead."
"No worries, professor. I appreciate it."
She's about to walk away, but I touch her shoulder—then instantly regret it. "Oh, sorry. I just wanted to say… happy early birthday."
She laughs. "How did you know?"
"Your classmates mentioned it. Any plans? Spending it with your family?"
She smirks. "You're asking a lot for a professor. What do you want me to do? Say I'm alone and ask if I can spend it with you?"
If you only knew, the answer would be yes.
"That's silly," I reply.
"Well, I am spending it alone. Probably just my favorite café, favorite drink, a book. Anyway, good luck with your next class."
"Thanks."
She turns to leave.
"Also…" She stops. "Now that you've told me you'll be alone… I want to spend your birthday with you."
Her eyes widen.
"But I mean… as your professor."
She laughs. "A date between professor and student? That even possible?"
"You're burning red, Mr. Takuma. Do you have a fever?" She steps closer, touching my forehead.
Is she… flirting?