Mori-sensei cleared his throat, setting his leather-bound catalog on the principal's desk. He flipped it open with practiced precision, though his eyes occasionally flicked toward Sumi, almost against his will.
"Yes… about Daichi-kun's performance," he began, tracing a line on the page with his finger. "Academically, he's among the top of his class. His mathematics scores are consistently excellent, and his comprehension in language arts is… well, far beyond his age level. Science as well—he's naturally inquisitive, always quick to grasp concepts."
He glanced up briefly, and the sight of Sumi listening attentively, her posture straight yet relaxed, made him falter for a moment. He quickly looked back down at the pages.
"E-erm… yes, and in terms of behavior, Daichi-kun is polite, well-mannered, and demonstrates leadership qualities. Other students… they tend to look up to him." His voice softened slightly. "Honestly, he's a model student. The kind any teacher would be fortunate to have in class."
Sumi gave a small, approving nod, her lips curving faintly as she reached for her glass of water. "I see. That's good to hear."
Mori-sensei shifted in his chair, his hands fidgeting with the edge of the catalog. He wanted to maintain professionalism, but her presence pressed on him. The way she leaned forward slightly, listening with interest, made him acutely aware of every detail—the graceful arch of her neck, the faint glimmer of her earrings, even the subtle perfume lingering between them.
She's… incredible, he thought, his chest tightening. No wonder her son carries himself with such confidence. With a mother like this behind him…
He caught himself staring again and quickly continued, his tone a little too quick now. "So, ah, yes! Overall, Daichi-kun is excelling. I can say with certainty he has a very bright future ahead."
Mori-sensei finished his remarks with a small, respectful smile, but Sumi's voice carried over smoothly.
"Yes," she said, resting one hand lightly on the desk, her tone measured yet warm. "He wants to become an aeronautical engineer."
The principal's brows lifted in surprise. "Ahh, really? That's quite an ambitious path."
Sumi gave a faint, knowing smile. "He wasn't always this good—or rather, I should say, interested in his studies. But ever since he became friends with Haruto, their… competition has brought the best out of him."
Mori-sensei chuckled softly, nodding. "Yes, that's true. Saito Haruto is an exceptional one. They have a very unique bond. Sometimes I see them spend hours talking about manga, laughing over those stories like any ordinary boys their age…" He adjusted his glasses with a fond look. "But despite all that, their grades never fall behind. In fact, it's as if their friendship fuels their motivation."
The principal leaned back in his chair, folding his hands. "It's rare, Oda-san, to see such a balance. Usually when students are that absorbed in hobbies, their schoolwork suffers. But these two… they push each other forward."
Sumi's eyes softened just slightly as she listened. She reached for her glass again, swirling the water inside before sipping. "That's precisely why I allowed him to come here. Friends who inspire each other are more valuable than any prestigious academy's name."
Mori-sensei felt his chest tighten at the conviction in her words. He spoke, almost before thinking. "Oda-san… With that kind of support, I have no doubt Daichi-kun will reach whatever heights he dreams of. Truly, with a mother like you behind him…" He stopped himself, realizing he was gushing too openly, and cleared his throat. "E-erm, I mean, his future is very promising."
The principal gave a polite chuckle at his colleague's slip, while Sumi's lips curved into the faintest, unreadable smile.
"So, is that all?" Sumi asked, her voice light, almost casual.
"Yes, Oda-san," the principal replied with a deferential nod. "That is all."
"Mm." She inclined her head politely. "Thank you for your kind hospitality. Although, as you know, I am not in close touch with Daichi most of the time—since I have remarried—I don't really know what his current school life is like. But I was certain I didn't need to worry about his grades."
Her words hung in the air, cool yet deliberate. The principal shifted uneasily, unsure whether she spoke with guilt or indifference.
Then, with a fluid motion, Sumi reached down and drew her handbag onto her lap. The bag itself gleamed with understated luxury—sleek leather, subtle gold trim. She unfastened it with care and withdrew a shiny black fountain pen, its polished surface catching the light, along with a crisp checkbook.
She removed the pen's cap with a soft click, the sound unusually sharp in the quiet office. Setting the checkbook upon the desk, she began to write, her handwriting elegant and precise, each stroke deliberate. The principal and Mori-sensei exchanged a glance, both men silently watching her poised hand glide across the paper.
When she finished, she tore out three checks. She placed the first in front of the principal with composure.
"This is for the school—a donation of one million yen."
Both men froze, breath catching at the figure.
Then she placed the other two checks side by side, one angled toward the principal, the other toward Mori-sensei.
"And these," she said smoothly, "are for you both. Two hundred and fifty thousand yen each."
The men's eyes widened, though neither dared to speak immediately.
"I hope you will guide Daichi and Haruto," she continued, her voice calm, carrying both command and charm, "to reach even greater heights in their academics."
She leaned back slightly, her expression unreadable, as though what she had done was the most natural thing in the world.
Mori-sensei's hand hovered above the check, hesitation warring with the undeniable temptation coursing through him. She really is… extraordinary. Even her generosity dazzles…
The principal, swallowing hard, gave a deep bow. "Oda-san… your generosity will not be forgotten. Please rest assured—we will do everything we can for both Daichi-kun and Haruto-kun."
"Sensei, I want to meet with my son. Is that possible?" Sumi asked, her tone calm, though her eyes carried expectation more than question.
"Why not?" the principal replied quickly, forcing a smile. "Mori-sensei will guide you to his classroom."
"Thank you," she said, inclining her head politely. Then she rose to her feet in one graceful motion.
The room seemed to shift with her. Her heels clicked softly against the wooden floor as she walked, every step deliberate. The fitted blazer hugged her frame tightly, the curve of her bust emphasized both in front and from behind as she moved. The short skirt swayed just enough to reveal the perfect line of her hips, stockings shimmering faintly in the sunlight filtering through the office window.
Both men's gazes betrayed them. Though seated, their eyes followed her—one from behind, the other from the front—unable to resist the pull of her figure. Lust, unspoken yet undeniable, glimmered in their stares. Neither dared voice a word, but the silence itself was thick with it.
Sumi, however, remained composed, her expression serene as if completely unaware—or perhaps deliberately ignoring—the heat of their eyes.
Mori-sensei quickly collected his catalog, forcing himself upright. "This way, Oda-san," he said, his voice a touch tighter than usual.