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Posted by: Mary Saotome

« on: January 27, 2026, 01:54:02 pm »

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I SIT IN SILENCE
SURROUNDED BY THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW I'VE SHUT DOWN
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“Of course. No need to worry, I’ll be fine. I promise,” Junko assured her former professor. “A-Anyway, take care, Nanako Sensei.” She gave the woman a weary smile before taking her leave. She then began walking far enough away from the classroom before taking out her phone to quickly text Koichi about what just happened. Naturally, he was going to be upset with her for even speaking with Nanako Sensei, but she couldn’t turn the woman down without a proper explanation. Besides, unlike everyone else, she didn’t have a highly demanding job that took up a lot of her time. The family shrine was where she worked. It was basically her life. A life she wanted to escape from. Not because she hated her family, but because she wanted more for her life.

Yes, her relationship with her sister Kasumi was very much strained, but there was nothing that could fix that due to how selfish her sister was. Junko would be surprised if her sister even managed to graduate from university at all. She only hung out with friends and went to parties to have fun. Not once did she see her taking her studies seriously, let alone having a career direction in mind. That was her sister’s life, not hers. Junko refused to fall behind and not give it all she got. She didn’t study hard enough to get into this school, only to throw it away.

And yes, she wanted love, to be loved, noticed even. She just wasn’t interesting enough for anyone to pay attention to. She knew if she wanted to keep on track with her career goals, she had to be honest with Koichi and let him know that she couldn’t sneak around with him anymore. He was married and shouldn’t be off kissing another woman anyway. Even if he doesn’t work things out with his wife, he should at least fairly break things off with her instead of stringing her along. His wife won’t know he wants to leave if he doesn’t say anything.

’Onegai … I hope you will understand, Sensei…’ Junko thought as her phone vibrated in her hand three minutes after she texted Koichi. His text instructed her to meet him on the roof of the building and to make sure no one saw her. She frowned. ’He’s angry. I knew it.’ Junko did as she was instructed, waiting to make sure no one saw her as she quickly made her wait up the stairs that would lead directly to the roof to meet Koichi.

Posted by: Mary Saotome

« on: January 27, 2026, 01:40:52 pm »

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STOP DATING YOUR STUDENTS
IT'S NOT LOVE, IT'S DAMAGE
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Nana knew she couldn’t keep Darlibagi any longer than she needed, so she decided to accept the information the young woman gave her and hoped for the best that her situation would get better for her. Chasing after a guy already in a relationship was a waste of time, energy, and feelings. Darlibagi was a bright young woman, and she’d hate to see the small light in her eyes that still has hope and trust in people to diminish. Once that happens, there is no coming back from feeling empty and wanting nothing to do with anyone. Darlibagi had friends, which Nana found to be a good thing.

However, the guy she was friends with, who had a girlfriend, was no friend, and she was better off without him. Nana could only hope and pray that the guy was actually a student and not Nakatomi. He was a great professor and never had any students who failed his class, but there’s always a hidden side to a person. She didn’t like thinking that, but with him, there were times he was just too friendly, and she couldn’t help but be suspicious of him getting involved with his students. So, she stood up as well, giving Darlibagi a small nod. “Hai, you may go, Darlibagi-san. I was only checking in to make sure you were okay. Nothing more. You take care, okay?”

Posted by: Mary Saotome

« on: January 27, 2026, 01:33:20 pm »

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I SIT IN SILENCE
SURROUNDED BY THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW I'VE SHUT DOWN
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“Arigatou, Nanako Sensei.” Junko thanked the woman as she slowly rose to her feet, her hand on the strap to her bag that held her things in it. “U-Um, was there anything else you wanted to speak with me about?” she asked. She didn’t want to assume the conversation was over by leaving right then. Junko hadn’t wanted to be rude. The woman was prying sure, but she couldn’t give her anything to report back to anyone higher up that would ruin her chances at graduating university.

The dark-haired brunette truly wanted to graduate. She had a goal in mind and wanted to achieve that. She knew getting into a relationship was nothing more than a distraction. A part of her wished sometimes she could’ve fallen in love with someone who wasn’t already taken. That would make things a lot easier for her. But since she wasn’t used to dating as no one paid attention to her in high school without calling her plain and boring, she didn’t realize how difficult giving up on love would be.

Yet she had to. Otherwise, it was going to destroy her. Junko hoped that Koichi understood that when she spoke to him. She’d seen him angry before, but he was never angry enough to harm anyone. Just the normal range of anger. So, she understood Nanako Sensei’s concern for her well being. ’If only this were easy, but I have to talk to him. I just … hope he’s still on campus,’ Junko thought, already planning on texting Koichi once she left here.

Posted by: Mary Saotome

« on: January 20, 2026, 01:32:38 pm »

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STOP DATING YOUR STUDENTS
IT'S NOT LOVE, IT'S DAMAGE
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Nana gave Darlibagi a nod, seeing that she was feeling a little better and a tad more confident in her conviction to put an end to the secret relationship between her and her ‘friend’. She prayed that it would go well for her and her ‘friend’ wouldn’t push to keep it going. Nana had seen it all too often in female students who get into relationships with guys they attempt to leave, only to be forced to stay with them through emotional manipulation. They eventually become emotionally dead on the inside,e and each time they try to leave, they’re repeatedly pulled in through different means of manipulation. Nana didn’t want to see Junko go through that.

“Of course, Darlibagi-san. I’m free anytime. Don’t be afraid to stop by my classroom to talk,” she offered to the young woman once again. Nana wanted to make sure she showed that the door was open for Junko to come talk to her. Yes, she was strict with her students, but only within reason, and it is only because she is preparing them for the real world. That includes foreign students who are used to playing around a lot more frequently compared to Japanese students. Any student who took her class was shown that they cannot slack off and are to take their grades in her class seriously, especially if her course is required for certain students studying specific majors.

Nana isn’t passing idiots. Thankfully, some students took their work seriously, and she appreciated that. Darlibagi was a diligent student, and Nana wouldn’t forgive herself if she didn’t at least try to help her when it clearly looked like she needed it.

Posted by: Mary Saotome

« on: January 12, 2026, 10:31:39 am »

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I SIT IN SILENCE
SURROUNDED BY THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW I'VE SHUT DOWN
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A comforting hand, something Junko still wasn’t used to, but she was getting a lot of it from those who showed genuine concern for her well-being. It was nice, but it only made her feel more guilty because she knew she was lying to the people she spoke to about her situation. She always implied it was a friend, never specifying which male friend of hers it was, just that it was a friend who had a girlfriend already. She was in too deep and knew she had to put her foot down with the situation between her and Koichi. It couldn’t continue, and who knows, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to see if Sho wanted to hang out with her. Get to know him more than she already does in hopes that something could develop between them.

That’s what she was hoping for. Chances are, he wasn’t romantically interested in her, just like most guys aren’t. It was strangely amusing to Junko how a lot of girls seemed to be into Sho, which he couldn’t understand either. She considered him lucky that he even got attention from others, even if unwanted. But unlike the women who practically threw themselves at the poor guy, Junko wouldn’t do that to him. She genuinely thought of him as a nice guy who didn’t appear as if he would mistreat any girl he dated. ’I don’t know why I didn’t consider this sooner. I wouldn’t be in the situation I’m in now with Koichi Sensei if I’d taken the time to think about what it would be like to date Sho-kun. If nothing comes out of it, I’d still be happy to have his friendship.’

She may not have realized it, but Junko needed this, even if she couldn’t fully be honest about who she was truly involved with; it opened her eyes enough to see that her relationship with Koichi was wrong. The man was married. He wasn’t planning on leaving her any time soon. She would be nothing more than just the mistress if she allowed what they have to continue. ’I … will end it with him …’

Gathering herself emotionally, she nodded to her former professor. “I appreciate this talk, Sensei. It helped me quite a bit. Again, I do apologize for worrying you, but I will take care of it. I promise,” she assured her. “I will also remember your offer to come talk to you, Sensei. I won’t forget it.” Junko gave Nanako Sensei an awkward smile as she made eye contact with her, tears no longer falling. She was fighting them back, but held a newfound determination in her heart.

Posted by: Mary Saotome

« on: January 12, 2026, 10:11:21 am »

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STOP DATING YOUR STUDENTS
IT'S NOT LOVE, IT'S DAMAGE
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Nana was glad that her words seemed to be getting through to Junko. Whether or not her situation involved one of her friends or Nakatomi was the true person behind what she was dealing with, she was happy to know that the dark-haired brunette was going to put an end to it. Relationships between students always appeared trivial to most, but as educators, it was their job to help their students out of any situation they were in. So, hopefully, the guy who was her 'friend' would be found out by his girlfriend that he’s cheating on her. Nana still had doubts about it being a friend of Junko’s. The reason for that? Because of the young woman’s tears.

It isn’t impossible for anyone to have toxic friends, especially ones already in a relationship, and it just becomes a whole mess. It is completely different when it is a student-teacher relationship. Without any further information from Junko that implies in some way that she is in a secret relationship with him, she couldn’t go off and mention anything to his wife. Not without proof. Without it, she’d basically be accused of starting unnecessary rumors. Something she hadn’t wanted. Nana couldn’t help but feel guilty for bringing this situation up at all, but the hurt in Junko’s eyes didn’t go unnoticed.

That desire to feel wanted by someone, even if that person was already taken, would be difficult to break. However, she had faith Junko could do it if she put her mind to it. “It’s going to be okay,” Nana assured her as she stood up, reaching her hand out and placing it on Junko’s shoulder to comfort her. She let it rest there for a moment before pulling away. “It’s not easy to do away with feelings once you have them for someone. It takes time for them to go away. Just like it takes time to find love. It’s out there for you, so don’t rush it,” she told her. Nana meant time. She knew young women in university were eager to date and get married, but they always chose the worst men because of the idea of being loved.

Nana didn’t want to see Junko in such a situation. She has her whole life ahead of her, and it didn’t make sense to deal with unfaithful idiot men. She gave Junko a warm smile, folding her arms in front of her. “I apologize for taking up your time and upsetting you, Darlibagi-san. I was just worried about you is all and wanted to make sure things were find and there was nothing going on that was serious. If you’re going through anything, you can always come and talk to me. My door is open. If I’m unavailable, I do recommend seeking out going to the guidance counselors. They’re there to help students when they’re troubled and dealing with things they can’t handle themselves. Remember, you don’t have to do everything by yourself. It is okay to ask for help.”

Posted by: Mary Saotome

« on: January 12, 2026, 09:45:00 am »

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I SIT IN SILENCE
SURROUNDED BY THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW I'VE SHUT DOWN
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Instead of prying, Nanako Sensei was giving Junko advice. Similar to what Chibiusa had given her, but sterner and more direct regarding the situation she was in with Koichi. A part of Junko knew that it was possible the man wouldn’t leave his wife for her. Why would he? She truly had nothing to offer him that would warrant divorcing her. She was, in fact, being treated as the ‘Mistress’ in this case. The words he spoke to her whenever they shared a kiss were nice to hear. She didn’t want that to end because no other guy made her feel the same way, made her want to explore herself and her body more.

She remembered Chibiusa’s suggestion of going to Host Clubs to sit with attractive men who basically showered women with the same treatment, but it wouldn’t be the same. Many of those places didn’t allow contact beyond the clubs. Sure, it sounded nice in theory to be pampered, but that wasn’t a luxury Junko could afford. She only earned so much from working at her family’s temple, and even then, it wasn’t something she wanted to do for the rest of her life. She wanted to become a better artist. She loved sculpting figurines of different anime characters and original characters.

Such an artistic skill earned individuals a lot of money. Granted, she’d use her money to help her family’s temple succeed more. Junko had goals of her own. She knew what she wanted to do with her life. She didn’t expect to fall in love with anyone or to be acknowledged by guys at all, much less her professor. But he took notice of her and the effort she put into her assignments. She couldn’t help but now want other guys to notice her in a similar way that Koichi did. But it wasn’t that easy. Guys clearly wanted more attractive girls. She didn’t fit the ideal description of a woman that most men would go for.

Junko simply … existed, at least in her mind she did. She always saw Kasumi as the more attractive one between the two of them, but that didn’t last for her. Sure, guys still approached her sister, but it wasn’t hard for Junko to notice that the popularity her sister once thrived in had been slowly disappearing, and she was clearly drowning in all her assignments and continuously falling behind. Despite that, her sister still captured the attention of guys even if she had room temperature IQ.

‘Maybe … I can try again with Sho-kun. Anytime we interact he’s always nice to me. I know Koichi Sensei told me to sleep with him that first time, but I couldn’t do that to him. He’d never forgive me if I went through with doing that with him just to get experience in bed to be with Sensei. But … I’d have to talk to Sensei about this. We can’t keep doing this if there’s truly nothing there that would solidify what we half. He’s still with his wife. I’m nothing more than the mistress…’ Junko thought, closing her eyes as tears began to fall down the sides of her face. Nanako Sensei was right. She deserved to be with someone who wanted to be with her only and not lie to someone they’re with. It wasn’t right. Sniffling, she used the sleeve of her sweater to dry her face as she slowly looked back up at the woman across from her.

“Arigatou, Nanako Sensei for your advice,” Junko replied. “I know that the whole thing is wrong and I’ll put an end to it with my friend. He probably won’t talk to me anymore, but it’s fine. If he truly was a friend, he wouldn’t be two-timing his girlfriend with me. I … honestly feel bad for her. I don’t know if I should say anything or let her figure it out on her own, but I do know that I don’t like the idea of not being someone’s first choice when it comes to being in a relationship.”

Posted by: Mary Saotome

« on: January 09, 2026, 03:49:35 pm »

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STOP DATING YOUR STUDENTS
IT'S NOT LOVE, IT'S DAMAGE
---------------------------------------------

Nana raised an eyebrow, but remained silent as Junko spoke. It surprised her how much Darlibagi was telling her, yet she stayed quiet and let her talk. Interrupting her would only make her revert to surface answer responses. She didn’t respond to her mentioning changing majors, which led the woman to assume that Darlibagi wasn’t planning on doing that. Her brief explanation of her interactions with Nakatomi sounded normal. Nothing that the average person would be concerned about. She was shocked to hear that Darlibagi did speak to Nakatomi about personal matters … regarding a friend … she had feelings for?

’A friend she has feelings for, but is dating someone else, while actively pursing her? That sounds like the average relationship based on lies, but Darlibagi-san doesn’t seem like someone who would get herself mixed up in a situation like that with friends,’ Nana thought. She’s seen Darlibagi’s friends, or rather, the group of individuals she sees her with. She wasn’t sure if they were friends because out of all of them, she’s the only one who remains quiet. At least from what she’s seen when she is with them. She couldn’t really pinpoint which of the male ‘friends’ of hers Junko would remotely have an interest in that’s already in a relationship. Relationships between students weren’t Nana’s business unless it otherwise involved violence or something else that needed to be reported to the school and authorities.

Darlibagi’s ‘friends’ were a mixture of different people who were heavily extroverted individuals, outside of a few who seemed similar to her in terms of being slightly withdrawn and quiet, but engaged more or as much as they could with others. She didn’t know any of their names since she didn’t have any of her friends in her class. Only Darlibagi herself. Oh, and her older sister, who failed her class and all her other courses, came to Nana’s awareness. Darlibagi’s older sister didn’t seem motivated enough to be a student at Valeria, and it was a mystery to her how she even got in with grades so bad. She didn’t even TRY to retake her class because it was required for her Religious Studies major. ’That poor girl isn’t going to get very far if she doesn’t get herself together before it is too late,’ she thought. ’A shocker that the two of them are even sisters. They hardly interact, which, based on her behavior when she took my class, she’s definitely the cause behind Darlibagi’s current demeanor.’

She definitely couldn’t blame Nakatomi for how Darlibagi was as a person. No, she was already like this when she first became a student at the university. Clearly, something is going on in her family that she has yet to deal with or no one to properly talk to about. Nana kept her eyes on Darlibagi, her expression not changing, her eyes still on her. She let her finish talking while she collected her thoughts. ’She clearly has low self-esteem. She just admitted to never being called pretty before by anyone, which I assume means she was frequently put down for her appearance. However, Darlibagi is pretty. Why would anything think she’s not? Iie, it’s possible whatever verbal abuse she went through in high school is the cause behind that. Stemming from her being academically capable, more than likely and other students were threatened by that. If this situation she speaks of involves one of her friends and not Nakatomi himself, then I have nothing more to speak to her about. He did seem to give her good advice regarding it. Can’t fault him for that.’

“I understand that it is hard to accept compliments from people, especially when you’re not used to getting them, but here is some advice from me, if that is okay?” Nana began, “Nakatomi is right. Your friend is not a friend or a good boyfriend for that matter if he is already in a relationship with someone. He’s betraying his current girlfriend all while hurting you emotionally with pretty words and empty promises. Don’t put yourself in a situation with this guy because you’re only going to get hurt. We all want love and to feel attractive to someone, anyone who sees us. It’s not worth it if those words are coming from someone who is hurting the one they claim to love. My advice is to find someone who is single and will love you for you and not treat you like a mistress. You’re young and you have your whole life ahead of you, Darlibagi-san. There are plenty of guys out there. You just have to find the right one that’ll treat you well. Alright?” Nana gave her a kind smile.

Posted by: Mary Saotome

« on: January 09, 2026, 02:46:29 pm »

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I SIT IN SILENCE
SURROUNDED BY THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW I'VE SHUT DOWN
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Junko knew that her always going to Koichi would cause anyone to notice. She was trying to be as careful as she possibly could with him when they were together. His wife clearly wasn’t aware, since he’d never brought it up with her, that she’d found out about their occasional encounters. But just because they believed they were careful doesn’t mean no one would notice at all. That would include unsuspecting people who didn’t talk to them or knew who they were. They would just be people who paid attention. She didn’t expect Nanako Sensei to speak to her about Koichi, but it was clear she was suspecting something between them. Knowing that made her feel more ashamed, causing her to ball her hands into fists in her lap as she frowned. She would end it if she could, but there was no one else she had any feelings for or anyone who told her she was pretty.

It'd be nice to hear that from other guys, but the guys she knew only saw her as a friend. That was fine. She didn’t push it. It’d also made her glad that she didn’t go through with Koichi suggesting she trick Sho into sleeping with her that one time he’d shown up at her home. Junko would never be able to forgive herself if she’d gone through with it and Sho somehow began to develop feelings for her from the experience. It made her happy that he talked her out of it that day, despite being unaware of what she was doing. To him, he probably assumed she was like any adult, pleasuring herself, but that was only part of it. The other part was that Koichi would’ve not only been listening in on her doing that but on her doing it with Sho. She didn’t want that.

She was worried at first that Koichi would be angry with her that she didn’t go through with it, but surprisingly, he wasn’t. He’d always suggest that she do things with other people, but never with him. It made her wonder sometimes if he was trying to make her fall in love with someone else that wasn’t him. It didn’t seem like it, so she never saw it like that whenever he’d tell her to do things. Junko would often say no and that she was saving himself for him, and he’d respond how hard she was making it for him to control himself. Yet, it didn’t stop him from sharing a kiss with her when they were alone.

These were things she could NOT tell Nanako Sensei. She didn’t want to be judged by her or anyone else. She’d partially gotten away with it after speaking with Chibiusa. Not directly saying her situation involved a professor, but rather a friend. Then that’s when she remembered! She could do the same thing she did with Chibiusa, making it seem as if she was not only spending time talking to Koichi about history, but also getting advice on what to do regarding a situation she has with one of her friends! Why didn’t she think of that in the beginning? This would end the discussion and put Nanako Sensei’s focus on one of her friends and not Koichi.

With an awkward nod, her frown remained as she focused on the woman in front of her. “Don’t worry, Nanako Sensei. I can assure you that there is nothing else going on. It’s just casual conversations about Japanese History. I tend to discover things on my own that I wasn’t aware of before and share it with Nakatomi Sensei who loves history a lot himself, so it made sense in my mind to share my findings with him,” Junko assured her, but then she continued. “As for personal matters … I do … talk to him sometimes about having feelings for one of my friends who is already dating someone, but he approaches me and tells me how pretty I am. It feels … nice to be told that. No one has called me pretty before,” she admitted, then lowered her head in shame.

“I know my feelings for him are wrong because he is already dating someone. O-Outside of k-kissing, I don’t do anything else with him. Since Nakatomi Sensei is a guy and is married, I figured that I’d get his opinion on it. He was brutally honest with me and told me that the friend is not only not a friend but is an unfaithful man, and to not waste my time on him. So, that is … something …” Junko told the woman, praying in the back of her mind that this would be enough to get any suspicions of her and Koichi doing anything inappropriate off of the two of them.

Posted by: Mary Saotome

« on: January 09, 2026, 12:25:40 pm »

Insert Quote

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STOP DATING YOUR STUDENTS
IT'S NOT LOVE, IT'S DAMAGE
---------------------------------------------

“I see,” was Nana’s response. It wasn’t hard to notice that Darlibagi had begun to stiffen and fidget at the very mention of Nakatomi’s name. Something was definitely going on between them, but she knew she wasn’t going to immediately get a whole lot of information out of her. That’s what concerned her more. It was as if Darlibagi had rehearsed what to say in her mind many times in the event she was ever questioned about her close relationship with Nakatomi. She didn’t doubt that Darlibagi enjoyed his lectures and assignments. She was like that when she was in her class. Always turning her assignments in on time as one should. This was university, not high school. Of course, things would be different in such an environment.

That was the whole point of preparing students for the real world and helping them succeed in the careers they’re studying for. That was the only thing that she believed that Darlibagi said. What she didn’t believe was that her interactions with Nakatomi were normal or that she was fine. She was nervous. It was written all over her face. She wouldn’t know why unless the young woman talked to her. She couldn’t help her in any way if she willingly chose to keep to herself. Nana knew she had to be smart about this. She wanted to help Darlibagi. “I understand your interest in Japanese History and sharing it with Nakatomi on occasion; however, I see you with him quite a lot. It had me thinking that something else may have been going on with you they reason you always went to him and not anyone else,” she said.

Sighing, she carefully removed her glasses and removed her bangs from her face to rub her eyes before focusing them back onto Darlibagi. “Many see me as someone who doesn’t care about the feelings of my students but, I do. I care deeply because I want you all to succeed and grow. It is nice to take further interest into a require course, but do be mindful of switching majors. I know yours is art related, so, if you’re planning on changing that to history, you’d probably do better with talking to the guidance counselors about what your options are. To see if that is a good choice for you,” Nana suggested. It wasn’t her intention to assume that Darlibagi was possibly switching majors, but she wanted to put her at ease and encourage her to speak to her instead of shutting down.

“I am glad Nakatomi-san is helpful, and you’re enjoying learning more about the history of our country. I do advise you to take into consideration how it would look to others when you’re frequently spending time around one professor. It is important for us all to maintain appropriate boundaries with our students. Anything beyond the normal student- teacher relationship is a cause for concern that will be appropriately addressed. Understand?”

Posted by: Mary Saotome

« on: January 09, 2026, 10:24:37 am »

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I SIT IN SILENCE
SURROUNDED BY THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW I'VE SHUT DOWN
---------------------------------------------

Junko closed the door behind her as she further entered Nanako Sensei’s classroom. Seeing the woman’s expression made her nervous. She was just as intimidating as when she first had her class in her first semester, but she never complained about the assignments the woman provided. She did them and turned them in. Sure, her peers complained and even mocked Nanako Sensei because of her strict and intimidating nature, but the woman gave fair grades to those who took the time to listen and to the work. Overall, she had no personal issue with the woman.

However, the moment she sat down across from her, Koichi Sensei’s name was mentioned, which made the brunette stiffen. She first apologized for asking Junko to meet with her, but after doing that, dropped that random bomb of mentioning Koichi. Apparently, Nanako Sensei had concerns about her interactions with Koichi because she was always seen spending time with him. The woman even pointed out how Junko was no longer in Koichi's class, clearly making the statement in a roundabout way that there shouldn’t be a need for her to be heavily interacting with him if she wasn’t taking a course he taught anymore.

Junko lightly tapped her foot nervously, her gaze shifting away from the woman as she was asked if everything was okay. She couldn’t help but wonder if Nanako Sensei had seen her and Koichi kissing, which is why she was asking her about her interactions with him. She was scared now. She definitely couldn’t talk to this woman about her obsessive crush on the man. She already knew that what she felt for him was wrong. She didn’t need to be told that when she was already aware of it.

She certainly didn’t want this getting to the Dean or her father, much less her older sister. Outside of kissing, she hadn’t done anything! Why was Nanako Sensei asking about her and Koichi? It didn’t make sense. There were no implications based on what she said that she’d seen the two of them doing anything inappropriate, so in Junko’s mind, she wondered if the woman was fishing for information. But she was taken by surprise when the woman asked if everything was okay. Her eyes widened as she looked up and at Nanako Sensei, who was showing concern for her well-being regarding private matters.

Blinking a few times, Junko thought about how to respond. There was now someone else showing concern for her, and it was something she was still getting used to. Sho and Chibiusa were two people she spoke with one-on-one who showed her the same compassion, telling her that she could talk to them anytime about anything. So, maybe she was reading the whole situation wrong? Junko didn’t know. What she did know was that she couldn’t give away anything that showed she was in a flirty and non-intimate relationship with Koichi. After all, she hadn’t wanted to get the man in trouble with not only the university, but also his wife.

Junko stayed silent for a moment before releasing a small sigh, her eyes narrowing as she looked down at her hands, twiddling her thumbs. “Iie,” she replied softly. “I’m fine, Nanako Sensei.” What else could she say without revealing anything? She knew she’d have to talk to Koichi once this discussion ended, and she could leave. “Gomen ne, if I’ve given you cause for concern. I promise that I’m doing well, and my interactions with N-Nakatomi Sensei are normal. I just … really enjoyed his class because the lessons and information was interesting. I couldn’t help but want to learn more.”

Posted by: Mary Saotome

« on: January 09, 2026, 09:42:08 am »

Insert Quote

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STOP DATING YOUR STUDENTS
IT'S NOT LOVE, IT'S DAMAGE
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As Darlibagi entered, Nana straightened in her chair, displaying her usual no-nonsense demeanor as she gently pushed the papers she was grading aside neatly and placed her hands in front of her, fingers laced together. She slowly nodded her head to her former student. "Thank you for coming by, Darlibagi-san," she spoke, gesturing for her to take a seat. Nana wasn’t sure how this discussion was going to go between them, but she wanted to ease her own suspicions while making sure that Darlibagi herself was fine. She knew how she stared at her; she was intimidating, but she wasn’t trying to be. She was trying to be serious and take her suspicions seriously.

She hoped that Darlibagi would talk to her about anything she had on her mind. Nana hated being the person to suspect others of wrongdoing, but when it came to professors engaging in intimate relationships with their students, she couldn’t help but show cause for concern. She wanted to ease that concern and pray that it was her misunderstanding of things. ’I pray that I am wrong,’ she thought as she watched Junko grab a chair from one of the empty desks to sit across from her. “I do apologize for asking you to come here, Darlibagi-san, but it was important,” Nana began, “I am a little concerned about your interactions with Nakatomi-san. You’ve been spending quite a bit of time together despite no longer being in his class this semester. Is everything okay, Darlibagi-san?” she asked her.

“The only reason I’m asking is that I know that students do talk to their professors regarding private matters, seeking alternative solutions to their problems. Is that the case with him?” Nana wasn’t beating around the bush. Yes, she came right on out with asking Darlibagi about her interactions with Nakatomi, but she was hoping it was not what she was thinking. If it were, she’d have no choice but to report it. Professors who taught at Valeria are supposed to set an example for their students, not drag them into inappropriate relationships. They could easily be fired and have their teaching license revoked for participating in such activities. Besides, given how withdrawn Darlibagi often appears, having a relationship with her professor would only make her more so when consequences are involved. Nana wanted to avoid that.

Posted by: Mary Saotome

« on: January 08, 2026, 03:24:54 pm »

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I SIT IN SILENCE
SURROUNDED BY THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW I'VE SHUT DOWN
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Junko had finished her classes for the day. Normally, she would be on her way home, but instead, she was headed to Nanako Sensei’s classroom. The reason? Junko was unsure, but the woman had approached her earlier during her free period and asked if she could see her once her classes were done for the day. Naturally, she tried to get out of it, but it didn’t work. She had been wanting to leave so she could contact Koichi Sensei, but that had been interrupted by Sensei Nanako. The way the woman looked at her, she couldn’t say no to her. It was difficult for Junko to do that when someone was pleading with her.

The only exception to that was her sister Kasumi, who had probably not gone home yet but was instead hanging out, partying, and having fun. She was taking university hardly seriously at all. She still didn’t understand why her sister even wanted to attend university. Nothing about her showed an interest in having career prospects, so it was surprising she got in. Junko still suspects her sister cheated to get in somehow, but has no way of proving it. It irritated her every day. She had no choice but to let it go until her sister slipped up and admitted she cheated to get into Valeria University, or Junko managed to find incriminating evidence that shows her sister cheated.

She wanted to talk to someone about it, but didn’t know who she could trust that wouldn’t just pop the lid off on everything without first having proof. Well, there was always Chibiusa she could talk to, but she would have to text her and find out when she was free to meet up and talk. It did feel nice to talk to her sometimes, and she was honest, but harsh with her. It’s been a lot to get used to, but somehow, she seemed to be able to make a friend on her own, so she couldn’t complain. Right now, that wasn’t the main issue. The issue was her having to speak with Nanako Sensei. The woman didn’t tell her what it was about, which made her nervous. It could be about anything that had nothing to do with her grades. The only thing that came to mind was her secret relationship with Koichi Sensei.

The reason it was a secret was because of him being married. It was an inappropriate relationship, but he was so nice to her. Often told she was pretty, which felt nice to her. Junko had never been told she was before. Always told how plain she looked and that no one would like someone like her. Kasumi was the one who received all the compliments on her looks. Never her. So, Koichi Sensei approached her the way she did, Junko couldn’t help but respond to his words. Granted, they haven’t done anything outside of kissing, which was nice. She’d never kissed anyone before until she met him. He told her she was a great kisser and couldn’t wait to feel more of her.

The thought of that made her shudder in excitement as well as blush. However, in the back of her mind, she still worried that his wife would find out. It’s not as if they were separated, let alone divorced, so the two of them were still having an affair. A flirty affair, not an intimate one. Still an affair, nonetheless. If Koichi Sensei is who Nanako Sensei wanted to speak with her about, then she was scared. Scared, the woman had seen them kissing and was going to tell the Dean of the university and her father. She couldn’t deal with her father finding out, as it would do nothing but bring shame. She knew that. It was why she was trying to remain patient and let Koichi figure things out with his wife and decide what he was going to do moving forward.

That hadn’t meant that Junko didn’t want to be intimate with him. She’d thought about it, had dreams of the two of them together, and when her father and sister weren’t at the temple, she began searching for ways to pleasure herself. To feel good while thinking about Koichi being the one doing the things she was imagining with her, to her. It took Junko a while to get over her awkwardness regarding her body, but the more she did it, the more she got used to it. She told Koichi about it, and she could tell he was intrigued to listen to her talk to him about how she pleasured herself. He’d suggest she’d do things and tell him how it felt.

It was embarrassing, but she did it, but only when her family wasn’t around. These were things she could NOT admit to Nanako Sensei. She felt stressed right now; her heart was racing as she reached the door to the woman’s class. The last time she was in here was when she took the class during her first semester. Junko didn’t think she’d have to be here again for a conversation with her when she wasn’t a student in the woman’s class anymore. ’I really hope this talk isn’t about Koichi Sensei. If it is … I’ll have to tell him that we should stop what we’re doing. It’s already bad that we’re kissing, but if Nanako Sensei believes more is going on because she saw something, there’s the chance she’ll tell Tou-san and the Dean. I … I have to be careful with what I say…’ she thought, as she now stood in front of the door to Nanako Sensei’s class.

Nervously, she knocked a few times to get the woman’s attention before entering. “I-I’m here, Nanako Sensei,” Junko spoke, her voice low, but she bowed respectfully to the woman. She tried her best not look nervous, but she knew the woman was going to notice it. Anyone would notice it. Junko was a very awkward person, and it wasn’t uncommon for anyone to ask her if she was okay, and the response she’d give was always “I’m fine” to anyone who asked.

Posted by: Mary Saotome

« on: January 08, 2026, 02:21:03 pm »

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STOP DATING YOUR STUDENTS
IT'S NOT LOVE, IT'S DAMAGE
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Nana was sitting at her desk, in the early evening, the sun having set yet. She was stuck behind, having to grade papers. It wasn't a chore to her as she didn't hate teaching. No, she disliked disruptions. She was sick of judgment from foreign teachers who don't understand the Japanese school structure. While Japanese people may seem polite on the surface, that doesn't mean there aren't unruly individuals who don't care how others view their behavior. It really made her dislike the foreign teachers who taught at Valeria, who don't take the time to understand the culture and structure of the country in which they teach.

The reason for this thought process of hers? It was because she suspected that her colleague was having an inappropriate relationship with one of his students, specifically Koichi Nakatomi. Nana had always seen him alone with one female student, and the way they interacted with each other, the brunette couldn't help but feel that something was going on between them. They looked too comfortable being around each other when they interacted. Not only that, it didn't help that she knew that Nakatomi was married, and his wife also worked at the university as a dance teacher. A strong-willed and respectful woman from what she saw, who enjoyed her job and was dedicated to teaching students, nor did she pass judgment on others.

She was a professor who was foreign as well, but unlike the others, she showed interest in understanding how things are in Japan instead of complaining about how things are run in the classes by other professors. Outside of casually greeting her, Nana didn't speak to her frequently due to always being busy. Plus, they worked in different departments on the campus grounds, so they wouldn't see each other a lot anyway, outside of occasional breaks. Truth be told, Nana did feel bad thinking the way she did towards the woman's husband, but she couldn't approach her about it without any form of proof. That said, she'd decided to free up some time today to speak to said student, whom she believed was in an intimate relationship with Nakatomi. That student? Darlibagi Junko.

The young woman had taken her class as well, so she was familiar with her face. She always did her assignments and turned them in on time with no complaints either. Nana appreciated that. However, she noticed Darlibagi was withdrawn and stayed to herself. Sure, she'd seen her around other students, but it was hard for Nana to tell whether or not she was friends with them or simply hanging around them to avoid being alone. If it was the latter, that truly saddened her. Still, that didn't mean she should engage in close contact with her professor. She'd never seen Nakatomi and Darlibagi do anything intimate when she did see them together, but their interaction still rubbed her the wrong way. If anything was going on between them, it needed to end.

A professor's job is to teach their students, not be romantically involved with them, especially if they're already married. And so, when she saw Darlibagi on the grounds today, she decided to approach her and request that she find time today to see her privately, because it was important. Darlibagi tried to get out of it by saying she had chores to do at home that she couldn't skip, but Nana insisted that it wouldn't take long. Darlibagi agreed, so now, she was sitting here grading papers in the meantime while waiting for her to show up. 'I really hope that I'm wrong about what I'm assuming. I also hope that Darlibagi is okay,' Nana thought.

While strict in nature, Nana did care about her students and wanted them to succeed. She felt the same towards Darlibagi. She can't do that if she's caught up in a scandal she shouldn't be in. Hopefully, addressing it will make Darlibagi think twice about whatever is happening between her and Nakatomi because the consequences will be worse if his wife discovers a possible affair between her husband and one of his students.

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Posted by: Mary Saotome

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