(Open) Consultation

'Are you sure?' he looks at her. 'I can help you more if you'd like. That's why I'm here, after all. Tell you what - why don't you try filling the paper on your own at home and letting me see it tomorrow during lunch break? I'm sure I would be able to help you more if I knew exactly what you need help with'

"O-okay" She gives him a small smile before going over and giving a small hug
"I'll see you then Sensei!"
She lets go and quickly dashes out the door forgetting her paper

'H-hey now...' Masato gasps a bit when his student hugs him. After that, he picks up his cane and stands up. 'I think I shall be taking my leave as well. I sincerely doubt any more students will be showing up today'

Damn, this school sure is complicated...

Lost for the 5th time this week, I find myself wondering around the corridors again.

*SLAM*

A flash of red appears around the corner, so I speed up and find myself looking at a teacher I hadn't met yet leaving his classroom.

Gods... he has a black aura.

I put my head down and turn around very slowly in the hopes that he doesn't notice me.

'Huh?' Masato looks around, absolutely certain that he heard a voice. It doesn't take him long to spot the teacher walking in the hallway with her head down. 'Ah, you're... Uh... Shisen-sensei, right?' he taps loudly on the floor with his cane. 'May I ask what exactly you are doing?'

I close my eyes and breathe out.

Ergh. This is going to be tough.

I look over my shoulder, and give a small smile.

"Greetings." I say, and bow. "I'm Shisen, yes. I'm just looking around. Got lost on my way."

He gives a faint smile in return. 'Yes, the school layout can be quite confusing at times. Fortunately, despite my recent arrival here, I have already memorized it. Where would you like to go?' the teacher asks before suddenly noticing Iro's strange behavior. 'Is... something wrong?'

Well... he's friendly enough... Maybe my aura is wrong.

Turning to face the stranger, I manage to muster up enough will to say, "I'm... I'm f-fine. I was heading towards the art room. I didn't catch your name by the way?"

'The name's Masato Toriyama' he introduces himself with a slight bow. 'I'm a science teacher, mostly teaching the third years'

"Iro. Iro Shisen. But you knew that. I teach art classes. "

'Yes, you left quite an impression on me when you came to the teacher's lounge a few days ago, Shisen-sensei. If you don't mind me saying, I believe you are just what some of those children need. Your looks, your attitude, your...' Masato thinks for a moment, trying to think of an appropriate substitute for "disability", '...peculiar state of mind, they all resonate very well with the students here. I may be disabled myself, but unfortunately, that's not enough for me to establish a connection with most of them. I've always been a man of science, strict and accurate, which is why the best I can do is teach those children my knowledge. You, on the other hand... I believe you can do a lot more' he smiles faintly.

My eyes widen in shock at the sudden burst of emotion from the stranger, and I notice his aura goes a few shades lighter.

"Uh.... thanks. Is it well known among the faculty of my disability then? I know the headteacher knows... And connecting with the kids is easy, once you know how. It's like with a very young child, tower over them, they'll get scared. But if you come down to their level, they'll treat you as one of their own. If you ever need advice, don't hesitate to come ask."

Why am I giving advice to this guy... I want as little to do with him as possible!

'Ah, didn't you know? The forms you filled out when applying for the job are still being kept in the registry, and can be accessed by any other teacher. I wasn't meaning to pry into your personal business, I just happened to oversee some details about you while looking for something else, and I got a bit curious. I hope you will forgive me' he gives her a faint smile. 'Unfortunately, I don't think I'll ever be able to truly connect with the students. I've never been particularly good with children, even before my... makeover. I don't see that changing any time soon'

They can access my file at all times?! That's.... worrying.

"Aww, you aren't that scary!" I say, and tap him lightly on the shoulder. "You should see me in the mornings!"

'Heh' Masato smiles a little. 'I appreciate the sentiment, Shisen-sensei. Talking with you has been far more pleasurable than I first thought, yet unfortunately I'm running out of time at the moment. Perhaps we can continue this conversation after school?'

"It would be an honour, sensei." I say, finding my mouth curling into a smile against my will. By now his voice was giving off more of a brown colour than black, and I began to feel myself liking him.

Strange. Guess I need to be more wary of my aura.

'So, it is decided' he nods. 'Though I need to say that, unfortunately, I am not very familiar with the town yet. Can you suggest a suitable place nearby for us to go to once the school closes down?'

"Hmm... I live in a flat opposite a café," I say, and stroke my temple in contemplation, "I think it's called The Shanghai. What do you think?"

'Sounds excellent' Masato nods. 'I will try to find in on my own, and will be waiting for you there after classes. I would suggest that we go there together, but... It would be best to avoid fueling the students' speculations'

Iro smiles, "Sure thing, Sensei. But what would they be speculating, huh?" She says, sticking a finger under his nose and winking. "See you there!" She says and walks off into the corner, smiling.