“Now, everyone, I'd like to open today's discussion about the male student, Morikawa Tomoki. First, I'd like to hear each of your opinions about him.” - The principal said.
“He's really improving. When it comes to discussions about our current situation, he excels at giving insights into what we can do, or at least what we can try to do. Little by little, I can also see him keeping up with my lessons. He's nothing like he was on his first day here.” - The homeroom teacher explained.
“If I may add, he really likes competing against his friend, Satou-san. What's even more impressive is that he manages to beat him despite having a handicap. Principal, I think he'd make an excellent professional athlete!” - The P.E. teacher eagerly suggested.
“Though it's a bit problematic if he keeps overworking his body. Still, I won't lie—he really has the talent to become an athlete. He has nerves of steel when it comes to enduring pain.” - The male nurse said.
“Not only does he have good insight, but he also excels in physical activities? What's happening this year? It's full of surprises.” - The principal said.
“I know I'm getting a little off topic, but speaking of surprises, there's also a new male scholarship student, Hirose Hotaru. I heard from the students that he's a close friend of Morikawa-kun.” - The homeroom teacher said.
“Oh, right! Him! During P.E., just like Morikawa-san, he ran faster than usual and eagerly did every exercise. And what's even crazier is that when he noticed all the girls were looking at him, instead of getting embarrassed, he started... posing. It looked pretty cool at the time, but now that I think about it... it was kind of weird.” - The P.E. teacher said.
“I don't have much to say. Based on his physical examination, he's a healthy boy.” - The male nurse said.
“It seems we now have two students with rather unique quirks. Why am I not surprised they're childhood friends?” - The principal sighed.
“Haha! Well, it's kind of a shame I'm not the homeroom teacher of the new student's class... Anyway, what do you have to say about him? You're responsible for his class now, right?” - The homeroom teacher asked the P.E. teacher.
“Yes. We still haven't had any discussions about topics involving our current situation, but I have high expectations for him.” - The P.E. teacher answered.
“Then... Principal, does Edomae perhaps have an interest in him as well?” - The male nurse asked.
Everyone suddenly fell silent, waiting for the principal's answer.
“No, they don't. The last time I spoke with Edomae-sensei, she only talked about how we could improve our advertisement to attract more male students. In short, they're only interested in him from a business standpoint. Morikawa-san is still their main interest.” - The principal explained.
“Well... I guess that's good. After all, Morikawa-kun likes Edomae.” - The homeroom teacher said.
“I guess we don't have to worry about the Edomaes anymore.” - The P.E. teacher added.
“It seems so... Oh, right! So what exactly did you want to discuss about Morikawa-kun?” - The male nurse reminded her.
“The thing is, I was able to speak directly with his parents, Morikawa Haruka and Masaru.” - The principal said.
“How lucky! I've always wanted to meet them at least once. So, how did it go? I bet his father is quite a unique person.” - The homeroom teacher eagerly asked.
“Here's my question. What would you normally expect from a father?” - The principal asked.
“That's a difficult question since we barely see fathers during parent meetings. If I had to answer... honestly, nothing.” - The homeroom teacher replied.
“That's true, but at least my father always looked after me. If I had to describe him, I'd say he was funny and gentle.” - The P.E. teacher answered.
“I have friends whose father has seven children with four wives. The hardest part is giving equal attention and care to all of them. That's why it's difficult for many fathers to attend school meetings or events.” - The male nurse answered.
“That's exactly my point. Morikawa-kun's father definitely takes his responsibilities as a father more seriously than most men with children. Although it seems he wasn't always able to stay with Morikawa-kun because they had to live far apart, it's clear that he truly cares about his son, and now they're together again.” - The principal explained.
“But... you were expecting something more from him, weren't you?” - The homeroom teacher asked.
“Precisely. Do you all remember the Cooking Club incident? When Morikawa-kun firmly spoke about our responsibilities as educators, I couldn't help but be impressed. That's why I expected his father to possess some extraordinary trait as well... someone truly dependable.” - The principal answered.
“Well, I guess we simply expected too much from his parents.” - The homeroom teacher said.
“Being dependable... Well, it's true my father relied on my mother for almost everything.” - The P.E. teacher said with an awkward smile.
“As a man, I can't deny that we tend to rely on women more than the other way around... Wait a minute. Does that mean his mother was the one who shaped him into the person he is today?” - The male nurse asked.
“It's possible. But it seems even his mother doesn't know why he's different. She told me she never spoiled him. Of course, most mothers say that, yet many of them unknowingly spoil or overprotect their children. I hoped I'd discover why he's so dependable and proactive, but in the end... it's still a mystery.” - The principal explained with a small sigh.
“I guess Morikawa-kun simply grew up to be that kind of person.” - The homeroom teacher said.
“There's also Hirose-san. Though I don't know whether he's as dependable and proactive as Morikawa-san.” - The P.E. teacher said.
“But I think he's worth a chance. After all, he was personally chosen by our principal, wasn't he?” - The male nurse said while glancing at the principal.
“No. His case is even more mysterious. After all, he was raised by a single mother.”
Everyone fell silent after hearing that.
“Well, it's already getting late. Thank you all for staying until the end. You're dismissed.”
♦♦♦
Back at the principal's house, she began reminiscing about the last interview.
[One last question. Could both of you tell me what you think about women? Feel free to be completely honest.] - The principal.
[Of course! They're people who deserve to be loved. Personally, whenever they simply want to be close to me, I can't help but feel the same way. After all, they're all adorable. At first, I didn't know whom I should choose, but one day I decided to tell them how I felt, and together we started thinking about how we could all stay together. That's when I realized what I truly needed to do was give each of them the care and attention they deserved... Sorry, I ended up talking about myself, but that's honestly how I feel.] - A certain student.
“Haha... Honestly, he met every requirement needed to earn the scholarship. No... more than that. Though the next student was something else entirely. I mean... the expression on his face was absolutely priceless... Pfft...” - The principal chuckled to herself while taking a sip of her drink.
[~Stare~] - Hirose Hotaru.
[What? What's with that look on your face?]
[~Sigh~... Sorry. Let's just say my stomach wasn't feeling very well. As for what I think about women... Well, if I had to describe them, I'd say they're people I can't help but admire. The woman I know raised a child all by herself with a smile on her face. No matter how hard she worked, I never once saw her complain about her life. That's why, if I ever meet a woman like her, I'll never leave her side. I'll give everything I have to support her however I can. Because I don't ever want to become the kind of man who's only willing to stay with a woman during the good times... Oops... I guess I ended up talking about myself too. Sorry.] - Hirose Hotaru.
“Slurp... After hearing that, I had no doubt about whom to award the scholarships to. So Morikawa-kun and Hirose-kun were actually old friends... And considering the way they both think... Was it really just a coincidence? I can't imagine two children developing those kinds of values on their own. There has to be something behind it... Well, for now, I'd better get some sleep.”
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