Chapter 32: This Is Not A Date, Probably.

It appears that Nelia has been glancing at my hand as she stretches her fingers.

I for one don't think this is good for my mental health and career. With that suspicious smile Nelia has plastered on her face, I'm afraid the students around us have a lot to say about his.

Oh wow, now you look at that. A group of girls started to give me a disgusted face.

There are probably many things they assume about me already: that I have a relationship with a student despite being her teacher; that I'm a lolicon; that I'm a jerk for neglecting her affection; that I'm not grateful for my beautiful girlfriend.

Urg. This all wouldn't happen if Nelia just stayed still and not make this look like a date. I mean, Christ, when did she even bring a flare dress to school? And why?

I slap my forehead. Maybe this is a big mistake.

That's fine, this will be over soon, won't it? Once I find a club for her, all this would be over.

Nelia chimes beside me, "Aww, I don't want this to be over." She looks at my chin, "Sensei, Sensei. So where are we going to first? Lunch?"

I sigh, "No, Nelia. We're going to the library."

Nelia sucks her lips and blows them out, "So… Library's Date? I heard that's classic. Not really my taste but I'm excited to try them."

She didn't forget why we're here, right?

Nelia: "Hmhmmhmhmm…"

She definitely did.

I shake my head, "Also no. Nelia, remember what we came to her for."

"Romance?"

"We're looking if they have a slot for you."

That gets a pout from Nelia, "Sensei, that's not nice. That's another strike after not complimenting how beautiful your date is in dress."

"U'huh."

She continues, "You should so you know that using the word slot when referring to your date is just as good as saying she's a thing. Your date is not a thing. Me. Is your date."

"I know that-- I mean I know that you're not a thing. Just cut the date part."

Nelia sighs and shakes her head helplessly, "Sensei, you're being too much now. Haven't you read any of the magazines?"

"I don't read magazines."

"That's strike three."

I step in front of her and try to maintain eye contact. "You've got strike thousandth now, Nelia. I literally said this is not a date. So please don't say anything that would get us in trouble out loud."

Nelia looks around as if searching for an answer when it finally hits her. Her hand flies to her mouth as she stares at me with her big black pearls, "Sensei… D--Does this mean..."

"Yes--" this is not appropriate.

"Does this mean that you want to have a secret relationship with me?" Nelia says.

"..."

She looks down as his fingers twiddle together, "I--I mean, it's not like I'm against it…"

I turn around and start walking away. Nelia scurries and follows.

Man, this would be a rough day.

By the time Nelia finished her story about her problem with spicy food, we'd arrived at the library.

"Stay here, I'll go ask." I say to Nelia as I point at the library committee.

But the library committee happens to be female. Nelia shakes her head. "I know you're trying something, Sensei."

"Yes, I am. To find you a club."

And then I decided to just leave her.

The library committee would appreciate a new member.

This is awesome!

Nelia crabs walk to us. When I noticed her I knew something bad would happen.

"Hachoo!" Nelia snorts as she rubs her nose with her white hand. She looks at us as if she's disturbed something. "I'm sorry, I'm just not good with a place full of dust. Ah, the books are dusty! I can't imagine someone wanting to pick it up. I can't even breathe in here. The public library outside is far more better."

They rejected her.

When we're outside, I give Nelia an earful.

I begin with a sigh, "Nelia." She still looks relaxed, calm, and happy, "Can you just…" That's when it gets me. I don't know what to say more to her. Why is this girl like this?

Nelia tugs my arms, "Sensei!" her finger jabs at something, "There! Video games club!"

Her eyes twinkle.

Oh? This is new. I ask, "Are you interested in video games?"

She nods five times, "I like games! They are challenging! They are fun! They are games!" She tugs my sleeve, "Let's go!"

"I… " And I sigh. I maybe don't think video games club is a good place for her given that she is failing Science every time. But again… maybe it's the place for her to make new friends and all.

I shrug, "Well, all right. Just introduce yourself nicely this time."

Nelia chuckles, "Oh, I know their lingo. I watch tw*tch everyday!"

I smile at her enthusiasm. At the end of the day she is still a teenager who wants the world to see her as an adult.

"Is that so… Then I would put some faith in yo--"

Nelia bangs open the door.

Bam!

The six students inside stare at us in widening shock.

I don't think this is good.

Nelia heaves and pumps out her voice, "What's up Nerd. Your fav' Nelia Drac is here to beat you all down in Fort*ne match. POG!"

My hand flies to my forehead. Oh god, this is the worst.

Nelia keeps shouting POG POG when I'm still questioning myself if this is the right thing to do. Because if she's going to be like this all day then there wouldn't be a single club will actually accept her. Or new friends. Deep inside me, I know I'm worried about her. At the end of the day, she's the one who makes me feel like an actual teacher in the class. Well, that's because she's dumb but yeah. And also, she considers me as her only friend. It's only natural I want the best for her.

The video game's club member pushes Nelia, "Please leave."

Nelia shouts back, "Hey, watch where you're touching. This skin is only for one man and he's here." She twirls her body around me, "Sensei! I'm being touched by a strange boy. Let's cancel him."

But oh boy, let's just see where this club hunt will go. Looking at her now, she probably is better to be in my club.