A Professor’s Stern Interrogation

Genji timidly shuffled to the back corner of the classroom and took a seat.

First, he peeled off his soaking wet jacket, carefully placing it on the adjacent seat.

After all, that corner was empty.

Throughout the entire process, Genji’s gaze never dared to stray towards the podium.

The other students in the classroom covertly scrutinized the tardy and disheveled newcomer, their hushed whispers rising and falling in waves.

Professor Sato Chinatsu maintained her professional demeanor, as if the small incident at the door had never occurred.

Adjusting the microphone slightly, she began her self-introduction in a clear, cool voice.

“You may all note my name: Sato Chinatsu. I will be teaching your Literary Theory course this semester.”

“I have been teaching in the Department of Literature for four years, with my primary research areas being modern literature and narratology…”

Genji’s ears buzzed, the professor’s voice reaching him as if muffled by a thick pane of frosted glass.

Fragments of yesterday flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern: her drunken hand offering him the first drink at the izakaya, the ambiguous tension in the elevator, the swipe of the apartment key card…

‘Why, of all people, did she have to be my professor?’ Genji inwardly groaned.

What rendered him even more speechless was the inexplicable look in Professor Sato’s eyes when she had uttered “Genji-kun” moments ago—a look that confirmed she not only remembered his name but had already found it on the student roster.

She even remembered what had transpired between them.

‘No way, does this count as sexual harassment? Will ‘Freshman and Female Professor’s Drunken One-Night Stand’ go viral?’

As Sato Chinatsu elaborated on the semester’s plan and assessment methods, her gaze occasionally darted towards the back of the classroom, where a boy with his head bowed low was attempting to hide himself like an ostrich.

A flicker of confusion crossed her eyes, yet a faint hint of disdain touched her lips before she swiftly regained her professional composure.

“Today is the first day of the semester, so I won’t take up too much of your time.”

Sato Chinatsu gathered her lecture notes. “However, before class dismisses, I want to remind all new students that as university students, you are responsible for your own actions.”

“Do not assume that youth grants you the liberty to squander your time and… emotions.”

As her final words resonated, Genji, whose gaze had been wandering, distinctly felt a cold stare sweep over him.

He glanced up, but couldn’t pinpoint the source of the sudden chill.

The morning’s embarrassment was quickly cast aside; his very survival took precedence over his reputation, and he desperately needed to find a part-time job as soon as possible.

Soon, the dismissal bell rang.

Genji’s first instinct was to bolt upright, snatch his bag, and flee the classroom.

“Genji-kun,” Sato Chinatsu’s voice chimed from behind him, “Please stay after class; I need to speak with you.”

The students in the classroom watched the scene with curiosity, and murmurs erupted once more.

Genji froze in place, feeling like a lamb led to slaughter. He turned around, feigning composure as he walked towards the podium.

Only after the last student had exited the classroom did Sato Chinatsu speak. “Genji-kun, regarding this morning’s events…”

“I’m so sorry, Professor!”

Genji bowed deeply, his voice trembling with nervousness. “I truly had no idea you were my professor. I drank too much last night and had absolutely no intention of offending you. Please forgive my presumptuous behavior!”

While the incident couldn’t be entirely blamed on him—after all, Genji had been plied with drinks by a tipsy Professor Sato—such matters were… complicated.

Sato Chinatsu raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise appearing on her face. “What exactly are you apologizing for?”

“Huh?” Genji paused, his voice gradually shrinking. “It’s… it’s about last night’s…”

“What about last night? Genji-kun, I ask you to be more respectful.”

Sato Chinatsu’s tone suddenly turned frigid. “I merely encountered a drunken you at an izakaya last night. Out of concern for a new student, I escorted you back to the guest room in my apartment. Nothing else happened beyond that!”

“Do you truly perceive me as the kind of professor who casually takes a drunken student home for the night?”

‘Is… is that how it was?’

Genji froze.

He quickly replayed the details of last night in his mind—it seemed… there was no discrepancy with what the female professor was saying?

After all, there had been no R18 (TL Note: A Japanese rating indicating sexually explicit content, similar to NC-17 or X-rated) scenes, only someone’s peacefully sleeping face, and any ‘premium content’ was entirely lost to his memory.

“I was simply concerned you might misunderstand,” Sato Chinatsu interrupted his thoughts, her voice stiff. “The note you left clearly indicated you had inappropriate ideas about me.”

“It’s normal for students to have fantasies, but I must remind you to focus your energy on your studies and not bother me about last night.”

As she spoke the last words, Professor Sato was staring directly into Genji’s eyes. “Do you understand?”

Facing the composed professor, whose words were precise and whose mere presence commanded strong conviction, Genji found himself speechless.

Genji stammered, unsure how to respond.

Something felt off to him; it seemed as though she was very eager to distance herself from him.

“I… I understand.”

Genji nodded, then cautiously asked, “So, may I leave now?”

Despite his easy acquiescence, Sato Chinatsu’s expression did not relax; instead, it grew even more tense.

“Genji-kun,” Sato Chinatsu’s voice was low and stern. “I hope you truly understand that the student-teacher relationship is sacred and must not be desecrated. Whatever your intention was in approaching me at the izakaya last night, such behavior is inappropriate.”

“It wasn’t like that!”

Genji hastily explained, “I went to the izakaya to look for a job. There was a recruitment poster at the entrance.”

“Looking for a job?” Sato Chinatsu scoffed, clearly disbelieving him.

A literature student seeking employment at an izakaya? It would be more believable to say he was applying at a nightclub.

She knew her striking looks often led to misunderstandings, but last night had been an accident, and she absolutely could not allow this boy to harbor any further fantasies.

The unexpected events of last night had already cost her dearly.

“Genji-kun, are you being serious?” Sato Chinatsu’s voice was thick with suspicion.

Genji sighed. “It’s true. My current landlord wants me to move out as soon as possible, and I need to find a well-paying job so I can afford an apartment near the school.”

“Or else you’ll deliberately try to get close to me, constantly reminding me of what happened?”

Sato Chinatsu cut him off coldly, her gaze as sharp as a blade.

“Huh?”

His train of thought abruptly severed, Genji’s mouth hung agape.

Snapping back to reality, he quickly waved his hands. “I really was just looking for a job! It was wrong of me not to refuse Professor Sato’s drinks last night, but I truly didn’t…”

Sato Chinatsu suddenly lifted her head, her eyes turning glacial, her chest rising and falling erratically as if his words had struck a raw nerve.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, her breathing quickened, and her fingers trembled slightly as they gripped the edge of her lecture notes, her voice low and laced with barely suppressed fury.

“You couldn’t refuse my drinks? Are you implying that I deliberately got you drunk so you could use it to blackmail me?”

‘Did I say that?’ Genji froze, his mouth opening as if to explain further.

Sato Chinatsu coldly cut him off. “Stop talking. I don’t want to hear any more of this nonsense.”

Only the patter of rain against the windows remained in the classroom, seemingly mocking their absurd conversation.

Silent breaths filled the air for an unknown duration, and Professor Sato’s gaze flickered away.

“Whether you were truly drunk or feigning it, what happened last night cannot get out,” she stated, her voice rigid. “The note you left clearly shows you intend to use this incident to bother me.”

Genji protested, “I just felt… I felt I should take responsibility…”

“Responsibility?” Sato’s heart lurched, and she gritted her teeth. “What can a poor student who just barely got into university from the countryside do to take responsibility? Or do you think last night’s events entitle you to some benefit from me?”

Sato’s gaze swept over him, filled with scrutiny and disdain. “Don’t misunderstand, I didn’t keep you here to hear your apology. I merely want to ensure your silence.”

“Then… I promise not to say anything, alright?” Genji whispered. “I don’t want any trouble either.”

“A promise?”

Sato scoffed, her tone brimming with suspicion. “Why should I believe you? Boys your age are experts at embellishing stories and boasting about them.”

Genji scratched his head awkwardly. “I’m not like that…”

“Not?” Sato narrowed her eyes, her tone suddenly softening slightly, though it felt more like a probe. “Then tell me, why didn’t you leave last night? With so many people in the izakaya, why did you specifically get on the elevator with me?”

“I…” Genji was at a loss for words.

He couldn’t very well say that Sato had grabbed his hand, that she had been too drunk to stand steadily, mumbling “Don’t go,” which was why he had foolishly followed along.

Genji felt as though he had a hundred mouths yet no way to explain himself.

“Don’t explain anymore,” Sato Chinatsu frowned, her voice low. “I don’t want to hear it. I have an empty room in my apartment; you’ll move in.”

Genji froze in surprise.

“Huh?”