The atmosphere once again fell into a subtle silence.
Sefina’s problem really did need to be solved, but letting her wear that…
She would rather endure the discomfort than compromise!
Ellaria looked at her teacher’s furrowed brow, knowing she was still resisting.
She bit her lower lip, racking her brain for another solution.
Suddenly, an idea flashed through her mind.
….Hmm, it wasn’t perfect, maybe even a bit presumptuous, but perhaps it could solve the urgent crisis.
Ellaria’s cheeks flushed slightly, making her look a little embarrassed as she gently tugged at Teacher Sefina’s sleeve and spoke in a soft, timid voice:
“Teacher…um…how about, how about you wear mine…
Wear…hers?!
Sefina’s heart skipped a beat. She instinctively shook her head, her expression calm but her eyes full of refusal.
“How could that work?” Sefina’s tone was steady, but left no room for discussion.
Something as personal as underwear—how could they just wear each other’s? That was unthinkable!
Ellaria seemed to have anticipated her teacher’s reaction, hurriedly explaining:
“No! Teacher, you misunderstood. I haven’t worn them. I… I have a few new ones, still in their Packaging Bags, never opened…”
New ones? Never worn?
Upon hearing this, Sefina’s attitude softened a bit as she fell into thought.
If they were brand new, even though they were bought by Ellaria, the style and size might not be exactly the same, but… in such a desperate situation with no other choice,
Maybe… it wouldn’t be completely unacceptable?
After weighing it over in her heart, Sefina set aside her lingering discomfort. She thought for a moment, then sighed softly and nodded gently to Ellaria, her tone a bit warmer:
“Alright… I’ll trouble you, then.”
Ellaria’s face instantly brightened with relief as she quickly said,
“It’s no trouble at all, Teacher! Please wait a moment!” With that, she darted into the bedroom like a happy little bird and started searching through the wardrobe.
Before long, she came out holding a small, still-sealed, transparent Packaging Bag.
“Teacher, here you go.” Ellaria handed over the Packaging Bag, still looking a little shy.
Sefina took it, looking at the brand-new clothing inside. Her heart was a jumble of feelings, but she still politely said, “Thank you.”
She hurried into the private bathroom in the dorm.
She closed the door, opened the Packaging Bag, and changed… Hmm… how to describe the feeling after putting it on… it seemed… a little bit big?
After all, Ellaria was a bit taller than her, with a slightly larger frame. Though both were young women, there was bound to be some size difference. Ahem…
Sefina glanced down. Although it wasn’t as perfectly fitting as her own, and there was a bit of extra space, it still did its basic job of staying in place and covering what needed to be covered.
At least it wouldn’t fall off.
The sudden dryness brought a wave of relief. Sefina let out a long breath, feeling herself relax quite a bit.
At the very least, when going to class that afternoon, she wouldn’t have to be distracted by discomfort and could face her students with composure.
So, what about the old one? It was obviously inconvenient to walk out holding it, and there was nowhere to put it.
Should she leave it here with Ellaria to dry?
Even aside from whether that was suitable, just the thought of having to come back for it, or asking Ellaria to return it…
That would be way too embarrassing…….
Forget it, might as well just throw it away. Sefina decided firmly. It wasn’t like she couldn’t spare one.
Having made up her mind, Sefina didn’t hesitate to toss it into the empty trash bin in the bathroom.
***
After tidying up her appearance and making sure her skirt looked fine, Sefina opened the bathroom door and stepped out.
“Teacher, how is it? Does it fit?” Ellaria asked a little nervously.
Sefina’s expression had returned to normal as she nodded lightly.
“It’s fine. Thank you, Ellaria. Really… today, I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Sefina’s gratitude was sincere. Though the process had been awkward and roundabout, Ellaria’s intentions were good, and she had truly helped her out of a bind.
Ellaria smiled and shook her head. “It’s nothing, Teacher, you’re too kind.”
Sefina glanced at the exquisite clock on the wall. The hands showed that it was getting late. She said,
“It’s getting late. I need to go to the teaching area to prepare the Magic Apparatus for this afternoon’s class. I’ll head out first.”
“Alright, Teacher. Goodbye,” Ellaria responded sweetly.
Sefina nodded to Ellaria once more, then turned and left the dorm.
“Click——”
With the soft sound of the closing door, Sefina’s figure completely disappeared outside. In an instant, Ellaria was alone in the room. The space that had just felt lively now seemed overly quiet.
Ellaria stood in place, gazing at the tightly shut door. For some reason, an indescribable feeling quietly welled up inside her…
A hint of inexplicable loneliness?
So Teacher didn’t really think anything special of her. She only came to ask for secrecy because Ellaria had accidentally learned her secret.
Between her and Teacher, it seemed… they were really just an ordinary teacher and student…
This realization made Ellaria’s heart sting a little, as if something lightly pricked its tip, stirring a faint, sour ripple.
No, no!
Ellaria, what nonsense are you thinking?! She shook her head hard, trying to chase away those strange thoughts.
You and Teacher are just ordinary, that’s all! What else could you be? Don’t overthink it!
Forcing herself to calm down, Ellaria patted her flushed cheeks.
Forget it, don’t think about it. I’d better use the restroom—have to get ready for afternoon class soon.
With that in mind, Ellaria turned and walked toward the bathroom.
However, as she approached the toilet, her gaze happened to sweep across the trash bin nearby, and her steps halted as her eyes were drawn to that familiar patch of pure white fabric lying inside.
That was…?!
She just tossed it away like that?
A rush of emotions, hard to describe, surged up inside. Before she could think, as if driven by some invisible force, Ellaria slowly bent down toward the trash bin and reached out her hand…