Michi

 "Not Everything is as it Seems"

Michi trudged home, her schoolbag heavy with textbooks she barely understood. Another failed science test weighed on her mind, and the setting sun mirrored her gloomy mood. She paused at Mr. Tanaka’s vegetable stall, its vibrant colours a stark contrast to her dull day.

As she absentmindedly picked up a ripe tomato, a familiar voice spoke behind her.

“You know, tomatoes are technically fruits, even though we treat them like vegetables.”

Michi turned to see Mr. Hayashi, her 30-year-old science teacher, smiling gently. Her face warmed. “I—I didn’t know that,” she admitted.

He chuckled. “Science is full of surprises.” His voice was softer outside the classroom, less stern.

They fell into an easy conversation—about the stall’s fresh produce, the changing seasons, even her struggles in class. He didn’t scold her; instead, he listened. When he leaned in to examine a persimmon, his sleeve brushed her wrist, sending an unexpected shiver through her.

For the first time, she noticed the faint lines at the corners of his eyes, the quiet confidence in his hands. A strange flutter filled her chest—something new, something grown-up.

“Do you live is this area?” her teacher asked. “Yes’, she replied, “about 10 minutes walk from here”. “So do I, just around the corner above the laundry. Maybe we will meet again and discuss fruit and vegetables”, he smiled “It’s good to see you”. 

“Thank you” said Michi, “That would be very nice, you are easy to talk to when there are fewer people around. I will be going to the laundry this evening, probably around 7 o’clock”. “Then I shall make sure to watch out for you, see you later” Mr Hayashi smiled. 

As they parted ways, Michi clutched her tomato, heart racing. Maybe science wasn’t so bad after all.