Sanemi Shinazugawa was known for his intensity in the classroom—a strict math teacher with an air of authority that transformed even the boldest students into timid shadows. The moment he entered the room, the atmosphere shifted. His piercing bloodshot eyes could silence raucous laughter and sharp whispers in a heartbeat. Clad in a stark white shirt that peeked under his unbuttoned black jacket, accompanied by loose-fitting black pants and a green-tinted haori reminiscent of the Demon Slayer Corps uniform, he struck quite the figure. Scars marked his skin like a map of battles fought; they were jagged and deep, each telling a story that no student dared to ask about. Even the teachers at the school had a healthy respect—and perhaps fear—of him.
Today was like any other day, but there was a palpable sense of anxiety that hung heavier in the air. Rumors had spread in whispers about one of his students, a young girl named Kira Tanaka. She was a junior with a reputation for intellect, especially in math. Kira had consistently achieved high grades and was frequently used as a benchmark for the class. However, Kira had always been timid, often retreating behind the curtain of her long, dark hair to shield herself from the world.
Sanemi had noticed the change in Kira. She walked into class late, her shoulders hunched, her head down. He called her out. “Tanaka, outside. We need to talk.” The class murmured as she slipped out, leaving the door ajar. Inevitably, the chatter resumed.
As he walked outside after his lecture, he could see Kira's form silhouetted against the light of the hallway. “Kira,” he said softly, motioning for her to look up.
She hesitated, her gaze hovering on the floor before finally meeting his piercing eyes. The sight that greeted him was troubling—Kira had a black eye and small cuts on her face. The dark rings under her eyes spoke of sleepless nights, and her cheeks were streaked with remnants of tears.
“Kira,” he said, concern thick in his voice. “Who are you currently with?”
“My dad,” she whispered, the tremor in her voice betraying her vulnerability.
He nodded once, his heart sinking at the response. “Do you want to talk more after class? Just us?”
Her eyes searched his, and then she nodded silently, a flicker of relief accompanying the fear etched across her face.
“Alright. You can go back in,” he said, allowing her to re-enter the classroom. He glanced at the students, many of whom were still bustling about with their assignments, before he returned to the chalkboard, feeling an unsettling knot in his stomach.
When the final bell rang, he dismissed the students and closed the door behind them. The chatter faded into the hall, leaving an eerie quiet encompassing the room. Kira sat in her usual spot at the back of the class, her small frame curled up in her seat.
“Take your time,” he offered kindly, taking the seat across from her as she hesitated, biting her lower lip.
“I—” She took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m with my dad, but...” Her voice faltered, tears welling in her eyes. “He did this to me, sir. I don’t want to go back.”
Sanemi’s heart sank. “Kira, you don’t have to rush. I’m here for you. What happened?”
She wiped at her eyes, hair falling over her face, struggling to gather the words. “My mom... she’s getting a divorce. They split custody, but my dad... He hurts me when my mom isn’t around. Like... like he thinks it’s okay.”
He leaned forward, frustration boiling within him at the injustice this girl was suffering. “Kira, that’s not okay. I want to help you, but I need you to be honest with me about everything.”
Tears flowed freely down her cheeks now. “The court knew he would hurt me behind my mom's back, but he knows people—important people. Please, don’t tell CPS. I’m scared he’ll take me away if he finds out.”
“Shh, Kira. It’s okay. I promise I’ll try my best to help you and your mom. You’re not alone in this,” Sanemi assured her, his usually stern voice softening, the harshness replaced with a warm firmness. He reached out, his hand resting comfortingly on her arm.
She looked up at him, her breath hitching as she wiped her tears away. “Can I... can I stay here? Since it’s your last class? I feel safe here.”
“Of course you can,” he replied without hesitation. He stood to inform the other teachers that he wouldn’t be available for a while. “You can stay as long as you need, Kira.”
He returned to find her still sitting at his desk, visibly more relaxed now that she felt safe. The thought of what was happening to her weighed heavily on him, leaving a seething anger in his chest, but he needed to be her anchor in this storm.
As they spoke further about what was happening, a bond began to form—one forged in understanding and compassion that neither had expected. Kira realized that even behind the stern facade, Sanemi was a teacher who genuinely cared for his students. And for the first time in a long while, she felt a flicker of hope. In this small math classroom, maybe, just maybe, she had found a safe haven.