The English Teacher
Copyright© 2026 by DutchMark13
Chapter 8
Then he thought about Jake: his arrogance, his casual disregard for emotions, the way he talked about women like they were conquests rather than people.
No, James knew he wasn’t like that.
And he wasn’t going to let anyone pressure him into being someone he wasn’t.
He took a deep breath, picked up his notebook, and tried to refocus on his lessons.
James had started to notice a pattern in his advanced beginner class during his second week.
At the end of every class, while most of the students were gathering their things or chatting with friends, Kimora Masamune would linger. She’d take her time slipping her books into her bag, adjusting her sweater, or brushing her long, auburn hair behind her ear as if waiting for the perfect moment to approach him.
On Friday afternoon, as the other students filtered out of the room, Kimora moved to stand by his desk, her bright eyes fixed on him.
“James-sensei,” she said, her voice lilting slightly as she practiced her English, “I was wondering, um, do you ... do you have plans this weekend?”
James looked up from the lesson materials he was organizing. “Hmm? This weekend?” He thought for a moment. “Not really. Why?”
Kimora smiled shyly, shifting her weight slightly. “I want to show you my favorite place in Tokyo. You said you like Japanese history, yes?”
“I do,” James said, intrigued.
“Then ... I would like us to go to Meiji Shrine.” She clasped her hands together as if presenting him with an exciting opportunity. “It is very beautiful. Traditional.” She became a bit more animated. “And after, we could go to Harajuku. Have you been?”
James shook his head. “No, not yet.”
Kimora’s smile widened. “Then, you must. It is famous for fashion and sweets. Very fun! I think you will like it.”
James hesitated for only a moment. He absolutely wanted to see the cultural side of Japan, and having a guide – especially one as enthusiastic as Kimora – would make the experience even better. “That sounds great,” he said finally. “But perhaps we should travel separately. What time should we meet at the shrine?”
Kimora’s excitement was almost palpable. “Maybe... 11 a.m.? Then we can have lunch after.”
James nodded, noticing the way her cheeks flushed just slightly. “That sounds like a good plan.”
----- When James arrived at the entrance of Meiji Shrine that Saturday, Kimora was already waiting for him. She was dressed casually but stylishly, wearing a light pink sweater and a pleated skirt.
“You made it!” she greeted him, beaming.
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