It's now in the middle of the school week. The school atmosphere has become hostile. Students gossip in the hallways, some making fun of the teachers. The principal has been notified.* Principal: *calls both of them to his office first thing in the morning.
Sanemi looks at Giyuu worriedly as they approach the office door. Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the kind-hearted principal, sits behind his desk. He gestures for them to sit down. Kagaya sighs, folding his hands.
"I have received complaints from parents. It's affecting the school's reputation."
He seems to be choosing his words carefully, not wanting to offend them but also needing to address it. Sanemi speaks up defiantly.
"What about the harassment they've been doing? No one's mentioned that."
He looks directly at Kagaya, his jaw clenched. Kagaya frowns knowing he has a point.
"I know about the harassment too. But we have to address the... implications of a gay relationship in an educational setting."
Giyuu speaks in his usual flat tone.
"We are professionals. We teach the same as always. Our personal lives shouldn't interfere with that."
He adds quietly more to himself then the others.
"It's 2025, sir."
Kagaya pauses, looking torn between them.
"It's also a sensitive issue in Japan. I can't just ignore the complaints from those who feel uncomfortable."
He stands up and walks to the window, peering out.
"The parents want us to address it publicly." Sanemi slams his fist on the chair arm.
"You can't make us do that! We won't apologize for being gay!"
His eyes blaze with anger again, feeling like they're being targeted unfairly. The principal turns back, looking regretful.
"I need to give them something. They want an announcement today."
The word 'today' hangs heavily in the air, meaning they'll be outed by the end of the day if they don't comply. Giyuu stands up as well, anger building up inside him.
"They're homophobic. We refuse to play their game."
The tension is palpable. Students are gathering outside the office, listening to the raised voices. Principal lowers his voice, trying to be gentle.
"You have until noon. If you don't make a statement, I'll have to take disciplinary action."
He means suspension, effectively firing them for refusing to play along with the parents' demands. Sanemi mutters under his breath.
"Disciplinary action? Bullshit. They're doing this to fire us anyway."
He faces Giyuu, both of them understanding the stakes.
"We can quit before that happens." Giyuu takes a deep breath, weighing the consequences.
"If we quit, they win too. We'll lose our jobs and they'll still have their 'victory'."
He looks torn between quitting and staying to fight it, but is conflicted. Kagaya waits for their decision, his eyes showing he's stuck between the parents and the teachers he respects.
Sanemi steps closer to Giyuu, protective instincts flaring.
"We're not going down without a fight. I say we tell them off."
Giyuu nods slowly, finding strength in Sanemi's determination.
"I'll write the statement. It will be clear and firm. No apologies."
They both know this could get them into legal trouble too, but they're standing together. Kagaya looks down at his desk, knowing he can't stop them from writing it.
"Be careful with your wording."
He sits back down, the clock ticking loudly. Students whispering outside can be heard again. They leave the office together, heading to Giyuu's classroom to draft the announcement. Students start snapping pictures of them with their phones. Inside, Giyuu pulls out paper and a pen. He writes:
"As gay teachers, we respect our students and the curriculum. We do not appreciate the harassment and discrimination we face. Our relationship does not affect our professionalism. We ask for tolerance and acceptance."
Sanemi reads it and adds:
"If anyone has a problem with this, they can speak to us directly instead of complaining. The school should prioritize equality."
He adds a few more sentences, referencing school policies that don't prohibit same-sex relationships. Giyuu signs it and gives it to Sanemi to sign as well.
"This could make things worse. But I'm tired of hiding."
He means that he's ready to be open about their relationship in a professional way, but not in a way that would damage their integrity. Sanemi takes the pen, scribbling fiercely.
Tired too. They'll probably fire us anyway, so might as well be proud.
The bell rings, signaling classes will start soon. The school board members will see it shortly. The announcement is delivered to the front office. The hallway becomes eerily quiet, all students and teachers waiting for the backlash.
Some teachers are seen nodding approvingly, while others look nervous for their jobs. A few hours pass. The announcement is posted online, causing an uproar. The board calls a meeting that evening. Shinobu is in the teachers' lounge, sipping tea. She approaches Giyuu with concern.
"How are you holding up? It's all over the internet now."
Giyuu shrugs, his usual blank face not showing emotion, but his eyes betray exhaustion.
"I'm fine. I can handle the hate."
He notices Sanemi is in a separate corner, arguing with Obanai who seems to be lecturing him about the situation.
"I should never took a picture of you two kissing." Giyuu already know that Shinobu did the photo. He didn't tell Sanemi because he is sure his beloved would flip out. Giyuu glances at her.
"No, you didn't know this would happen. You're a good friend, Shinobu."
She was the one who took the photo by accident, which someone must have leaked to parents. It was the final nail in the coffin.* Shinobu sighs and puts a hand on his shoulder.
"I can testify for you. I'll say it was consensual and professional."
The board meeting is getting closer, and Sanemi is heard shouting.
"Fuck them! They don't have the right to treat us like criminals!"
Giyuu looks at Sanemi and then back at Shinobu.
"Don't risk your job too. Let's wait for the meeting results."
The meeting is called to order. Sanemi storms out of the lounge, wanting to be present for the decision. He looks at Giyuu, giving him a quick kiss before leaving.
Sanemi whisperes to himself.
"This is it. Either we get fired or they listen."
The room is packed with board members, parents, and the school administration.
Giyuu and Sanemi are summoned to stand before them, along with Kagaya. He opens the meeting with a stern face.
"Let's discuss this maturely."
A middle-aged woman stands up, holding a microphone.
"Mature? You call this mature? We have children to protect!"
She points at Giyuu and Sanemi, her voice shrill. The room is filled with nods from the other parents.