Lesson Learned

You need help

"If it's affecting your grades then it is," Koro-sensei replied gently. "The issue is only going to get worse. Even if we try a different work method, you're easily pushed into a panic."

She bristled but didn't make a move to leave. "I'm not doing it on purpose."

"I know you aren't." His tone stayed irritatingly patient.

"It just happens," her voice cracked. "And the more I try not to think about panicking the more I panic and..." She stopped to breathe, everything was coming out like word vomit. "And I'm trying."

Koro-sensei nodded. "Yes, I know you are." He stepped closer. "There must be a lot of expectations being placed on you right now."

Mitsuko swallowed, fidgeting. "I just want to be strong..."

Strong enough to beat the Principal.

Strong like Gakushuu.

"We become strong through failure, Mitsuko, not by fearing it," Koro-sensei told her. "And I happen to think you are strong."

She cringed, shaking her head as she edged back. "No, I'm not..."

"Your father would consider many of your classmates weak, but do you think that's true?" he challenged.

Mitsuko grimaced. "Not entirely..."

Koro-sensei looked amused. "Being flawed doesn't make us weak, it's a part of what makes us strong."

"Well, I don't feel strong." She was starting to lose her patience. "Having panic attacks doesn't help me!"

"Having panic attacks doesn't make you weak, but yes, they are a problem," he replied evenly. "As I said when discussing second options in an assassination, there are problems that you'll have to face and can't ignore. You have to learn and adapt."

Mitsuko stayed quiet, frowning. "...So how exactly would we get rid of the panic attacks?"

"Well, it isn't an easy fix." He gave a strained laugh. "And I only just earned a degree in psychology two days ago."

"What?" Her frown deepened.

"Online Open University is very useful!"

Mitsuko sighed. "Just tell me what I need to do."

"Well, it would be a good start talking a little." Koro-sensei gestured to her seat.

She scowled, crossing her arms. "Your degree is probably bogus just like the rest of your qualifications."

"You take that back!"

Mitsuko sighed again. "But fine...I guess we can talk a little." She hesitantly sat back down. "But if you ever tell anyone what we talked about I'll tell everyone where you hide your dirty magazines."

Koro-sensei turned a sickly grey. "...How did you know that?"

Mitsuko relaxed a little. "And I have one condition."

"Oh, really?" His gaze glinted in amusement.

"I'll talk as long as you answer a personal question as well along with mine." She crossed her arms and levelled him with a sharp look. "Fairs fair."

Koro-sensei remained quiet, staring at her intently. "Hmm..." He paused for a moment. "Very well." His bright personality returned. "Under the condition that it does not compromise my identity."

Mitsuko scowled, thinking it over. "Well...it's better than nothing."

"Then we are in agreement!" He looked thrilled.