Hanazawa Sensei! - Teacher Teru AU

[Chapter 1] - Introduction

It's a typical middle school; the desks are scratched yet sturdy, the lockers smell like feet, and the students just do their best as they go through each day. While this institution may seem rather unspectacular, each school has its own unique qualities. Some schools have an impressive gym, others serve lunch meals that actually taste decent, and a few just have staff members who work hard to help their students. Such is the case with one teacher at this middle school.

He is well known by both the students and faculty. His disciplinary yet patient teaching style earns him respect from the principle, and his charismatic nature acquires admiration from every pupil in his class. The girls consider him charming, and the boys look up to him. He's humble, yet confident. He strives to improve and perfect himself into becoming the most excellent teacher he can be.

This teacher's name is Teruki Hanazawa.

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"Good morning, class."

The students respond in unison. "Good morning, Hanazawa-sensei."

The young, blond man sets his case on his desk and faces the students. "The weather is nice today, do you guys mind if we open a window?"

"I got it," a girl from the back jumps up.

"Thank you, Yui-chan." Teru picks up the chalk and starts to turn towards the blackboard. He stops and looks over his shoulder. "Haruto-Kun, would you stop leaning back in your chair?"

The boy with his feet on his desk scoffs. "It's fine, I'm not hurting anyone. Might as well be comfortable while I learn."

Teru turns around casually. "That's true, but you should be careful. You can't learn if you fall."

Almost as if on cue, the student's chair slips too far back and Haruto crashes onto the floor. The class chuckles as he slowly pulls himself back up. "Alright, fine, I'll sit right."

"Thank you," Teru smiles, turning back towards the board. "Now, today's lesson is all about the Great Kanto Earthquake..."

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The bell chimes, signaling the start of lunch. Students rush to get their food and head outside. The sunshine even draws some of the teachers outdoors for their break. Mr. Nakamura, an older teacher, sits next to Teru and chats with him.

"I hope you don't mind me asking, but why teach here?" He asks partway through the conversation.

"Pardon?" Teru munches on a bite of rice.

His coworker continues. "It's no secret you have a natural talent for teaching. Many of the best schools in this area have offered you positions, you can work anywhere you want. Most people who become teachers prefer either elementary grades or working with High School students, not Middle Schools. Why would you choose to teach here?"

Teru sets his bowl down on his lap and sighs. "The truth is, I used to be a rather troubled kid. It wasn't until my Middle School years that I was able to really turn things around. Certain events happened and people came into my life, they helped change me into a better person." Teru looks over at the students enjoying themselves further away. "I understand that this time is a tough one for kids, but an important one. I want to help them the same way I was helped when I was their age."

Mr. Nakamura chuckles. "A very admirable goal, Mr. Hanazawa."