Chapter 46: Yuigahama's Mom is Amazing

"Thank you so much for your help, Hachiman-kun and Yukino-chan. Once we're done, I'll make some cake for everyone," Yuigahama's mom said apologetically, looking at the two who were helping her move.

Yukinoshita replied politely, "You're too kind, Auntie. It's only natural to help out friends, especially since we're very close with Yuigahama-san."

Yuigahama's mom smiled warmly. "I'm so glad that someone like my clumsy little Yui has such wonderful friends. It really makes me happy as her mother."

"M-Mom!"

Yuigahama's face turned bright red, and she pouted in protest at her mom's words.

Her mom chuckled softly, clearly amused.

They continued moving items for a while and soon finished with the smaller boxes.

Now, only the larger boxes remained.

Yuigahama's mom said kindly, "Leave the rest to me. You three can either take a break or help sort out the smaller things upstairs."

To her, all three of them were still just kids.

"But, Mom," Yuigahama hesitated, "it'd be too hard for you to handle all this alone."

Yukinoshita, wiping sweat from her brow, nodded. "Auntie, we should help you finish."

Yuigahama's mom shook her head with a gentle smile. "You girls must already be at your limit, right? These boxes are heavy, and you're not as strong as adults like me. Don't worry, I can handle this."

She playfully flexed her arms to reassure them.

"This…"

The two girls exchanged hesitant looks.

To be honest, they were pretty exhausted, especially Yukinoshita.

But letting Yuigahama's mom handle everything alone felt wrong.

"How about Hachiman-kun continues to help?" Yukinoshita suggested, glancing at him as he came down from upstairs, still catching his breath.

Yuigahama looked conflicted, but before she could speak, her mom intervened, glancing at Hachiman with slight concern. "But Hachiman-kun has already done so much. He must be tired too. After all, he's just a kid."

What a kind and considerate woman!

Yukinoshita, however, remained undeterred. She smiled slyly at Hachiman. "Don't let his worn-out appearance fool you, Auntie. Hachiman-kun still has plenty of energy left, don't you, Hachiman-kun?"

Hachiman twitched, letting out a resigned sigh. "Fine, I'll keep helping."

…Who on earth falls for such a devilish woman?!

With no choice, Hachiman headed back outside, followed closely by Yuigahama's mom.

Meanwhile, Yukinoshita and Yuigahama went upstairs to sort through smaller items.

---

Outside in the garden.

Yuigahama's mom said apologetically, "I'm so sorry for troubling you, Hachiman-kun. You must be so tired already."

"It's fine," he replied.

"Really? You're not pushing yourself too hard, are you? Don't lie to me now. If you're feeling tired, go upstairs and rest with Yui and Yukino-chan."

As she spoke, Yuigahama's mom unknowingly stepped closer to him, her mature and gentle face radiating genuine concern.

She looked at him the way an elder would care for a younger relative.

Too close!

Her scent filled his senses.

Alarm bells rang in Hachiman's head, and he instinctively stepped back, quickly shaking his head. "No, really, I'm fine! I still have plenty of energy left."

Seeing his flustered reaction, Yuigahama's mom smiled warmly. "Don't push yourself too hard. If you overdo it, you'll make me worry, you know."

"Uh… okay," Hachiman muttered awkwardly.

What a kind and gentle person.

His thoughts briefly drifted back to his childhood, remembering how his parents had roped him into helping with their own move. They hadn't hesitated to pester him even during his breaks, throwing out comments like, 'Come on, Hachiman, carry this too!' or 'You're a boy, aren't you? This should be nothing!' Their treatment back then had felt downright heartless in comparison.

"Let's move this one together," Yuigahama's mom suggested, walking toward a particularly large box.

But as she approached it, she stepped on a patch of spilled cooking oil that had been accidentally knocked over earlier.

By the time she noticed, her footing gave way, and she started to fall.

Her expression turned to one of alarm.

Reacting quickly, Hachiman rushed forward and caught her.

"Careful!"

Thankfully, he was quick enough to steady her.

But…

"Thank you—oh!" Yuigahama's mom suddenly froze, her cheeks flushing. "H-Hachiman-kun… you're holding me… a bit tight…"

Hachiman's face turned red as well.

For Yuigahama's mom, this was the first time since her husband's passing that a man had touched her like this.

In fact, it was the first time any man other than her late husband had ever held her.

"Oh! Sorry!" Hachiman blurted, quickly letting go and stepping back.

"It's okay," she said softly, her face still red. "It wasn't your fault. If anything, I should thank you for catching me."

What a cute reaction…

Hachiman found himself silently marveling at how adorable Yuigahama's mom was.

But then his gaze unintentionally wandered over her figure, and he couldn't help but notice…

Her proportions were incredible.

Even more so than Yui's!

Well, she was Yui's mom, after all…

Wait, what am I even thinking?!

Panicking, Hachiman slapped his own cheeks to regain focus before grabbing the large box.

---

Upstairs.

Ding!

[System: Yuigahama Asuna's body was held by Hachiman Hikigaya. System points: +150.]

"…What?"

Yukinoshita froze mid-action, completely stunned by the system notification.

Hachiman-kun and… Yuigahama's mom?

Did Hachiman-kun really… have a thing for older women?!

No, no, no! That couldn't be it.

It must have been some sort of accident. Yeah, that had to be it!

Accident or not, though, what shocked her most was… the points!

A simple embrace had earned 150 points?

The only people who'd broken 100 points before were Senpai and Kirisu-sensei.

But now… Yuigahama's mom had surpassed even them?!

As Yukinoshita absentmindedly sorted through items, she glanced over at Yuigahama.

Yui's hugs only earned 10 points.

The difference was staggering—15 times more!

For some inexplicable reason, Yukinoshita suddenly found herself less interested in Yui's feelings for her boyfriend.

Instead, her thoughts drifted toward Yui's mom.

Yui, your mom is way too amazing.

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