[191] Mrs. Hiratsuka

Chapter 191: Mrs. Hiratsuka

Observing Yukino's reaction, Hachiman found it slightly amusing and then shifted his focus to the hefty manuscript in his hands.

"Given the quantity, it's unlikely we'll finish it all today. Let's split the work: each of us will read a portion, and we can reconvene in the clubroom tomorrow to discuss our impressions."

Yukino, however, furrowed her brow.

"Reading it separately might make it challenging to understand the story's continuity and evaluate it properly."

"No problem; you can read the first part, and I'll handle the rest," Hachiman confidently offered, drawing from his familiarity with light novels.

Unexpectedly, Yui caught both Yukino and Hachiman off guard by volunteering, "I'd like to help too."

"Huh?!" Their astonishment was palpable since Yui wasn't known for her interest in light novels.

"Well, now that I'm a member of the Service Club, it's only natural to lend a hand when there's a request," Yui explained with a smile, addressing their surprised expressions.

"Um... alright," Yukino hesitated but ultimately agreed.

The girls divided the manuscript into three parts. Yukino took the first portion, Hachiman claimed the middle section, and Yui received the final segment.

"Then it's settled. It's getting late today, so everyone should head home," Yukino suggested after assigning their tasks.

"Alright, see you later, Yukino-chan."

"Goodbye, Yukinoshita."

"I'm heading out as well, my best friend."

"Goodbye, Zaimokuza."

After exchanging farewells, they left the Service Clubroom.

At this moment, all the club activities on campus had concluded, and as students departed, the entire school returned to its quiet state.

...

...

Meanwhile, in Shizuka's apartment...

Shizuka reclined comfortably on the couch, immersed in her manga. On the table in front of her sat a bottle of beer and a bowl of peanuts. She casually popped a few peanuts into her mouth and took sips from the beer, exuding a relaxed demeanor reminiscent of a middle-aged man.

In the midst of her leisure, the sound of keys unlocking the door resounded from the entrance. Shortly after, the door swung open, revealing a middle-aged woman who bore a striking resemblance to Shizuka.

Effortlessly slipping into slippers, she made her way to the living room, where she found Shizuka in her laid-back state. She furrowed her brow and delivered a stern reprimand.

"Shizuka!"

Startled by the voice calling her, Shizuka, who had been engrossed in her manga, dropped it and turned her head.

"Mom?! What are you doing here?"

Indeed, the middle-aged woman was Shizuka's mother.

"Shizuka, look at you in this state. Do you still resemble a young woman? It's time to clean up," Mrs. Hiratsuka chided with disapproval.

"I'll clean up right away. I'll clean up."

Shizuka didn't dare to defy her own mother and swiftly began to tidy up.

In no time, the table was cleared.

Mother and daughter sat across from each other. Shizuka, feeling somewhat uneasy, inquired, "Mom, why did you come here today?"

"Hmph! Do you dare to ask? If I hadn't come today, I wouldn't have known what you're like on a regular day. No wonder you've been struggling to find a boyfriend. I even wondered if I had thrown away the child and raised the placenta," Mrs. Hiratsuka remarked, her tone laced with anger.

Hearing her mother's words, Shizuka was left speechless.

"Mom, I was just trying to unwind at home. There's no need to be so harsh on me. My job is demanding; can't I relax at home?"

"And I'll say it again. It was your choice to become a teacher, and now you can't even find a boyfriend. Your focus should be on finding a boyfriend, not your job!"

Mrs. Hiratsuka couldn't help but express her exasperation when Shizuka's career was mentioned.

"Do you even realize you're 29 now? Your cousin, Ritsuko, who's five years younger than you, is getting married next month."

"Really? Ritsuko is getting married next month? Well, congratulations to her. She didn't even tell me, that brat, but I'll have a word with her."

Ritsuko is Shizuka's younger cousin, and they used to be close. Shizuka genuinely felt happy for her upon hearing the news.

In contrast to Shizuka's joy, Mrs. Hiratsuka's expression turned sour.

"What's there to be happy about? Do you realize that once Ritsuko gets married, you'll be the only unmarried one in the family? How can your father and I face our relatives if you remain single?"

"But I want a boyfriend too! It's just that I can't seem to find one. What can I do?" Shizuka looked helpless; she genuinely longed for a boyfriend.

"Then continue going on blind dates. If one doesn't work out, try another, and if that doesn't work, try yet another. By Ritsuko's wedding next month, you must bring a boyfriend with you. It'll help us save face in front of our relatives. If not, they might genuinely believe no one wants you."

"A month? How is that even possible!" Shizuka exclaimed.

"I don't care about that. This is the result of my discussion with your father. Next month, you must bring a boyfriend with you, no matter what it takes. Even if you have to resort to any means, even if you have to drug someone, you must bring a boyfriend back for us."

"Otherwise, you might as well not come home."

After delivering this ultimatum, Mrs. Hiratsuka stood up and left, leaving Shizuka in a daze.

"No, please!" After a brief pause, Shizuka let out a mournful cry.

The task of finding a boyfriend within a month seemed like an impossible feat. If it were that simple, she wouldn't have remained single for so long. Her parents had truly backed her into a corner. Did she actually have to resort to her mother's suggested approach, drugging someone or even kidnapping?

Those options were entirely out of the question.

"Am I really going to be kicked out of the house?" Shizuka lamented.

But then it struck her that there might be another way. She could find someone willing to pretend to be her boyfriend. As long as she could navigate her parents' scrutiny at her cousin's wedding next month, it should suffice.

"I'm really clever," Shizuka praised herself.

"But who should I choose?"

She was concerned about her selection, given her limited pool of male friends.

That was a given.

If she had any suitable male friends, she would have already explored the possibility of a romantic relationship.

Suddenly, Hachiman's image surfaced in Shizuka's mind.

"Although he's a bit younger, age aside, he's a good marriage prospect. His career is quite successful, which should satisfy Mom and Dad."

"As for his appearance, he's handsome, but I'll help him refine his style to exude more maturity. After all, his behavior and manners are already on par with an adult."

"Alright, it's decided."

With newfound determination, Shizuka returned to her relaxed state, fetching peanuts and beer from the kitchen. She continued to enjoy her manga while nibbling on peanuts and taking occasional sips of beer, just as content as before.

What Shizuka hadn't anticipated was that her parents had already considered the very solution she had in mind.

In their view, as long as their daughter introduced a so-called boyfriend who met their approval, whether genuine or not, they were fully committed to the idea.

They believed that once the concept was set, it could become a reality, even if it required extraordinary measures to make it so.