Chapter 181: Mrs. Kasumigaoka
At half-past six in the evening, the young girl, who had been resting in her bed, slowly awakened, her body's pain considerably diminished as she sat up.
She let out a soft yawn and turned her eyes toward Hachiman, who was seated at a nearby desk. "What time is it, Hachiman?" she inquired.
"Ah, Utaha, you're awake. It's already half-past six," Hachiman replied, glancing at the computer's clock.
"Oh, 6:30; I should get up," she said, allowing the sheets to slip away, revealing her delicate figure to Hachiman once more.
Observing his gaze, Utaha shot him a reproachful look. "What are you staring at? Haven't you seen enough? Help me find some clothes."
Hachiman grinned mischievously, responding, "Utaha, you're so beautiful. How could I ever get enough of looking at you?" He promptly got up to open the girl's wardrobe.
"You pick something for me."
Hachiman nodded at her request and turned his attention to the wardrobe.
As one might expect from a girl's wardrobe, it was brimming with a wide variety of clothing in various styles. Despite its near-overflowing state, Utaha would probably still complain that her wardrobe lacked a certain outfit.
After some contemplation, Hachiman made his selection and presented it to her.
He chose a black lace bra, a pure white one-piece dress adorned with a blue bow cinched at the waist, a light blue long-sleeved outer jacket, and the customary black pantyhose.
Approaching the bed with the chosen attire, he handed them to the still-resting girl. "Here, put these on, Utaha."
"I don't want to move. Help me put them on," Utaha continued to act pampered.
"Alright, I'll assist you in putting them on."
Hachiman complied with the girl's request, having done so before. After all, helping with undergarments was no big deal. He then picked up the black lace bra.
"Extend your hand."
After securing the bra and fastening it at the back, Hachiman moved on to the panties.
"Extend your leg."
With a fleeting glance, he adeptly slid on the panties.
With the undergarments in place, the next item to don was the pantyhose.
Hachiman deftly coiled the stocking into a loop, smoothly sliding it onto the girl's foot and gently pulling it up.
With a satisfying "snap," the pantyhose were successfully in position.
As Hachiman admired Utaha's alluring legs, elegantly encased in the black pantyhose, he couldn't resist the urge to reach out and caress them.
"Mmm... don't touch randomly, you rascal."
Sensing the unfamiliar touch on her legs, Utaha blushed and voiced her objection.
Upon hearing Utaha's words, Hachiman reluctantly withdrew his hands from her exquisitely smooth legs and continued assisting her in getting dressed.
It became evident that Hachiman possessed not only an understanding of people but also skill in helping them dress.
The white dress and the light blue jacket were soon elegantly worn under his guidance.
He also aided in arranging the girl's slightly disheveled long hair and finished by placing a white headband.
As for makeup, Utaha would handle that herself.
Luckily, her natural beauty required only a light touch of cosmetics.
Hachiman, on the other hand, had an easy task – just a bit of hairstyling.
When the two of them were ready, it wasn't even 7 o'clock yet.
"Alright, let's go."
Taking the girl's hand, they strolled out the door.
Following her directions, they swiftly arrived at a bustling commercial street.
Tall buildings enclosed them, and the shops on both sides were tastefully adorned and fashionable. Various restaurants, hotels, fast-food establishments, clothing boutiques, and arcades were scattered along the street.
"This is the place."
The two of them halted in front of a well-decorated restaurant bearing the name "Romantic Starlight."
Hachiman nodded as he observed the restaurant's sign.
Even though a "Closed for the Day" sign hung on the door, Utaha boldly pushed the door open.
As soon as they stepped inside, a female server immediately bowed at a 45-degree angle, wearing an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry, but today our restaurant is temporarily closed for a special event."
"Miss Misa, it's me," Utaha greeted the female server.
"Eh, Utaha-sama?"
Hearing the familiar voice, the server named Misa lifted her head and saw the girl's familiar smiling face.
"Yes, my father is supposed to undergo a star rating evaluation today, so I came to check."
"Hasn't the evaluation started yet?"
Utaha asked, looking around, but she couldn't spot anyone who seemed like an evaluator in the restaurant.
"Not yet. The evaluation is expected to start at 7:30," the server named Misa shook her head.
"I see," Utaha nodded.
"Utaha."
At that moment, another voice resonated in their ears.
A woman bearing a strong resemblance to Utaha stood not far away.
"Mom."
"Mrs. Kasumigaoka."
Their address made it clear that this woman was Utaha's mother.
The girl, holding Hachiman's hand, approached Mrs. Kasumigaoka.
"Good evening, Mom," Utaha greeted with a smile.
"Good evening, Utaha."
Upon hearing her daughter's words, Mrs. Kasumigaoka nodded serenely and then shifted her gaze to Hachiman, who stood beside her daughter.
"Who is this?"
"Uh, he is..."
Hearing her mother's question, Utaha hesitated for a moment, uncertain about how to introduce Hachiman.
However, Hachiman spoke up directly, "Hello, Mrs. Kasumigaoka. I'm Utaha's boyfriend, Hachiman Hikigaya."
Since they were already in this situation, Hachiman boldly acknowledged their relationship.
Upon hearing his words, Mrs. Kasumigaoka raised a well-shaped eyebrow, then looked at her daughter, who didn't offer any objection, and couldn't help but feel surprised.
Their daughter, who was like a "Unattainable Flower" at school and remained reserved around boys, was now affectionately linked with this young man, her face radiating joy.
Observing this, Mrs. Kasumigaoka couldn't help but assess Hachiman.
He was undeniably handsome, though not in an overly delicate or effeminate way. There was an undeniable charisma about him, and a perpetually genuine smile adorned his lips, striking the perfect balance between warmth and authenticity.
In short, he was a young man who, at first sight, was rather likable.
Mrs. Kasumigaoka quietly formed her opinion of Hachiman.
Simultaneously, Hachiman took the opportunity to observe Mrs. Kasumigaoka.
Despite being the mother of a seventeen-year-old girl, she had impeccably preserved her appearance. Her skin retained its youthful smoothness, devoid of any trace of wrinkles.
She bore a striking resemblance to her daughter, with short hair as opposed to her daughter's long locks. She was elegantly dressed in a pencil skirt, and her choice of black stockings harmonized perfectly with her daughter's attire.
One could argue that this lady was the mature incarnation of Utaha Kasumigaoka.