Chapter 192: My Reward
At Sobu High School, in the midst of a typical second-year class in Class E, Shizuka had just finished her lessons for the day.
The bell signaling the end of the class rang out, and she wasted no time in making her way toward the classroom door.
However, as she was about to exit, a sudden thought seemed to strike her, prompting her to turn back.
"Hey, Hikigaya, come over here for a moment," she called out to a somewhat puzzled Hachiman.
He had been bored and yawning, but he didn't want to openly defy his teacher in front of everyone, so he obediently followed Shizuka.
As they stepped out of the classroom and ventured further, Hachiman raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Shizu, what do you need me for today?" he inquired, addressing her in an informal manner.
Shizuka shot him a disapproving look, reminding him to be respectful. "Quiet. Just come with me," she replied.
Hachiman couldn't help but wonder where they were headed, as it wasn't in the direction of the faculty office.
He jokingly asked, "Hey, Shizu, where are you taking me? You're not planning to drag me off to some hidden corner for any secret schemes, are you?"
Rolling her eyes, Shizuka retorted, "Yeah, I'm planning to scheme against you. What? Are you scared?"
Hachiman found her response amusing. He knew he had the upper hand, and he doubted Shizuka was up to any mischievous activities. More likely, she had something she wanted his help with.
Their path led them to a familiar place – the stairs leading to the rooftop. As they pushed open the door to the rooftop, Hachiman felt a sense of familiarity. He had spent many lunch breaks there, appreciating the wide view and the gentle breeze that lifted his spirits.
"Now then, Shizu, what is it that you need me for?" he inquired once more.
Instead of an immediate response, Shizuka reached for a cigarette and prepared to light it, adding an air of mystery to the situation.
Hachiman, noticing Shizuka's intention to light a cigarette, furrowed his brow and interjected, "Don't smoke in front of me. You know it's bad for your health. Besides, you're a girl, and if you quit smoking and work on your temper, maybe you could..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Shizuka's glare silenced him. She begrudgingly placed the cigarette back in its pack, realizing she needed to make her request.
"In fact, I have something I need your help with today," she admitted.
Hachiman, seemingly prepared for this moment, responded, "What is it? Go on."
Shizuka explained, "Well, my cousin is getting married next month."
Hachiman, somewhat bewildered, questioned, "Why should I care about your cousin's wedding? It's not like I'm marrying her."
Shizuka rolled her eyes and clarified, "Who said you're marrying her? Stop talking and just listen to me." She proceeded to detail her parents' demands to Hachiman.
"So, your idea is to have me pretend to be your boyfriend and appease your parents?" Hachiman's expression became more contemplative, thinking of it as a kind of "rent-a-boyfriend" situation.
"Exactly, that's the plan. If you dare refuse, I'll..." Shizuka made a fist and gestured, leaving no room for doubt.
Hachiman, however, was undeterred and simply scoffed, rolling his eyes. He sought something in return for his assistance.
"If I help you with this, what will you offer me in return?" he inquired, making it clear that he wouldn't do this for free.
Shizuka raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued by Hachiman's request. "What do you want in return?" she inquired.
Hachiman, not answering immediately, appraised her with a discerning look, scanning her from head to toe.
Shizuka, feeling uncomfortable under his intense scrutiny, let her composure slip and impulsively threw a punch.
However, such an attack proved to be no challenge for the current Hachiman.
He effortlessly caught her fist, firmly but not aggressively.
"This is where you've got it wrong, Shizu. If you want my help, you can't just resort to violence. It's not a very convincing approach," he pointed out, holding her clenched fist while gradually closing the distance between them.
Despite her usually easy-going nature, Shizuka couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as she watched Hachiman approach. "Who... who told you to look at me like that?" she stammered.
Hachiman, seemingly unimpressed, shrugged. "I was just thinking about what you could offer me, but upon closer inspection, I realized you might not have much to offer."
Money wasn't what he needed, and he had his academic performance well in hand.
"Why so down? Do you really think your parents would kick you out this time?" Hachiman couldn't help but chuckle at her dejected expression, finding it somewhat amusing.
Yet, there was one thing he was genuinely interested in, and that was Shizuka herself.
After all, they were currently on the rooftop, and that meant...
With this thought in mind, Hachiman grew bolder and took a few more steps toward her.
Sensing his intense gaze, Shizuka's heart raced, and she contemplated fleeing. However, her clenched fist was still held by Hachiman, so escaping wasn't an option.
Watching him get closer, Shizuka's voice quivered as she asked, "What... what are you thinking, you brat?"
Hachiman didn't respond but continued to observe her closely.
It had to be said that Shizuka was undeniably beautiful. Despite being 29 years old, her skin was smooth and fair, resembling that of a teenager with no visible pores.
Even though she didn't wear much makeup, she couldn't hide her natural beauty. Her clear and bright eyes, graceful arched eyebrows, and long eyelashes quivered slightly.
How could someone this beautiful have trouble finding a boyfriend?
Due to their proximity, Shizuka's naturally flawless skin took on a faint pink hue out of shyness, and her thin, rosy lips looked tender like rose petals.
Her beauty was irresistible, and Hachiman couldn't help but lean closer.
Shizuka was truly flustered this time. She quickly spoke, her tone a mix of sternness and vulnerability, "What are you doing? I'm your teacher... mmm..."
But before she could finish her sentence, Hachiman silenced her with a kiss.
This left Shizuka completely bewildered.
Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?
After a moment, Hachiman released her lips and looked at the dazed Shizuka with a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Shizuka, still seemingly in shock from her first kiss, tried to gather her thoughts as Hachiman declared, "I've received my reward. I'll accompany you to the wedding next month."
With that statement hanging in the air, Hachiman turned away and made his exit from the rooftop, leaving Shizuka to grapple with a mix of emotions and the unexpected turn of events.