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[-Continuation-]
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[Third Person View]
"*ahem, Ms. Hiratsuka, I am sorry for what I did back there." He half bowed, his voice high and sincere.
"I just... I understood how you were feeling. Being single, constantly pressured about relationships – I have been there. I thought this story might relieve some of your stress for a while."
Hachiman, standing slightly apart, listened intently to Ryota's explanation.
So, adult life really is tough, huh?
Hearing Ryota admit something like that in such a gentle tone, Hachiman realized just how frustrating life after high school could be.
Just now, his teacher had been subjected to rude, unrequired, personal questions regarding her single status without a hint of sensitivity.
"...." His eyes darted between the two adults, landing finally on Shizuka.
He was now intensely curious about her reaction to this unexpected intervention.
Would she be grateful for Ryota's attempt to shield her from unwanted attention or mortified by the spectacle he had created?
Shizuka was quiet for a moment, her face unreadable. Then, to Hachiman's surprise, a small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.
"....well, to be frank, I didn't like what you did…..initially." She admitted that her voice was a mix of exasperation and amusement.
Shizuka ran a hand through her hair, messing it up slightly. "But as it got going, damn if it wasn't satisfying. Seeing those wrinkled faces, unable to speak a word, was really good. Those nosy bastards finally shut up for once."
She let out a short, sardonic laugh. "God, I am so sick of their crap. 'When are you getting married, Shizuka?' 'Don't you want kids, Shizuka?' As if it's any of their damn business."
Her eyes flashed with a mix of frustration and relief. "For once, those smug jerks could use a taste of their own medicine."
Shizuka took a deep breath, composing herself.
Despite her words(:curses), there was an undercurrent to her tone that Hachiman and Ryota picked up on.
The message was clear- it was alright for now, but it would be better if this didn't become a regular occurrence.
Ryota nodded, his eyes conveying a silent understanding. "Got it."
Shizuka suddenly perked up, eyeing Hachiman and Ryota curiously.
"So, what were you doing around here? Were you two also attending a wedding?"
Hachiman, ever the master of deadpan delivery, replied without missing a beat.
"We are on our way to get some ramen." His tone was matter-of-fact, as if strolling around in formal wear hunting for noodles was the most natural thing in the world.
Ms. Hiratsuka's eyes narrowed as she truly took in Hachiman and Ryota's appearance for the first time, with a perplexed look.
Her sharp and curious gaze swept over them from head to toe, lingering on the details she had missed earlier in her distraction.
The two men were quite a sight to behold. They wore fancy suits that had clearly seen better days – or at least, better hours. Their jackets were off - Hachiman had his draped over his shoulder, while Ryota held his in his left hand.
The top two buttons of their crisp white shirts were undone, giving them a roguish air, and their ties hung loose and crooked around their necks, resembling limp noodles more than formal attire.
Overall, one thing was confirmed - they just crashed over a party, a place where one can eat and drink to their fill and no one will question it.
As she studied them, Shizuka's expression shifted from uncertainty to a knowing look. She had visited enough of these gatherings to recognize the signs of a strategic escape.
Whatever their reasons for fleeing the party, it was clear that these two had decided that the promise of ramen was far more appealing than whatever gilded cage they had left behind.
But she chose not to pry. Everyone had their reasons, after all. Exactly like hers.
"Ramen…hum?"
"Speak of the devil, with all that reception I had to deal with, I ended up missing my lunch…" Shizuka said, her voice suddenly perking up.
The changes in her were like night and day. Just moments ago, her eyes had been dull and lifeless, weighed down by the wedding drama. Now, at the mention of ramen, they lit up like fireworks.
"And you know." Shizuka continued, a sly smile playing on her lips.
"I happen to know a fantastic ramen place not far from here. That is, if you guys don't mind some company?"
Hachiman found himself nodding, a tiny smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Sure, why not?" He said.
Ryota, his suit jacket slung casually over one shoulder, nodded in agreement.
"Right, I guess I don't mind." He added, running a hand through his slightly disheveled hair.
"Of course you shouldn't mind, because you will be the one paying." Hachiman said with a smirk.
Ryota let out a good-natured groan, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"As if that's anything new. When do I not end up paying?" He retorted, adjusting his cufflinks.
"Mmkay, let's go!" Since it was a place recommended by Shizuka, she took the lead and started walking.
Hachiman and Ryota followed behind, her heels noisily tapping the floor.
When they got out into the street that was moderately congested, gazes from the people there were directed at them.
With how gaudy Shizuka looked, well, also being beautiful and all, one just couldn't help but look.
The cool night air felt refreshing as they navigated through the city streets, passing by various shops and eateries that were still open.
Finally, they arrived at a small, cozy ramen shop tucked away on a side street. The inviting aroma of simmering broth and freshly cooked noodles wafted out as they pushed open the door. The warmth of the shop contrasted with the cool night outside, creating an immediate sense of comfort.
They took seats at the counter, and a friendly old man behind the counter greeted them with a nod.
"Three bowls of your best ramen, please." Ryota ordered.
Hachiman looked around the shop, taking in the simple decor, the worn wooden counter, and the steam rising from the pots in the kitchen. It was a stark contrast to the grandiose hotel, but it felt more like home.
…..
.
As their order was being made, Hachiman turned to Ryota, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
"That was quite a tale you spun back there, Ryota. Or was it?"
He paused, his tone taking on a playful edge. "You haven't actually been making moves on my teacher behind my back, have you?"
Ryota met Hachiman's gaze with an unyielding confidence, a glint of mischief radiating from his eyes. He shrugged nonchalantly, as if the very suggestion was both absurd and intriguing.
"It's just an act...." He said, his voice casual but with an undercurrent of something more.
"But who's to say we can't turn it into truth?"
Shizuka, sitting to the side, silently observed their exchange. Her expression remained neutral, but there was a flicker of curiosity shimmered in her eyes as the spotlight of their conversation shifted toward her.
Ryota's last remark caught her off guard, yet she quickly managed to hide her surprise from showing on her face.
Before she could articulate a response, Ryota continued, his voice shifting to a more serious tone.
"You know what? I could propose right now." His gaze locked onto Shizuka's with an intensity that made her heart skip.
"If she turns me down, then it won't be a lie anymore? No harm done, right?" He declared, looking directly at Shizuka.
Hachiman's eyebrows shot up, a mix of disbelief and amusement on his face. "Oh, the confidence in this guy." He muttered, his words dripping with sarcasm.
Undeterred, Ryota turned fully towards Shizuka, bending closer to her. The sudden proximity made her tense slightly, but she held her ground.
"What do you say, Ms. Teacher?" His voice was softer now, earnest, as if he were disrobing the mask he often wore.
Without waiting for a response, he reached out and plucked a yellow flower from a nearby pot. It wasn't the most romantic choice – not a red rose or a delicate orchid – but there was something endearing about its simplicity.
Holding the flower out to her, Ryota's voice took on a gentler tone. "Would you like to go out with me?"
"....." - "....."
The air appeared to be still around them.
Shizuka, always quick-witted and prepared for any verbal sparring, found herself unexpectedly at a loss for words.
Her mouth opened, ready to deliver a courteous refusal.
But for a moment, her mind went blank, and to everyone's shock – including her own – she heard herself say.
"Okay."
"Ehhh?" Ryota blinked, clearly caught off guard by her acceptance.
"....." After a beat of surprised silence, he managed to respond with a simple. "S-sure."
And just like that, in the most unexpected of circumstances, they became a couple.
Hachiman sat rooted to the spot, his eyes wide and his mouth slightly agape.
…what just happened? Is this how the adult world works too… I am confused.
He looked from Ryota to Shizuka and back again, trying to process what he had just witnessed.
For once, the usually sharp-tongued guy found himself truly at a loss for words, utterly dumbfounded by the scene that had unfolded before him.
….
.
[To be continued…]
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