Chapter 132: Hiratsuka Shizuka’s Marriage…

Besides being a pervert, the thing Himekoji was best at was probably running away.

He dashed out of the Service Club and rushed down the stairs of the Special Building without even getting out of breath.

Yukinoshita, of course, didn’t chase after him. Such behavior was way too undignified for a proud girl like her.

Out of the danger zone, Himekoji relaxed.

It seemed his life had been spared once again.

So he slowed from a run to a walk.

While walking, he thought of something, and a smile suddenly crossed his face. He pulled out his phone from his pocket, intending to relive the wonderfully amusing concert scene he’d witnessed earlier.

However, just as he took out his phone, it started ringing.

The caller ID showed it was his editor, Machida Sonoko.

It was probably feedback on the manuscript of Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai he sent her yesterday, or some other work-related matter.

Without thinking much, Himekoji answered.

After the usual greetings, they got down to business.

First came some feedback and suggestions for revising Volume 9 of Risque Jokes, followed by the editor’s perennial topic: the book signing event.

Using signings to promote oneself and connect with fans was a very common and ordinary thing nowadays.

Especially for authors whose novels sold reasonably well.

Someone like Himekoji—who debuts over a year ago, has somewhat popular books, yet cloaks himself tightly, never interacting with readers or fans—was practically a bizarre anomaly in the industry.

“Akito-kun, this book is about to finish. For all reasons, shouldn’t you attend at least one signing?”

On the other end of the phone, Machida Sonoko reasoned gently and patiently.

Of course, it still had little effect.

“Well, um, we’ll see…”

Himekoji skillfully put her off.

“We’ll see, we’ll see? You’ve been saying ‘we’ll see’ for months! Still ‘we’ll see’ now? I’ve read your new work, thought it was good, the chief editor also spotted its potential right away. Barring any surprises, you’ll likely be one of our main promoted authors this year. So, higher-ups have given instructions to allocate resources slightly towards you, the signing this month is part of that. While the old book finishes, smoothly introduce your new book at the signing! Don’t give me any more excuses!”

Being Himekoji’s editor had its pros and cons.

The pro? He almost never missed a deadline. In fact, he often submitted drafts early.

With years editing experience and handling many lazy, deadline-dodging authors, Himekoji was truly a breath of fresh air.

Machida Sonoko was genuinely touched!

But as for the cons… there were many!

First, definitely his pervertedness! Perverted!

Then, his scandalous record, including—

Attempted harassment of the editor… (attempted), attempted sexual assault of the editor… (attempted), etc.

Also, this troublesome kid refused to cooperate on so many things.

Refusing any interviews, refusing to attend any real-world events – Himekoji’s stubbornness often made things very difficult for Machida Sonoko.

Main promotion?

Himekoji paused slightly upon hearing Sonoko’s words. While Fujisawa Books’s scale wasn’t large compared to big publishers, being a “main promoted author” was still a privilege reserved for big-name authors who’d collaborated with them for years.

So this treatment, landing on him so soon?

Seemed a bit unlikely.

Risque Jokes performed well, but just “well”.

Even adding the halo of “debut work”, considering its value based on potential talent, it still wasn’t the most outstanding in the same publishing house.

Moreover, he’d only submitted the beginning of Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai. Even if its quality was truly top-notch, surely the publisher wouldn’t decide based solely on the opening?

Himekoji couldn’t help feeling puzzled.

“Hey, are you listening? Say something!”

Hearing no response, Machida Sonoko urged him.

“Huh?”

“What ‘huh’? The whole book’s finished! For a big author like you to refuse showing your face? Does that sound right?”

Finished…?

Ah!

Himekoji finally grasped the key point.

Right, Risque Jokes was already concluding.

So this “main promotion for a new book” was probably just the publisher’s tactic to retain him.

Fair enough, quite understandable.

Thinking this way, everything made much more sense.

The “main promotion” label, though vague and ambiguous, at least conveyed the publisher’s value and recognition for him.

Shaking his head, Himekoji stopped dwelling on it. He wasn’t really considering changing publishers anyway.

“So I’ll take that as you agreeing, okay? The signing.”

“Huh? Wait, I never said I agreed!”

Himekoji quickly interrupted.

This wasn’t about stubbornness. Remember, he was a Pervert!

What if, during the event, he did something strange and inexplicable to the readers? Wouldn’t that be an instant explosion, spiraling out of control?

The public opinion backlash would be insanely exaggerated.

Being a pervert within just one school was difficult enough. If he spread that notoriety to the wider society, how could he possibly live?

These were things Himekoji had to consider.

And besides, the most crucial point: Himekoji absolutely couldn’t let his bad reputation reach the Arisugawa family.

If they mistakenly believed the rumor that “Himekoji is a pervert”, would they ever dare to confidently hand his Imouto back to him?!

What?!

You say “mistakenly believe” is the wrong term here? That Himekoji is indeed a pervert?

Shut up!

Stop telling these truths! You talk too much!

…

“The time is tentatively set for next weekend. Oh, also, the publisher is holding a light novel author exchange event later this month. I’ll notify you of the time, remember to attend.”

Machida Sonoko unilaterally finalized the decision for him, then, as if worried he’d object, immediately switched topics.

This time, she really left Himekoji no room to refuse.

As expected after working together for so long – Editor-san seemed to have fully mastered an effective way of “handling” Himekoji.

“Ai.”

Himekoji sighed.

Since he was pressed to this extent, it looked like he had to agree to the book signing event.

He had already refused several times before. If he refused again this time, he would be outright disregarding their feelings.

At worst, maybe he could use his monthly “Option Immunity” for that day?

But using his chance on this unimportant activity felt so unfair!

Originally, he planned to save it for when his imouto visited.

Being a kind and honest onii-chan — that’s what he always demanded of himself.

Huh? You say he’s not honest at all?

At the very least, let him be normal!

…

“How about we skip the exchange meeting?”

“You must come! Kasumigaoka already accepted the invitation for you.”

“Huh? Wait! How dare Kasumigaoka accept on my behalf?”

This logic just didn’t make sense!

Himekoji immediately voiced his doubt.

“She did it, so it’s already done. Anyway, I’ve informed you now. That’s all for the moment. I’ll hang up first if there’s nothing else.”

“You know…”

“Beep—beep—beep—”

Himekoji wanted to speak again, but his words were cut off by the busy tone.

No way… Was it really settled like this?

Please no! He only got one “Option Immunity” per month! If he used it on the book signing event, what would he do about the author exchange meeting later?

Plus, there was another thing he wanted to ask Sonoko about—

It had been quite a while since he submitted his manga One-Punch Man. Why hadn’t there been any reply? Had it just disappeared without a trace?

Forget it. He was too lazy to call back now. He would just ask in person when they met.

He would visit the publishing house sometime soon.

…

After leaving school, Himekoji didn’t head home. Instead, he boarded a bus.

Yep, that’s right. Clever readers could probably already guess: Himekoji’s one-week “housekeeping work at his teacher’s place” started exactly today, no more delays.

He rang the doorbell outside Ms. Hiratsuka’s home for quite a while, but there was no response from inside.

Not home?

Had she gone off to another matchmaking event again?

Himekoji frowned, shook his head, and then took out a key himself.

He should have mentioned it before—Hiratsuka Shizuka, Shizu-chan, in order to use this free laborer named Himekoji more efficiently, conveniently, and quickly, had previously given him a key to her place. She had even told him the password for the door lock.

Therefore, Himekoji was very familiar with the place. He opened the door quickly, as simply as if he were returning to his own home.

After tidying the living room, Himekoji’s next task was the blocked drain.

This time, it was the bathroom drain.

Remember Ms. Hiratsuka’s complaints two days ago?

She said Himekoji’s drain-clearing skill was poor because the drain got blocked again shortly after he fixed it.

Now, seeing the scene firsthand, Himekoji could completely confirm that Ms. Hiratsuka Shizuka had been slandering him.

Because last time, he had unclogged the kitchen drain. But this time it was the bathroom…

So, how the hell could she blame him for this? And say his skill was lacking?

He wasn’t bragging! With his “Housekeeping Gigolo” skill, his proficiency was top-notch!

…

The drain was blocked simply by things like hair.

Himekoji cleared it up in a few efficient moves, using only a straw.

Of course, he didn’t use it for sucking; don’t get any weird ideas.

He used scissors to cut staggered gaps on both sides of the straw. After a little modification, he inserted it into the drainpipe, twisted it a couple of times, and hairs tangling the pipe automatically wound around the straw.

Of course, what Himekoji fished out wasn’t just hair.

There was also hair that was shorter, softer, curlier, and a deeper, shinier black…

What was it?

Hmm. Himekoji pretended not to know.

After clearing the drain, Himekoji also “improved” the drain outlet for Hiratsuka Shizuka.

He placed a section of bath mat with little spikes around the drain opening.

Because of the short, bristly little spikes, it could effectively trap hair without affecting normal water flow.

Incidentally, the bath mat was kindly provided by the helpful System.

…

[Bath mat activated! Connecting to drain…]

A silent system prompt sounded. Since Himekoji was absorbed in his housework, he didn’t notice it.

…

By the time Himekoji finished unclogging, cleaning, tidying, and organizing, and left Hiratsuka’s house, it was almost past dinner time.

His stomach protested a little, rumbling with hunger.

So, without another thought, Himekoji headed to the nearest restaurant.

Walking in, the first thing he saw was a strangely familiar figure.

Slumped over, sitting with family.

No way…

What a coincidence!

…

“I wish you would just get married soon too.”

“Shizuka, Mom’s been looking for someone suitable for you again recently. This time it should go well. How about meeting them?”

“Shizuka, Dad has already started saving money for his grandchild…”

He didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but his overly sharp ears involuntarily caught every single word the couple said.

Visibly, each time the parents spoke, the figure sitting dejectedly beside them bowed their head a little lower.

No doubt. This woman, whose own parents were so anxious and worried about her marriage, must be none other than the older, unwed Hiratsuka Shizuka!

No wonder no one was home.

Since she couldn’t cook, the family dinner naturally happened at a restaurant instead?

Seriously, how would she ever get married like this?!

Shouldn’t I try hard to learn if I’m not good at managing such affairs?

Anyway, Himekoji saw something he shouldn’t have seen and quickly averted his gaze, intending to walk away as if nothing had happened.

However, when you’re spying on someone, you should be ready for them to spy on you too.

“Hime… Himekoji!” Hiratsuka Shizuka, who was sitting at the dining table, suddenly waved her hand and shouted toward him.

Because their daughter spoke out abruptly, the couple beside her followed Hiratsuka Shizuka’s gaze and turned their heads to look at Himekoji.

Their eyes were filled with a critical look.

…

Hey! Couldn’t you pretend not to know me?

Himekoji felt a headache coming on; he was totally not good at dealing with this kind of “family stuff.”

Anyway, under pressure, he couldn’t help but greet Hiratsuka Shizuka’s parents.

Then, he got a greeting back…

Huh?

This… did it count as meeting the parents?

His mind went blank; suddenly, a silly thought popped up:

Shouldn’t she be responsible for me? Marry me and take care of me?

…

Hiratsuka Shizuka winked at Himekoji, then turned back and quickly spoke to the couple.

“There’s a troublesome student over there! Work, yes, work! Mom, Dad, I need to handle something, so I’m going now…”

Before her words faded, she hurriedly stood up, her heels clattering as she ran toward Himekoji.

“Himekoji! Perfect timing! You’re a huge help!”

Saying that, the older single woman… no, not an older single woman; up close, she was a pretty big sister in a black gown.

The pretty big sister grabbed his hand and ran out of the restaurant in just a few steps.

“Hey, wait, what…”

Himekoji came to eat! He was still hungry!

But Hiratsuka Shizuka didn’t listen to him at all.

“Talk later!”

The Female Teacher said, and without another word, she pulled him and ran all the way.

“Sigh.”

Himekoji sighed and stayed quiet; if he was hungry, he was hungry; he could be hungry a bit longer.

After all, when a pretty older sister is dragging you, what else can you do but follow along?

They ran for a while, then at some point, Hiratsuka Shizuka finally slowed down. Soon, she turned a corner into a nearby Park and leisurely stopped.

“Phew… good enough we got away…”

The “sister’s” free hand rested on her slim waist; she breathed a sigh of relief, saying “phew.”

No, they were long gone… she even dragged me running miles after leaving…

Himekoji complained to himself.

The two stopped under a streetlight in the Park; now Himekoji had time to look over the Female Teacher’s outfit again.

The black gown hugged her body lines, drawing smooth, nice curves; the fur at her neck touched her pale skin, long and pretty; her pulled-up hair was dark and shiny like the gown.

Also, she wore black gloves that went with the outfit.

Holding them felt so soft, it made his heart race.

“Um…”

“Huh? Oh, sorry, was I too sudden? Scared you?”

Yeah, scared me; startled by how elegant and charming you look all dressed up.

And also scared by—how tough society is for someone like you, a beautiful Female Teacher who can’t find someone to marry.

That was what Himekoji muttered to himself.

When he spoke, it was a short “No,” as he shook his head, and that was all.

The pretty lady’s eyes crinkled in a smile; she took Himekoji to a bench, sat down, and carelessly pulled out tobacco from her bag, expertly setting up a cigarette.

She acted just like a rough guy, not like her nice look.

Huh?

Seeing this, Himekoji realized he’d almost been tricked by Hiratsuka Shizuka again.

Not finding a partner isn’t society’s fault; it’s her own problem, right?

The Female Teacher lit up with a cheap lighter and smoked slowly.

Earlier, he was confused because she didn’t look like herself, but seeing her now, he knew.

Hiratsuka Shizuka, this was her real self in private!

By the way, when she dresses up, she totally becomes a big beauty…

“Um, is it okay to just run off? Like from family time?”

“No problem; dinner was almost done anyway.”

“But leaving your family behind and you…”

“What? You care about me more than I imagined?”

“Me? Nah… it’s your parents, Hiratsuka-sensei, who seem dead worried about your marriage issue already.”

As soon as marriage came up, Hiratsuka-sensei felt down again; she sadly looked away, paused, and mumbled with the cigarette between her lips:

“Marriage? So stupid! Finding that kind of person, isn’t it way too tough? Don’t you think?”

With a “whoosh,” she blew out smoke and a gloomy sigh; Hiratsuka-sensei squeezed her hand hard, crumpling the cigarette box.

Uh, even if you ask me, I don’t have a good answer, do I?

Himekoji bit his lip and kept silent.

There was a weird pause; after a moment, the Female Teacher seemed to pull herself together, then spoke again.

“Oh, just now, did you come in after seeing me? To find me?”

…