Chapter 540: Obeying Mom’s Order? Following an Imperial Decree?

Chapter 540: Obeying Mom’s Order? Following an Imperial Decree?

Before heading home, he was pulled into the supermarket by Mama Shizuka.

It was absolutely Mama Shizuka’s favorite spot, the kind where you’d bump into an acquaintance every few steps…

While still in the car, Mama Shizuka had already made Himekoji strip off his school uniform. She decked him out in a carefully chosen solid-color T-shirt, a striped shirt, and jeans. All were top brands— simple, clean, yet stylish and tasteful. But the most crucial part was—

They formed a matching couple’s outfit with Hiratsuka-sensei…

Under her own mother’s watchful eye, the Female Teacher had to affectionately cling to Himekoji’s arm the whole way. Himekoji, in turn, had to play the part of a deeply enamored lover. While pushing the shopping cart, he remembered to cast Hiratsuka-sensei a besotted smile every few seconds.

He was handsome, she was beautiful, it was just like an idol drama. If you added special effects, it would definitely be those bubbly, sparkling ones.

Taking a deep breath, the air itself even felt thick with the scent of sugary candy.

The worst part was, every time Mama Shizuka spotted an acquaintance, she’d drag Hiratsuka Shizuka and Himekoji over to put them on display. The group of aunties, uncles, neighbors, and elders all played along brilliantly, showering her with the praise she craved:

“Whoa! Is this little Shizuka and her boyfriend?”

“They make such a perfect match!”

“Look, look! You, her mom, were just complaining to us recently! I told you so, children always find their own paths! Little Shizuka’s taste? Absolutely top-notch!”

“Waiting for one like him? Even if it takes ages, it’d be worth it!”

“Couldn’t have said it better myself!”

Hearing this flattery, Mama Shizuka was practically floating with joy, all smiles, but still tried to wave it off pretend-modestly:

“Ah, you guys don’t know the half of it! This pair have been together for ages now! If I hadn’t found out in time, they would have kept hiding it! Seriously, seriously, does that show any respect for me as their mother?”

Mama Shizuka said it casually, but it struck a chord with the neighbors:

“Oh, my kid’s like that too. Times have changed. It used to be parents’ orders and matchmakers, now they all sneak around doing secret romances. They all say they want freedom, no interference…”

Hearing this, Mama Shizuka’s eyebrows shot up. The timing seemed perfect to show off her authority as the head of the household. Puffing out her chest with pride, she declared: “I insist on interfering! Their wedding? I’m arranging it right now! This household? I still make the decisions!”

“That’s right, who else would care if not the mom.”

“Ah, if only my kid were as obedient as little Shizuka.”

“Your kid? Forget it! Being obedient wouldn’t help. With your kid’s situation, finding a partner isn’t easy!”

“Hey! Old man! What are you saying?! Like your granddaughter could even compare to Shizuka!”

With a gaggle of aunties and uncles gathered like this, the supermarket turned as noisy as a marketplace. Seizing her chance, Hiratsuka quickly tugged Himekoji away.

She couldn’t stand being paraded around by her mom like a trophy…

Plus, it was really awkward.

After all, beneath it all, she and Himekoji were just teacher and student.

“I’m really putting you through this. My mom, she… it’s my fault too, being single so long pushed her over the edge… Really, if it’s too much, maybe you should go first? Later, I’ll find some excuse to tell my mom.”

It was rare to see Hiratsuka-sensei so flustered. Himekoji couldn’t help but find it amusing. Instead of answering directly, he glanced into the shopping cart at the ingredients and suddenly asked, “What kind of food does your mom like?”

“Huh?”

“Didn’t you say it’s a family dinner tonight? I figured I’d show off my skills. You know I’m pretty confident in my cooking.”

“You’re… not leaving?”

Unconsciously, Hiratsuka Shizuka’s arms tightened around Himekoji’s, pulling her closer. With no gap between them now, her curvy outlines pressed against him. The warmth and the thump of her heart pulsed through his shirt.

Hiratsuka Shizuka didn’t notice this. But Himekoji did. Oh, he noticed all right! Especially considering how especially obsessed and desire-filled he’d been about certain things lately…

So, did this count as seduction?

Whether it was seduction or not, his answer wouldn’t change. He’d already decided.

Help someone, help them thoroughly.

Though maybe even Himekoji himself didn’t know where this “thoroughly” actually ended.

Could it really mean helping someone… all the way to making someone?

He definitely wasn’t thinking that far ahead just yet.

“If I leave, it’ll be after dinner. Anyway, we’ll play it by ear then. Since I promised to help, I absolutely can’t just bail halfway.”

So, he was going through with it?

That was actually the first thought that popped into Hiratsuka Shizuka’s head at his words…

Passing by a shiny counter, their reflections appeared: chatting, laughing, pushing the cart together. They truly looked like a loving, newlywed couple.

Seeing this, Hiratsuka Shizuka felt flustered all over again.

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When he called home to say he wouldn’t be back for dinner, Akiko seized the chance to tear into him. She accused him of feeling guilty, fleeing justice, being heartless, callous, and congenitally cold.

Even Mashiro joined in, saying Himekoji planned to enjoy himself and then run, that he got her pregnant and would abandon her, and that she’d have the baby and use it to get revenge on him, and so on.

Himekoji was practically stunned stupid. For a moment, he almost believed it, asking Mashiro frantically yet excitedly: “Really? Pregnant after just one night?”

He finally discovered Akiko had taught Mashiro to say all those things…

“Just having dinner with Tobe & the guys! I’ll be back after!”

Himekoji had to repeat his explanation and promptly hung up.

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After dinner, Mama Shizuka heaped praise on Himekoji’s cooking skills. She even floated the idea of moving in with Hiratsuka Shizuka so she could eat Himekoji’s food every day.

Hearing this, Himekoji got quite a scare. Even Hiratsuka Shizuka broke out in a cold sweat.

They exchanged a look and wordlessly changed the subject.

Hiratsuka said, “Mom, it’s a bit stuffy. I’ll go take a shower.”

“Alright, alright! Showering is good, showering is good. Off you go!”

Mama Shizuka beamed and nodded.

Seeing Hiratsuka-sensei make her escape, Himekoji no longer felt like staying put either.

“Mom, um… I still have some things to do. Maybe I should head off today? Another day, when Shizuka has time, we’ll both go visit Dad at the hospital.”

“Leave?” Seeing Himekoji stand up, Mama Shizuka instantly grabbed him without letting him explain. “Leave? What do you mean leave?”

“Mom, it’s not that… I really have things to do.”

“Whatever you have can wait for later! Little Shizuka’s already taking a shower. Perfect! You go join her!”

“Huh?”

Before Himekoji could fully process this, Mama Shizuka was already forcefully pushing and shoving him towards the bathroom.

A “splash splash” shower noise came from inside.

The faint silhouette of Hiratsuka-sensei moved behind the frosted glass, graceful and elegant.

This…

Himekoji stood frozen at the bathroom door, utterly terrified of taking one step further!

But the intense gaze burning into his back was merciless…

What to do?!

Mama Shizuka was serious!

Was this… that legendary ‘obeying an imperial decree’?

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