Chapter 550: You’re Pregnant, You’re the Boss

Chapter 550: You’re Pregnant, You’re the Boss

“Hmm, if it’s for one year, the timing would be just right.”

Yukinoshita’s school bag was like a bottomless bag. She reached inside and pulled out a stack more papers and forms related to the exchange program.

So, this girl really thought of everything!

She’d already prepared all this long ago, even before discussing it with him…

Considering Yukinoshita’s usual nature, this was totally her style.

Himekoji felt a bit speechless as he took the pile of exchange program documents from her.

He knew that even though they were lovers, he couldn’t sway Yukinoshita’s decisions on many things. She was fiercely independent and made her own choices.

In some ways, Himekoji was the same. But “stubborn” might describe him better. Whether it was the earlier School Trip or the Lady of the Wicked Lord’s Eye incident, Yukinoshita hadn’t been able to alter his decisions.

So now, he too couldn’t interfere with Yukinoshita’s choice, no matter how much it hurt.

After thinking a moment, he arrived at the same conclusion she had. To safely have the baby and keep it secret from their families, this was the only feasible way—

Go as an exchange student.

“I’ll go with you.”

“No need. You have other things to handle, right?”

Yukinoshita smiled patiently at him, seeming untroubled.

“I…” Himekoji opened his mouth, unable to argue. He slumped dejectedly, wanting to apologize.

But before he could say “I’m sorry,” Yukinoshita pressed her fingertip lightly against his lips, stopping him.

“One year will pass quickly.” She looked at him, blinking softly. “Compared to our whole lives together.”

Himekoji felt a sudden jolt, like electricity.

“Our whole lives together” – what an inspiring phrase?

“Yeah!”

Himekoji nodded vigorously.

He had no other choice.

By now, he couldn’t abandon anyone. Part of him wanted to go as an exchange student too, to be with Yukinoshita regardless. But what about the others?

So—

“Then, at least choose somewhere close. So when you miss me, I can fly over right away.”

“I won’t miss you.”

Yukinoshita turned her face away, giving a loud huff. She took on her “Ice Queen” persona, haughty and distant.

“I’m sorry, I was being presumptuous.”

Truthfully, this side of Yukinoshita was Himekoji’s favorite.

“Try again.”

“Yes! Please choose a school close by, Mistress Yukinoshita! That way, when this humble servant misses you, he can fly to you immediately!”

This was more acceptable. Yukinoshita looked like she might be smiling happily.

“Fine. Your wish has been noted.”

Yukinoshita nodded, satisfied with Himekoji’s response.

She then filled in the name of the exchange school on her form—a name Himekoji knew far too well.

Fate seemed to be playing a hand. The name sent memories dancing through his mind, leaving him stunned—City A Senior High.

That was where he’d attended school in his previous life.

“What’s wrong?” Yukinoshita tilted her head, puzzled by his dazed look. “Is this school… not good?”

“No, no! It’s perfect!”

Suddenly worried he’d think she chose it just because he was close, Yukinoshita blushed and gave a hurried explanation.

She went “blah blah” about the school’s academic standing, teaching quality, and other advantages. Only at the end, as she nonchalantly smoothed her hair, did she casually add—

“And pandas are a national treasure there, right?”

So that was the real reason after all that build-up!

“Got it. You chose China, definitely not because it’d be close…”

Himekoji felt deeply wounded.

Ah, Yukinoshita, this loyal cat lover? More like a heartless one!

“Ahem! I checked. The flight only takes a bit over two hours.”

Yukinoshita offered what, for her, was rare comfort.

Himekoji tried to save face: “I won’t visit anyway! You’ll just be spending all your time at the panda exhibit or the zoo, won’t you?”

“Are you getting jealous over animals? How childish.”

Yukinoshita laughed as if it were amusing.

“I am childish!”

“Fine, fine. Then I’ll come see you. Even if it means flying back and forth every few days, heavy with child.”

“…I’m sorry, I was wrong. I’ll come to you.”

After all, you’re pregnant, you’re the boss.

Himekoji backed down incredibly fast.

Making a heavily pregnant woman travel like that? That would be truly awful!

……

For the rest of the preparations, Himekoji helped Yukinoshita research everything.

Carrying a child meant extra planning—where to live, arranging for care. It demanded extra thought.

She wouldn’t be able to attend classes normally once there. Thankfully, Yukinashita’s academic strength wasn’t a worry. Her grades were the least of their concerns.

But no matter how thoroughly they planned, no matter how many times they said “don’t worry,” the reality remained unchanged: They would be living apart for the next year, with little time together.

This made the trial cohabitation Yukinoshita mentioned even more important.

It would be the last time they could be together before she left.

“Alright. Starting tomorrow, we cohabit?” Yukinoshita carefully put away her completed exchange application. She looked at Himekoji, speaking slowly, her voice a mix of nervousness, shyness, and hopeful anticipation.

Himekoji paused. This wasn’t what she said earlier.

Didn’t she say immediately?

“Tomorrow? But we’re running out of time! I’ll go pack my things right now!”

Yukinoshita pressed her hands together over her heart and shook her head. For once, her embarrassment showed clearly on her face. “No… Actually… I need one more night to prepare. Please. Tomorrow?”

“Yeah, of course.”

Given this, Himekoji naturally couldn’t refuse. He could use this night to sort out his own affairs too, especially concerning Hiratsuka Shizuka…

Not handling that false mother-in-law would make living together impossible!

No sooner had Himekoji parted from Yukinoshita than Hiratsuka Shizuka called—

“Himekoji! Where are you? My mom’s asking why you didn’t come back with me. Hurry up, it’s an emergency!”

Then the next call came from Imouto—

“Brother! Are you really not coming home again tonight?! What are you doing out there all the time?! Cheating for real?! You fool! How could those common girls outside ever compare to what you have at home?!”

In the anxious pauses of Imouto’s voice, Mashiro’s murmur could faintly be heard. It sounded like she was saying something about “P lan C”.

……

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