Uncle Hikigaya is Forever Young [38]

Kirisu Mafuyu was indeed a lovely young woman—fair-skinned, beautiful, and elegant beyond her years.

Her voice was gentle and pleasing, and though she appeared innocent, she had blossomed into graceful maturity.

Now 21, freshly graduated from university, with an angelic face, a figure comparable to that of a real athlete, and distinctive long, straight pink hair that made a strong impression.

Such a girl had come to Tokyo in search of employment, determined to stay in this bustling metropolis.

Unquestionably, as a graduate from a local teachers’ college, she had underestimated how tough survival in the Greater Tokyo Area truly was.

Most of the résumés she sent out never even got a reply.

Even replies could mean rejection.

And interviews often ended in failure.

The competition was simply too fierce.

However, Mafuyu had plenty of self-confidence and no lack of humility. She was very aware of her own shortcomings—and positively speaking, every failure taught her valuable lessons.

Progress would come even faster if a senior guided her.

After all, evaluating oneself could sometimes narrow one’s perspective.

Ordinarily appearing somewhat cold, today Mafuyu cast aside her usual distant attitude and took advantage of this rare opportunity to pepper Hikigaya Ryōhei with numerous meaningful educational questions.

“Senpai, is it really necessary to prepare detailed scripts for every single lesson, or is a simple lesson plan enough? What would you suggest for a beginner like me?” she asked.

“At first, it’s best to write detailed scripts. Back then... Ah, I mean, when I was at Tokyo Gakugei University, I filled several notebooks with them...”

“Senpai, is it really essential to do an opening hook for every class? Personally, I feel doing it every time seems forced and rigid. What’s your opinion?”

“Initially, sticking to a formula helps, but once you become familiar, it’ll flow naturally. What matters is finding your own style...”

...

“Hikigaya-senpai, what’s your view on this particular part of modern history? How can I effectively connect it to Japan’s policies at the time during lessons? I find this rather difficult,” she pressed further.

Although Ryōhei completely understood this enthusiastic, education-focused rookie teacher, when it came to modern history from after 1900, even he was only superficially knowledgeable. It clearly revealed a gap in his knowledge.

“Well, regarding that... Right! Kirisu-sensei, I suddenly remembered—I have to buy groceries and head home. I still need to cook lunch for my kids. Perhaps we could continue another time...”

Hearing the slight awkwardness in his tone, Mafuyu instantly realized she might have imposed too much.

Meeting only twice, she’d already asked so many questions—not only was it intrusive, but it also seemed as if she was shamelessly trying to steal his teaching techniques.

Secretly observing Ryōhei’s subtle expressions, she was relieved to notice no hint of impatience or defensiveness on his part.

Suddenly, the pink-haired girl couldn’t help but feel that this Uncle Hikigaya truly possessed the kindness of heart he'd described as essential for teachers.

“I'm very sorry if I’ve been presumptuous. Thank you so much, Senpai!”

Mafuyu’s expression gradually turned serious. Standing still, she brought her slender hands together, slowly sliding them down her thighs until her fingertips touched the upper edge of her knees. From her waist, she bent her torso forward nearly ninety degrees, gracefully bowing.

She paused briefly to express sincerity and respect, before slowly straightening her posture, hands gently rising back up, resuming her original stance.

It was a perfectly formal bow—truly impeccable etiquette.

Ryōhei wasn’t exactly unfamiliar with East Asian bowing customs. To fit into society, he'd even practiced it himself several times in front of a mirror.

But this pink-haired girl’s graceful movements had an effortless, flowing elegance about them... Although Mafuyu still had something of a baby face, her refined beauty and long pink hair lent her an ethereal charm.

After momentarily pausing, Ryōhei quickly returned the gesture, offering a kind encouragement:

“You're too polite—it’s really nothing. I’m free anyway, and it was enjoyable to discuss these things. Kirisu-san, I'm sure you'll become an excellent teacher beloved by your students someday.”

A gentle smile appeared on Hikigaya Ryōhei’s face.

“Thank you very much for your kind words.”

Having just entered society, Mafuyu felt somewhat bashful at such sincere praise. She pointed towards a nearby convenience store, “By the way, Hikigaya-san, please at least let me treat you to a drink!”

“Oh, you really don’t have to— Eh? Hachiman? You’re out grocery shopping?”

Just as Ryōhei was about to politely decline, Hikigaya Hachiman emerged from the convenience store, clutching a bag of groceries, still walking somewhat awkwardly.

Without noticing, Hikigaya Ryōhei and Kirisu Mafuyu had already walked quite close to their home neighborhood.

Because of accidentally seeing those deeply upsetting photos last night—his mother, Tōma Kazusa, before the divorce, happily together with that damned man—Hachiman’s current expression looked like he’d swallowed TNT.

Only upon hearing his father’s voice did he lift his head, shocked to find his father standing just three or four meters away.

In almost the very next second, the famously sharp Great Teacher Hachiman—with perception far beyond his years—noticed that this eye-catching pink-haired woman in business attire was standing next to his father.

It was far too sudden!

His father, who for the past two or three months had basically never initiated conversation with any woman!

Grandma didn't count! Yuigahama-san had approached by herself!

Even the ever-composed Hikigaya Hachiman froze awkwardly in place, uncertain of how to react.

He was a child, after all!

A chūnibyō kid, no less!

And severely so!

Always overthinking!

“Hachiman, this person might very well become your history teacher at Sōbu High in the future. Come on, come greet Kirisu Mafuyu-sens... Ahem! No need to be too formal; you can call her 'Oba-san' first.”

After saying that, Ryōhei turned back toward the pink-haired girl, introducing, “This is my son, Hikigaya Hachiman, currently a first-year in Class 1-F at Sōbu High. He might end up in your care later.”

Kirisu Mafuyu felt a sudden jolt of confusion. The easygoing, approachable, and completely unpretentious senpai Hikigaya Ryōhei suddenly revealed a son—who looked only a few years younger than herself.

The impact was surprisingly strong.

“Haha, you're teasing me again, Hikigaya-senpai. I think your chances of being hired are much higher.”

“Not at all. Ideally, both of us will find good jobs. Hachiman! What’re you spacing out for? Come say hello to Kirisu-obasan!”

Originally, Ryōhei had wanted to say “Kirisu-oneesan,” but reconsidered at the last moment, feeling it might seem like taking advantage of her youthfulness. Calling her “Oba-san” would at least properly show respect, especially given her teaching profession.

Hachiman stiffly moved his body forward, awkwardly forcing himself to produce a less-than-hideous smile as he greeted her:

“H-h-hello, Kirisu-obasan...”

---

A/N: Regarding the worldbuilding, many readers have already noticed—it largely references the Seishun Buta Yarou universe, set in an alternate timeline diverging from before the Russo-Japanese War, with both world wars prevented and imperial powers still existing.

T/N: 21... and already auntie... what am I then?

This is a fan translation of 比企谷大叔永远年轻 by Stargazer All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!