Uncle Hikigaya is Forever Young [25]

“Just staying alive takes everything some people have.”

Right now, that perfectly described Hikigaya Ryōhei’s situation.

Sure, working odd jobs meant he could survive, but this kind of survival was merely existing, not living.

If he hadn’t earned some extra cash from selling the piano, he’d barely have the energy or spare funds to prepare for a better job.

Each week’s paycheck barely covered rent and low-quality food.

There was no chance to step onto a higher stage.

Practically zero resilience against unexpected shocks.

This was what life at the bottom really looked like.

But thanks to his recent second chance at life, the joy of simply being alive temporarily overshadowed all else.

Just as things had started looking up, Hikigaya Hachiman got into a car accident. Now, riding toward the hospital, Ryōhei’s mind echoed relentlessly with thoughts of medical bills, medical bills, medical bills.

No! I have to make the other side pay for medical expenses! And definitely get some compensation too!

Even affluent middle-class workers were being driven half to death by the 996 work culture. But for families at the bottom? They were like exhausted people drowning silently, sinking without even making a splash.

After receiving that phone call, Ryōhei hailed a taxi for the first time, heading straight to Chiba Municipal Hospital.

On the phone, that adult woman named Yuigahama Asuna had said his son’s injuries weren't life-threatening—just a minor fracture. That was at least some good news.

But Ryōhei still dreaded the coming medical fees, nutrition fees, and such.

Even though Hachiman had heroically saved someone, there was no helping it—he’d have to be a villain this time and chase after compensation.

After all, Hachiman would surely need extra care to recuperate. Better nutrition, at least?

That meant money again!

Doing some mental math in the taxi, even though he had enough cash for now, this accident would surely delay his job search once again.

Without a new job soon, their family situation would only deteriorate further, turning even minor issues into huge problems.

...

In the bustling hospital lobby, Ryōhei quickly asked for the room number, hurried into the elevator, and pressed the button for the eighth floor. Just as the elevator doors were closing, he caught sight of a familiar face entering the lobby.

It was Miura Kōzō, carefully supporting a gentle-looking, mature woman about the same age as himself.

The woman had long, refined hair, looking somewhat frail and pale yet still graceful. Her pretty face bore a slight resemblance to Miura Yumiko, the daughter he'd bragged about previously.

His wife, maybe?

Ryōhei briefly considered greeting him, but the elevator doors closed before he got the chance.

After thinking for a second, he decided seeing Hachiman first was more urgent.

One minute later.

“I'm terribly sorry, Hikigaya-san! Because of my daughter’s mistake, your son ended up hospitalized. I promise to discipline her properly.”

Ryōhei had entered the hospital room with righteous anger, but immediately his gaze collided awkwardly with a mature woman who’d been peeling apples by the bedside. After a couple seconds of surprise, this beautiful lady—presumably the other parent—stood up quickly, bowing deeply in apology to Ryōhei.

Any lingering anger he’d felt instantly faded away in the face of this woman’s gentle, watery sincerity.

Men were always quick to forgive beautiful women.

This woman, Yuigahama Asuna, had fresh, tea-colored hair softly pulled back into a fluffy bun behind her head, gentle bangs framing her softly elegant face, and a graceful, curvaceous figure.

With her perfect bow, the enticing curves beneath her sweater left a striking impression on Ryōhei.

He nearly blurted out an instant, “I forgive you.”

However, being middle-aged, though still appreciative of beautiful women, he wouldn't let himself be mindlessly distracted like a kid.

“You must be Yuigahama-san?” Ryōhei said flatly, glancing briefly at Hachiman—already awake and sitting up in the hospital bed, his right leg wrapped like a mummy’s.

“Yes, it really was all my daughter’s fault. Um…she’s still a child. Please don’t blame her. If you’re angry, direct it at me,” Yuigahama-san said earnestly, her amber eyes sparkling with sincerity.

This woman wore a soft yellow, turtleneck sweater paired with a conservative dark-green skirt. It was clearly a modest, homey look, yet somehow inexplicably sensual.

A true visual treat—enough to temporarily dissipate Ryōhei’s earlier worries about the future.

“Oh, right—here’s the doctor’s report. Please have a look,” Yuigahama-san said as if suddenly remembering, turning to grab a few sheets of paper from the table, handing them to Ryōhei.

“Hm, let’s see… Thigh bone fracture, mild concussion… Doctor says he'll mostly recover in about a month, and can rest at home after a few days of observation! Ah… thank goodness!”

Only after reading this did Ryōhei finally breathe a sigh of genuine relief. The medical and hospital fees had already been paid!

[Paid by: Yukinoshita Haruno.]

Who?

Could that be the car owner?

A good person indeed!

Fantastic!

Ryōhei’s expression immediately brightened considerably.

It was a bit sorry for Hachiman, but not having to spend money was truly great.

As a father, keeping this family afloat wasn't easy.

This was now Hikigaya Ryōhei’s humble, modest goal in life.

“Hikigaya-san? Um, what do you think? If you absolutely wish to pursue a lawsuit against us…I…” Yuigahama-san nervously twisted her slender fingers together, anxiously watching Ryōhei’s visibly improving mood.

Truthfully, when she’d heard her daughter had caused an accident, she'd rushed here immediately without even changing clothes.

“What are you saying? You even mentioned it yourself over the phone—my Hachiman was acting heroically. Honestly, I’m proud that he's grown up to be such a brave child.” Feeling slightly uncomfortable beneath this attractive lady’s sincere gaze, Ryōhei gave a measured reply.

Then he moved toward his eldest son—now awake and displaying his usual dead-fish eyes—and encouragingly patted his shoulder.

He imagined it must’ve been distressing to have an accident on the first day of school. He'd definitely have to counsel him a bit later.

Earlier, Yuigahama-san had explained clearly over the phone that Hachiman’s injuries were mainly from saving her daughter.

Given these circumstances—and since someone else had already covered all hospital costs—Ryōhei decided there was no need to make a fuss.

Heroic deeds deserved praise, after all.

Besides, he had work to do—who had time for more trouble?

Upon hearing Ryōhei’s reassuring words, Yuigahama-san finally relaxed completely, letting out a long, relieved breath, placing one hand gently against her chest.

“Hikigaya-san, you truly are a good man!”

“Ah…um...” As this captivating woman lifted her hand to her chest, Ryōhei’s eyes briefly flickered before calmly turning away, looking back at Hachiman without betraying a hint of his thoughts.

Such was the composed restraint of an adult.

---

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!