Weren’t You Only Using Me As A Stand-in? [70]

7:30 P.M.
Royal Ōkura Hotel
Private Tatami Room

Around a low table piled with exquisite dishes, a group of people sat chatting energetically — some kneeling, some sitting cross-legged.

“I heard Shizuka’s dating someone recently. A college student, is it?” said the man at the head of the table — wavy permed hair, clean-cut features, and a touch of stubble that gave him that charming, older man appeal.

“Yeah, Kentarō, you wouldn’t believe it — Shizuka’s boyfriend is ridiculously handsome.”
The speaker was a woman with her hair pinned up, wearing a light blue dress that fit perfectly to her figure. A wedding ring sparkled on her left hand.

“I thought for sure Shizuka would stay single for life — never expected her to snag such a hot younger guy.”

“Seriously, what luck.”

“I can’t even imagine what it’s like, hugging some cute little puppy of a man to sleep every night, burying your face in his chest muscles…”

Laughter rippled around the room. The other women chimed in, each adding their own spicy commentary.

“Tch. So what? Just a decent-looking gigolo. Doesn’t even have a job — she’s the one supporting him.”

A man dressed like a typical office elite threw in a snide remark.

The room went quiet for a second.

Everyone instinctively turned to look at Umeno Kentarō, seated at the center.

If anyone at this table screamed “pretty-boy dependent,” it was him.

“Ah—sorry, Kentarō. I didn’t mean you.”

The man in the business attire realized he’d overstepped and hurried to clarify.

Sure, he’d never thought much of Umeno Kentarō.

But they were all adults — no real grudges. Even if he looked down on the guy, it wasn’t something you said out loud.

“We’ve known each other forever. I know you weren’t talking about me.”

Umeno Kentarō played it off with an easy smile.

But beneath the table, his hand was clenched into a fist.

“…But hearing you all hype him up like this, I really want to meet this new guy. See what’s so great about him.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, the paper-and-wood sliding door opened from outside.

“Sorry we’re late, traffic was a mess!”

Hiratsuka Shizuka strode in, all boldness and zero subtlety.

Watching her storm in like that, Takeru couldn’t help but wonder sometimes — was she really born the right gender?

From the second she entered, Umeno Kentarō’s eyes locked onto her.

It had been a while, but damn — she’d only gotten more beautiful. Her figure, even better than before.

They were all around the same age, but Shizuka’s condition absolutely outclassed the others.

Some of the women here had been just as attractive back in the day — but life had taken its toll.

Work stress. Chaotic schedules. Constant overtime.
Their eyes dulled, their figures softened, their skin lost its glow. They were still young — but it was starting to show.

In contrast, Shizuka still looked like she’d just graduated. Her eyes sparkled with life — filled with hope, not fatigue.

To put it simply:
She still had light in her eyes.

Right now, the difference wasn’t glaring.
But once they all hit their thirties?
That’s when the gulf would really show.

This was the difference between a trust-fund kid and an ordinary person.

Shizuka didn’t have to worry about bills or budgeting.
If she liked something, she bought it.
She had the freedom to pursue hobbies, passions, whatever she wanted.
She could speak and act as she pleased — all thanks to her family’s backing.

Umeno Kentarō regretted their breakup deeply.

Tonight’s gathering?
It was just an excuse.

What he really wanted was to get back together with her.

He knew Shizuka — soft-hearted, sentimental.
And he was her first love.
If he played the pitiful card, threw in some tearful remorse — he might just win her back.

Only one variable…

His gaze shifted to the boy standing beside her.

“Nice to meet you, everyone!”

Takeru greeted the room politely, giving a small nod.

He and Shizuka scanned the table for seats… but only two remained.

Both flanking Umeno Kentarō.

Which meant — if they sat, they’d be separated.

Oh? So we’re starting already?

Takeru hadn’t expected he’d end up in a masculinity showdown tonight.

“Class reunion, right? Shizuka, just have a seat anywhere with your boyfriend,” Kentarō said, all smiles.

But let’s be real — there weren’t any other seats left.

Shizuka instantly realized something was off. Her brow furrowed. She was about to speak—

But Takeru gently squeezed her hand, silently signaling her to leave it to him.

He stepped over to one of the older women at the table, flashed a warm, innocent smile, and waved.

“Hi again, onee-san. Long time no see.”

“You… remember me?” the woman asked, blinking in surprise.

If she recalled correctly, they’d only met once — a month ago.

“Of course. You’re so radiant you look like a college girl. Hard to forget.”

The woman giggled behind her hand, playfully smacking his shoulder.

Takeru looked around, then leaned in and whispered:

“Wait… is it just you girls here tonight? Where are your chaperones? Letting you wander out so late?”

She blinked, then burst out laughing — nearly choking from how hard she was giggling.

“And what’s your name, onee-san?”

“I’m Manase Yuka.”

“Manase Yuka? Wow, that name’s hard to write. Not because of the strokes — it’s just, to do it justice, you’d need four parts sunset, three parts moonlight, two parts wine haze… and one part of your charm.”

“Stop it~ you’re too much~”

…

Everyone at the table — including Shizuka — stared at him in shock.

Takeru’s mouth was a honey factory, firing off compliments like heat-seeking missiles.
He had every woman here in the palm of his hand.

Wait… who’s the real woman here?

Even Shizuka didn’t know how to talk to these people — yet here Takeru was, smoother than silk.

One “onee-san” after another — how was he this good at it?

She was starting to doubt her own gender.

Why do I feel like a guy with period cramps?

While Shizuka was still having a gender crisis, the older women had already pulled Takeru down to sit between them.

He casually tugged Shizuka down next to him.

Feeling the space getting tight, a married woman instinctively scooted over to make room.

Which forced the man beside her to shift as well.

One after another, the entire row scooted down — until Takeru was completely surrounded by a wall of women.

Umeno Kentarō?

Now sitting alone… surrounded by dudes.

This guy’s really just a college student?

The more he looked at Takeru, the more he doubted it.

He looked more like a host from a Tokyo night club.
No — the top host.

What college teaches you how to sweet-talk women like that?

I need to take this seriously… This guy’s dangerous.

For the first time, Kentarō saw Kitahara Takeru as a real threat.

He’d thought the guy was just some pretty-boy student.

But clearly, fate had handed him a true rival.

Even so — Kentarō wasn’t nervous.

He was Shizuka’s first love.
He refused to believe she had no lingering feelings for him.

Don’t they say?

“If the ex comes knocking, the current’s got no chance.”

So, kid... what do you have that can beat me?

If you can actually win tonight—
I, Umeno Kentarō, will eat poop live on stream!

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This is a fan translation of 不是说只拿我当替身的吗？by 雪碧加冰. 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!