[177] Mrs. Kasumigaoka

Chapter 177: Mrs. Kasumigaoka

"So, President, how much promotional support can you provide for my novel?"

After giving Utaha high praise, she didn't beat around the bush and asked directly.

"We'll release it alongside my new book. I'll give you a recommendation blurb, and we'll aim for a June release," Shunsuke said after some thought.

In this world, the Akutagawa Prize is awarded twice a year, in June and December, each time a month earlier than in his previous life. The June award evaluates works from the first half of the year, which would also be the perfect time for him to capitalize on his growing fame and release his new book.

"Another month, huh? I'll wait then."

Utaha nodded, then gracefully retracted her black-stockinged legs from Shunsuke's lap. Her delicate feet slipped into cute little slippers as she stood up, suddenly adopting a gentle tone. "It's almost lunchtime. I'll cook for you as a way to thank you for treating me last time, Trash-kun."

"Do you need any help?"

Shunsuke stood up as well. Staying alone in her bedroom while the lady of the house was away didn't sit right with him, even if he didn't mind. Who knows how she might tease him about it later?

"No need. Even though your cooking skills seem impressive, a man shouldn't be in the kitchen when a woman is around. Don't worry, I've already done the prep work. We'll be eating soon."

Despite her cold, aloof, and sharp-tongued exterior, Utaha was, at her core, a rather traditional girl who didn't believe in men doing the cooking.

Shunsuke didn't insist further. He sat on the living room sofa, watching as Utaha tied an apron around her waist and gathered her flowing hair into a ponytail. The atmosphere around her shifted, giving off the vibe of a devoted wife.

As he watched her bustling around the kitchen, Shunsuke felt a strange sensation, as if he were a husband being cooked for by his wife.

Though, admittedly, his "wives" seemed to be a bit too numerous.

Soon, Utaha brought out the dishes she had prepared—standard Japanese fare. Each portion was small, but there were plenty of dishes, so there was more than enough for the two of them.

"I wasn't sure what you liked, so I made a variety. I hope it suits your taste."

Still wearing her apron and addressing him properly by name, Utaha sat down at the table, exuding the warmth of an approachable older sister.

"Of course, I'll enjoy anything you make, Utaha."

Shunsuke wasn't a fool. This was clearly a meticulously prepared meal by Utaha. Whether it was truly delicious or not, he had to praise it.

Besides, he had tasted her homemade bento before. Though it had been cold by the time he ate it, the flavor was decent—not on par with a professional chef, but certainly above average.

Just as the two exchanged a glance and were about to start eating, a "click" sounded from the entrance.

"Oh my, am I interrupting something?"

Mrs. Kasumigaoka, peeking in from the doorway, covered her mouth with her right hand, looking slightly apologetic.

"Mom, weren't you supposed to get your hair done today?" Utaha's expression stiffened.

"Ah, yes, but the shop owner wasn't there today, and I didn't want anyone else touching my hair, so I came back early. My bad, my bad," Mrs. Kasumigaoka said, clasping her hands together and apologizing to her daughter like a big sister. "Don't be mad at your mom, okay? I'll leave right away."

With that, she grabbed the door handle and prepared to step out.

"Wait—!"

Utaha tried to say something, but with a "thud," the door was already closed.

"...Your mom is quite something, Utaha."

After a moment of silence, Shunsuke remarked.

Would a normal mother react like this upon seeing her daughter bring a man home for the first time?

Even the seemingly unreliable Mrs. Yuigahama, while giving her daughter space, would still carefully observe the situation.

But Mrs. Kasumigaoka? She left without a second thought, as if completely unconcerned about leaving a young man and woman alone together. Was she really not worried about sparks flying?

Speaking of which, it had been a while since he last saw Mrs. Yuigahama. Maybe he should find an excuse to reconnect and strengthen their bond.

"She's just like that sometimes, you—"

*Click.*

The door suddenly opened again, and Mrs. Kasumigaoka poked her head in, adding seriously, "Oh, I forgot to mention one more thing, Utaha-chan. Be safe, okay? Make sure to use protection. I may want grandchildren soon, but you're still in your third year of high school. Studying comes first. It's best to wait until university before giving me a grandchild, okay?"

"Mom—!"

Even the usually composed and unflappable Utaha couldn't help but blush furiously at her mother's blatant remarks.

But before Utaha could say more, Mrs. Kasumigaoka closed the door again with a *thud.*

"..."

"..."

The previously harmonious atmosphere between the two became awkward.

"Ahem, Trash-kun, don't take what my mom said to heart. She's just... like that."

Shunsuke, of course, didn't mind. In fact, he even thought this was a good opportunity.

"Of course, of course. But what your mom just said, Utaha, how do you—"

"By the way, Utaha-chan, did you buy condoms? I don't have any at home. If you forgot, I can go buy some now."

"Enough already!"

Unable to bear it any longer, Utaha grabbed the cotton slipper from her right foot and hurled it at the door.

"Impatient, are we? Then I'll go buy the morning-after pill. You two carry on."

Mrs. Kasumigaoka dodged the slipper, as if suddenly understanding something, and with that remark, she quickly closed the door again.

The sound of high heels clicking echoed from outside the door. This time, she was really gone.

"Utaha is finally growing up, huh?"

Mrs. Kasumigaoka looked back at her apartment as she walked away, sighing with emotion.

Because Utaha had been mature and responsible since she was a child, Mrs. Kasumigaoka had rarely intervened as a strict parent. Instead, she had always approached her daughter as a friend or an older sister. So when faced with this moment, Mrs. Kasumigaoka was surprisingly open-minded.

"My proud Utaha has finally found a boy she likes. That's wonderful. I was even worried she might stay single forever and end up as one of those strong-willed, unapproachable old maids. This is such a relief."

"Oh dear, I forgot to ask about the boy. Should I go back and ask?"

Glancing at the door behind her, Mrs. Kasumigaoka thought for a moment but ultimately shook her head. *No, no. Young people can't hold back. I'll leave them to it. As long as they don't overdo it and cause any life-altering problems, it's fine.*

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