I practiced as a monk alone in Japan.

Chapter 158 Playful

Sakuraba Yuki didn't know what Yamaguchi's situation was over there, and she didn't care much. After all, they were already quite unfamiliar with each other, and even if they had known each other before, it was only from their childhood, which was too vague.

Not everyone has to be held responsible for the past.

"Is this your blind date? He looks quite handsome, but he seems a bit sensitive."

Tsukino Gen, always eager for a good show, remarked.

Sakuraba rolled her eyes at the boy. "You're even judging others now. How about we go somewhere else to drink?"

She said hesitantly.

Tsukino Gen said, "I'm fine with it. It's just that I guess they don't know what they'll say about you over there. If you leave now, they'll definitely think you're guilty and trying to cover it up. If he's a good person, he might explain a thing or two for you. If he's not so good, or even worse, your parents might give you a piece of their mind tomorrow."

"What should I do?"

Sakuraba Yuki looked at the boy uncertainly.

Gen Tsukino pointed to the wine glass on the table, "Just finish your drink normally and leave gracefully, that's fine. And you don't need to feel guilty, after all, we don't have any other relationship."

".makes sense."

But it would be troublesome if the fact that they were teacher and student got out, you idiot.

This is also the reason why I hesitated and didn't explain earlier.
But isn't he curious about this? Or has he already figured it out?
It's hard to say. Sometimes this boy is as sensitive and perceptive as a monster.

"Hey, don't just drink alone. Tell me, that woman is so pretty, why don't you go and offer her a toast?"

It was originally just a normal dinner party among colleagues, a few single men getting together for drinks. They might have fantasized about some romantic encounters beforehand, but over time they come to terms with reality; they're no longer the desirable type of men in the dating scene.

Of course, this is on the premise that their professions are not made public.

After all, being a doctor in a regular hospital is a highly enviable profession, especially in Zhaori.

This is also why Yamaguchi felt so stifled.

After years of hard study, I left my small town and finally entered a big city like Zhaori, becoming a respected doctor. Although my qualifications are not yet high enough, there is still a long road ahead for me to climb.

But who hasn't dreamed of returning home in glory? He has already brought honor to his ancestors by doing this much.

It was by chance that his parents mentioned a childhood friend named Sakuraba Yuki, a "childhood sweetheart" from the same town. He didn't pay much attention to it at first, but the photos his parents sent him truly amazed him.

Moreover, she learned that the other party's family circumstances seemed to have remained largely unchanged. Although Sakuraba Yuki was also a teacher at Shōji University, it was clear that, in terms of social status and career prospects, she was a much more qualified match.

I never expected that this blind date, which I had been looking forward to for so long, would end so disappointingly and hastily.

The other party seemed completely uninterested in my strengths and qualifications, and didn't even bother to inquire about my so-called career prospects or salary level. It was as if the outcome was already predetermined, and they just went through the motions.

Although seeing the other person's beauty and charm made Yamaguchi somewhat unwilling, there was nothing he could do. After all, feelings are something that cannot be forced, and he had not yet reached that social status.

You can convince yourself to let go, and even fantasize that when you get more opportunities in the future and become a director or professor, you can stand in front of her again and perhaps see a look of deep regret on her face.

But when I walked into the bar and saw her sitting with an excessively handsome young man...

He was still somewhat out of balance.

I don't know if this imbalance in mindset stems from thinking that this woman is excessively superficial, or something else.

She was, of course, superficial. What could this plainly dressed boy with only a handsome face possibly attract her to? Nothing more than youth and good looks. He might even depend on her for survival, sucking her blood.

She became obsessed with what she called 'love,' wasting her savings and precious time, letting Shinji Yamaguchi, who seemed like a much better choice, slip away.

That's absolutely stupid.

This feeling made him increasingly depressed, and he would sit down and drink continuously, not even bothering to talk.

His colleagues could see his mood and, in addition to teasing him, also tried to comfort him.

"Alright, don't drink alone. What's the big deal? Women these days are so brainless. Now they're willing to be with her all the time, but what will happen when they're old, their youth is gone, and they haven't left any money? Will they still treat her like that?"

"Besides, Yamaguchi, you're such a good catch. The professor values ​​you highly, and you have a bright future ahead of you. What woman can't you find? There's no rush. Isn't this the woman you're looking for?"

"I think Yamaguchi is a bit depressed. How about I take you out to have some fun later? You haven't experienced the joy of Akari yet."

"Ha ha ha ha."

The atmosphere at the dinner table immediately became lively and cheerful again, and Yamaguchi gradually let go of his worries. That's right.

She was blind to miss out on her chance; she'll regret it later, and her whole family will regret it too!
"Alright, that's enough. Let's go home after we finish drinking."

Tsukino Gen hadn't ordered any more drinks, and the woman beside him had already had enough. Whether it was because of his arrival or something else, Sakuraba Yuki noticeably drank faster and more hurriedly afterward.

Soon it started showing signs of fading on her face.

Feeling rather down today, Sakuraba Yuki, who had drunk quite a bit, glanced at the boy who had spoken. Perhaps it was because she was a little tipsy, but for a moment, this boy seemed even more handsome than before.

She nodded, then absentmindedly looked away.

"I'm going to the restroom first."

"Yeah. I'll wait for you."

The woman stood up, slightly unsteady, but still able to see the path clearly; her alcohol tolerance wasn't that low. It was just strange that she seemed to get tipsy easily whenever she drank with this young man.

Just like the boss aura in a game that comes with a debuff, it's as if it reduces your resistance.

I went to the restroom and used the toilet.

Sakuraba Yuki blushed slightly as she stood up, without even realizing it. Was it because of that boy? And... she'd just changed her underwear today.
baffling.

Although it was a normal physiological phenomenon, she felt an indescribable sense of shame when she thought that Tsukino Gen had been sitting next to her.

Given their respective identities, it would be shameless for him to become the object of her fantasies. Yet, it's precisely this subtle sense of taboo that makes it so alluring and captivating.

Or is this the root cause of his own impulsive behavior?

It's crazy.

Sakuraba Yuki stood before the mirror, gazing at her radiant face. The flush from the wine made her appear even more vibrant and alluring. It seemed that no matter what she did or what expression she made, she possessed a unique charm.

She was well aware that she was a beautiful woman.

But reaching this age also brings a slight sense of crisis. At this age, I've never had a serious relationship, nor any romantic flings. And I haven't met anyone who makes my heart flutter.
She says she's not in a hurry to get married or fall in love, and she doesn't seem to be thinking about becoming someone's good wife and mother, or sacrificing her own freedom.

But ultimately, is it that you really don't want it? Or is it that you haven't met someone who makes you feel such an impulse?

Living alone can be both liberating and exhausting; you're all alone, and only you know the joys and sorrows of life.

When youth fades and one's advantages are completely lost, it seems that only two choices remain. One is to continue living a proud, solitary life, and the other is to lower one's standards, drift with the tide, and hastily choose a man whose conditions are certainly not very good to marry.

What's the difference between the latter and the kind of life I despise now?

Or perhaps I'm just too picky and arrogant?
So much so that she feels nothing even when she sees a man with excellent qualities like Shinji Yamaguchi. After all this time, what is it that she really wants?
In a moment of confusion, even the mirror seemed unreal.

Gradually, the mist receded, revealing a blurry face. It wasn't himself, but a young and handsome boy.

he is
"what!"

Sakuraba Yuki covered her red lips, almost screaming out in surprise.

When she looked more closely, what else was reflected in the mirror besides her own face?

Is it an illusion?
Why did I have this illusion, think about these things, and then see Tsukino Gen's face?

It's too depressing.

Sakuraba Yuki, you're so repressed! You couldn't help but fantasize, could you?

She shook her head, picked up her bag, and turned to leave.

The woman, feeling extremely guilty and with her heart racing for no apparent reason, never expected that as soon as she left the restroom, she would see Tsukino Gen standing at the corner, their eyes meeting.

"Eh!"

The woman, already feeling guilty, was wearing high heels when her foot suddenly slipped, and she lost her balance. As if startled, she looked like she was about to fall to the ground.

Fortunately, an embarrassing situation did not occur.

Just before she was about to fall to the ground, Tsukino Gen, quick as a flash, caught her by the waist.

The texture is still so familiar; this part is delicate, and a little further down, it becomes shockingly plump.

A flustered Sakuraba Yuki met Tsukino Gen's helpless gaze.

He said, "Sakuraba-sensei, do you have a problem where you always trip and fall when you're drunk?"

The same thing happened last time.

Sakuraba Yuki blushed slightly and, with his help, slowly stood up, leaning against the wall.

"No way. Who told you to suddenly stand here and scare me?"

"Is it still my fault? I'm really sorry, I scared Sakuraba-sensei, I'm so sorry."

Hearing Tsukino Gen's sarcastic apology, Sakuraba Yuki laughed out of annoyance.

"It's not like I'm really blaming you. I've already told you not to call me 'teacher' in public."

"Okay, okay, Sakuraba-neechan, is your foot alright?"

"It's nothing, just a sprain. It doesn't hurt much."

Indeed, her beautiful, slender ankles were not red or swollen, and she didn't feel anything strange while standing.

Gen Tsukino nodded.

"What a pity, I thought there would be a scene where I would personally apply the medicine to you."

"boom."

Sakuraba Yuki tapped the boy on the head with her bag, clearly annoyed.

"What strange things are you fantasizing about your teacher? You're a naughty student with a head full of weird ideas."

"You won't let me call you 'teacher,' but you're calling me that anyway?"

"Oh dear, I forgot~ Okay, let's go, I'm really fine~"

"Ah."

The two left the restroom side by side through the passageway outside.

They seemed unaware that from the shadows on the other side, a face appeared to be inexplicably excited, to the point of being ferocious.

"Teacher and student?"

"You're quite the player, tsk tsk tsk."

……

(End of this chapter)