At this moment, around the dining table at Yazuki's home—a table that was rarely ever used—there were exactly four people seated, including him.
Aside from the invited guest, the cute—no, correction—old spinster(unmarraid woman) Hiratsuka-sensei, there was also the flashy-looking high school girl, Yui Yuigahama.
Despite appearances, she was a bit of an airhead who easily went along with others.
Lastly, sitting across from him was his "evil neighbor," Yukinoshita Yukino, who of course had been dragged along by Hiratsuka.
Right now, in front of each of them sat a bowl of ramen. Thin noodles soaked in a bright red broth, with chopped spicy minced meat and garnished with cilantro and other toppings.
With a soft clink, Yazuki placed his own bowl down on the table, immediately drawing the gaze of the three girls—particularly Hiratsuka, whose expression wasn't exactly friendly.
"You call this how you treat your guests?"
Hiratsuka's eyes twitched at the sight of Yazuki's bowl.
It was a large bowl, easily double the size of hers. Without hesitation, she swapped their bowls and started digging in without the slightest hint of shame.
Slurp—!
"Ughhh~"
As she slurped her noodles, she made weird sounds, like a cold wind howling through a crack in a window.
"That's the flavor."
Her lips, glistening from the broth, curled into a satisfied smile.
Yazuki shot her an annoyed glance. He thought she'd be a little embarrassed because of what happened earlier, but she didn't seem bothered at all.
Actually, her whole "shy little girl" act from before was starting to feel suspiciously fake—maybe she was just playing him?
"You two don't just sit there, try it, this stuff's seriously good~"
Hiratsuka spoke like she was the real host of the house, cheerfully urging the other two girls.
"Oh! Then I won't hold back, Yazuki-kun."
"Mhm."
Unlike Hiratsuka, who was noisily slurping away without a shred of dignity, Yuigahama was more proper.
She politely picked up some noodles with her chopsticks, gently placed them in her small mouth, and began chewing softly, like a little animal eating.
Yukinoshita, on the same side, looked like a poison tester.
The strong-flavored ramen didn't seem to suit her taste at first. She cautiously bit into a noodle and chewed slowly. Her elegant eyebrows first furrowed, then relaxed slightly, finally softening completely.
She looked a little surprised.
"Wow—this is actually really good. It looked spicy, but it's not as hot as I expected. The spiciness is just right, and it really brings out the smooth texture of the noodles and the richness of the broth."
The praise came from Yuigahama, though she might've gone a little over the top.
"Yazuki-kun, you're seriously amazing!"
"Is that so?"
Yazuki responded flatly.
Though Yuigahama's compliments were genuine, she had this habit of being overly flattering or trying to read the room too much—something he didn't particularly like.
"Ahhh—so satisfying~"
Hiratsuka-sensei let out a pleased sigh and took out a bottle of soju, taking a happy swig before handing the half-filled glass to Yazuki.
"How about it? Bet you've never tried this, huh? Tasting the soju first, then slurping the ramen—or the other way around—gives a completely different experience. Seriously, it's the best. Wanna try?"
"Is that so?"
Yazuki replied with mild suspicion.
Wait, isn't she supposed to be the guidance counselor?
Offering alcohol to students and dragging them into bad habits—that's really something.
Maybe she remembered he was underage, because just as she was about to pull the glass back, Yazuki snatched it from her first.
He took a sip—tasted like watered-down alcohol. Smacked his lips. Then he picked up some broth-coated noodles with bits of spicy meat and took a bite.
"Mmm—"
It did taste richer and more flavorful.
He reversed the order next. After the ramen, he took another sip of soju.
Oddly, the drink didn't taste like cheap alcohol anymore, it was like soda now. Light and refreshing.
"More, please."
"Nope. I almost forgot you're still underage."
Hiratsuka snatched the glass back with a mischievous grin, earning a deadpan stare from Yazuki.
This was just teasing him, wasn't it? Damn old woman.
Speaking of which, her drinking habits were terrible. Hopefully she didn't end up going on a drunk rampage again. He remembered how she once got kicked out of a matchmaking party and called him to come pick her up.
That left an impression.
Better eat quick—who knows how much time they've wasted already. He still had deadlines to meet, and after that, he could dive back into his precious 2D world.
"Phew—"
A soft sigh escaped Hiratsuka's lips.
Her face was flushed and beaded with sweat, as though the ramen had gotten to her. Her cheeks turned red like ripe apples—soft, dewy, and almost inviting.
A quick glance at the others—no reaction.
She relaxed a bit, but also felt a little gloomy. Was that technically an indirect kiss just now?
Was this kid just dense? What the heck was she even thinking? Since when did she start caring about this kind of thing?
Snap out of it, Hiratsuka Shizuka. You're his teacher. Just because all your matchmaking attempts have failed doesn't mean you should be thinking about marrying one of your own students.
That was just an accidental kiss, nothing more. He's just a dumb brat—how could she possibly fall for him?
Get a grip, Hiratsuka! Just because you've got no shame and don't care what others think doesn't mean he doesn't.
And besides, that kid only likes 2D girls. Even if he ever falls for someone in real life, it definitely won't be someone ten years older than him.
And so, under the scolding of her inner voice—especially after that savage roast about her age and dating life, her most vulnerable points—she finally broke down,
"Ughhhhh——"
"Huh? Hiratsuka-sensei, what's wrong?"
"Nothing… It's just… too delicious…"
"Huh? Come on, that's a bit much, granny."
"That's right, I am a washed-up spinster nobody wants! A menopausal woman who can't get married! Ughhh~~~"
The tearful, completely self-defeated teacher looked so pitiful that Yazuki could only stare at her speechlessly.
Seriously? Just after a few drinks? Wait, didn't she already have a bunch earlier when she was in the bath?
Damn it… she has the worst drinking tolerance ever, and yet still loves drinking so much. No wonder she can't get married.
Naturally, thanks to Yazuki's "motivating" words, he earned two very sharp glares from the girls.