CM Chapter 15

Chapter 15 – The More Suitable Candidate

Chapter 1, Part 5.5

Novel Title: ひとりじめ (Completely Mine)

Author：椎崎 夕 (Shiizaki You)

Illustrator：小山田 あみ (Oyamada Ami)

Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)

Protagonists: 細川 湊 (Hosokawa Minato -MC) & 荻原 浩志 (Ogiwara Koushi -ML)

*Please read at knoxt.space, the original site of translation. TQ*

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Yoshiharu mouthed, “Sorry,” with an apologetic look. Clearly, from the beginning, Yoshiharu had brought Minato here to meet Koumoto.

“When you two met last time, you exchanged contact info and became friends, didn’t you? If you’re friends, there’s no reason you can’t have dinner together, right?”

“Yoshiharu, come here! Stop dawdling and help out!”

Eisuke called out from the kitchen, interrupting Yoshiharu’s flustered excuse. Relieved to escape, Yoshiharu quickly apologized again before scurrying off to the kitchen. Left behind, Minato had no choice but to approach Koumoto, who was gesturing for him to sit.

“…Good evening. I didn’t realize you’d be here.”

“Eisuke-kun invited me at the last minute. He said you’d be coming too, so I was looking forward to it.”

Koumoto smiled warmly, and Minato returned an awkward smile before sitting at a safe distance on the sofa. Yoshiharu had described them as friends, but in truth, Minato had simply been guided into it. The last time they met, Minato had focused solely on being polite, avoiding anything that might seem disrespectful or overly familiar while keeping his distance. Listening to Koumoto interact with Eisuke and Yoshiharu had given him a vague idea of what kind of person he was.

Koumoto’s gentle appearance shared the same refinement as Ogiwara’s striking looks but was otherwise worlds apart. Koumoto was three years older than Minato and worked for a trading company. He lived alone and carried himself with an air of calm and composure. His occasional laughter was bright and pleasant, and he seemed considerate of Minato’s reserved nature, often steering conversations or helping ease awkward moments when Minato struggled to respond.

He was undoubtedly skilled in social interactions and likely excelled at his job as well. From what Koumoto had shared, he’d broken up with his last partner at the end of last year and wasn’t seeing anyone at the moment. It seemed clear that if he wanted to, he could easily find someone new.

Despite that, Koumoto had shown interest in Minato from the start. Ever since they exchanged contact information, he’d sent frequent messages and even called to invite Minato out.

“…So, you planned this? I told you I wasn’t interested.”

By the time the sukiyaki pot was nearly empty, Koumoto received a call and stepped away. Once he left, Minato turned and glared at Eisuke, who had been watching with an innocent expression.

Eisuke nodded unapologetically.

“You’ve been rejecting every invitation from Koumoto-san, haven’t you? Since you agreed to be friends, why not go out on a date with him at least once?”

“Go out on a date with him? I—”

“You’re not interested, you’re not compatible, so you turn him down. Fine, but at least go on a few proper dates before you decide that. Having one drink with him while Yoshiharu and I were there doesn’t count.”

“But it’s impossible! I’m already swamped with my thesis and work!”

“You’re not working nights right now because of your thesis prep, right? Take a break every now and then. Even half a day or a couple of hours in the evening won’t kill you. You’ve come out when Yoshiharu or I invited you, haven’t you?”

Minato couldn’t argue, pinned by Eisuke’s straightforward reasoning. At some point, Yoshiharu returned and quietly added:

“What about Koumoto bothers you so much? From an outsider’s perspective, he seems like a good match for you.”

“Yoshiharu… but…”

“I’ve known Koumoto for a while. He’s straightforward, responsible, and mature for his age. He got tired of the games and calculations in his last relationship, so he values sincerity and honesty now. That’s probably why he’s drawn to you—your inexperience and openness appeal to him. He’s the type to lead but wouldn’t pressure you. Compared to dating someone unsuitable, he’s a much safer choice.”

“…”

If it were Eisuke forcing the issue, Minato could push back. But when Yoshiharu approached it this way, with care and consideration, it became difficult to argue.

Yoshiharu’s words were likely true. Koumoto’s character was trustworthy, and if Yoshiharu vouched for him, there was no reason to doubt. Koumoto’s interest in Minato was clear, too.

Even so, an inexplicable discomfort lingered. Not with Koumoto himself, but with the idea of shifting his feelings in Koumoto’s direction. Something inside Minato resisted.

Even if he knew it was futile, Minato’s feelings wouldn’t change. Like iron sand drawn to a powerful magnet, he couldn’t break free from Ogiwara.

It wasn’t about logic. It was purely emotional—a deeply rooted feeling even Minato couldn’t control.

“Ogiwara-kun isn’t someone you should pursue. He’s out of your league.”

The sudden comment startled Minato, his shoulders trembling. He looked up reflexively, meeting Eisuke’s unusually serious gaze.

“If you’re planning to give up anyway, then at least try looking elsewhere. Koumoto-san is a great option, and he likes you. Starting as friends won’t hurt. There’s no reason to turn him down.”

“But…-”

“Try going out on dates first. If it doesn’t work out after that, it can’t be helped. Of course, Koumoto-san has the right to choose too, so there’s always the chance that he might turn you down. But you won’t know unless you try.”

In the silence that followed, Minato was at a loss as both Nagashima and Yoshiharu stared at him.

At just the right moment, Koumoto returned. Noticing—or perhaps ignoring—the subtle atmosphere among the three, he smiled cheerfully.

“Are you all done eating? Nagashima-kun still looks like he hasn’t had enough to drink, though.”

“Not enough at all. What about you, Koumoto-san?”

“Unfortunately, I have work tomorrow, so I’ll call it a night. Hosokawa-kun, tea is okay for you, right?”

“Yes. Uh, I haven’t prepared anything, so I’ll—”

“It’s fine. I’ll handle it, so Minato-kun, just stay seated.”

Just as he was about to get up, Yoshiharu spoke. Nagashima, as if to prevent him from moving, firmly pushed him back into his seat and raised his voice.

“Tea preparations are up to Minato and Koumoto-san. Between the two of them, they should know where everything is, right?”

In contrast to Minato, who widened his eyes in shock, Yoshiharu seemed satisfied and settled back in his seat. Minato, troubled, glanced around until his eyes met Koumoto’s, who was watching him with a wry smile; “Well, there you have it. Sorry, but could you help me out?”

“…Okay.”

There was no way he could refuse in this situation. Feeling confused, Minato followed Koumoto to the kitchen.

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*Translator’s Note: I also feel like Koumoto is a more suitable candidate. I would have chosen him since I don’t like taking risks, but hey… I’m not the MC. Hahaha. -K

Next update: [Random Days]

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