CM Chapter 27

Chapter 27 – His Sharp Eyes

Chapter 2, Part 2.1

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*

֍֍֍

“I’m sorry, but I must decline this proposal.”  

The next day, during lunch break, Minato visited the director’s office to return the biodata and photo he had been entrusted with. His superior, who had accompanied him during the first half of the arranged meeting, sat back in his armchair, gazing up at Minato with a curious expression.  

“What a pity. I thought she was a cute girl.”  

“She is cute, but I think she’s a bit too young for me. There’s almost a ten-year age gap.”  

“That’s exactly what the other party preferred. From an outsider’s perspective, it seemed like a good match. How about meeting her one more time before making your final decision?”  

“Unfortunately, I believe she’ll officially decline by the end of today. She told me she already has someone she likes.”  

Though he appreciated the concern, this kind of effort was more of a burden than a favor. Revealing this tidbit, Minato watched as his superior—someone old enough to be his father—gaped in surprise.  

“She told you that herself?”  

“Yes. She apologized sincerely, so I didn’t press her further.”  

“I see. Well, I’ll make sure to pass along the decline. By the way, Hosokawa-kun—”  

“-Yes?”  

Just as Minato thought the conversation was over, his superior, who had smoothly put away the photo and biodata, stopped him. Turning back, Minato saw the man, usually sharp and shrewd, now looking at him with genuine concern.  

“I know I’m being persistent, but are you really not interested in getting married? I have other connections I could introduce you to.”  

“I’m more comfortable on my own. Besides, I don’t think I’m suited for marriage.”  

Minato had only experienced romantic attraction twice in his life, and both times the other person had been male. He couldn’t imagine suddenly falling in love with a woman now. More importantly, he felt it would be unfair to any prospective partner.  

Keeping half of his true feelings to himself, Minato left the director’s office. One responsibility lifted off his shoulders. Spring break kept him busy, as he was handling both spring and review courses.  

Minato worked at a community-based cram school catering to middle and high school students. Normally, he handled the evening classes for high schoolers. However, during school holidays, his schedule changed, with multiple courses running from morning until evening in rotation.  

One of the courses he always ended up teaching was a math review class for middle schoolers, which he had proposed a few years ago. Initially targeted at students struggling with math, it had since gained popularity, with many voluntarily signing up.  

As the final test of the course loomed, more students lingered to ask questions. Minato patiently responded to each one, performed a quick check of the room, and locked up. By the time he stepped into the hallway, the other classrooms were nearly empty.  

Noticing a figure leaning against the wall, Minato broke into a smile. It was one of his high school students.  

“Irino-kun? What are you doing here? You have questions?”  

Now in his second year of high school, Irino was still small in stature and gave off a cute impression. Minato had first met him about three years ago in the math review course. Back then, Irino had declared himself allergic to math, and Minato had struggled to teach him.  

Perhaps his efforts paid off, as math had since become Irino’s best subject. The boy had grown attached to Minato and often approached him for more than just academic questions.  

“Sorry, Hosokawa-sensei.”  

With that, Irino suddenly bowed deeply. Taken aback, Minato watched as the boy lifted his head and continued.  

“I think I’m the reason behind your arranged meeting yesterday. My mom really liked you because I kept talking about you at home. She must’ve pushed the idea onto the director.”  

“She pushed it? How?”  

“My dad knows the director. My parents were worried about my sister because she’s a bit of a dreamer and getting older. They thought it’d be better to find her a proper match before she falls for some loser.”  

After a pause, Irino glanced up at Minato with an apologetic expression.  

“But my sister has a crush on someone and turned you down, right? I yelled at her for being so rude, but I’m really sorry!”  

As Irino bowed deeply again, Minato recalled the young woman from the previous day. Her eyes and mouth were strikingly similar to the boy’s. Thinking back, her last name had also been Irino.  

It made sense now, and Minato couldn’t help but laugh.  

“Don’t worry about it. I wasn’t planning on getting married anyway, so it’s no big deal.”  

“Really? I was kind of hoping you would…”  

Irino sounded genuinely disappointed, his lips curving into a slight pout.  

“Well, I guess it’s fine. See you later, Sensei!”  

“Take care on your way home. No detours!”  

“Got it!” Irino called out in a drawn-out tone as he left. Minato watched him go, then headed to the staff room, reflecting on how small the world felt lately.  

By the time Minato finished his preparations to leave, the front desk and main entrance had been locked. He exited through the staff entrance into the chilly spring night, pulling his coat tighter.  

The walk from his workplace to his apartment took about 20 minutes by train and then on foot. As he adjusted his collar and began heading toward the station, a tall figure crossed his path.  

There, in the middle of a narrow alley, stood Ogiwara Koushi. The streetlight behind him cast shadows over his face, but Minato could still see those sharp eyes fixed on him.  

Why is he here? Minato wondered, before recalling Irino. If Koushi was close to the young woman he’d referred to as a ‘little sister’, it made sense for him to know her family.  

It seemed they had crossed paths by chance. Bowing slightly, Minato began to walk past him. But as he moved, a hand suddenly grabbed his elbow. Surprised by Koushi’s intense gaze, Minato spoke up.  

“Are you here to pick up Irino-kun? Unfortunately, I don’t know where he is—”  

“Irino? Who’s that?”  

Koushi’s response threw Minato off.  

“Her younger brother. I just learned about him today,” Minato explained.  

“Huh. I didn’t know she had a brother.”  

As Koushi’s indifferent tone left Minato dumbfounded, he leaned closer and said: “I need to talk to you. Can I have a moment of your time?”  

The fingers gripping his elbow tightened unconsciously. Ogiwara fell silent after that, leaving an awkward silence in the air.

It was Ogiwara who moved first.

“Standing here talking doesn’t seem ideal. How about we move somewhere? I drove here.”

Minato found himself thinking—oddly detached—that Ogiwara was still speaking formally, as he had years ago. The final remark, spoken with a hint of pleading, made Minato feel as though he had been pulled back a decade in time.

֍֍֍

*Translator’s Note: What is this manipulative prick planning this time? *Sighs* -K

Next update: 2026.08.24

֍֍֍

I’m working for free. Would appreciate some donation. Thank you!