CM Chapter 7

Chapter 7 – Babysitting Fee

Chapter 1, Part 3.3

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*

֍֍֍

The mere thought of Ogiwara, with his crutches and knee brace, boarding the crowded train sent shivers down Minato’s spine.

“You’re in your fourth year, right? You’ve got job hunting, too.”

“I’ve already scheduled teaching certification exams for late July and August. If I can’t pass while helping you, then I wasn’t going to pass anyway. So it’s fine.” Determined, Minato’s voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Ogiwara’s eyes widened in surprise before his expression softened into a smile.

“Then, would it be alright if we ask for your help whenever my parents aren’t available and you have free time?”

“Sure… Thank you.”

“You’re the one I should be thanking. Honestly, it’s a great help.”

Ogiwara bowed his head politely while seated, then raised it to look at Minato with a solemn expression.

“Since you’ve already gone out of your way to accommodate us, I know it’s a bit bold of me, but I have a request. During summer vacation, would you be willing to be my tutor?”

“…Huh?” Minato blinked in surprise, and Ogiwara earnestly continued.

“I plan to study anyway, since I’ll have free time, but attending summer classes is impossible while I’m in the hospital, and correspondence courses don’t suit me. So, I thought of asking for a tutor.”

“There are plenty of capable tutors out there if you look for them.”

“But finding one I can get along with isn’t easy. And I doubt I’ll find anyone better suited than you, Hosokawa-sensei.”

“That’s not true. You’d find someone in no time.”

“I know you’re busy, so I can adjust the schedule and frequency. Even once a week or every ten days would be fine, or just giving me assignments. Please consider it.”

Minato was taken aback by how passionately Ogiwara spoke. Noticing his reaction, Ogiwara lowered his tone slightly and added, “Sorry, I know I’m asking a lot. But I’ll pay extra for the inconvenience.”

“Wait, with those conditions, extra pay doesn’t make sense.”

“It’s a lot to ask for on my end, and there might be times before and after the surgery where I’ll inconvenience you. Think of it as a hassle fee.”

When Ogiwara bowed his head again, Minato hesitated to respond. Beyond the timing, there was something else on his mind.

“I’d prefer to start this month if possible, for next month’s finals preparation. Even short sessions are fine, and I can meet wherever it’s convenient for you until I’m hospitalized.”

“With conditions that good, there’d be plenty of applicants. I could recommend someone I know who’s great at teaching.”

“As I said before, I want you to do it, Hosokawa-sensei.” Ogiwara cut him off mid-sentence. Seeing the seriousness in his expression, Minato fell silent.

“…Do you not want to be my tutor, sensei?”

His voice grew faint and deflated. Seeing the dejected look on Ogiwara’s face, Minato hastily shook his head.

“Not at all! If you’re okay with me, I’m happy to start anytime.”

“Really? Thank you so much!”

Caught off guard by the immediate response, Minato saw Ogiwara flash a triumphant smile. Clearly, the downcast look from earlier had been an act. The realization made Minato notice the considerate effort behind the gesture, despite the cheekiness of his expression.

“…I’ll take it on anytime, but on one condition: Please make sure your parents are okay with me being your tutor.”

After the accident, Minato had met Ogiwara’s parents twice. They never once blamed him, only saying it was an “unfortunate accident.” But he couldn’t assume they bore no feelings about it.

“Also, I won’t accept any payment. Think of it as a visit combined with tutoring.”

“That’s not acceptable. If you don’t accept payment, my parents won’t agree, and I won’t feel comfortable speaking freely.”

“But you’ve already been quite straightforward from the beginning. What do you mean your parents won’t agree?”

“They’ve already approved of you as my tutor. It was my brother who suggested the extra pay, but my parents agreed. They feel it’s the least they can do to not burden you.”

Minato widened his eyes in surprise.

“I think I’m the one who should feel apologetic. I’ve only met your brother once to say hello.”

Ogiwara’s brother, who lived on his own, had met Minato at the hospital the day after the accident. They’d only exchanged names. How he came up with the idea of extra pay was a mystery.

“I’ll confess since you’ll figure it out soon enough—the extra pay is apparently a ‘babysitting fee.’ My brother said you’d essentially be looking after me all summer, so it’s only fair.”

Ogiwara’s sulky face, combined with the word “babysitting,” left Minato speechless. The teenager’s pout was the first time Minato saw him acting his age. It reminded him that Ogiwara was a 17-year-old high school student.

“Can I call you ‘Minato-sensei’ instead of ‘Hosokawa-sensei’? It’s no longer related to school or your internship.”

“…That’s fine.”

“Then, Minato-sensei, I’ll be in your care from now on.”

As soon as Minato responded, Ogiwara stood up and gracefully bowed, balancing on his left leg. While Minato returned the gesture, a voice called out, “Koushi?” The curtain was pulled back, revealing a woman with a youthful, doll-like appearance—Ogiwara’s mother.

“Hosokawa-sensei, you’re here. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done. I’m sorry my son keeps troubling you.”

“Not at all. I’m happy to help in any way I can.”

“About the tutoring we discussed yesterday—he said he agreed to start from test prep.”

Before Minato could respond, Ogiwara answered for him, leaving his mother smiling warmly.

“That’s wonderful, but Koushi, you didn’t pressure him into it, did you?”

“Of course not. I explained everything properly.”

“Alright, then.”

After making sure, she turned to Minato.

“My son can be quite demanding. I hope he doesn’t trouble you too much. If there’s any issue, please don’t hesitate to let me know, and I’ll take strict action.”

“…You don’t need to go out of your way to paint me as a troublemaker in front of Minato-sensei,” Ogiwara muttered sulkily.

“It’s the truth, so I can’t help it. By the way, since he’s calling you Minato-sensei, maybe I should as well.”

“No, you and Dad should stick to Hosokawa-sensei,” Ogiwara cut her off, prompting her to tilt her head in confusion.

“Why? If Koushi can call you that, why can’t we?”

“It’s a student privilege, so it’s not allowed. Tell Dad and my brother the same. Oh, and about transportation starting next week—Minato-sensei said he’d drive me.”

Ogiwara’s mother widened her eyes. “That’s asking too much,” she said, but Minato interjected with a smile.

“I’ve already arranged for a car. Please allow me to help.” 

֍֍֍

*Translator’s Note: In Japanese culture, the use of “-san” after someone’s name is a sign of respect, politeness, and formality. It is similar to using “Mr.”, “Ms.”, or “Mrs.” in English but more widely applicable. It can be used for both genders and is attached to both first names and surnames, though it is more common with surnames in formal situations. For Minato, Ogiwara used “-sensei” instead, which means teacher or someone who possesses knowledge in certain areas. Doctors are also called “-sensei”. 

Other than that, I should highlight that for addressing people, they normally address others by their last names, this reflects the emphasis on formality and respect in Japanese society. Using someone’s last name, often with “-san,” helps maintain a level of professional distance and respect, especially in workplaces, schools, and formal settings. First names are generally reserved for close friends and family, and using them too early or in the wrong context can be considered overly familiar or impolite.

Now, Ogiwara had notched it up a bit by addressing Minoto with his first name, albeit still adding “-sensei” at the back. From the perspective of an outsider, it’s obvious enough that he wants to close the distance between them. And man… look how possessive he was. But I guess Minato could possible be a bit dense. Hmm. -K

Illustration 3:

Next update: 2026.08.05

֍֍֍

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