Chapter 377: Simple Happiness
Could her own daughter really hold onto such a man?
As she looked at the spirited Hachiman and then at her eldest daughter, who was showing admiration, Manami's worries intensified.
Her own marriage had failed, and she certainly didn't want her daughter to follow in her footsteps.
However, looking at her eldest daughter, who seemed to have already deeply rooted feelings for Hachiman, Manami silently shook her head.
Even if she forcibly separated the two, Kotonoha would probably return to his side at his mere request.
It seemed she needed to help Kotonoha.
At this point, Manami had no plans to oppose anything. She could only make more efforts to ensure her eldest daughter could hold onto such an outstanding man as Hachiman.
With this in mind, Manami lifted her head and looked at Hachiman with a serious expression.
"Hikigaya-kun, perhaps the achievements you may attain in the future are beyond my imagination, but I have one thing to request of you."
Startled by the pleading tone in her voice, Hachiman said, "Auntie, you're exaggerating, please tell me what you need."
"As a mother, I want to request that you treat Kotonoha well in the future. She's too easily hurt."
"In return, I won't oppose whatever happens between you two."
"That's my only request."
"Please!"
With that, Manami stood up and bowed slightly to Hachiman.
Because she was wearing a low-cut dress, a deep cleavage appeared in front of Hachiman.
Indeed, it was a size larger than Kotonoha's, and this grand canyon might drown the bravest sailor.
And the law of gravitational pull of breasts really existed.
Just revealing a cleavage deeply attracted Hachiman's gaze.
No, no, no, this is Kotonoha's mother. It's not the time to think about such things now.
Seeing Manami bowing in front of him, Hachiman quickly reached out and helped her up.
"Auntie, what are you doing? You are my elder."
"Even if you don't say so, I will treat Kotonoha well. After all, she's my girlfriend."
Helping Manami up, Hachiman also put on a serious look.
"Please rest assured, I promise to make Kotonoha happy for the rest of her life."
Hearing Hachiman's assurance, Manami finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Although it was just a verbal promise, she believed Hachiman wouldn't casually say such things to deceive her.
"In that case, Hikigaya-kun, I entrust Kotonoha to you." Manami also smiled.
"Mom..."
Hearing her mother's words, Kotonoha's face lit up with a happy smile.
Seeing her sister standing there dumbly smiling, Kokoro glanced at her with some dissatisfaction, then gently pushed her on the back.
Noticing her sister's little gesture, Kotonoha hesitated for a moment, then immediately reacted and, disregarding the fact that their mother was right there, hurriedly rushed into Hachiman's arms.
"It's great, Hachiman, Mom agreed."
Holding the girl in his arms, Hachiman's face also softened into a gentle smile.
"Yeah, now you'll be mine forever, Kotonoha."
Watching the two embrace successfully, Kokoro raised her fist in a small celebration, while Manami, looking at the two hugging, felt happy but couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.
Perhaps, her daughter's marriage would be happier than her own.
...
With the serious matters settled, it was time for some casual conversation. Manami took this opportunity to briefly learn about Hachiman's family situation.
To her surprise, Hachiman's parents were just ordinary employees, with nothing particularly special about them other than their frequent business trips.
In other words, Hachiman had achieved all of his accomplishments solely through his own efforts.
Is he really a genius?
Not only that, Hachiman doesn't have an ounce of the arrogance that often comes with genius, making him quite pleasant to be around.
As Manami watched Hachiman chatting happily with her daughters, she couldn't help but wonder what was going through her mind.
Time flew by, and soon it was evening.
Manami naturally insisted on having Hachiman stay for dinner.
Originally, she wanted Kotonoha to showcase her cooking skills, but Hachiman eagerly volunteered to take over dinner himself.
Manami was initially hesitant to let Hachiman, their guest, cook dinner. But then Kokoro spoke up.
"Mom, you're in for a treat tonight. Hachiman-onii-chan's cooking skills are really impressive."
Even Kotonoha nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Mom, Hachiman-kun's cooking is even better than some of the graduates from Totsuki."
Hearing her daughters' words, Manami was somewhat skeptical. She knew Hachiman and Totsuki had collaborated to open a restaurant, but that didn't necessarily mean Hachiman himself was skilled in cooking.
After seeing Manami's approval, Hachiman confidently walked into the kitchen, and Kotonoha naturally followed to help out.
As the sun set, casting a golden glow through the window onto Hachiman, he looked as if he were bathed in golden light.
Watching Hachiman cooking earnestly in the kitchen, Kotonoha couldn't help but admire him.
Outside, the sky gradually darkened, and neon lights illuminated the distant commercial district, casting the city's hustle and bustle onto the glass.
Watching Hachiman preparing dinner, Kotonoha felt her heart filled with happiness.
Quietly, she approached Hachiman from behind, instinctively wrapping her arms around him.
Startled by the sudden embrace, Hachiman paused for a moment before quickly understanding.
"What's wrong, Kotonoha?"
"It's nothing, just feeling like being with you like this is a dream." Kotonoha buried her head in Hachiman's back and spoke softly.
Hearing her words, Hachiman's heart stirred slightly. He turned around and pulled her into his arms, a gentle smile on his face.
"Silly girl, what are you talking about? This isn't a dream, and Auntie has already agreed, so we'll have many more days like this together in the future."
With that, he leaned down and gently kissed her on the lips.
"Alright, let's continue preparing dinner."
"Okay."
Feeling the familiar touch on her lips, a happy smile spread across Kotonoha's face. She let go of Hachiman's hand and continued preparing dinner with him.
Before long, dinner was ready.
Taking off her apron and wiping her hands, Kotonoha walked out of the kitchen and addressed her mother and sister, "Mom, Kokoro, dinner's ready."
"Yay!"
Kokoro cheered and quickly went to wash her hands, while Manami followed her younger daughter with a skeptical attitude.
Soon, with the dishes on the table, dinner officially began.
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