275 [275] Shizuka's Slight Compromise

Chapter 275: Shizuka's Slight Compromise

It's true that clothes can make a significant difference.

"Hmm, not bad."

Looking at the transformed Hachiman, Shizuka nodded in satisfaction.

The current Hachiman had shed his somewhat immature demeanor. If he previously looked like a sixteen or seventeen-year-old young man, now he appeared to be in his twenties. Wearing glasses brought out the charisma that was originally hidden behind those dead-fish eyes. Coupled with the charisma bonus from various modules, Shizuka couldn't help but blush slightly.

He looks quite handsome like this; pretending to be a boyfriend doesn't seem too bad.

No, no, what am I thinking? He's just a prop to deal with my parents. How could I consider him as a boyfriend? I don't want to be involved with a brat like him.

Shaking her head, Shizuka dismissed those thoughts from her mind.

"Alright, this outfit is fine. Let's move on to buying the gifts."

Hachiman had no objections to her decision. After paying, the two headed to the next destination.

"What kind of gift do you plan to buy?"

Strolling aimlessly through the mall, Hachiman asked Shizuka.

Shizuka pondered for a moment, then said, "Hmm, let's give some household items and a few decorations."

"Alright, that works. How much cash gift do you plan to give?"

In Japan, wedding gifts are similar to those in other places, involving both cash and physical items. The amount of cash and the value of gifts depend on the relationship between the parties. Japanese people prefer odd numbers for cash gifts since even numbers are considered inauspicious. However, they also avoid the number nine because its pronunciation is similar to the word for 'suffering' in Japanese.

"Considering she's a close cousin, I don't want the cash gift to seem too stingy. Let's go with ¥770,000." Shizuka was quite generous.

Being a teacher, Shizuka had a substantial income, roughly around ¥500,000 per month. Now, she was giving away one and a half months' salary, a generous gesture indeed.

Seeing her generosity, Hachiman raised an eyebrow.

"As your boyfriend, shouldn't I also make a gesture?"

Upon hearing his words, Shizuka stumbled for a moment, almost losing her balance. She turned around and gave him a fierce glare.

"You, don't take advantage. What do you mean you're my boyfriend? We're just pretending, and it's only for today."

"Even if it's just for today, I am your boyfriend. Moreover, it's normal for a sister's husband to give a wedding gift to his sister and her husband, right?" Hachiman smiled slightly.

This left Shizuka momentarily speechless, as she couldn't find a reason to argue. Eventually, she reluctantly nodded.

"Fine, but you're not allowed to give overly expensive gifts."

As a teacher, she had principles, and letting her student spend too much money was something she couldn't bring herself to do.

"Don't worry, I won't buy anything excessively expensive." Hachiman nodded and then had a sudden thought.

"By the way, how about this? I'll contribute some money to the cash gift. After all, we're in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship. If we each give separately, it might arouse suspicion from your parents."

After some contemplation, Shizuka acknowledged the logic and agreed with a nod.

Following this, the two of them selected some gifts and went to the bank to withdraw some money. To onlookers, they appeared to be an intimate couple.

With the gifts ready, the two of them once again got into the sports car and headed to the wedding venue.

After a journey of about half an hour, they arrived at a hotel.

Stepping out of the car, Hachiman picked up a few gifts, and naturally, his other hand gently held Shizuka's.

Startled by the sudden hand grab, Shizuka instinctively wanted to pull away.

Hachiman, however, didn't let go and smiled while giving her a gentle reminder, "Now that we're officially a couple, be careful not to let your parents find out."

Presently, Hachiman resembled the antagonists in certain movies who exploited the vulnerabilities of female characters.

Hearing this, Shizuka's body indeed tensed up.

Observing her reaction, Hachiman reassured her with a smile, "Don't worry, Shizu, I won't do anything too extreme."

Conquering Shizuka's heart would have to be a gradual process, like boiling a frog in warm water.

Although reassured by Hachiman's assurance, Shizuka still issued a somewhat feeble threat, lacking confidence.

"Pay attention, kid. If you dare do anything out of line, be prepared for a beating."

"Heh."

To her threat, Hachiman paid no heed, simply smiling indifferently.

Shizuka was well aware that her threats held no sway over the current Hachiman. After all, she was no match for him at the moment, and the realization left her somewhat despondent.

"Shizuka-nee!"

At that moment, a voice rang out beside them.

Turning around, they saw a young woman in a wedding gown running towards them.

With her efficient short hair swaying slightly as she ran, the resemblance between her features and Shizuka's was noticeable. Her face adorned with delicate light makeup.

Seems like this is Shizuka's younger cousin.

"Ritsuko!" Shizuka hurriedly greeted her.

"You cheeky girl, getting married and not even informing me. If it wasn't for our parents telling me, I wouldn't have known."

Upon hearing this, Ritsuko Hiratsuka smiled somewhat awkwardly.

"I didn't want to upset you, sister, after all..."

After all, sister, you've been single for so long.

Shizuka understood the implied meaning in her words and couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated.

"Considering how I took care of you when we were kids, you, little brat, dare to say such things to me."

Hearing this, Ritsuko could only smile sheepishly, pretending to be ignorant. However, when she noticed Hachiman holding hands with Shizuka, her eyes brightened involuntarily.

"Sis, is this your boyfriend?!"

Before Shizuka could respond, Hachiman took the initiative to speak, "Hello, I'm Shizuka's boyfriend, Hachiman Hikigaya. Nice to meet you."

After the makeover, Hachiman's appearance and demeanor were truly top-notch.

"Not bad, Sis. After all these years, you finally found a suitable boyfriend. Now Uncle and Auntie can be at ease." Ritsuko looked at Hachiman and nodded in satisfaction.

Being childhood friends, Ritsuko didn't hold back much in her words.

Feeling a bit worn out from her sister's teasing, Shizuka said, "Hachiman, give the gift to Ritsuko. Let's go inside."

Hachiman nodded and handed over the prepared cash and gifts.

"Congratulations on your wedding."

"Thank you, Sis, and brother-in-law." Taking the gifts, Ritsuko happily responded.

"Uncle and Auntie have already arrived. Sis, please go inside first."

With that, she continued to greet other guests. After all, as the bride, she had many guests to attend to.