The remnants of the undead hadn't disappeared completely—and now, they had even come to his hometown. Was his hard-earned peaceful life about to be destroyed again?
There was no way Yazuki could just sit back and let that happen.
So, he decided to make a trip to the Inter-Realm.
If that thing wanted to enter this world, it would definitely have to pass through the Inter-Realm first. He planned to go there and thoroughly eliminate the lingering remnants of those former souls.
However, before he could set off, something happened that left him utterly stunned and confused.
Just as he was about to leave the house, he hadn't even stepped out the front door when Shizuka Hiratsuka—the old hag—suddenly shot up like a corpse rising from the grave.
Without saying a word, she lunged straight at him.
It was so sudden that he was completely caught off guard and ended up pinned against the wall, his hands restrained as Hiratsuka leaned in close.
To put it plainly, it was a kabedon. Before he could react, her face was already pressed up against his.
That moment—the first thing he felt was the pain from their teeth clashing—probably due to inexperience.
Simply put, he was assaulted by this nearly 30-year-old leftover woman.
Just the other day, he was teasing her with a story on TV about a female teacher assaulting a student, joking that she'd probably end up pouncing on a grade-schooler someday.
Who knew karma would come so quickly?
And just like that—he had truly lost his first kiss. All those past "accidents" were just brief and unintentional lip brushes. This time, though, it was the real deal.
That brute-strength woman left him so stunned he couldn't even fight back.
As they say, if you can't resist, you might as well try to enjoy it.
At some point, after pulling away, Hiratsuka casually dropped a bombshell of a line,
"Since we've already kissed, we might as well go all the way. So that's what a kiss feels like? Huh, not a big deal."
As she said that, she smacked her lips like she was tasting something dull, her expression full of boredom—like "That's it? Boring. Whatever."
Then, with the pride of a triumphant swan, she raised her head arrogantly, grabbed her coat, and left his house.
What did she mean by that?
In truth, the accident from the previous night had been weighing on Hiratsuka's mind.
She was afraid it would end up becoming too awkward to face, like joining a test-of-courage game—once you push through your fear and try it, it's not so bad.
So, she thought, "Screw it," and boldly went for it.
It was also partly revenge, to make sure he'd remember that his first kiss was stolen by the older woman he kept mocking.
From the looks of it, she only kissed him to see what it was like. Now that she'd tried it, she found it boring. Don't expect any kind of bashfulness from her now—she's just that kind of woman.
He used to joke her personality was like a middle-aged man, and now it turns out he wasn't wrong.
Ah… in other words, Yazuki had his first real kiss stolen by a leftover woman whose personality was that of a middle-aged man. No—actually, since she's nearing menopause, or maybe already in it (if you round up), she's officially an old lady.
In that moment, Yazuki was stunned, bewildered, and twitching at the corner of his mouth.
This time, his showdown with Shizuka… was a complete and utter defeat!
Hehehe…
What an insult! He swore to reverse time, correct fate, and change what was set in stone.
How could he let an old hag steal his first kiss? Even if she still looked decent—wait, no, don't fall for it.
What do you mean "fall for it"?
Realistically speaking… yeah, she's a bit of a beauty. So maybe a compromise? How about turning Hiratsuka into a loli?
Ah, no, that's way too dangerous. That would land him in jail for sure. Okay, then how about just making her younger? That way, she'd be a beautiful high school girl around his age?
"Haah—!"
Letting out a sigh, he shook off his silly thoughts. Focus on the mission.
…
Meanwhile, the previously smug and confident Shizuka Hiratsuka, after leaving her student's house with her usual nonchalant demeanor, finally let it all out once she stepped inside the elevator as it descended.
"AAAAAAHHHHH!!! What the hell was I thinking?!"
Clutching her face, she let out a scream that sounded surprisingly cute.
Her shame overflowed uncontrollably, turning her neck and ears bright red—like she was literally steaming. That blush made her look almost bite-worthy.
"I'm insane! I actually did something like that! Ughhh, how am I supposed to face him ever again?!"
She had completely lost the composure someone her age was supposed to have, now acting like a shy little girl, wailing in embarrassment.
But… will she ever get to see him again?
That thought calmed her slightly overheated brain.
Lighting up a cigarette and stepping out of the apartment building into the heavy rain, her expression darkened along with the gloomy weather.
Why had she done that to Yazuki?
Did she really fall for the kid?
Impossible. He was just some underage brat—how could she possibly…
[Really? (smirking voice)]
Ugh… fine. Compared to her other students, yeah, she kinda liked Yazuki a little bit. Just a tiny bit, okay?
That's the truth. Hiratsuka knew clearly it wasn't love—just a little crush, barely noticeable. He was just the least annoying guy she knew.
[A tiny bit? (grinning voice)]
Seriously, just a tiny bit! Can't be helped—he's the only passable guy among the men she knew, so—
She brought her index fingers together shyly.
[So?]
So she had no other choice! It'd be such a shame to go through life without even knowing what a first kiss felt like.
[You never thought things might take a turn for the better?]
Huh? Doesn't it look like things just went terribly?
She had already mentally prepared for the worst when she did that. Don't tell her she was wrong—wouldn't that make everything even more awkward?
They were bound to run into each other again. How could she face him?
[Yeah, things look pretty bad… who knows what'll happen next.]
The voice in her head was full of gloom.
[If it really comes to that, I could just reincarnate you into my world. I'll bring that boy you like too. Then you can become an immortal witch—forever a seventeen-year-old beauty—and pursue him boldly.]
The voice echoed again in her mind, making Hiratsuka waver a little. Then she rolled her eyes.
Looking around, she had already driven quite a distance from Yazuki's apartment.
Getting out of her car, her expression turned serious.
"Well then… let's begin, Goddess."