Hazuki smiled and said, "We didn't really talk about anything special, just chatted a bit about our respective jobs and such. After finishing our coffee, we simply strolled around the mall outside while talking."
"Wow~~~"
Eriri said excitedly, "From what I remember, the people who've gone on blind dates are you, Hazuki-san, then Shizuka-sensei, Sonoko-san, and Haruno-san, right? But it seems like only your situation is going smoothly?"
When she was mentioned, Haruno paused with her chopsticks and explained, "As for me, it's more that I'm not really interested in finding someone right now. And the men my family arranged weren't really my type either. But Hazuki's match this time is indeed quite good, handsome and also a university lecturer. By the way, Hazuki, did you ask about his past relationships?"
"I did, of course that's something you have to ask."
Hazuki took a bite of food and said, "He had a girlfriend back in college, but his family background was pretty average, so they broke up after graduation. That's quite common. After graduating, he stayed at the university as a teacher up until now and hasn't dated anyone since. This time, just like me, he was pushed into it by his family."
Kou rubbed her chin and said, "Hmm, sounds decent. Oh right, if things really progress and you end up getting married, will you stay at the company or become a housewife?"
"You don't need to worry about that, Kō."
Hazuki smiled back. "Even if I get married in the future, even if I have children, I won't give up my job. Becoming a housewife isn't realistic for me. I feel more suited to the company environment."
Hearing this, Kō, Eriri, and the others all felt relieved.
Aside from Ichin, Hazuki held the highest position in the company. She led everyone forward excellently and managed the company well whenever Ichin wasn't around.
Whether at work or in daily life, she was an indispensable part of the group.
If she were to suddenly quit and become a housewife, even if no one said anything, they would definitely feel disappointed inside.
Ichin, however, wasn't worried at all. Smiling, he said, "Your concern is completely unnecessary. Everyone knows what kind of person Hazuki is. Even if she gets married, with so many younger girls in the company, do you think she'd easily let go?"
"Hehe, Ichin really understands me."
Hazuki smiled at Ichin, then said to Aoba and the others, "Don't worry. I plan to work here until retirement! Come on, cheers! Wish me success this time!"
"Cheers!"
After dinner, everyone sat together, had some tea, and chatted for a while before driving back.
After seeing everyone off and returning home, Haruno flopped onto the sofa, taking up the entire long couch by herself.
Hugging a pillow, she turned sideways to look at Ichin and the other two and said, "In the blink of an eye, even Hazuki has gone on a blind date, and her match seems pretty good. It might actually develop into something. Watching this makes me feel like I want to fall in love too."
Ichin sat down on the sofa, pulled Yukino onto his lap, and said with a smile, "That's great. Yukino, call Aunt later and tell her your sister wants to fall in love. Have her arrange something quickly."
Yukino cooperated and took out her phone.
Seeing this, Haruno immediately sat up and reached out to stop her. "No, no, no! I was just saying it casually. If Mom arranges it, it'll probably be some relative of a business partner again!"
Putting her phone down, Yukino frowned slightly. "But, Sister, you have to fall in love eventually, right? You can't stay single forever."
"Of course I know that. It's just that I haven't met the right one."
After Utaha sat down, Haruno leaned against her shoulder and said, "I've met quite a few men over the past few years, but none of them caught my eye. Honestly, among them, there were quite a few who were handsome and quite a few who were smart, but I just didn't feel anything. What do you think the problem is?"
Ichin exchanged a glance with Yukino in his arms, then looked at Utaha and said, "Haruno-nee, your orientation isn't a problem, right?"
"Of course not!"
Haruno puffed up angrily. "I'm female and I like men!"
"Then I think it's just that your timing hasn't come yet. You can't force this kind of thing." Ichin shook his head. "You said it yourself, you've met plenty of men over the years, but none of them felt right. It can only mean the right person hasn't appeared yet."
"Ugh, why am I so unlucky?"
Waving the pillow in her hand, Haruno looked at Utaha beside her and said, "Utaha, how about you lend Ichin to me so I can experience what it feels like to be in love?"
Then she immediately felt Yukino's sharp gaze.
Yukino knew she didn't really have the right to interfere like that, but since the one saying it was her own sister, she had to stay on guard in case she had some hidden intention.
And if that joking tone actually concealed something real, it would be even more troublesome.
Utaha, however, remained calm and said, "This isn't the first time you've said that, Haruno-san. I'm not completely against it, but I don't think that would really solve anything. If you ask me, why not go all the way? I'll give you a full day and night to experience a real relationship, not just a simple date. I can even book a hotel for you. If you don't like hotels, home works too."
"Uh… let's forget it, hehe."
Utaha's blunt words made Haruno a bit overwhelmed, and she shrank back slightly. She was still a pure girl after all. She might look experienced, but in reality, even her theoretical knowledge was inferior to Eriri, a former doujin artist.
Although she did have a bit of affection for Ichin, it was only a little, and she wouldn't compete with her sister for a man. At most, she would just joke around.
After backing down, Haruno lay down again, resting her head on Utaha's lap. "Then what should I do? First it's Hazuki, then in a few days it'll probably be Shizuka, then Sonoko, Aoba, Hifumi… in the end, I might be the only lonely one left!"
Yukino got off Ichin's lap, crouched beside Haruno, and gently patted her head. "It's okay, Sis. Even if that happens, we won't kick you out. We'll take care of you. It doesn't matter even when you're old."
"…"
Haruno pouted and said pitifully, "Yukino, you've changed. You've learned to tease me now. You're just like Ichin."
In response, Yukino gave her a smile, quite satisfied with that remark.
...