The Stand User Of The Daily World

Chapter 119: Izumi Copperworks

"Wahhh, Shun-kun has really grown up. Although I always knew this day would come, now that it's here, I find it hard to accept as your mother."

After sending off Shunsuke, Mashiro, and Marin, Mrs. Izumi suddenly called Shunsuke back. She pulled out a handkerchief from somewhere and theatrically dabbed at the corners of her eyes, pretending to cry.

"As Sagiri's mom, I feel so reluctant—sob sob—but if it's with little Marin and little Mashiro, sob sob, maybe this is for the best. Shun-kun, make sure to visit your mom often in the future, okay?"

"Alright, stop with the dramatics. We're just going to measure Marin for her outfit. Mashiro is right there, too. You're making this sound like some kind of tragic farewell." Shunsuke rolled his eyes and reached out to snatch the handkerchief away.

"But Shun-kun, you come home so rarely now. You even moved out with Mashiro. I can't see you every day anymore," Mrs. Izumi said, her uncovered eyes glistening with a suspicious mist. "Mom feels so lonely these days."

"..."

Mrs. Izumi, do you even realize you're breaking the rules here?

What is this, what is this, what is this?! This is so unfair! I'm not the same innocent kid I was a month ago. If you keep doing this, something's bound to happen!

Shunsuke's hand trembled as he reached for the handkerchief, and somehow, inexplicably, his fingers ended up interlocked with Mrs. Izumi's.

"???"

If this weren't happening in such an inappropriate setting, Shunsuke might have tilted his head in disbelief.

This is wrong, right? This is definitely wrong! I didn't even do anything—how did we end up holding hands?!

Glancing at Mrs. Izumi, who seemed completely oblivious, Shunsuke tried to pull his hand away. No luck. She didn't let go.

He turned to look at Marin and Mashiro in the distance. Mashiro's face was unreadable, but Marin was grinning and waving cheerfully.

Okay, they don't seem to have noticed anything weird.

When he turned back to face Mrs. Izumi, still sporting her "I have no idea what's going on" expression, Shunsuke felt like he was about to lose it.

Mrs. Izumi had a certain tendency to push boundaries, and Shunsuke had been aware of it for a long time.

After all, he wasn't truly a child.

The mind of an adult residing in a child's body was a dangerous combination, allowing him to see things others might overlook.

Come on, I'm not some deranged creep!

If she hadn't been giving off those signals, would I really have acted in such an ambiguous way toward someone who's cared for me since I was young?

Don't make me laugh. I'm no anime protagonist! Haven't you noticed I've been doing my best to avoid Mrs. Sayuri lately? I am, after all, a gentleman.

The only reason I hadn't crossed the line yet and instead pretended to remain oblivious was my unshakable confidence in my self-control.

If I let my restraint slip while my body wasn't yet fully developed, things would escalate too quickly.

There would be no brakes, no stopping—just a crash course toward ruin. I'd be steeping goji berries in a thermos before I turned 30.

A year ago, Shunsuke would have continued to hold back. But now…

Peeking into the room to confirm Sagiri wasn't nearby, Shunsuke withdrew his head and, as if on impulse, lightly nipped Mrs. Izumi's earlobe.

"Everyone's still here, so behave yourself, Mom."

"Ahhn…"

As the door closed behind him, Mrs. Izumi collapsed onto the floor, her legs giving out entirely.

...

It was around the time I divorced my husband. My hobby of drawing risqué illustrations was accidentally discovered by my overly meticulous husband. Our values clashed irreparably, and despite my efforts to salvage the marriage for young Sagiri's sake, we ultimately divorced.

To think such a trivial reason led to our separation. My parents back home were so ashamed they refused to see me anymore. At that point, I was utterly despondent, trapped in hopelessness. Taking Sagiri with me, I moved to a place where no one knew us, determined to start over.

It was there that I met a very adorable child.

Shun-kun was the "neighbor's" child. After his mother passed away and with his father always busy with work, I often brought him home to look after him—or perhaps it was more accurate to say he was the one looking after me. After all, I was far from a competent homemaker.

It was this very Shun-kun who healed me, pulling me out of the despair and hopelessness that had consumed me.

And then, something extraordinary—or perhaps entirely natural—happened: I found myself falling for Shun-kun. At that time, Shun-kun wasn't even ten years old... Of course, I couldn't act on those feelings then. It would have been absolutely unacceptable.

After all, according to Japan law, knowingly engaging in any form of intimate relationship with a child under the age of thirteen is considered sexual assault and is punishable by a minimum of three years in prison.

I always knew Shun-kun was a little troublemaker from a young age—sneaking glances during baths, pretending to touch me "accidentally." Yet, because of the law, I had no choice but to hold back. Even now, every time I think about it, I'm filled with regret, wishing I could go back in time and slap my younger self.

If nothing was possible before he turned thirteen, why didn't I seize the opportunity after he did?

But as Shun-kun gradually grew up, I began to realize, more and more, that I might no longer have any chance at all.

First, there was Sagiri. She fell for Shun too, which makes sense—Shun-kun is such an exceptional person. It's only natural for Sagiri to admire him as an older brother.

Then there's Eriri, Hanabi, and many others—all of them outstanding girls, far more impressive than someone like me, a divorced middle-aged woman.

Gradually, I gave up. From then on, I decided that simply watching over Sagiri and Shun's future would be enough. I didn't have many demands or extravagant hopes. Just being able to live like this made me feel content and happy.

When you know you have no chance, it becomes so much easier to feel satisfied.

At least, that's what I kept telling myself...

But why, Hiiragi Suzuna? How could a shameless old woman like you succeed in seducing Shun-kun and even take his first time?! AAAHHHH!!!

Mrs. Izumi deeply regretted her lack of action that night. When she sobered up and went to Shun's room, only to find it empty, she should have ignored it. Sure, it was strange that Shun-kun wasn't resting at home at such a time, but she could have just turned a blind eye to it.

Why did I put myself through the torment of going to Shun's house in the middle of the night? And even taking his spare key with me beforehand? If that's not asking for trouble, what is?

If it had just been that one time, I might have been able to convince myself to keep enduring. But instead, it only escalated.

I could have accepted it if it were Sayuri… but why does it have to be you, a mere editor?!

I'm sorry, Sagiri. Right now, you're still too young to compete with those cunning women. So, even if it makes you think, "I hate Mom the most," I'll keep watching over Shun-kun for you until you're truly grown up. For now, let Mom take care of this.

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