I Have A Rejuvenated Ex-wife In My Class Volume 2 Act 5

Act 5: Revenge

The Day Before Meeting The Old Man—

That day, I went to Yuzuhana’s apartment in the morning and focused on my homework.

Since I was staying over tonight, I didn’t have to worry about what time I went home, meaning I could work on my homework without rushing...

But after going at it nonstop since morning, it was now past 10 PM. My concentration had long since dried up, and my brain felt like mush.

"Ugh... Let’s call it a day already."

Hearing my exhausted plea, Yuzuhana sat up from where she had been sinking deep into the sofa. Still holding her handheld game console, she turned just her gaze toward me.

"Hmm? What do you have left?"

"Seven pages of math."

"That’s not much. You’ve come this far, so just finish it up. That way, we can have fun starting tomorrow."

She encouraged me with a cheerful voice, but it did nothing to boost my energy.

"Of course, I want to finish fast and have fun too, but there are still three weeks of summer break left. Even if I spend one more day on homework, I’ll still have plenty of time to do whatever I want." [Kohei]

"I don’t want to waste that one day. You know that saying, ‘The ten minutes you waste lying in bed at night are the ten minutes you’d kill to have back in the morning’?" [Yuzuhana]

"Not sure if that counts as a saying, but yeah, I’ve heard it." [Kohei]

"If you don’t finish your homework now, you’ll regret it when you’re an adult. Once you get a job, you won’t be able to play freely anymore." [Yuzuhana]

"That’s not gonna happen. Even when I’m working, I’ll take you out to have fun." [Kohei]

"Like where?" [Yuzuhana]

"For example... a hot spring inn, or a beach resort." [Kohei]

"That sounds fun, but it sounds expensive too." [Yuzuhana]

"Don’t worry about the cost. I’ll find a job where I can earn well and still have time to relax." [Kohei]

"Sounds like job hunting is going to be tough." [Yuzuhana]

"This time, I’m more motivated than ever. If it’s to make you happy, I’ll do my best." [Kohei]

Yuzuhana smirked knowingly.

"In that case, you need to do your homework to make me happy."

"So we’re back to square one, huh..."

"I just want to hurry and play with you. If you don’t finish soon, I’ll keep leveling up on my own."

Yuzuhana held up her game in a way that showed off what she was playing—Capsule Monsters, or CapMon for short, a game where you battle using captured monsters.

Three days ago, the latest installment in the series was released, and we both got our copies on launch day. We had promised to start playing together after finishing our homework...

But since Yuzuhana finished first, she had already jumped ahead and was enjoying CapMon on her own.

"Better level up while you can. Otherwise, it won’t even be a contest. You’re using Nyanders again, right?"

"Of course. I already caught and trained one—just so I can crush you."

"I won’t be the one getting crushed. Like always, I’ll take you down in one hit, so you better be ready."

"I can’t wait to see you sulking."

"And I can’t wait to see you frustrated."

"Then hurry up and finish your homework."

And just like that, the conversation circled back again.

"If you want me to finish so badly, just let me copy your homework."

"Cheating isn’t allowed. You won’t learn anything if you don’t do it yourself."

"But we’re getting married, right?"

"Yeah. So what?"

"Then shouldn’t homework count as shared property—"

"Absolutely not. Quit talking nonsense and focus. If there’s something you don’t get, I’ll help."

"Yeah, yeah..."

Realizing that arguing any further was pointless, I resigned myself to finishing my homework. Though I got stuck on some calculations along the way, I managed to solve the problems one by one until only the last question remained.

Unfortunately, this last one was a boss-level nightmare, and I had no idea how to tackle it.

"How the hell do I even do this?"

"Hmm? Which one?"

Without a hint of annoyance, Yuzuhana moved closer to me. She peered at the problem through her glasses… but because her collar was loose, I caught a glimpse of her bra. My eyes were drawn to it before I could stop myself.

"Oh, that one. You just need to use this formula—hey, where are you looking?"

Crap!

"W-Where? At the problem, obviously."

"Liar. You were totally looking at my chest. Geez, you’re such a perv."

She squinted at me teasingly.

Having her smirking at me like that was even worse than getting scolded. Embarrassment hit me hard.

"H-Hey, you’re the pervy one!" [Kohei]

"Hah?" Her smirk disappeared, and she raised an eyebrow in irritation.

"How does that make sense?" [Yuzuhana]

"Because you’re always flashing your bra at me!" [Kohei]

"Always!? So you’ve been looking every time!?" [Yuzuhana]

"It’s not my fault! I can’t help but see it!" [Kohei]

"You’re twenty-seven, aren’t you!? Why are you still getting flustered over a bra!?" [Yuzuhana]

"Age has nothing to do with it! If you're a guy, you’re gonna look!" [Kohei]

"At least hold back while you're doing homework! You can stare all you want when we go to the beach!" [Yuzuhana]

"That’s a bikini, though!" [Kohei]

"What, you don’t like bikinis!?" [Yuzuhana]

"It’s not that I don’t!" [Kohei]

—In the end, I didn’t get to see her in a bikini at the store.

With the sudden decision to meet her father earlier than expected, things got hectic, and Yuzuhana ended up buying one without trying it on.

So…

"There’s something I need to tell you, Yuzuhana."

"What is it?"

"You look cute."

The words I couldn’t say back then finally left my mouth.

Yuzuhana’s face instantly turned bright red.

Her anger vanished, and she fidgeted with her hair, clearly flustered.

"W-What’s with you, saying that out of nowhere…?"

"Well, I didn’t get to say it before, right?"

"T-That doesn’t mean you can just blurt it out at weird moments…"

Just a moment ago, she was mad, but now she was smiling shyly, looking completely pleased.

Seeing her like that lifted my mood, too.

"Don't you have something to say to me, too?"

"Finish your homework first."

—And, of course, we ended up right back where we started.

Well, whatever. I’ll do it. Talking with her gave me a second wind.

With her help, I finally cracked the last question.

"It’s done!"

Still holding my pen, I collapsed backward onto the floor.

The sense of freedom was unreal.

Now, I had the next three weeks completely to myself. I could finally enjoy summer break.

I should have been exhausted from all that homework, but now that I was free, I felt a rush of energy.

"Good job. You worked hard."

Yuzuhana put down her game and gave me an approving smile.

"Thanks! Let’s go all out and enjoy the rest of summer break!"

"Yeah! Let’s make it one to remember for life!"

"Definitely!"

"So, what now? Gonna start CapMon?"

"Nah, I’ll start that tomorrow. For now, I’ll do some sit-ups and call it a night."

"You’re still working out? I told you, I like you just the way you are…"

Her voice was gentle, full of concern, but I just shook my head with a smile.

"No, no. I'm not working out to impress your father. I just want to keep training for you—so I can protect you if it ever comes down to it."

Yuzuhana's cheeks softened with a pleased smile.

"If that’s the reason, then I’ll support you. Just don’t overdo it, okay? You don’t have to be super muscular—I never thought you were unreliable in the first place."

"I mean, I did protect you from that caterpillar."

"Don't bring that up again!"

Teasing her a little, I watched as she turned red with anger. Finding her reaction adorable, I lay down on the carpet.

"So, what’s your goal for today?"

"Three sets of thirty sit-ups. Why?"

"If you complete them, I’ll give you a hug as a reward."

"...Sounds suspicious."

"It’s not! I’m just trying to motivate you! Or what, does my hug not motivate you?"

"No, it does."

"Then hurry up and finish."

She called it a reward, but honestly, she probably just wanted an excuse to hug me. Not that I minded—I wanted to hold her too. So, I got started.

The first set went smoothly. But by the second, after a thirty-second break, lifting my body started to get tough. By the third, every rep sent pain through my abs, and sweat began to bead on my skin.

When I finally completed all three sets, panting heavily, I approached Yuzuhana.

"You look like a creep right now."

"I… I worked… so hard… and that’s what you say…?"

"I was joking, joking. Here, come here."

Yuzuhana spread her arms and looked at me.

I wrapped my arms around her gently, feeling the soft warmth of her body through her thin pajamas.

Her silky hair brushed against my cheek, tickling me slightly…

"…You smell like sweat."

And just like that, she ruined the moment.

"S-Sorry for being sweaty! I’m using the shower!"

"You don’t have to."

"If the bed smells, don’t complain later."

"I won’t. I like your scent."

"You really are a scent freak."

"I just like your scent!"

"Just my scent?"

"…I like you too, Kohei. What about you?"

"I like you too, Yuzuhana."

As we exchanged our feelings and looked into each other’s eyes…

Yuzuhana slowly closed hers.

I leaned in for a kiss, and when we pulled apart, our eyes met again.

And for some reason, we both ended up smiling shyly.

"Alright… time to sleep soon."

"Before that, want to watch the Anipara episodes we recorded?"

"It's already past eleven. Won't you fall asleep halfway through?"

"I wouldn't fall asleep while watching Anipara."

"Saying that and then dozing off is such a Yuzuhana thing. You have no idea how hard it is to carry you to bed when that happens. I mean—"

"I'd recommend choosing your next words carefully."

I quickly swallowed the words because you're heavy and instead said,

"A-anyway, it's really tough carrying you. If you roll over while I'm carrying you, I might drop you."

"I don't roll over in my sleep when I'm still awake."

"Wait, you were always awake?! Then why don’t you just walk yourself?"

"Because I like being carried like a princess. You look like a prince when you do it—really cool."

"W-well, if that's the case… fine. Let's watch Anipara before sleeping."

Yuzuhana nodded and sat down on the sofa with me as we started watching the recorded episodes.

She let out a small sleepy yawn, but she stayed awake until the end. This time, she even walked to the bedroom on her own.

After turning on the air conditioning, we both lay down in bed.

"Good night."

"Yeah. Good night."

As the sound of the AC hummed softly, I closed my eyes.

The world in front of me turned dark, but my heart was full of light.

Since I had already finished my homework, the next three weeks were completely free.

She had been wanting to go to the beach, so we'd start there. We could eat at a seaside food stall, but knowing Yuzuhana, she'd probably prepare a homemade lunch.

I also wanted to go to an amusement park. We'd start with a roller coaster to get hyped, then go for a mini driving date with the go-karts. If we went into the haunted house, we'd probably end up getting physically closer.

It's summer, after all. I want to go to a water park and play in the river too. We could go to the park, do karaoke, go bowling, watch movies…

Yuzuhana was right—finishing my homework early was the best decision. Now I could enjoy summer vacation to the fullest.

"…Are you still awake?"

As I imagined all the fun ahead, Yuzuhana whispered softly.

Her voice was so small it almost got lost in the sound of the AC.

Tomorrow was the big day—meeting her father for the first time. I wasn’t worried at all, but I guess I was still a little nervous.

"I'm awake. It'll be fine. Tomorrow will go smoothly."

"…Yeah, thanks. But I'm not worried about myself… I was wondering if you're okay."

"I'm not worried at all."

"Really...? You won't lose your memories again...?"

Ah, so that's what she was worried about.

When I wake up, will the me she loves still be here, or will I have forgotten everything again?

Realizing that, I felt an overwhelming tenderness toward her. I squeezed Yuzuhana's hand.

"I'm not going anywhere. So just relax and sleep, okay?"

"...If you hold me tight, I think I'll feel even safer."

She murmured in a small, needy voice, and I moved closer to her.

As I gently stroked her hair, she narrowed her eyes and smiled in the dim light.

"I didn't say you had to go that far, though."

"You don't like it?"

"Hmm, what do you think?"

"I don’t know... Guess I’ll have to keep stroking your hair until I figure it out."

As I ran my fingers through her silky hair, she let out a soft sigh and smiled... and before long, her breathing evened out.

I carefully pulled my hand away so I wouldn’t wake her, but somehow, keeping her in my arms felt like it would bring her sweeter dreams.

"Good night, Yuzuhana."

Feeling the warmth of the woman I love, I drifted off to sleep.

*

And so, the day of the meeting arrived.

Yuzuhana and I were sitting on the sofa, flipping through a photo album.

We had planned to use it as a way to show off our relationship, but...

Her father still hadn't shown up. While waiting, we absentmindedly opened the album, and nostalgia took over, pulling us in completely.

"Ended up looking through the whole thing, huh?" [Yuzuhana]

"Yeah, even though we just saw it two weeks ago, it still feels nostalgic." [Kohei]

"That just means we're making so many new memories, right?" [Yuzuhana]

"By the time summer vacation is over, even meeting your father will probably feel nostalgic too." [Kohei]

"That’s assuming my dad actually shows up before summer vacation ends." [Yuzuhana]

Yuzuhana sounded a little irritated.

He was supposed to be here at 1:00 PM, but even as 1:30 rolled around, he was nowhere to be seen.

She had tried calling and texting him, but there was no response. We had no idea where he was or what he was doing.

"This happened last time too, didn’t it? Does your father have a habit of being late?" [Kohei]

"No, he's actually really punctual." [Yuzuhana]

"Then maybe he got lost?" [Kohei]

"I doubt it. He’s been here twice—once for the apartment viewing and once on moving day. He even wandered around the neighborhood to check out the area’s safety." [Yuzuhana]

"Still, he is your parent…" [Kohei]

"Hey, the way you said that makes it sound like I have a terrible sense of direction!" [Yuzuhana]

"You do have a terrible sense of direction. Remember when you called me crying during your job hunt because you couldn’t find the interview location? If I hadn’t guided you over the phone, you never would’ve made it." [Kohei]

"T-that wasn’t my fault! The map on my flip phone didn’t show the walking route properly!" [Yuzuhana]

"That’s why I told you to switch to a smartphone. You wouldn’t have had that problem if you’d listened to me." [Kohei]

"I couldn’t just get rid of it! That phone held so many memories! It was the first phone I ever talked to you on, the one we used to plan our first date… Just because smartphones are more convenient doesn’t mean I could replace it so easily!" [Yuzuhana]

"Th-the way you say that makes it sound like I was heartless for switching to a smartphone right away…" [Kohei]

"I didn’t say that. Remember when I told you I wanted to receive a love letter?" [Yuzuhana]

"Oh yeah, I remember. Pretty good for my first try, wasn’t it?" [Kohei]

"If that was really your first one, sure." [Yuzuhana]

"W-what are you trying to say?" [Kohei]

"I know, you know. That wasn’t the only one you wrote. You wrote a whole bunch and sent me the best one." [Yuzuhana]

"How do you know that!? I hid them all in the back of my dresser!" [Kohei]

"I found them when I was changing out the mothballs. I read every single one. Some were super passionate, and some were just plain and straightforward."

"Don't read them!" [Kohei]

"I couldn't help it. But see? You’re just as sentimental as I am, holding on to things you don’t want anyone to see. That’s why I’d never think of you as heartless." [Yuzuhana]

"Don’t wrap this up like it’s some heartwarming lesson!" [Kohei]

I couldn’t believe she had read all of them. Especially the really passionate ones—I knew I had written some seriously embarrassing stuff.

As my face started to heat up, the doorbell rang. The sound snapped me back to reality, cooling me off in an instant.

"He’s finally here."

"Should I come to the door with you?"

"No, stay here. …If you're nervous, I can stall for a bit."

"No, I want to meet him right away."

"Okay. Got it."

Yuzuhana picked up the intercom, simply said, "I'll open it," then pressed the unlock button and left the living room.

Not wanting to seem impolite by staying seated, I stood up and waited. Soon, I heard the front door open, and Yuzuhana returned with her father.

Just like when I had met him for the wedding greeting, he had a wrestler’s build—broad, strong, and imposing. His sharp gaze was as piercing as ever, and in his eyes, there was a flicker of anger.

He looked a little younger than I remembered, but other than that, nothing had changed.

The only real difference this time was me.

Back then, I had been so overwhelmed with anxiety that, if I remembered correctly, I had even fumbled my greeting in a voice that cracked.

But now, I was shockingly calm.

My appearance hadn't changed much, but in these past two months, I had faced challenges that shook my entire life. And those trials had made me stronger.

I took a deep breath and bowed deeply.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Kurose Kohei, and I’m dating Yuzuhana."

I heard a sharp snort.

"Forget the greetings. I’m here to get you away from my daughter."

At his cold, blunt words, I lifted my head.

I had expected this.

After all, I was not the kind of man he wanted for Yuzuhana.

That's why I was able to stay calm and composed, but Yuzuhana seemed irritated.

"You're late, and that's just rude!"

I didn’t want to separate Yuzuhana from her father, but I was really happy that she was angry for my sake.

In the past, Yuzuhana had weighed her father and me against each other—and she chose me.

She truly loves me. For her sake, my desire to make this meeting a success grew even stronger.

"It's fine. The train was probably delayed."

"Really?"

"Something like that."

"Then say so! I called you so many times—why didn't you pick up?"

"My phone died."

"Then whatever," Yuzuhana sighed.

"For now, just sit down."

"I’m not sitting until this guy leaves."

Her father spoke with a sullen expression.

Yuzuhana glanced at me and then said,

"That's not happening. Kohei and I are like magnets—we’re stuck together."

She wrapped her arm around mine, making a show of affection.

It was an obvious love display. Seeing us suddenly getting all lovey-dovey, her father furrowed his brows and glared.

"You—you said you're dating Yuzuhana!"

"Yes. We’re in a relationship."

"What kind of relationship!"

"A serious one, with marriage in mind."

Her father’s eyes widened.

"Marriage!? Yuzuhana, is this true?"

"Yes. I've already decided—I’m going to marry Kohei."

"You're still in high school! You have no idea what the future holds! If you decide on marriage now, you might regret it!"

"I won't regret it. Besides, I do know what the future holds. Right?"

Yuzuhana smiled at me, and I turned to her father.

"We will definitely be happy together."

"And why are you so sure!?"

"Because being with Yuzuhana makes me truly happy."

"And just having Kohei by my side makes me happy. Feeling this way, there's no way I could regret it. But… even though your own daughter is happy, you’re against it?"

"I'm completely against it! I won't accept a guy like you! Get out, now!"

Instead of being welcomed, I was met with outright rejection.

Last time, I hadn't expected this at all—I panicked.

The stress and shock made my eyes sting with tears, and her father called me a pathetic excuse for a man.

It’s different now.

Two months ago, I lost Yuzuhana.

Nothing could ever be more painful than that.

Having overcome that, facing the wall that is her father no longer scares me.

"I’m not leaving."

Her father stepped in closer.

"You really don’t intend to leave?"

"No. You haven’t acknowledged our relationship yet."

He suddenly grabbed me by the collar.

"Hey! You think you can use violence just because things aren’t going your way!?"

"If it’s for my daughter’s happiness, I don’t care if the police get involved! If you don’t want to get hurt, go home!"

Spit flew from his mouth as he threatened me.

Last time, I lost my temper and fought back, and things escalated into a full-blown argument.

But now, I’m calm.

Because I understand—he’s doing this for Yuzuhana. Just like me, he wants her to be happy.

Knowing that his actions come from love, I don’t feel anger anymore.

"Can’t you take a little more time to judge whether or not I’m worthy of marrying your daughter?"

"I have no time to waste on you! This is your last chance! Walk out of here in one piece, or get carried out in an ambulance—your choice!"

"I won’t leave, no matter what. I promised Yuzuhana I’d get your approval. If I run away now, I’ll only make her sad."

"…That’s your answer?"

"Yes. No matter what happens, my resolve won’t waver. No matter what lies ahead, I swear I will make Yuzuhana happy. So please, hear me out first. And then, after that, decide whether I’m worthy of being with your daughter."

I met his sharp gaze head-on and sincerely pleaded—

And her father… released my collar.

And then…

"Fine. I approve of your relationship."

"…Huh?"

"…What?"

Both Yuzuhana and I let out ridiculous sounds at the sudden change of heart.

"Dad… what did you just say?"

"I said I approve of your relationship."

"A-Are you sure? You still don’t know much about me…"

Confused, I watched as her father slowly shook his head.

"No, I already know enough about you."

There was no trace of anger in his gaze as he looked at me. Why? I was at a complete loss when—

He suddenly bowed his head.

"I truly owe you an apology."

"N-No, it’s fine! I’m not bothered by it!"

"Wait, Dad, you actually realized you were being awful?"

"Of course. Who would say such terrible things willingly? Did I hurt you when I grabbed your collar?"

"Not at all…"

"I see… Once again, I’m truly sorry."

He really did seem to regret his actions.

"If you feel that way, then why did you say all that horrible stuff? And grab him like that?"

Yuzuhana’s question was completely justified. I had the same one.

He didn’t seem like he wanted to hide anything, and he answered immediately.

"You may have heard from Yuzuhana, but my wife passed away from illness. Before she did, she entrusted our daughter’s happiness to me. That’s why I had to test you—to see if you could truly make her happy."

Test…?

"Wait, was being late part of that too?"

Maybe he wanted to shake me up on purpose. People reveal their true nature when they’re flustered.

Or maybe he wanted to see if I’d get angry about him being late. If I put anger before concern, he might’ve decided I lacked kindness and opposed the relationship until the very end.

"No, I just got lost."

So that wasn’t part of it.

Like father, like daughter.

"I wanted to see if you were a strong man."

"I’m not exactly buff, though…"

"I don’t mean physically. I meant inner strength."

So by "strong," he meant mental strength.

Meanwhile, Yuzuhana had assumed he meant muscles, which was why I’d been desperately working out this whole time.

But I never did manage to get buff, and because of that, I ended up losing my memory…

Even so, that experience was essential in earning his approval.

Thanks to it, I became the kind of man who wouldn’t be shaken no matter what he said to me.

"I could never entrust my precious daughter to a man who panics when things don’t go his way. I could never entrust her to a man with a short temper who gets angry too easily."

And yet, I had once acted exactly like that.

Just as he feared, I had fought with Yuzuhana, divorced her, and failed to make her happy.

"You certainly don’t look strong. But… you have the kind of strength that doesn’t waver even when threatened. No matter what hardships lie ahead, I’m certain you won’t abandon my daughter. I believe you can make her happy."

His expression was completely serious as he spoke, but then he smiled.

"So, Kohei. I’m counting on you to take care of my daughter."

He smiled at me, trusted me, accepted me—and joy spread through my chest.

"Yes! I promise I’ll make her happy!"

I declared firmly, and his smile deepened.

"Yuzuhana, you make sure to make Kohei happy too."

"I know. We’re going to build a happy home together. …You’re not just approving our relationship, right? You’re okay with us getting married too?"

"I still think deciding in high school is too soon, but I have no objections. I’m actually looking forward to greeting Kohei’s family now."

"Oh! In that case, would you like to meet them today? My house is nearby."

"Hmm? But wouldn’t it be rude to just drop in unannounced?"

"Not at all. My family’s been looking forward to meeting you too. Let me check with them."

"Then, please do."

With Yuzuhana and her father watching, I sent a message to my parents.

[Are you home? I’d like to bring Yuzuhana’s father over.]

The reply came almost immediately.

[Absolutely! But give me an hour—I need to put on makeup!]

[Dad’s ready anytime.]

[Introduce me well, okay?]

It seemed everyone was home—even Sana had messaged me.

"They asked for just an hour."

"Then I’ll take it easy until then."

Saying that, her father sat down on one of the cushions laid out on the carpet.

"I’ll get some drinks ready." [Yuzuhana]

"I’ll help." [Kohei]

"Kohei, just relax. Oh, and put that album away." [Yuzuhana]

"Weren’t you going to show it to him?" [Kohei]

At my question, Yuzuhana looked a little flustered.

"Uh—um, that plan’s canceled." [Yuzuhana]

"What plan?" [Yuzuhana’s Father] 

(T/N: For some reason, her father and the MC father and mother don’t have names)

"It’s nothing!" [Yuzuhana]

"It doesn’t sound like nothing." [Yuzuhana’s Father]

"We thought that if he saw pictures of us looking happy together, he’d be more willing to approve our relationship." [Kohei]

"Why would you say that?!" [Yuzuhana]

Now that she didn’t need to put on a show, she was suddenly embarrassed. Well, yeah—showing lovey-dovey pictures to a parent isn’t exactly easy.

"I just want him to see them. If he sees how happy we are, he’ll feel more at ease." [Yuzuhana]

Yuzuhana clearly wanted her dad to feel reassured too, and after a brief pause…

"…Dad, do you want to see the album?" [Yuzuhana]

"Yeah. I’d like to take a look." [Yuzuhana’s Father]

She let out a sigh, as if giving in.

"Fine… but I want to see it with you, so just wait a sec." [Yuzuhana]

After bringing over some cold tea, the three of us gathered around the album.

And despite everything, Yuzuhana ended up looking genuinely happy as she shared the story of our time together—flipping through the pages of our happiest moments.



Act 5 END