I Have A Rejuvenated Ex-wife In My Class Volume 2 Bonus Short Story

"The Secret to a Happy Marriage"
(Bonus Short Story for the Digital Edition of I Have A Rejuvenated Ex-wife In My Class 2)

One Summer Vacation Day

"Hey, shouldn't we start practicing how to show our love?"

"What? Are you just looking for an excuse to stop doing homework?"

"No, I'm serious."

Of course, I do want to stop. I've been working on my summer homework at Yuzuhana’s house since morning. At the very least, I’d like to take a break and go for a walk.

But there's also the fact that we’re about to meet her father. Things always go better with some practice rather than going in unprepared. That’s why I want to rehearse showing our affection—to get his approval for our relationship.

"But I have a fundamental question. What exactly do you mean by 'showing our love'?"

"Isn't it obvious? We need to be all lovey-dovey. He’ll get really mad at first, but in the end, he'll give us his blessing."

It wasn’t that he opposed the marriage because he disliked me. He just wasn’t sure whether his daughter would truly be happy marrying me.

That’s why Yuzuhana came up with this plan—to convince him that "a couple this in love could never be unhappy together."

From the name alone, I had a vague idea, but still… so it really does mean acting lovey-dovey.

If we do that right in front of him, he won’t be able to ignore how in love we are, but...

"Getting all lovey-dovey in front of your father, huh..."

"Are you embarrassed?"

"Well, in front of your father, yeah. Of course, if it’s for getting his approval, I’ll give it my all. But if we overdo it, won’t it just seem fake?"

"Now that you mention it... We’re not the type to be excessively affectionate in the first place."

"Right? I’m on board with showing our love, but I think we should be more thoughtful about how we act."

"Like what?"

"Like... well… I’m not sure how to put it, but I want to act in a way that makes him think, 'These two can build a peaceful, happy home together.'"

"A peaceful, happy home..."

Yuzuhana fell silent for a moment before voicing her thoughts.

"But what makes a home peaceful and happy in the first place?"

"Because the couple gets along, right?"

"Well, if you're getting married, of course you get along. But couples like us still end up getting divorced, don’t they? So what’s the difference?"

"I don’t know... but that’s a really good question."

It's a great idea to figure out the differences between happy couples and those who end up divorcing. If we can learn those differences and naturally incorporate them into how we act, it'll help convince your father that "these two can build a happy home together."

With that in mind, I pull out my phone and start looking up tips for a happy marriage.

"Oh, here we go. 'Top 5 Secrets to a Happy Marriage.'"

"What does it say?"

"Let's see... Number five is 'Respect your partner.' Try it out on me."

"Alright," Yuzuhana nods and looks straight at me.

"Kohei, you're amazing. You can talk to anyone, even strangers, without hesitation. It's really reassuring to be with you. ...How was that?"

"That made me really happy."

She didn’t sound like she was acting. She must genuinely find it reassuring to be with me. As I replay her words in my head, I can’t help but smile.

Then, Yuzuhana looks at me enviously.

"Say something to me too."

"Alright." I nod and tell her,

"Yuzuhana, you’re incredible. You’re doing your homework without giving in to distractions. Being with someone as responsible as you makes me feel at ease too. ...How was that?"

"That felt really nice. If I got told things like this regularly, I’d probably forgive small annoyances more easily."

"Let's make a habit of casually complimenting each other in front of your father."

"Good idea. So, what’s number four?"

At her prompting, I glance back at my phone.

"Let’s see... 'Value physical affection.' Things like stroking hair or casual touches."

"We used to do that when we were newlyweds, but at some point, we just stopped. I wonder why?"

"I don’t know… I guess there wasn’t really a reason."

This must be what they call "falling into a routine." Being around Yuzuhana became so normal that, at some point, I forgot the joy of small gestures like that.

"For now, I’ll make sure to touch you casually in front of your father."

"…Only in front of my dad?"

She looks at me expectantly, and I smile as I shake my head.

"No, even after we’re married. Let’s make goodbye kisses a habit too."

"And welcome-home hugs."

"Of course," I promise, then look back at my phone.

"Number three is 'Express gratitude.'"

"Oh, that makes sense. You always acted like you just expected things to be done for you. You didn’t even thank me when I made you dinner."

"You didn’t thank me either when I drove you places."

"I regret that. From now on, I won’t forget to show gratitude. Thanks for taking me to so many places, Kohei. Every single one was really fun."

"And thanks for always making delicious meals. Every one of them was truly amazing."

After exchanging words of appreciation, we check the second-place tip.

And then—I’m at a loss for words.

Yuzuhana looks at me, puzzled.

"Hey, what’s wrong? It doesn’t just end at third place, does it?"

"Uh, no, it’s written here, but…"

"Then hurry up and tell me! Fifth place, fourth place, and third place were all super helpful. I definitely want to try the second-place one too. Preferably in front of my dad."

"T-That’s impossible!"

"Why? What does it say?"

Pressed for an answer, I mumble under my breath.

"…'Sex.'"

Yuzuhana’s face turns bright red in an instant.

"W-What!? There’s no way we can do that in front of my dad!"

"Of course not!"

That would get me killed!

"Okay, good… So, what’s in first place?"

"First place is 'Hold hands while on a date.'"

"Holding hands is easy, but we can’t exactly go on a date during the family meeting."

"Yeah."

A date is something you do as a couple. We could take her father out somewhere, but that wouldn’t really count.

Just like second place, first place doesn’t seem like something we can incorporate into our "showing love" plan.

"But since we have the chance, why don’t we try out first place too?"

"You mean… we’re going on a date now?"

"That’s right."

"What about our homework?"

"We’ll finish it when we get back."

"Fine, then."

Maybe she wanted to go on a date too, because she agreed surprisingly easily.

"So, where are we going?"

"How about a movie? A new one just came out this week, and it looks interesting."

"What kind of movie?"

"Horror."

"Horror…"

Yuzuhana’s expression darkens.

"If you're scared, we can pick something else. I’m happy as long as we’re on a date."

"No, if you want to see it, I don’t mind horror, but…"

Yuzuhana looks like she wants to say something.

Now that I think about it, we did watch a horror movie together when we were married. We had leftover popcorn, argued about how I should’ve ordered a smaller size, and I shot back that last time we ran out because she ate too much. That night, we slept in separate rooms—except she got scared sleeping alone and snuck into my bed.

"…If you’re worried about sleeping alone, should I stay over tonight?"

At my words, Yuzuhana’s face lights up.

"That would be nice, but it’s rare for you to suggest staying over. …Wait, you’re not expecting second place to happen, are you?"

"T-That’s not it! We haven’t even gotten your father’s approval yet!"

"So, the moment my dad approves, you’re going straight for second place?" (T/N: Heh)

Maybe my reaction was too suspicious, because she narrows her eyes teasingly.

"T-That’s not what I meant! And second place doesn’t matter right now! We’re about to do first place! So—here, give me your hand!"

Trying to cover up my embarrassment, I hold out my hand, and she grabs it tightly with a happy smile.

"Oh, can we stop by the store on the way back? It might take a while…"

"I don’t mind. I just like being with you."

"Will you stay by my side from now on too?"

"Of course. From now on, always."

When I say it with all my heart, Yuzuhana smiles, looking truly happy.

"Thanks. I love you."

I Have A Rejuvenated Ex-wife In My Class END

Translation Complete. Thank You for Reading This With Me!