My Girlfriend is an Evil Woman

When someone is deeply engrossed in a task, they hardly notice the passage of time. Kitahara Hideji skipped lunch, sandwiching his book as he studied throughout the day. It felt like the afternoon arrived in the blink of an eye. As the school bell rang, Uchida Yuma, who had been drowsy all day, suddenly revived with full energy. He was ready to join his club activity, which involved playing baseball.

Kitahara Hideji also had no desire to remain in the classroom. The post-school chaos was unbearable, and the cacophony of noises from the athletic clubs practicing on the field sounded like a slaughterhouse on overtime, filled with continuous cries of agony. He decided to head back to his apartment, quietly read for a little over an hour, and then proceed to Junmi-ya for work. He knew he wouldn’t be working there for much longer; once new employees arrived, he intended to switch jobs. He had no intention of serving the eccentric Fukuzawa Fuyumi any longer.

Shima Rei and Uchida Yuma, on the other hand, were enjoying a completely normal high school life by participating in club activities. Kitahara Hideji had his headphones on, listening to English and mumbling to himself as he changed his shoes. Just as he exited the school building’s entrance, he encountered Yukari. The sky was slightly overcast, and only a thin layer of sunlight managed to penetrate through. The steps were partially dry, and Yukari sat on her backpack, gazing up at the sky with a vacant expression. Her pure and lost demeanor resembled an angel unable to return to heaven.

“Yukari, what are you doing here?” Kitahara Hideji inquired with curiosity. Although they attended the same school and were in the same grade, their classes were far apart, and they rarely crossed paths. Moreover, Kitahara Hideji wasn’t particularly social and tended to keep to himself.

Yukari turned her head upon hearing his voice and spotted Kitahara Hideji. Her expression was filled with boredom, and she sighed, pouting slightly, “Waiting for my sister.”

Kitahara Hideji quickly pieced together the situation and chuckled, asking, “Are you waiting to join a club?” Yukari acted fast; she had made her decision yesterday and was ready to put it into action today. He knew that while Yukari was physically strong, she was also an obedient little sister. She never resisted her sister and endured any scolding or punishment without complaint. Although, sometimes, she did manage to get herself into trouble.

Yukari shook her head, dejectedly explaining, “No, my sister is taking me to meet a Senpai. She sent me an email saying that even if I have the skill, I might not become a regular member of the track and field team just by going to tryouts. It’s a hassle when it comes to seniority and hierarchy, so she wants to use her connections. That way, I’ll be able to participate in competitions this summer.”

She sighed after finishing her explanation, looking as if she found the whole thing unnecessary, and Kitahara Hideji nodded in understanding. While Yukari had her flaws, her genuine concern for her sister was something you couldn’t fault her for. He thought Fuyumi probably wanted to take Yukari to plead with Shima Rei’s sister. He had heard that Shima Kanae, a senior, held some influence, and Fuyumi might resort to using flattery and favors to secure better treatment for her sister.

Given Fuyumi’s fiery temper, it wouldn’t be easy for her to humble herself and ask for help. It was simply an expression of her sisterly love.

This was a Fukuzawa Family matter, and he didn’t want to intrude. He smiled and said, “You wait here. I’ll be on my way.”

However, as he turned halfway, Yukari tugged at his pants leg. If his belt hadn’t been sturdy, his pants might have come off. He couldn’t help but laugh and ask, “Is there something else, Yukari?”

“Um… are you not going to come over to our place for free meals anymore?” Yukari looked reluctant, sitting there with her head tilted back and a pitiful expression on her face. Her eyes even glistened slightly, as if Kitahara Hideji was on his deathbed with terminal cancer.

Kitahara Hideji was left speechless.

Due to historical reasons, Japanese also had idiomatic expressions. In the past, Japan had its own spoken languages but lacked a unified writing system. When China and Japan began to interact, Chinese characters were adopted directly, becoming the formal language. However, the original local languages continued to be used in the lower classes, leading to the distinction between “on’yomi” (Chinese readings) and “kun’yomi” (native Japanese readings). Yukari enjoyed using idioms as her personal hobby.

Kitahara Hideji didn’t mind that. What bothered him was that Yukari often came up with awkward phrases that left him both amused and frustrated. “I’m going to work at your place, not beg for food,” he thought, feeling like her words made it sound as if he were asking for charity.

However, Yukari herself admitted that she was a bit of a fool. With her attitude, there were times when you simply couldn’t argue with her. Engaging in a debate with a fool sometimes made you seem like a fool too.

Kitahara Hideji remained silent for a moment, choosing to overlook the term free meals that Yukari used. As long as it wasn’t intentional disrespect, he didn’t mind minor slip-ups. He had a reasonable amount of patience. He sighed and explained, “I’m planning to change jobs in a few days. Once the new person arrives, I’ll leave.”

Yukari looked reluctant and slightly puzzled. She asked with a hint of grievance, “Why? Is the food not good enough for you?” She didn’t think their playful squabbles were a big deal. From her perspective, when her sister and Kitahara Hideji quarreled, he never seemed to be at a disadvantage. She couldn’t see a reason for him to be upset, but she had always felt that the food at home wasn’t that great.

“It’s not about the food. It’s because I can’t get along with your sister. After spending time together, I’m worried I might lose my temper and end up really fighting her. If things get out of hand, it won’t be good for anyone.” Kitahara Hideji spoke candidly. Yukari didn’t understand polite speech, and he genuinely felt that way. He believed that in such a vast world, there was no need to endure unnecessary stress. Finding a job with less frustration was a better choice.

“I see…” Yukari seemed a bit downcast. Was it all because of this small matter? She struggled to understand and said in a somewhat disheartened tone, “I’ve been working hard, practicing tirelessly, and even planning to challenge you again! Now it’s going to be troublesome… Will we still be able to see each other often?”

Kitahara Hideji hesitated for a moment. “I appreciate your high opinion of me, but you really don’t need to worry about that. Besides, you eat the most every day. You’re always sitting at the table before mealtime even arrives. I wouldn’t say you’ve forgotten to eat.”

However, he genuinely liked Yukari’s innocent and naïve nature. He smiled and reassured her, “Even though I won’t be working at your place, Yukari, we’re still friends. As for our challenges… there will be opportunities in the future.”

Yukari nodded earnestly, looking up with her face turned toward the sky. “That’s good to hear! You’re quite a nice person. Your strong determination is admirable, and you work hard while eating less. It’s a shame my sister doesn’t like you. It’s really strange, since you’re so likable.” She truly felt a sense of regret, but her carefree personality allowed her to quickly set aside her disappointment and return to her cheerful self. She asked with genuine concern, “You said we’re still friends, so can I come hang out with you in the future?”

As she spoke, she wiped her mouth and swallowed a gulp of saliva.

Kitahara Hideji didn’t notice, and he casually agreed, “Of course, you’re welcome anytime.” He was actually watching the entrance of the school building and noticed that Fuyumi was swapping her shoes while carrying a bag. She was changing her shoes while keeping an eye on him.

He redirected his attention to Yukari, waved his hand, and smiled. “Your sister’s here, Yukari. I’m going to head out now.”

Yukari nodded eagerly and said sincerely, “Until next time!”

Kitahara Hideji chuckled quietly, shaking his head as he walked away. He found it amusing that Yukari even used classical expressions to bid farewell, and her other words were a jumble of randomness. She truly was a unique character.

He wondered how she developed such quirks.

As he left, Fuyumi emerged from the building and watched his departing figure. Her expression soured even further. She had a red mark on her face from a fight earlier in the day, and that only added to her anger.

She asked with a resentful tone, “Yukari, what did that guy say to you?” Despite his seemingly decent appearance with thick eyebrows and big eyes, Kitahara Hideji was actually quite sly and cunning. He was devious, always sneaking around and reporting things behind people’s backs. Yukari might be innocent, but Fuyumi didn’t want her sister to be fooled.

“Not much, really. I just asked him if he’ll keep coming to our house for meals. He said he’ll stop coming in a few days, which is quite disappointing.” Yukari was always straightforward and didn’t mince her words. She didn’t care if her sister had a sour expression.

Fuyumi gritted her teeth, her expression growing even darker. Annoyed, she said, “Good riddance! This guy is so petty. I gave him a dirty look, and he had the nerve to hit me back. Did I make a fuss? Did I run to Dad to tattle on him? He’s utterly worthless!”

She brushed her hair out of her face and continued to glare at Kitahara Hideji’s receding figure. She pouted, feeling that it was too girlish of her, and muttered a disdainful sound. Then, she turned her attention to Yukari and ordered, “Never mind him! Let’s go, we’re going to meet a Senpai.”

She gestured with the bag she was holding, which contained two boxes of snacks intended for “bribery.”

“Why make things so complicated? Why not just join the club directly?” Yukari complained softly, taking her time to stand up. She really didn’t like this kind of situation.

“Stop blabbering and listen to me! What if you join directly but don’t get noticed? Who cares about someone who just walks in? No one will value something that comes too easily. If you don’t get a chance to showcase your skills, you’ll be in trouble. Are you ready to spend a year carrying mats and hurdles for Senpai, working as a laborer? Use your brain! We’ll find someone who can help you get recommended to the club. Being a nominated member of a club recognized will definitely get you better treatment. Now, hurry up! Let’s go! And let me tell you, when you get there, don’t show off your Sword Technique. Just stay quiet and don’t say a word. If you end up in the Kendo club, you’re doomed. Got it? Where are your eyes looking? Are you even listening to me? Let me make it clear right now, if you dare to cause trouble and mess things up, I won’t spare you when we get home!”

With her lecture concluded, she pulled Yukari along toward the Kendo arena. If they weren’t at school, Fuyumi might have even resorted to giving Yukari a swift kick to hurry her along.

……

Kitahara Hideji didn’t want to come face to face with Fuyumi, the troublesome little radish, as he didn’t want to get into another argument. He could be considered easygoing, generally getting along well with others as long as they didn’t provoke him. However, dealing with someone like Fuyumi, who had a difficult personality, was challenging. Unfortunately, Fuyumi had a good father, and out of respect for her father’s reputation, he refrained from constantly reprimanding her. He chose to avoid her instead.

In his past life, he had encountered plenty of parents who blindly defended their misbehaving children, often infuriating him to no end. Meeting someone reasonable like Fuyumi was a breath of fresh air, and he didn’t want to make life too difficult for this type of parent.

It was just a matter of luck for the radish head!

As the tram swayed along the tracks, he reached his destination at the station. However, as he walked towards his apartment, he noticed a group of about a dozen boys, large and small, gathered around someone. Faintly, he could hear stern reprimands and scolding.

It wasn’t his concern, as this neighborhood was usually quite disorderly, and fights were commonplace. He didn’t pay much attention and continued walking forward with his bag. But after a few steps, he heard a voice shouting angrily, “You, the wild child from that brothel family! Who gave you the guts to touch my little brother? How do you plan to make amends? Speak up, say something! Are you mute?”