Can I brag about my very devoted wife to you?

The right way for high school couples to spend their time (weekdays) ②

It was after school that day. I went to Riko’s seat, cutting through the crowd of students who were going to club activities or discussing where they were going to hang out. Riko, who was leisurely getting ready to leave, looked up when she noticed a silhouette hovering over her.

“Hey, Riko! If you want, do you want to come home with me!?”

When I shouted that in a fast voice, it was obvious that I was nervous, and before Riko could react, the people around me started to scream.

Eh!?

Did I make such a voice!?

Although I had asked her out to show that we were a couple, it was still embarrassing to be the center of attention. As I was regretting what I had done, someone tugged at the hem of my uniform.

When I turned around, I saw Riko looking up at me with an embarrassed look in her eyes.

“It’s not a dream that Minato-kun asked me out, is it…?”

“……”

Why do you have to be so cute?

My face was melting in happiness. As I hurriedly held my mouth in thought, I heard sighs from everywhere, as if they were in love. When I looked around in surprise, I saw a group of boys looking at Riko with entranced faces.

What’s with the crush on someone’s (fake) girlfriend…!?

Apparently, I had a personality change when it came to Riko. I’ve never been one to be possessive. But I still couldn’t help but find this situation displeasing.

Even though she’s not my girlfriend, Riko is still my wife. (Although a contract one)

Thinking so narrow-mindedly, I quickly moved in front of Riko and hid her from the eyes of the insolent people.

I was quickly booed, but who cares?

Maybe if I had more time in my hands, I wouldn’t feel this way, but I didn’t have the slightest bit of it.

“Riko, let’s go!”

I hurried Riko a little and headed for the entrance of the classroom.

“Ah, wait…!”

Riko quickly followed after me and clung to my arm, as if she didn’t want me to leave her behind.

“Ehehe. Since we’re going home as lovers, isn’t this great…?”

She sticked her tongue out a little and said mischievously. I could hear the whole classroom writhing again, so I took Riko with me and left the classroom to escape.

◇◇◇

Riko walked away to change her shoes at the gate, but she came back to my side soon after. Unlike the classroom, there was no one around us now. So there was no need to link arms anymore.

“Minato-kun, you were so cool…”

“……? What are you talking about…?”

“I was thrilled that you dragged me out. Hehehe.”

Hearing this, I felt like being hit by a surprise bomb and faltered.

“W-w-w-w-well, Riko, thank you.”

“Eh?”

“See, you put your arms around me, didn’t you? Since you also thought it would be good to show off our lover’s appeal.”

“Lover’s appeal?”

Riko tilted her head curiously, so I explained to her what I had said to Sawa.

“Oh, I, I see. That’s why you invited me to come home with you…”

“What? Riko?”

I feel like you’ve lost your energy…

“No! Don’t worry! I’m slowly getting better at dealing with Minato-kun’s natural attacks!”

What’s a natural attack? [TN: Thoughtlessly doing actions which make the opposite gender which harbors feelings toward you feel embarrassed, but also happy. Or, just read “I’m Gonna Live with You Not Because My Parents Left Me Their Debt But Because I Like You”, then you get it.]

“So, I’d rather take advantage than be depressed! So ―― yep!”

“Whoa!?”

I had told her we didn’t need to stick together anymore. So for some reason, Riko took my arm and held my hand so that our fingers were intertwined.

Isn’t this what you call a lover’s link!?

“Let’s just go home like lovers today, okay?”

“But no one’s looking anymore, you know?”

When I asked if it was okay, Riko put her lips to my ear and whispered to me.

“Because you never know who’s watching, right…? That’s why I always have to pretend to be your girlfriend.”

“Oh, I see…”

Well, the reason is no longer important.

As long as I can hold hands with Riko and go home, it doesn’t matter.

I kept that thought to myself and squeezed Riko’s hand as hard as I could.