I became the boyfriend of the school's madonna, who had turned down numerous confessions, but somehow, without realizing it, I wasn't just playing a role anymore - Chapter 76

Episode 76: Naive or Not

“―It’s quiet, isn’t it…?”

As we walked down the quiet night street, Misaki looked up at me.

“It’s the countryside.”

I don’t know about the city, but nights in the countryside are truly quiet. There are few shops and not many people around, plus everyone tends to stay indoors at night.

I prefer quiet places, so I like nights like this. Though, cars occasionally pass by, so it’s not completely silent.

“Walking alone in a place like this would be scary, but… having you with me, Raito-kun… makes me feel safe…”

Misaki squeezed my hand affectionately. With only streetlights and the occasional light from houses, it would indeed be scary for someone afraid of the dark. However, it seemed Misaki just wanted to be affectionate.

“Well, two is more reassuring than one, isn’t it?”

“……”

Despite my affirmation, Misaki looked at me with a hint of dissatisfaction. Did I say something wrong?

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m wondering if you said that teasingly or if you genuinely meant it.”

Hmm…?

Did my response have some hidden implication?

“I wasn’t trying to imply anything…”

“Raito-kun, you can be a bit naive sometimes, can’t you?”

“Wha…!?”

Me, naive!?

No way…!

“That’s you, Misaki…!”

“I might be, but so are you, Raito-kun…! Especially with your earlier response…!”

Misaki didn’t deny her own naivety and pushed back. She might have some self-awareness, but why was she labeling me the same?

Being naive is something that describes someone like Misaki.

“Where do you get that from…?”

“When I said I felt reassured because you, my boyfriend, were with me, you interpreted it as just having someone with me in general.”

Embarrassed by calling me her boyfriend, Misaki’s cheeks turned slightly red.

This girl is really unfair. Showing such a cute side makes it impossible to argue properly.

“You worded it in a way that could be taken either way, so I couldn’t help it…”

“In such situations, people usually assume the former…!”

“That’s normal for couples, right? For a guy who just got his first girlfriend and has never even liked a girl before, expecting that is a bit much…”

Even though I’m gaining experience by pretending to be Misaki’s boyfriend, I’m still a complete beginner when it comes to real romantic relationships. Even if something is normal for couples, it doesn’t necessarily make sense to someone with no experience.

“Your first… hehe…”

Misaki’s cheeks softened into a satisfied smile at my words. We had been discussing whether I was naive, but her thoughts had completely wandered elsewhere. She really is the naive one.

Well, seeing her so happy makes me feel good too.