I Ended Up Pretending to Be the Boyfriend of a Beautiful but Tough Classmate for Just a Month, but It Seems That She Has Awakened Her Yandere Tendencies Because of That.

Chapter 26

♡

“Hey, Mika, which outfit is better? What’s the best thing to wear when visiting your boyfriend’s house on a day off? Hey, stop laughing and take this seriously!”

“Okay, okay, you look great in anything.”

“Come on, be serious!”

Early morning.

Before heading to Suzukaze-kun’s house, I brought some clothes to Mika’s room for a wardrobe check.

I’m a perfectionist. Even if it’s my fake boyfriend’s house, I want to look my best.

I have to look my best.

“What’s with the sudden concern about your appearance? Looks like you’re head over heels.”

“Heels… I’m not!”

“You’re just thrilled he called you yesterday, aren’t you?”

“…I mean, I was happy he contacted me.”

How long did I spend staring at my phone yesterday?

I had been waiting. Waiting for so long.

So when he called, I was happy.

But that doesn’t mean I like Suzukaze-kun in a simple, romantic way.

While I’m genuinely glad he’s thoughtful toward me, I don’t really understand the feeling of being in love with someone.

I’ve never wanted someone to like me that way.

So, my feelings for Suzukaze-kun might just be affection, nothing more.

I still don’t know.

“Well, as someone who’s watched you for years, I can say you’re making progress, and that’s great. It’s all thanks to him, no doubt. You made a good choice.”

“You’re the one who suggested him, Mika.”

“Was I? But in the end, you chose him, Riara.”

“That’s true.”

“So just enjoy your time with him today. That’s all that matters.”

“Yeah…”

I didn’t tell Mika, but deep down, I couldn’t wait to head to his house.

It’s partly because I hate my own house, but it’s not just that.

I wanted to see him.

I wanted to talk to him.

Sensing my feelings, Mika quickly decided, “Nothing flashy, so go with that shirt and jeans.”

♤

“Good moooorning!”

Morning.

Takamiya arrived at my house.

It was just before 9 a.m.

Knowing her, I braced myself for her to show up even earlier, but she took her time.

“Good morning, Riara-chan. Come in, come in!”

My mom eagerly greeted her and led her into the living room before heading to the kitchen to make coffee.

I followed them into the living room.

“Morning.”

“Morning. You don’t look sleepy at all.”

“I should’ve asked what time you were coming. Woke up way too early because of you.”

“Oh? Could it be you were excited for me to come?”

“Mom had me cleaning. Anyway, have some snacks over there if you like.”

“Don’t mind if I do. Thanks for the food!”

Takamiya made herself at home, grabbing a cookie from the table, sinking into the sofa, and giving me a sharp look.

“Wh-what is it?”

“Nothing. Just noticing you’re not wearing the clothes I bought you yesterday.”

“They’re in the wash. Since you got them for me, I want to take care of them.”

“Hmm. So, did you finish your draft yesterday?”

“Only the rough draft. Fell asleep halfway through.”

“I see. Still, thanks for working hard.”

She smiled happily, taking another bite of her cookie before pulling something out of her bag.

“What’s that?”

“A men’s fashion magazine. Mika gave it to me. Thought I’d use it to decide on your next haircut.”

“Come on, no model in there looks anything like me.”

“That’s not the point. Just come here already.”

She motioned for me to sit beside her, placing a cushion next to herself.

“What, you don’t want to sit next to me?”

“It’s not that. Mom’s here too, you know.”

“Doesn’t matter, we’re dating now. Acting distant would just make her suspicious.”

“…Fine.”

Reluctantly, I moved to sit beside her.

Just then, Mom came back with coffee.

“Oh, am I interrupting something?”

“Hehe, it’s fine, ma’am. I’m just helping Kagami-kun decide on his next hairstyle. My friend’s going to cut it for him.”

“How nice! Kagami, let Riara-chan take care of you. You’re so sloppy with your appearance.”

After placing the coffee on the table, Mom quickly said, “I’m off to do some shopping. Take your time,” and left the living room.

Mom’s always in a good mood when it comes to Takamiya. Seeing the two of us reading a magazine together would probably make her swoon.

If she saw this, she’d never guess we were planning to break up in a few weeks.

“…I’m sorry.”

While I was sighing at my clueless mom, Takamiya muttered softly beside me.

“Huh? For what?”

“For your mom. I know we’ll hurt her when we break up, and yet I…”

“It’s too late now. She’ll understand.”

“I really like your mom. She’s kind, considerate, and even said she was happy to have a daughter. I’ve been spoiled by her kindness… even though this is all a lie.”

“But your feelings toward her aren’t a lie, right? That’s what matters.”

“…Maybe.”

Takamiya stared at the magazine in her lap with a gloomy look.

Her large eyes glistened with unshed tears.

“Don’t worry about my family. That’s between me and my mom.”

“Yeah… But cooking with her has been so much fun. I’ve never done anything like that with my own family. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but it’s been so comfortable here. Honestly, I’m a little jealous of you.”

“…”

“At the same time, I got annoyed. You have such a great family, so why do you act like some tragic hero? But after hearing about your past, I realized everyone has their struggles. So… sorry for everything.”

Her weak, fragile voice still reached me clearly.

I had my own thoughts.

Pretending to date while bonding with Mom, hanging out at my house like this—what was she thinking?

But maybe she had her reasons.

Thinking that, my frustration from the past few days started to fade.

“You’ve got a lot going on too, huh?”

“…Yeah.”

She shrank into herself, gazing down at the magazine.

After a moment of silence, she suddenly let out a deep breath.

“Alright, enough gloomy talk. Let’s make the most of today.”

“Yeah, sure. So, what’s the verdict on my haircut?”

“Let Mika handle it. Now, bring me that draft. I want to see it.”