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 28

♡

“Can I say it if I’m serious…?”

This was just me talking to myself.

If I could stay here forever… if such a thing were allowed… I’d want to.

But imagining even a little of that made me hate myself.

I turned on the faucet, wishing the water would wash away my words and feelings.

This feeling is just an escape.

I only think like this because I don’t want to stay in that house.

Because of my weakness, I’ve always been a burden to Suzukaze-kun and his mother.

I used him because I didn’t have the courage to avoid others.

Even now, I’m using him.

But until the promise’s deadline, let me depend on him.

When the time comes, I’ll back away properly.

For now… just for now…

“Just for now, I’m your girlfriend.”

♤

“Nope, redo. Ugh, your writing doesn’t convey any emotion at all.”

Takamiya, who had just come back, pointed out flaws in my new manuscript again.

I thought it turned out pretty well this time. What’s wrong with it?

“Look, people already think you and I are dating, so over-the-top compliments are going to come off as annoying.”

“It’s perfectly normal for a boyfriend to compliment his girlfriend. You need to write something that’ll make everyone drawn to me.”

“Fine, but if you don’t mind more guys swarming around you, I’ll do it.”

“Yeah, no thanks. Then write something that’ll make the boys back off but still make the girls adore me.”

“That’s impossible.”

I threw my hands up in exasperation. “Whatever, I’ll have Mika review it later.”

“You really get along well with Mika, huh?”

“Mika’s my best friend. We’ve been together through good times and bad, and she understands me better than anyone.”

“Huh, so you have someone like that.”

“What?”

“Nothing. It’s just… I’ve only ever had my mom to understand me, so I thought maybe you didn’t have anyone like that either. But I guess I was wrong, and that’s kind of a relief.”

As I scratched my cheek, embarrassed, Takamiya laughed softly.

“Pfft, you’re so weird.”

“What now?”

“Thanks for worrying about me.”

“After hearing all that, anyone would worry… right?”

“Well, that’s true. Alright, let’s finish this up. I don’t want Mika scolding me for turning in half-baked work.”

We spent the rest of the afternoon working on her speech.

It wasn’t complete, but we got a rough draft done.

When my mom came home, I helped with dinner prep, and Takamiya headed off to see Mika.

◇

“Man… the weekend flew by.”

That night.

I sat alone in my room reading a book as usual.

Weekends always felt long and boring, like I didn’t know how to pass the time.

But this weekend, it felt like there wasn’t enough time.

Do people with clubs, friends to hang out with, or even girlfriends feel like this all the time?

I wonder how they manage their time and money.

“By the way, what does Takamiya do at home all the time?”

After seeing glimpses of her situation, I couldn’t help but be more curious.

She said her dad wasn’t around, but why doesn’t she get along with her mom?

Is it tense at home, or is she just alone?

I couldn’t ask her something so personal.

If she’s struggling, why doesn’t she just say so?

Why won’t she tell me?

Maybe it’s because I haven’t earned her trust yet.

“School starts tomorrow. I should get to bed.”

I sent Takamiya a goodnight text as promised.

Without waiting for a reply, I turned off the lights.

♡

“Mika, is something wrong with me?”

“What’s up, Riara? This isn’t like you.”

When I left Suzukaze-kun’s house, I was in a great mood.

I’d see Mika soon, and knowing that Suzukaze-kun was genuinely worried about me made me happy.

He even told me not to worry about his mom.

That lightened my heart.

At least, it should have.

But as soon as I stepped out, my feet felt heavy.

So heavy, like I was dragging weights around.

I kept looking back over and over.

I wanted to go back. Just for a little longer.

But I hated myself for being so clingy.

So I forced myself to walk forward toward Mika’s place.

But the heaviness in my steps didn’t go away.

“Is this… homesickness or something?”

“Wow, Riara, I didn’t peg you for the clingy type.”

“I-I’m not clingy!”

“Hmm, so coming to my place was a hassle too, huh? I see.”

“Th-that’s not it! I just liked how comfortable their couch was, that’s all.”

“Uh-huh. Well, if you care about him that much, maybe you don’t need to break up. Why not just date him for real?”

“I can’t say that!”

“Why not?”

“…Because.”

I can’t trouble him anymore.

I’m probably just lonely.

That’s why I feel safe around Suzukaze-kun.

If I tell him I want to stay with him, it’ll raise his hopes.

But if I realize this isn’t love, I’ll hurt him all over again.

This arrangement is based on our original promise.

If we end things as agreed, he won’t get hurt.

That’s how it should be.

It’s what’s best.

I’m the one who suggested it, after all.

“…”

“Aaand she’s lost in her own world again. Look, Riara, I get where you’re coming from, but you don’t know how Suzukaze-kun feels unless you ask him.”

“That’s true, but…”

“And as for your feelings, it’s no wonder you’re confused. You’ve avoided men for so long. What matters is what you want now. What do you want to do with him right now?”

I understood what Mika was saying.

I probably don’t need to figure everything out immediately.

But I worry that being vague will hurt him in the long run.

I don’t want to hold him back while he’s trying to move forward.

I can’t find an answer.

“Sigh…”

“Well, it’s not something you can solve right away. Wanna stay over tonight? Dad’s on a business trip.”

“Really?”

“Sure, it’s been ages since you stayed over. Not since middle school, right?”

“Yeah. I’m kinda excited. Hey, wanna hit up the convenience store?”

“Ahaha, you’re getting back to your usual self. Alright, let’s talk all night.”

Thanks to Mika, I felt a bit lighter.