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 43

Chapter 43

“I’m sorry about earlier. I’m okay now.”

Rubbing her still slightly red, swollen eyes, Takamiya returned.

“I’m the one who should be sorry. I mean, you know…”

“It’s fine. You don’t have to apologize. I’ll explain everything properly to my aunt.”

“I see. But Mika-san really is amazing.”

“Mika? Why?”

“Well, she figured out exactly what I was thinking, even though we’ve barely met. That’s not something just anyone can do.”

“Barely met? You’re speaking as if you’ve met her before.”

“Uh, well, you know, maybe we’ve passed by each other at school or something. Not that I’d notice, of course.”

“Oh, is that what you mean? Then fine.”

I had no idea what she meant by “fine,” but Takamiya briefly made a scary face before returning to her usual self with a sigh.

“Ahhh.”

“What’s with that? Not like you at all.”

“Well, the election is coming up soon. I’m wondering how I can win. Hey, would it be so terrible if I had a boyfriend?”

“Some people wouldn’t care, but Jinguji would definitely target that. Most of the guys are probably against you already, so it’s better to assume that.”

“I see. Yeah, but I have to try my best.”

Takamiya lightly slapped her cheeks with both hands to pump herself up.

At that moment, a notification sound came from her phone.

“Oh.”

“What is it?”

“Nothing, just a notification. It’s from a VTuber I like. They haven’t updated in a while, but it seems they uploaded a new video.”

“Huh. So you watch stuff like that?”

“Surprising? Well, I’m often bored at home alone. Plus, their videos are really insightful and relatable. A lot of people at school like them too.”

“Interesting. What’s their name?”

“GodMichael. Haven’t heard of them?”

“…Nope.”

What kind of scatterbrained name is that? Is it really entertaining?

“Well, you should check it out later. Anyway, where’s your aunt?”

“I heard some noise near the entrance earlier, so she probably went out.”

“Hmm. So, what about lunch? I’m getting hungry.”

“My mom’s not here, so maybe we should eat out.”

“Yeah, let’s do that.”

After clearing away the cups, the two of us left the house.

How many times have we gone out together like this? Until recently, I rarely went out during the day on weekends. But in the past few weeks, so many things have changed.

How I spend my time at school.

How I spend my weekends.

My relationship with Takamiya.

Even myself.

“Hmm, what should we eat?”

“Café again?”

“Hey, girls like cafés, okay? But maybe ramen sounds good today.”

“Then how about the place by the station? It’s tonkotsu ramen, though.”

“Tonkotsu sounds great. Let’s go there.”

We walked side by side, continuing our conversation without even looking at each other. Yet somehow, I could imagine exactly what kind of expression Takamiya had.

Just when it felt like we were getting along.

Only about ten days left.

I want to spend more time together.

But after hearing that…

I have to keep my promise.

Which means, the promise between Takamiya and me won’t be broken either.

What a shame.

When Takamiya cried, I had hoped, just a little.

But she’s a perfectionist.

♡

“This is the place. Looks like it’s not crowded right now.”

“Wow, it’s my first time here.”

We arrived at a ramen shop by the station.

Mika doesn’t like tonkotsu ramen, so this was my first time coming here too.

I’ve been wanting to try it.

I wouldn’t dare go to a ramen shop alone, but with Suzukaze-kun, I feel like I can go anywhere.

I want to visit more places.

“Welcome!”

Startled by the cheerful voice of the staff, I flinched.

“Don’t be so jumpy,” he laughed.

“I-I’m not jumpy! Come on, let’s sit down.”

Honestly, I’m sheltered.

I used to mock Suzukaze-kun for being a shut-in and an introvert, but I’m probably closer to that myself.

I know I don’t look bad, but that’s all I have going for me—a shallow person with no substance.

That’s who I am.

I was never passionate about studies or sports, and all my relationships outside of Mika were superficial.

I’ve hated men for as long as I can remember, so I’ve never had a boyfriend.

I didn’t have places I wanted to go, things I wanted to do, or goals I wanted to achieve.

I didn’t.

But…

“This place recommends the soy sauce tonkotsu ramen. Should we get two of those?”

“Hmm, but I’m curious about the miso one. Hey, want to share?”

“Alright, let’s do that. Excuse me!”

Seeing him call the staff to place the order, he looked reliable.

Before, I only saw him as a gloomy introvert with a scowl.

Maybe it’s because of the clothes I bought him?

But being with him brings up thoughts I never had before.

Places I want to go.

Foods I want to try.

Things I want to experience.

“Hey, Takamiya, after we eat, we’re heading back home, right?”

“Well, we should unwind a bit on weekends. Since we’re near the station, I’d like to pick up some sweets.”

“Sweets, huh? Girls really love that stuff.”

“Got a problem?”

“Nope. I like sweets too.”

“Hehe, then it’s decided.”

As we chatted, the ramen was served.

“Smells great. Let me dish some out for you.”

He served some of his soy sauce tonkotsu ramen onto a small plate for me.

I did the same with my miso ramen and handed it to him.

It felt a little embarrassing, like we were a couple.

“This is delicious. I think I like this place.”

“Yeah, it’s been a while, but it’s really good. See? Coming here was the right choice.”

“Don’t act all smug about it. It’s not like you’re amazing.”

But seeing his proud expression made me happy.

I couldn’t take my eyes off his face as he silently slurped his ramen or wiped his sweat.

“By the way, has Mika decided on a haircut appointment yet?”

“Oh, I forgot. I’ll ask her today.”

“Think it’ll be okay? I mean, I’ve got a scary look.”

“Not really. Isn’t it just because of your messy bangs?”

“Maybe. I haven’t had a proper haircut in ages.”

“You won’t know unless you try. You have to take the plunge sometimes.”

As I said something that sounded self-serving, my chest tightened.

I’ve never taken the plunge into anything.

I always acted like I knew the outcome without even trying.

And now, here I am, telling someone else to give it a shot.

“…”

“Is something on my face?”

“N-no, nothing. Hurry up and eat.”

I averted my gaze and resumed eating my ramen.

But my thoughts kept circling.

I want to stay like this a little longer.

No, I want to stay like this much longer.

I want to stay like this forever.

But I can’t say it.

I’m afraid of breaking my promise with Suzukaze-kun so easily.

I’m scared of being told, “That’s not what we agreed on.”

I want to say it.

Properly.

Pretending to be a perfect girlfriend was partly true, but it changed along the way.

I wanted to try doing boyfriend-and-girlfriend things with Suzukaze-kun.

I always thought I hated people who didn’t keep their promises, and I’ve held onto that belief for so long.

But when I cried, that wasn’t why.

“Alright, I’m done. Let’s go.”
“Yeah.”

I watched him stand up quickly, grab the check, and head to the register, swallowing my words.

I still can’t say it.

But now I understand.

I, who once found men disgusting, now want to touch his hand.

If it’s Suzukaze-kun, I’m okay with it.

Seeing the female cashier smile at him as she handed him change annoyed me.

And seeing him smile back annoyed me even more.

I’m jealous.

I have feelings for you.

“Man, that was good. So, Takamiya, you liked it too, right?”

Outside the shop, he asked me with a triumphant grin, like it was all his accomplishment.

Yeah, it was great.

He’s slightly taller than me, a bit hunched over, but masculine.

A little awkward but somehow kind.

Always indulging my whims.

Choosing to spend time with you was the right choice.

I like you, Suzukaze-kun.

“…I like you.”