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 48-49

Chapter 48

“Hey, are you eating your meals alone properly? I’ll ask Mika later if you’re really eating. If you’re lying, I’ll prick you with a thousand needles.”

As soon as I called her during lunch break and went up to the rooftop, I was greeted with this.

Of course, the one who would say such a thing is only Takamiya.

“So, I’m eating alone. More importantly, you’re feeling better, right?”

“Well, thanks to you. By the way, aren’t you trying to avoid the subject?”

“I’m not. Seriously, what are we going to do about the election? If we don’t do something, we’ll lose terribly tomorrow.”

“Even if you say that… I can’t really go to school now, and Suzukaze-kun can’t convince the teacher, right?”

“…I have no confidence.”

“Then we’ll just have to push forward for tomorrow. I might have to pull an all-nighter today. Oh, and change the plan to get Mika to cut my hair today.”

“Hey, the hair’s not that important, is it?”

“It is. We need to be thorough. I’ll talk to you later. After you finish eating, make it a video call.”

The call ended.

Finally, I had some time to myself.

I took a bite of the bread I bought from the school store after a long while.

It felt like a surprisingly nostalgic taste.

This bread, which used to be a regular part of my routine, had nothing to do with Takamiya when we were together.

And now, I might become a regular again with this bread.

Thinking about it, my chest tightens again.

…Mika, you really know how to make me face my feelings.

She seems to have read me like an open book.

I want to be honest with Takamiya.

I wonder if we’ll end up actually dating like this.

But I don’t have the courage or guts to say something like that.

From what Mika said, it seems Takamiya might like me too, but there’s no proof of that.

No matter how sharp her insight is, after all, she’s an outsider.

She doesn’t know what’s deep inside Takamiya’s heart.

Takamiya has past traumas too.

It’s not an easy matter.

“Sigh… What should I do?”

I start to think back on today’s conversation, hoping for some clue.

Oh right, Mika said something that made me think. She said there’s a way things could work out without breaking any promises.

What did she mean by that?

If I keep my promise with Takamiya, it’ll mean we’ll break up, but if we get together, then that promise is broken.

Hmm… I have no idea.

“…A call.”

As I get lost in my thoughts with the half-eaten bread in my hand, I receive a video call.

Needless to say, it’s from Takamiya.

“…Hello?”

“Ah, on the rooftop? There’s no one… there?”

“There’s no one. And it’s too early. I haven’t even finished eating.”
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“Well, it’s your fault for eating so slowly in such an urgent situation. By the way, I already messaged Mika. After school, go get your hair cut by her first.”

“Eh, don’t decide things for me.”

“What? Were you planning to finish up with me and then take your time meeting Mika? I won’t allow that. I’ll blow it all up.”

“Blow what up?”

And just like that, my schedule was being filled in without my input.

First, I’ll get Mika to cut my hair after school, then check on Takamiya and prepare for tomorrow’s battle.

It’s a very rough plan, but I guess I’ll just have to go along with it.

“I’ll go back to class now, so I’ll hang up.”

“Eh, isn’t it earlier than usual? Who are you going to meet?”

“I’m going back to the classroom to see if anyone’s gossiping about tomorrow and gather some information.”

“Oh, I see. Well, if that’s the case, I’ll let it slide.”

Takamiya finally seemed to accept that explanation.

Although I have no idea why returning to class required permission, I didn’t want to drag it out and make things more complicated.

“Well, then, I’ll take my leave.”

I bowed politely and ended the call.

Then, as usual, I headed back to class by myself a little earlier than usual.

“Did you see Mikael-sama’s stream from yesterday? It was amazing, right?”

“I saw it, I saw it! It was so precious. Honestly, I wish I could have a romance like that.”

The only bit of information I managed to gather when I returned to class during lunch break was this.

Everyone seems to be watching the streamer, Mikael, who Takamiya also watches.

It was really irrelevant information.

“Ah, the Romeo and Juliet-like story from Mikael-sama was the best!”

“Yeah, Mikael’s stories always get my heart racing.”

Apparently, the boys were also into it.

It was, of course, utterly trivial, but now I was a little curious if I should watch it too.

The day ended with such useless findings.

After school, I made my way to the back gate as instructed by Takamiya, staying alert to avoid running into Jinguji.

“Hey, this feels like cheating, it’s kinda thrilling.”

Mika, with a mischievous smile, was waiting for me.

—

Chapter 49

“Come on, come in.”

“…Excuse me.”

Mika’s house was very close to Takamiya’s house. It was a slightly larger detached house than hers. I took off my shoes at the entrance, feeling a different kind of nervousness than when I visited Takamiya’s house.

“Well, this is the first time I’ve had a guy over, so I’m kind of nervous.”

“It doesn’t seem like it at all.”

“Ahaha, really? I’m nervous too, you know.”

I was led to a large room immediately to the right after entering. Inside, there was a large chair and a mirror, just like a beauty salon. There were perming machines and scissors stands too.

“Wow, this is amazing.”

“Right? My dad used to be a hairstylist, and he made this room as a hobby back then.”

“Go ahead and sit down,” she said cheerfully. She sat me in the chair, handed me a fashion magazine I wouldn’t usually look at, and put a neck shutter around me.

“Sir, what kind of hairstyle would you like today?”

“I didn’t know you were so thorough.”

“Ahaha, well, yeah. So, what’s your request?”

“…Just make my bangs neat.”

“Is that your girlfriend’s request? You two seem really lovey-dovey.”

“You’re being mean. You know it’s not like that.”

“But you want it to be, don’t you?”

“…”

“Then, let’s go with a fresh cut that’ll make your crush swoon.”

As she took the scissors, Mika grinned at me through the mirror.

Before I could say anything, she immediately began cutting my hair.

“Hehe, it’s refreshing to cut a guy’s hair. There’s only been my dad as a male model. Plus, my dad’s hair has thinned a bit lately.”

“You’re really close with your dad.”

“Yeah, well… It’s just the two of us in the family.”

As she skillfully cut my bangs, she started talking about her family.

“…Is this something I’m allowed to ask about?”

“If I didn’t want to talk about it, I wouldn’t. Well, since you’re Riara’s boyfriend, I’ll make an exception.”

While cutting my hair, Mika’s expression turned serious, and she continued.

“I heard that Riara saw her dad cheating.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Actually, I was there too.”

“…What?”

“Yeah, I was visiting Riara’s house that day. And we saw it happen. The crazy thing is, the woman he was with was my mom.”

“…Huh?”

“Don’t move. Your hair will get messed up.”

Despite my shock, Mika remained calm.

I was at a loss for words, holding my breath.

“Well, that’s why Riara and I have this kind of relationship. We’re like comrades who went through a bad experience together.”

“…I see.”

“Also, this is a secret from Riara, but my mom was the one who invited her dad. I feel guilty about it. If my mom hadn’t been like that, maybe Riara wouldn’t have gotten hurt. So, I’ve decided to do anything I can for her. I’ll deal with my own problems after she’s okay. Sounds cool, right?”

“…Mika, you don’t need to feel guilty or take on that responsibility.”

“Ahaha, you’re so kind. Maybe that’s why Riara likes you.”

As Mika used thinning scissors to shape my hair, her expression lightened again.

“Um, is it really okay to cut this much?”

“Your hair’s thick, so it’s fine. I’ll make it the kind of hair Riara likes. Not that I know what she likes, though.”

“…It’s because of you that she can stay cheerful, isn’t it?”

“Hmm, I’m not sure. All I can do is support her. And, even if she cries at home, I can’t go back to that house. I haven’t been able to since then. So, I can’t help her when it really matters.”

“You’ve done enough. She’ll overcome it herself. And you should stop being so self-sacrificial.”

“Ahaha, thank you. But I wonder… If there was someone who could support her instead of me, I could do that without hesitation.”

“Alright, time to shampoo you.”

Mika spun the chair to tilt me back and put her hands on my head, saying in a teasing tone,

“Does Takamiya want that?”

“I don’t know. But I still keep getting notifications from my phone in my pocket. Wonder why?”

“…He’s a worrywart.”

“Why does he worry? Would anyone care about someone they don’t care about? Does he have that much room in his heart?”

“You’re surprisingly good at this.”

When I teased her, she said, “Not bad,” and covered my face with a cloth.

As my sight was blocked and she washed my hair, Mika added more pressure to her hands, saying, “This is the last step. After this, rush over to her.”

When the shampoo was done, she lifted the backrest and returned the chair to its normal position before drying my hair.

Then, she applied some wax and quickly styled my hair. The person in the mirror looked completely different.

“Wow, that’s amazing.”

“Hehe, surprised? You’ve got good hair to work with, so I hesitated a bit. But in the end, I think Riara likes the serious type more than the playboy type.”

“Wow, you’re really good. Seriously, it’s like you’re a pro. Are you sure you don’t want any money?”

“Oh, thank you. But I’m still learning. I want to go to a vocational school after high school, work at different salons, and eventually open my own shop. So, I’ll take a lot of money then.”

“Uh, okay.”

I stood up, still stunned by my new look, and left the room.

While putting on my shoes, feeling a bit of a cool breeze on my head, Mika said,

“Good luck. If you’re honest with your feelings, good things will come your way.”

I bowed and left her house.

Before heading to Takamiya’s house, I checked my phone.

“Hey, how’s your hair?”

“Hey, hey, what are you doing with Mika? Are you really just getting a haircut?”

“Hey, hey, hey, why haven’t you replied? If I don’t hear from you soon, I’m going to Mika’s place! If you’re cheating, I’ll make you pay.”

The last message came three minutes ago, after a lot of missed calls.

“Oh no…”

I quickly called her.

She picked up immediately.

“What are you doing! I’m heading over there right now!”

“Wait, it’s just a haircut.”

“Why should I wait? Isn’t it bad if I show up? I’m coming over now.”

Just as I arrived in front of Takamiya’s house, her door swung open, and she rushed out.

“Ah!”

Takamiya, with the same voice I heard on the phone, looked surprised.

I was a bit exasperated by her reaction.

“What’s with all the rushing?”

“Well… I mean, your hair looks good.”

“Uh, thanks.”

“Your bangs… You really cut them.”

Takamiya looked at my changed appearance, unsure of what to say, and looked down at her feet.

I also felt a bit shy, looking down.

We both stayed silent for a while, still holding our phones to our ears.