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 72

Chapter 72

I immediately sent Takamiya Riara’s contact details to Sanae via LINE.

As usual, she remained unfazed and simply replied, “That helps.”

“Seriously, you’ve always been so indifferent.”

“It’s just my nature. Maria, you should work on your habit of being cold to people you like.”

“T-That’s not true!”

“But even with Asou-kun, didn’t he end up saying he preferred someone like President Takamiya because you were too cold to him? You two were practically mutual, weren’t you?”

“…I don’t know anything about that.”

“Why don’t you just be honest already? Asou-kun is probably regretting it now, thinking it was just a moment of weakness.”

“W-Why should I care about some guy who got dumped by Riara…”

Back then, I was so desperate to hide my feelings for Asou-kun that I ended up saying things I didn’t mean.

Like how Takamiya Riara probably liked someone like him.

Like how I didn’t really understand what it meant to like someone.

Even though we had always been close, and I knew he had feelings for me, I still said those things.

And because of that, he confessed to Takamiya Riara, got rejected, and ended up hurt.

And for some reason, I was hurt too.

So, deep down, I know that my hostility toward Takamiya Riara is just me taking it out on her.

I know that better than anyone.

But I can’t back down now.

That’s just the kind of person I am.

“Anyway, Maria, you should just focus on yourself. Getting in President Takamiya’s way won’t make you happy.”

“Wow, you sure got close to her in just a few days.”

“I wouldn’t say we’re close, but I’m sufficiently nourished.”

“What the hell does that even mean? Anyway, if you’re siding with that woman, then you’re my enemy too.”

“Understood. By the way, we’re closing soon. Would you like to place a last order?”

“…Just put it on my tab.”

Talking to Sanae always throws me off.

Every time, she makes me feel like I’m the one being stupid for getting all worked up.

After paying the bill and greeting Sanae’s parents, I left the shop and got into the car waiting for me.

As I sat in the back seat, rocking with the movement of the car, I absentmindedly thought about things.

I still hate Takamiya Riara.

That girl, who is loved by everyone without even trying.

When we first met, I probably liked her too.

Even when she rejected Asou-kun, I didn’t hate her yet.

Because I had heard she didn’t like men.

But that was a lie.

Being lied to—

That’s what I couldn’t stand.

In the end, she never really trusted me as a friend.

Once I realized that, I couldn’t help but turn against her.

There’s no way I can go back to how we were when we first met.

But then, why did I even call her?

Maybe I just wanted her to apologize for what happened back then.

I don’t really know.

Why am I like this?

It’s so stupid.

Even Sanae is being taken away by Riara.

…Is it my fault?

♤

“Oh, Tokito-san just messaged me.”

While we were watching TV in the living room after dinner, Takamiya suddenly spoke in surprise.

“Huh? You had her contact info?”

“No, I didn’t. And she even sent the café’s location. Maria must have told her.”

“Those two are childhood friends, right? Still, I’m surprised Jinguji actually gave her your contact info.”

“Well, whatever the reason, it doesn’t matter. More importantly, the café is pretty close. I had no idea there was a shop around there.”

“You’re right. So, should we stop by after the aquarium tomorrow before heading home?”

After finalizing the plan for tomorrow, Takamiya replied to Tokito-san.

Almost immediately, she got another message: “I have one request. Could you send me a two-shot photo of the president and vice president?”

“…Hey, she’s asking for a picture.”

“Huh? Why?”

“I-I don’t know. I’ll ask.”

Takamiya quickly sent another message.

When she asked why a picture was necessary, Tokito-san immediately replied, “If I’m not present when you visit, I’d like my parents to be able to recognize you.”

“That’s what she said. She’s really polite, isn’t she?”

“Hmm, but does she really need a picture for that?”

“Well, no point in arguing. Should we just take one?”

“Wouldn’t an old one work?”

“From the aquarium? No way, that’s too embarrassing.”

“But taking one here isn’t any different.”

“It is. Come on, get closer, I’m taking it.”

Takamiya stretched out her hand and pointed the phone toward us.

I hesitantly moved closer, but she said, “More.”

When I got close enough for our shoulders to touch, she leaned in even more before snapping the picture.

“…H-How does it look?”

“U-Yeah, it looks fine.”

“Seriously, what a weird request for a two-shot photo. Well, whatever, I’ll send it.”

Smirking for some reason, Takamiya immediately sent the picture to Tokito-san.

And almost instantly, another message arrived: “Thank you for the treat.”

As we both tilted our heads in confusion, another message followed.

“Please don’t be too hard on Maria-san.”

Seeing that, Takamiya scoffed, “What an idiot.”

“…Looks like Tokito-san is worried too.”

“I’m not mad or anything. It’s Maria’s fault for being so stubborn.”

“But maybe if you talked openly, Jinguji would finally understand.”

“Who knows? Well, I’ll think about it after the weekend.”

Putting her phone back in her pocket, Takamiya stood up.

“It’s getting late. Can you walk me home?”

“Yeah. Should I pick you up in the morning?”

“No, it’s fine. I need to stop by Mika’s place first.”

Chatting as we left the house, we walked down the dimly lit street.

I had been a little wary, wondering if Enjou-san might appear since we hadn’t seen her all day.

But nothing happened.

After dropping Takamiya off and returning home, I spent a little while chatting with her on LINE before finally taking a deep breath and getting into the bath.

With my phone in hand, I opened a video.