I Married My Childhood School Crush for a Day to Avoid the Single Tax, but My Wife Has Been Acting Strange Lately

When we got home and closed the door, Riona finally let out a breath.

Her face was pale, and a thin layer of sweat covered her forehead.

I went to the kitchen and made coffee, pouring it into two mugs.

Steam rose from the cups, filling the room with the bitter smell. I helped her sit on the sofa and handed her a cup.

“Here, drink this and calm down.”

Riona took the mug, holding it with both hands as if to warm herself.

Her fingers trembled slightly, and I could see her eyes glisten through the steam.

She told me that the man, Kamikaze, had tried to follow her again when she was leaving the office.

I had been able to finish work early today, so I went to pick her up because I was worried. But I can’t always get there in time.

Her fear weighed on me too. That man’s shadow is still following her.

Anger and worry mixed in my chest.

“Thank you… Shouta-kun.”

Her voice was small, and she was still breathing heavily.

I sat next to her and gently patted her shoulder.

Even if it’s just pretending, keeping her safe is my responsibility. I took a sip of coffee.

The bitter taste spread over my tongue, helping me calm down a little.

The room’s lights were soft, and the last light of the sunset filtered through the curtains.

Some of the moving boxes were still around, leaving the room with a new, unfamiliar smell.

“I was able to finish early today, but I can’t always pick you up. We need to do something to protect you.”

Riona nodded at my words. She sipped her coffee slowly while catching her breath.

Her eyes began to calm.

“Yeah… I already went to the police, but there wasn’t enough evidence for them to act. And because he’s related to the company president, I can’t push too hard there either.”

I thought hard. Remembering her past made my chest ache.

I knew how much that man’s madness had hurt her and how he might still hurt her in the future.

“Let’s talk to a lawyer. One who handles stalkers. There has to be someone like that. And… if possible, maybe a job change too…”

Riona squinted and was thinking.

“A lawyer… It’ll cost money, but it might be the only choice. I’ll gather the evidence again. I’ve saved all the messages and photos. And I’d rather not change jobs if I can help it. I do have a good company now.”

“Got it.”

I took out my phone and started searching.

“There are apps for sharing location and for emergency calls. We can link it to my phone, so if you’re in danger, I’ll know right away.”

She nodded.

“Thank you. Also, I’ll change my route home and take taxis more often.”

I had a few more suggestions ready.

“Just to be safe, how about putting security cameras in the house? At the front door and in the living room. They might help as evidence.”

Riona took out a notebook and wrote it down.

“That’s a good idea. I’ll look online for some.”

After that, we shared ideas and made a list.

A little while later, the coffee cooled, and the room felt a bit lighter.

The tension left her shoulders, and she gave a tired smile.

“Thank you, Shouta-kun. I feel calmer when you’re here.”

Her words made my chest feel warm.

◇

The next day at work, my coworker Kawashima called out to me.

I was starting up my monitor at my desk when he walked over, holding a cup of coffee.

“Hey, you’re gonna have to tell me soon. How did you manage to fake marry such a beautiful woman?”

Now that I thought about it, Kawashima was the one who had told me about that forum.

Since then, things had been busy, so we hadn’t really talked.

Actually, I only managed the fake marriage thanks to him. He was the only guy who knew a little about the situation.

Maybe I should try asking him about the stalker problem too…

“Yeah. I’m sorry, but I don’t have time after work. Let’s talk during lunch.”

“Got it.”

At lunch, we sat across from each other at a corner table in the company cafeteria. I briefly explained everything so far.

How I met her through the forum, our reunion, why we faked the marriage, and the stalker situation…

“Wait… you’re telling me the person on that forum turned out to be a beautiful classmate… You met her again and married her right away… You really pulled that off?”

“Listen, it’s been tough. There’s the stalker, too.”

“But still, living under the same roof with a woman like that! Damn, I’m jealous!”

He grabbed my phone and looked at a photo of Riona on the screen.

It was a picture I had secretly taken during the move, showing her beautiful profile.

“It’s just fake.”

“…But you never know what could happen, right?”

Kawashima returned the phone and squinted at me.

“Huh? Aren’t you already serious about her? Your eyes are shining. Don’t tell me you’re falling for her while living together?”

I gave a wry smile.

“It’s not like that. I just want to protect her.”

Kawashima patted my shoulder and laughed.

“Well, good luck. Make sure you’re happy with your beautiful wife. Maybe I’ll check out that forum myself.”

His words stuck with me.

I went back to work and typed code, Riona’s face appearing in my mind. I felt even more determined to protect her.

In the afternoon, I listened to my boss during a meeting. It was the usual routine, but today I couldn’t stop thinking about Riona.

I installed a stalker-protection app and set up location sharing.

I would keep her safe.

◇

I was sighing to myself.

Ever since then, Shouta-kun has been coming to pick me up from work as often as possible.

On days when he might be late, I would wait in the company break room… it felt like such a burden, but Shouta-kun didn’t seem to mind. He always said, “It’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”

Normally, he took the subway to work, but for me, he drove.

He got through the morning traffic and avoided the evening crowds.

Still, seeing Shouta-kun’s smile made even those tiring days feel enjoyable.

Whenever I apologized and said, “I’m sorry for making it a burden,” he would reply, “Your safety is what matters, Riona.”

Day by day, my anxiety slowly eased.

Then came that Saturday.

I wanted to do something for him in return. I felt bad for always relying on him.

Shouta-kun was always kind and protective.

Watching him sleep peacefully, I quietly left the bedroom and sneaked into his storage room.

I wanted to secretly buy him something he might like.

The room was a little messy, filled with game consoles and books. I looked at the shelves, controllers, and old game discs.

Even after looking around, I couldn’t figure out what he wanted, so I left the room empty-handed.