The Beautiful Girl Who Asked Me to Pretend to Be Her Boyfriend Didn’t Want to Break up With Me for Some Reason - Chapter 19

“Luna! Please, I’m begging you! Teach me how to study!”

The moment we reached the classroom, Hanaba, already seated, clasped her hands together and bowed her head toward Shirafuji, pleading desperately.

Why studying? I wondered, but before I could ask, Shirafuji clapped her hands in realization.

“It’s because of the upcoming tests, right?”

“Exactly!”

“Oh… so it’s that time already, huh?”

As July approaches, so does the bane of every student’s existence: tests.

Without clearing them, a peaceful summer break is out of the question. If you fail and get a red mark, you’re stuck in school all summer for remedial classes.

This is especially stressful for students in clubs. They fight tooth and nail to avoid failing since the school restricts club activities for students with poor grades.

“…Are your grades really that bad, Hanaba?”

“Ahaha… Honestly, I’m always just barely avoiding red marks. I’ve never actually failed, but there’s no guarantee I won’t this time…”

Hanaba scratched her cheek, looking embarrassed as she spoke.

She wasn’t joking; it seemed to be a serious issue.

That said, turning to Shirafuji for help was an excellent decision.

Shirafuji has consistently ranked at the top of her grade in every test since entering school.

The subjects that count toward the posted rankings are the main five: modern Japanese, classical Japanese, math, chemistry, Japanese history, world history, and English, excluding electives and practical skills.

Though she struggles with practical skills, no one can rival her in theoretical subjects.

“If it’s alright with me, I don’t mind helping.”
“Really!? Thank you so much, Luna! I love you!!”
“W-Wait, Hanaba!?”

Beaming with joy, Hanaba threw her arms around Shirafuji in a full-on hug.

Shirafuji looked flustered but didn’t push Hanaba away.

Being treated so openly by a same-gender friend was probably a rare experience for Shirafuji. As far as I know, this might even be a first.

Still, seeing their deepening friendship was something to be happy about.

Maybe something happened when they met at the spa? I haven’t asked for details since it’s probably girl talk, but it’s great to see them bonding.

“Wow… Luna, you smell really nice.”

“Eh…? I’m not wearing perfume or anything. Maybe it’s my shampoo or fabric softener.”

“Tell me what you use next time! Oh, and you switched to summer uniforms, huh? It’s so hot these days… I’ve been in summer clothes for a while now.”

Watching their playful interaction, I couldn’t help but think about how being attractive seems to make life easier.

Shirafuji has a stunning beauty that eclipses any perception of her cold demeanor. She used to appear unapproachable, but lately, she’s softened, even showing her smile at times.

Hanaba, on the other hand, is the opposite—a cheerful and energetic girl whose sunny smile suits her perfectly. Her ability to get along with anyone makes her incredibly likable.

Just seeing them together, chatting peacefully, seems to brighten the atmosphere. It almost feels like the air around them is clearer.

…Meanwhile, I feel like I don’t belong here.

“Good morning, everyone! You all look like you’re having fun.”

A familiar voice joined in as the fourth member arrived.

Shinonome Rin, who sits next to Shirafuji, greeted us with a warm smile.

“Hey, Rin. Morning. Were you at practice? Good work. It must’ve been hot.”

“Yeah, it felt even hotter than usual today. I was drenched in sweat after just an hour of practice… Oh, but I used the shower room and changed, so I don’t smell bad, right?”

I nodded in response, and Rin looked relieved.

“Summer club activities are tough. Even in class, moving around in a gym without air conditioning is exhausting.”

“You get used to it, but taking breaks is essential. It’s going to get even hotter, so we have to stay hydrated to avoid heatstroke. Pushing yourself too hard won’t do any good.”
“…Don’t you get sleepy in class after using so much energy in the morning?”

“I do, but I power through it. If I fail the tests, I’ll lose my spot in the club.”

“Funny you say that. Hanaba was just talking about the same thing.”

“Really!?”

Before I knew it, Hanaba had leaned over our desks, joining our conversation enthusiastically.

Her… overwhelming presence almost made me lose focus, but I quickly turned my gaze away, recalling a promise I made to Shirafuji.

Just as I tried to compose myself, an idea came to mind.

“Shinonome, would you like to join us for a study session? You don’t have to if you’re not interested.”

“…Me too? Really?”

“Of course. As for the location… How about using Hakuto’s place?”

“My place? Uh, are you sure—”

I gave Shirafuji a questioning look, silently asking if this was okay.

After all, our rooms were next to each other. Hosting a study session might expose that.

“It’s because your place feels the safest.”

Her response wasn’t just an answer to my question; it was also a sign of her trust in Hanaba and Shinonome.

If Shirafuji decided it was okay, then I had no reason to refuse.

“Alright, we’ll do it at my place. When should we meet? Rin’s club activities might make it easier on a day off.”

“I’m free on Sunday!”

“Same here. Practices are canceled before exams unless there’s an emergency.”

“Sunday it is, then. Hakuto, is that okay?”

“Sure. I’ll text you the address later. Just don’t go sharing it around, alright?”

“Of course not! Do you think we’d do something like that?”

“Don’t worry, we’re not the type to betray a friend like that.”

I wasn’t doubting them—it’s just that if someone discovered where I live, it might lead them to Shirafuji’s place as well.

Unlike me, a guy, Shirafuji has more to lose if her home gets exposed.

While it’s rare for her to go out alone, it’s better to avoid unnecessary risks.

“Seriously, Luna, you’re a lifesaver! You’re practically a goddess!”

“Nothing’s solved yet. I’m sure Shirafuji can help you avoid red marks, though.”

“Your success depends on your own effort, Hanaba. Don’t worry—I won’t get mad. I’ll make sure to explain everything clearly until you understand.”

“Y-You’re not secretly strict, right…?”

“She’s kind and thorough, so you’ll be fine. Speaking of which, Rin, how are your grades?”

“Pretty average overall. I’m good at modern Japanese and world history, though. What about you, Hakuto?”

“Last time, I was slightly above average. Thanks to Shirafuji, my grades have improved since the start of the year.”

“That’s because you’ve been working hard, Hakuto.”

Shirafuji praised me, but I still felt there was room for improvement.

With someone like her teaching me, I should aim even higher.

Better grades mean more opportunities for my future. Besides, I’d feel bad if my lack of effort made Shirafuji look bad.