The Beautiful Girl Who Asked Me to Pretend to Be Her Boyfriend Didn’t Want to Break up With Me for Some Reason - Chapter 27

“How is it? My ear-cleaning skills.”

“…If I’m not mistaken, your hand is trembling, isn’t it? Well, the cotton swab brushing against my ear feels nice, so I can’t complain.”

“That’s still a form of ear-cleaning, don’t you think?”

Shirafuji’s ear-cleaning session had started rather abruptly, and to be honest, I was pretty concerned.

After all, Shirafuji is clumsy enough that she can’t even tie her own hair properly.

So, I had my doubts about entrusting her with the delicate task of cleaning ears. My expectations were half right and half wrong.

First off, I was relieved that she didn’t jab the ear-cleaner into my eardrum.

That possibility had crossed my mind briefly, but Shirafuji must have been extra careful since she was dealing with someone else’s ears.

She had prepared a bamboo ear-pick, but for safety reasons, she decided to only use cotton swabs and limit the cleaning to shallow areas.

…But her hands were shaky, probably because she was aware of her clumsiness.

With her nerves adding to it, her hands were trembling quite frequently.

Still, even with a few moments of concern, Shirafuji’s first attempt at ear-cleaning managed to create a relaxing experience overall.

“Even so… this is harder than I expected. I’m sorry, but I don’t think my skills are good enough to properly clean out the earwax.”

“That’s fine. I can handle that myself. As long as this ends safely, I’ve got no complaints.”

“It sounds like you’re suggesting something might happen.”

“Can you completely deny it?”

“…That might be difficult.”

Shirafuji replied with a pained smile but kept moving the cotton swab.

“Well, it really does feel nice, so don’t worry.”

“…That’s a relief to hear.”

When I praised her, she responded without shifting her gaze or hand, just with her voice.

I could tell she was genuinely focused on cleaning my ears.

Though, perhaps she was simply too tense to spare any attention elsewhere.

“I might not be good at detailed work, but I think I quite enjoy ear-cleaning itself—especially since I get to mess with Hakuto’s ears as much as I like.”

“That has nothing to do with ear-cleaning.”

“Still, it might be about time to move on to the next massage, don’t you think?”

“Sure. We’ve got Shirafuji’s request waiting after that.”

With that decided, Shirafuji finally stopped.

I sat up from her lap and lay face down on the bed.

“Well, it’s time for the massage you’ve been waiting for. I’ll start with your lower body.”

“Are you sure you don’t need a break after the ear-cleaning? You’re not tired or—”

“I’m fine. Hakutonium has fatigue-recovery properties, after all.”

“And what kind of mysterious substance is that supposed to be?”

While I teased her about that dubious claim, Shirafuji announced, “I’ll start now,” and her hands touched my legs.

As always, her hands were a bit cool to the touch.

But they gently and firmly massaged my legs, applying just the right amount of pressure.

“Hmm… Hakuto’s feet are big, aren’t they? Was it 28 centimeters?”

“Good memory.”

“I think I saw it written somewhere before.”

That must be thanks to Shirafuji’s sharp memory.

As we chatted, her hands steadily kneaded my legs with care.

This felt genuinely good.

With nothing to worry about, I could completely relax and let her work.

“I wish I had studied acupressure points beforehand.”

“How effective is that stuff, anyway?”

“I wouldn’t know, since I’ve never had it done. I suppose going to a proper place might clear things up.”

As her hands moved from my calves to my thighs, a sudden softness enveloped my legs.

“Let me straddle your legs to do this. It helps me apply more pressure.”

“…Makes sense.”

The softness pressing against my legs was undoubtedly Shirafuji’s hips and thighs.

Thinking about it sent indecent thoughts racing through my mind.

Worse, the sensation shifted along with her movements, transmitting a tantalizing feeling that was hard to ignore.

Was Shirafuji aware of this?

…Even if she was, she didn’t seem to care.

Knowing her, she’d probably say, “I’m your maid, so feel free to do as you like.”

All I could do was endure it.

Even if improper feelings stirred within me, I resolved not to let them show.

After all, I doubted she was intentionally being provocative.

“Hakuto, your body is so solid.”

“…It’s always been like that. Must be genetic. My dad’s pretty built, too.”

“I see. Maybe that’s why being held by you feels so reassuring.”

When she finished with my legs, she moved to my upper body.

She massaged my waist, back, shoulders, arms, and neck.

Every part felt undeniably good, no exaggeration.

“So, that’s the end. How was my massage?”

“Good enough that I’d want you to do it again. My whole body feels lighter now.”

I stretched after sitting up, feeling much more refreshed than before.

Maybe it was just in my head, but I was certain my mood had improved.

“I feel a little wistful now that my service time is over.”

“…You enjoy it that much?”

“It was quite fun. But… I need my reward too.”

Smiling, Shirafuji hinted at her request.

Would I even be able to grant a wish that matched this thoughtful service?

“So, here’s my request… It’s a bit embarrassing, so I’ll only say it once. Don’t miss it, okay?”

“…Alright.”

As she leaned close, I lent her my ear.

With a slight hesitation, her breath brushed against my earlobe as she whispered:

“…Can you hold me and say you love me?”

…I see. That certainly is an embarrassing request.

I’d told her “I like you” countless times, but “I love you” was something I’d only said once before, during a study session when she’d teased me into it.

Even as a jest, those words required a certain resolve.

But if that’s her request…

“Sure. After such a wonderful service, it’s the least I can do.”

“…Thank you.”

When I agreed, Shirafuji placed a hand on her chest and exhaled in relief.

Maybe she thought I’d refuse.

“If you want, I can adjust the setting a bit. How about it?”

“Let’s make it like a confession scene from a romance drama.”

“…Not sure how well I can pull that off, but I’ll give it a try.”

I nodded while recalling a scene from a drama and stood with her.

Facing each other, I cleared my throat to compose myself.

“I love you.”

Just three words, spoken while holding her.

And yet, the tension was enough to make me tremble.

Maybe it’s because I truly meant them.

No, I should embrace this.

Even as an act, I could let my feelings shine through.

As our gazes locked, her blue eyes glimmered. She nodded slightly, signaling me to proceed.

I reached out, placing my hands on her slender waist.

Her shoulders twitched slightly, not in rejection, but out of nervousness.

Pulling her close, I held her fragile frame gently but securely.

“…”

Though this was nothing new, Shirafuji gasped softly as if being embraced for the first time.

Her pale skin flushed crimson with embarrassment, and her softened gaze fixed solely on me.

Finally, I summoned my courage and said:

“…Shirafuji, I love you.”

Her expression froze, as if time itself had stopped.

Meanwhile, I found myself strangely satisfied.

Feelings that had been vague and uncertain gained clarity the moment they were voiced.

I didn’t know how to process this sudden realization.

How should I handle this dazzling, unshakable truth that felt almost too grand for our relationship?

“…The impact exceeded my expectations. I’m at a loss for words.”

Despite her breathless murmur, Shirafuji seemed thoroughly pleased.

“Thank you, Hakuto. This was the best reward I could’ve asked for.”

“…Glad to hear that.”

Feeling guilty for taking her compliments to heart, I let our conversation meander into playful banter unrelated to her “reward.”