The Beautiful Girl Who Asked Me to Pretend to Be Her Boyfriend Didn’t Want to Break up With Me for Some Reason - Chapter 31

A few days had passed since I was consulted by Shirafuji, and today was the day of the three-way meeting.

After finishing our classes in the morning, Shirafuji and I hung out in the library to kill time before the meeting.

Several other students were there too, seemingly also waiting for their meetings to begin. Most of them were either not part of any club or had their club activities canceled, as the sounds of club activities echoed from outside and throughout the school building.

“Don’t get too nervous, though I guess that’s easier said than done.”

“…Indeed. It’s hard not to feel tense when it’s right in front of us.”

“And you’re even the second one on the first day of meetings.”

“My father is the kind of person who probably used his lunch break for travel, just to get the troublesome things out of the way as soon as possible and get back to work.”

We were sitting next to each other, talking in low voices.

Hearing that alone might make him seem like a diligent worker. He probably is, but the situation isn’t quite so simple.

“Are you sure it’s okay to match your schedule to mine, Hakuto? Being the first on the first day and all.”

“Doesn’t matter when it’s my turn. Plus, it’s a day Mom could make it too, so no problem.”
“Well, if you say so.”

“Also, I didn’t want to leave you alone, you know?”

“…You always say things like that. It’s truly reassuring for me, though.”

Even though she gave me a slightly reproachful look, this was one thing I couldn’t compromise on.

Shirafuji had been visibly shaken just knowing her father would be coming, so I couldn’t imagine how she’d handle meeting him face-to-face.

That’s why I chose to have my meeting first, so I could wait nearby and not leave her alone after hers.

“Let’s think about something fun for now. Like, any requests for dinner? I have some time, so I can make something that takes a bit of effort.”

“…How about beef stew?”

“Got it. You love beef stew, don’t you?”

“The first time I ate beef stew was the one you made. It left such an impression; it was so delicious. Maybe it’s nostalgia, but I really like it.”

Hearing that as the one who made it is incredibly satisfying.

Alright, dinner tonight will be beef stew. I’ll grab the ingredients after the meetings.

While we were talking, my phone buzzed with a notification.

It was from Mom.

She had just arrived at the school.

“My mom’s here. I’m heading to the meeting now.”

“Can I come too? I’d like to greet her.”

“…Sure, I guess.”

I felt slightly uneasy about her saying she wanted to”greet” my mom, but it was better than leaving her alone. So, I took Shirafuji along to the school’s entrance.

There, a woman waiting for me broke into a wide smile as soon as she saw me and came walking over.

“Oh, Shirafuji! It’s been so long. How have you been? Has my Hakuto caused you any trouble? Don’t hesitate to talk to me if anything happens!”

“It’s been a while, Shoko-san. I’m glad to see you’re doing well. Hakuto has always been so gentlemanly and helpful. I rely on him every day.”

“That’s good to hear. But still, you’re as cute as a doll, Shirafuji. I feel like taking you home with me!”

“And you’re as beautiful as ever, Shoko-san.”

“Oh my! What a lovely thing to say!”

Laughing together like old friends, my mom, Shoko, completely ignored me as her son.

It was a cheerful exchange, sure, but it left me feeling a bit conflicted.

“Hey, Mom. Don’t you have anything to say to the son who came to pick you up?”

“Well, Shirafuji’s just so adorable. Besides, I can tell at a glance whether you’re doing okay. How many years do you think I’ve been your mom?”

She reached out to ruffle my hair as she said that, filling me with a sense of nostalgia and relief.

“Alright then, Hakuto, let’s head to your meeting. Shirafuji, you’ll—”

“I’ll wait for my father, so don’t worry about me.”

“If you’re worried about anything, don’t hesitate to rely on Hakuto, okay?”

“I’ll do that, thank you.”

My mom must have picked up on Shirafuji’s subtle unease.

She spoke kindly, and Shirafuji replied with a smile before looking at me.

Her gaze seemed to say, “I’ll be fine, “ though it probably masked a bit of bravado.

I was worried, but I trusted her. For now, I left her behind and headed to the classroom with my mom.

“Hakuto, make sure you stay by Shirafuji’s side.”

“I know. I plan to stick with her all day.”

“…You’re that far along already? Make sure to use protection.”

“What the heck are you saying to your son at school?!”

When I said I’d stay with her, that’s not what I meant!

It’s mortifying to have my own mother think I’m doing those things with Shirafuji.

I get that such things happen in relationships, but we’re not like that—at least not right now.

I understand Mom’s concern for Shirafuji.

In such situations, the burden often falls more heavily on the woman.

I guess Mom’s comment was just her way of being cautious with me.

“By the way, Mom, are you leaving right after the meeting today?”

“Yes, unfortunately. I wanted to chat more with Shirafuji, but I won’t have the chance. Such a shame.”

“What about me?”

“Oh, are you jealous?”

“No, I’m not.”

I get that my mom’s a good person, but sometimes, I wish she’d tone it down just a little.