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

After parting ways with Hakuto and Shoko-san, I stayed behind at the school’s entrance, waiting for my father to arrive. I tried to suppress the endless waves of nervousness with deep breaths.

“…It’s fine. My father isn’t interested in me. The meeting will end without issue, with everything left to me. So there’s no need to be overly afraid—”

Even though I tried to reassure myself, the anxiety about seeing my father overwhelmed me.

The last time we met was over a year ago, when I entered Seimeidai and greeted him before moving to live alone. Even then, he only replied with a cold “Ah” and wouldn’t meet my eyes.

He must truly have no interest in me at all.

Still, I do appreciate that he ensures my living expenses are always more than sufficient, fulfilling his duty of support.

“I hope everything goes smoothly…”

While waiting anxiously for my first three-way conference, a man in a finely tailored suit entered the building.

That man—my father, Kyoichi—approached me after changing his shoes. His expressionless face matched my memory perfectly.

“…Father, it’s been a while.”

“…Ah.”

When I bowed my head and greeted him, he only gave a curt reply.

He showed no joy at seeing me again, nor did he express any dislike—just the same detached reaction as always.

It was the same atmosphere as usual, for better or worse.

“I’ll guide you to the classroom.”

“Ah.”

Without any of the casual conversation I’d had with Hakuto earlier, I walked with my father to the classroom. Even this short distance felt suffocating, though I wasn’t tired.

When we arrived outside the classroom, we sat on the waiting chairs.

Inside, Hakuto was in the middle of his conference. Faint voices drifted through the door.

In a few minutes, it would be my turn.

Those minutes felt like an unbearably heavy and long time for me.

“—Shirafuji. Let me tell you my intentions upfront,” my father suddenly said.

“I plan to continue letting you do as you wish. Whether you pursue further education, find a job, or choose another path, it’s up to you. I’ll cover the costs, so don’t worry about that.”
“That’s… I understand. Thank you.”

I couldn’t ask him, “Are you not interested in me?”

I couldn’t risk hearing him affirm it outright.

I’ve already given up expecting anything from my parents.

But I don’t have the courage to abandon them entirely, either.

I’m a coward, ignorant of the world, and an unnecessary existence to my parents.

If that’s the case, it’s easier for both sides if they treat me as though I don’t exist.

After a few more minutes of waiting, the classroom door opened, and Hakuto and Shoko-san came out.

They glanced at me but left without speaking.

I had promised to meet Hakuto in the library after my meeting.

Telling myself I’d be fine, I stood up.

“Shirafuji-san, please come in,” the homeroom teacher called out. I entered the classroom with my father.

Sitting beside my father felt unfamiliar, even in childhood.

Trying to mask my increasing nervousness, I watched as the teacher prepared documents such as my report card.

“Now then… let’s begin the three-way conference. First, thank you, Shirafuji-san’s father, for coming despite your busy schedule.”
“No pleasantries are necessary. I’m busy, so I’ll convey my stance upfront to keep this brief.

“As for my daughter’s—Shirafuji’s—future, I leave it entirely to her. I’ll handle the finances but don’t intend to involve myself otherwise. Thus, I see no need to discuss her grades or chosen school. If there’s another reason for my presence, I’ll stay, but otherwise?”

Unfazed, my father spoke without changing his expression. The teacher was at a loss for words.

She probably hadn’t expected such a statement in a three-way conference.

After glancing at my father with disbelief, she turned a pitying look toward me.

“Sensei, I’m satisfied with my father’s approach. If there’s nothing else to discuss, could we let him leave first?”

“Well… but this is a three-way conference…”

“In previous conferences, it was just you and me, so there shouldn’t be an issue.”

“…I see. Thank you for your time,” the teacher conceded.

My father left without a backward glance.

When the teacher returned, she sighed.

“…I’m sorry, Shirafuji-san. As your teacher, as an adult, I’ve failed.”

“This isn’t your concern. Let’s focus on the meeting. I want to discuss my grades and school preferences.”

“…Very well. Let’s do that. I hope it’ll brighten your future even a little.”

Sensing my family situation, the teacher was unusually gentle, treating me like something fragile. It felt a bit apologetic.

After the meeting, which lasted about thirty minutes, I went to the library. Seeing me, Hakuto approached with both his and my belongings.

The sight of Hakuto instantly warmed my heart.

His presence, like the spring sun, brought me comfort.

As my tension faded, I felt more at ease.

At the same time, I realized how weak I am.

Just seeing and speaking with my father had drained me so much.

Perhaps that’s why I found myself craving Hakuto.

“Welcome back, Shirafuji. Did it go well?”

“I’m not sure if I can call it ‘well,’ but I’m not hurt. I’m more worried about the teacher.”

“What happened?”

“He left after saying there was nothing else to discuss beyond my grades and school preferences.”

“…Teachers have it tough, too.”

Understanding her burden, I bowed my head inwardly.

“Anyway, let’s go home. We’re going shopping on the way, right?”

“Yeah. Will you come with me?”

“Of course.”

“Thanks. I’ll make some really good beef stew tonight.”

“And… can I stay over again tonight? I don’t want to be alone.”

“We agreed, didn’t we? Even if you hadn’t asked, I wouldn’t have let you go home alone tonight.”

“…Is this our first night together?”

“No.”