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

After dinner, we cleaned up together, and it was decided I’d take the bath first.

This was the usual arrangement since Shirafuji typically takes long baths. It made things more convenient for both of us.

As always, I planned to replace the bathwater after I finished. Though Shirafuji had said, “You don’t have to,” I couldn’t help but feel it was necessary.

So, just like every day, I started washing my hair before soaking in the bath. But then—

“—Hakuto, I have something to ask you.”

A gentle knock sounded on the bathroom door, accompanied by her voice.

In that instant, an unpleasant premonition hit me. Hoping it was just my imagination, I replied, “What is it?” After a few seconds of silence, I heard the door open behind me.

Cool air brushed my back, and I heard the sound of wet footsteps.

Turning my head toward the sound, I saw Shirafuji standing there in a simple, all-black bikini.

It was likely the swimsuit she had just bought earlier today.

Her cheeks were faintly flushed, perhaps from embarrassment. While her gaze wandered downward, seemingly unsure of where to settle, she didn’t make any effort to cover herself. It was as if she wanted me to see her.

…So, she really is doing what I thought she might.

“…Does it suit me?” she asked softly, her voice trembling slightly.

She slowly turned in place, perhaps to show me how she looked from all angles.

Her pale skin, fully exposed, was almost blindingly radiant.

When she faced me again, tilting her head slightly, I managed to squeeze out a heartfelt response: “…It suits you.”

“And… you were planning this since you chose the swimsuit, weren’t you?”

“Did you figure it out? But I do have a proper reason for this, you know.”

“I’m listening.”

“Well, I thought there might be some issue with the swimsuit if I didn’t actually try it on. But wearing it in my room felt oddly embarrassing. So, I figured the bathroom—a familiar, water-related space—would be a better option.”

“…Your reasoning makes sense, but if you just wanted to show me, you didn’t have to do it while I’m in the bath. You realize I’m naked, right?”

Although I only turned my head, I was, of course, completely naked in the bath.

This meant there was a chance she could see something she wasn’t supposed to.

When I expressed my concern, Shirafuji’s gaze shifted diagonally downward, past my face, and toward the far end of the room. Even though she shouldn’t have been able to see anything from where she stood, she quickly averted her eyes.

“Um, well… I wasn’t trying to see Hakuto’s body or anything like that. I just wanted you to look at me. And I thought that, since I’m wearing a swimsuit, it wouldn’t be a problem. Please believe me when I say I had no impure intentions whatsoever.”

Her words spilled out in a hurried stream as she looked up at me with a slightly apologetic expression, her face bright red.

This… feels like a classic case of “protesting too much.”

…No, let’s not overthink this. Whatever embarrassment she’s feeling, the damage to me is probably worse.

“…Just so you know, regardless of any agreements we have, don’t trust my self-control. When someone as attractive as you pulls a stunt like this, my restraint is only so strong.”

Avoiding looking at her skin, I focused on her face as I spoke.

Hearing this, the embarrassment faded from her expression, replaced by a gentle smile.

“I already understand that. But even if something were to happen, I trust that Hakuto wouldn’t do anything too terrible. You’re responsible and caring, so I believe you wouldn’t abandon me if it came to that.”

“Well, yes, but that’s beside the point.”

“Still… since you’re saying that, I’ll stop here. It’s true I wanted to see your reaction, but it wasn’t my intention to trouble you.”

“…Please do. Really, I’m begging you.”

“You’re missing out, though. If you’d allowed it, I was considering helping wash your hair or scrub your back.”

…Wait, what?

I froze at her unexpected confession.

Not content with just showing off her swimsuit, she had even planned to do that?

“…Have you been watching too much manga or anime?”

“Partly, yes. Don’t you think those kinds of moments are nice? They bring a bit of excitement to everyday life—like an extraordinary moment within the ordinary.”

“I think it’s a bit too much, but annoyingly, I kind of agree.”

“Right?” she said, smiling smugly.

Then, as if inspired by something, Shirafuji leaned closer, her lips near my ear.

This naturally brought her chest into my line of sight—

“So… one last time, if you’d like, I can wash your hair or scrub your back.”

Her unusual proposal, combined with the overwhelming sight in front of me, shook my self-control.

Part of me knew this was a bad idea. Yet another part couldn’t help but feel intrigued, and I hated myself for it.

Shirafuji would only see my back. I would only see her through the mirror.

If that’s all, there shouldn’t be any room for mistakes.

I just needed to endure, like always.

…It’s not like I was giving in to temptation or anything.

“…Then, can I ask you to?”