The Beautiful Girl Who Asked Me to Pretend to Be Her Boyfriend Didn’t Want to Break up With Me for Some Reason - Chapter 52

Chapter 52: Because I’ll Be Your Sister-In-Law

Summer vacation feels long, yet it’s surprisingly short.

If you spend it lazing around, it flies by in an instant.

School assignments are always there, and this year, I also went out with Shirafuji and some friends.

Maybe that’s why time seems to have passed even faster.

And so, time flows into mid-August.

The days continue to be plagued by a heat that doesn’t feel like the end of summer… but finally, the day has come.

“Are you ready? If you forget something, we won’t be able to go back for it.”

“I’m fine. I’ve double-checked everything thoroughly.”

Each of us has one carry-on suitcase.

Inside are just a few days’ worth of clothes and daily necessities.

It’s mid-August—the Obon season.

Shirafuji and I were about to head out, as planned, to visit my parents’ house.

“Well, if it’s not anything major, you can buy it when we get there. Worst-case scenario, as long as you have your phone and wallet, you’ll manage.”

“Our Shinkansen tickets are digital, too. We can’t afford to lose those.”

“…Still, it’s kind of nerve-wracking. I never imagined the day I’d bring Shirafuji home would actually come.”

“Same here. I’m nervous, but I’m also looking forward to it.”

“Well, compared to here, it’s the countryside.”

My hometown is in the Tohoku region.

Specifically, Sendai, the prefectural capital of Miyagi.

Though it’s a regional city with decent transportation, it’s naturally less developed compared to Tokyo.

I double-check my luggage and confirm that the doors of my apartment are locked.

I’ve already checked Shirafuji’s room.

Though we’ll only be away for a few days and our building has good security, there’s always a lingering worry.

“Looks like that’s everything. Alright, shall we go?”

“Yes. Moving with plenty of time to spare gives peace of mind.”

Carrying our luggage, we head to the station to avoid missing the Shinkansen.

On the way, we buy bento boxes for the journey, finding it amusing to pick them out together, then head to the Shinkansen platform.

We board right on time, find our reserved seats, and sit side by side as the train starts moving.

Eating our eagerly anticipated bento while watching the scenery flow by the window is fun.

The landscape speeds past, fading into the distance.

It takes just a little over an hour to reach Sendai.

Even with the distance, having the one-way trip take such a short time is convenient.

“It’s been a while since I last rode the Shinkansen. I think the last time was for my middle school trip.”

“Where did you go?”

“Hokkaido. It wasn’t too cold since it was just before the rainy season. We saw the red-brick warehouses and the clock tower and even rode a ropeway. Where did you go, Hakuto?”

“Me? I wasn’t attending school back then. The plan was to go to Osaka, though.”

“…Shall we drop this topic? It feels like we’re both recalling unnecessary pains.”

A rather melancholic end to the conversation, but it couldn’t be helped.

“Well, it’s all in the past. We still have our school trip to look forward to.”

“Right before winter break, heading to Kyoto, wasn’t it? I hope we can go without issues.”

“Better take care of our health. Catching a cold like last time would be a problem.”

“In the past, I might’ve brushed it off, but now I understand the value of making such memories. Plus, I’m looking forward to traveling with you, Hakuto.”

“That said, our rooms will be separate, you know?”

“…What do you take me for? I’m well aware of that. What happens after we get back is another matter, though.”

While I’m relieved that she understands basic common sense, her candid lack of reservation at home is… well.

Although it’s just for the summer vacation, I suppose I’m in no position to complain, considering I agreed to this cohabitation.

“…Next stop, Sendai. Passengers disembarking, please ensure you have all your belongings.”

The announcement echoes through the car, signaling our impending arrival.

“So, we’re finally here. …I don’t look strange or anything, right?”

“You’re fine. My mom will be meeting us at the station. Also, apparently Tansui… my sister… is tagging along. She’s probably eager to meet you.”

“…What kind of person is your sister, Hakuto?”

Shirafuji’s question prompts me to picture Tansui, whom I haven’t seen in a while.

I wonder how she’s doing… not that there’s much to worry about when it comes to her.

“She’s lively, confident, a little cheeky, and surprisingly considerate. She’s a cute sister, though.”

“I see. So, Hakuto, would you say you’re a bit of a siscon?”

“Maybe, compared to the real deal, I’m far off. But yeah, I like her as family. I don’t mind fussing over her… so maybe that counts as being a siscon by normal standards.”

“That answer is oddly reassuring. After all, you used to tie her hair, right?”

“I think that was just her way of creating an excuse to talk to me.”

“She sounds like a kind sister. And quite thoughtful, like someone else I know.”

Shirafuji smiles at me while saying this.

What I’ve been doing is just imitation—recreating the kindness I once received for Shirafuji.

But the original Tansui is unmatched.

“…Honestly, I think my mom, Tansui, and maybe even my dad all misunderstand us.”

“You mean they think we’re an actual couple?”
“Yeah, sorry, but they’ll probably treat us like one. Tansui, in particular, will probably dig for details, so be prepared… though I’m not safe from her, either.”

Tansui’s intuition is sharp, and I doubt I can lie convincingly.

If she figures out we’re fake—a pretend couple—she might act as though we’re real lovers without letting us catch on.

I really need to sort out my relationship with Shirafuji soon.

As a couple, it might be healthy, but as fake partners—essentially just friends—it’s hard to deny that our closeness has become somewhat unhealthy.

It’s not like I’m dissatisfied with this life.

It’s just a vague sense of guilt or uncertainty about leaving things unresolved.

“…So, if your sister doesn’t approve of me, will she tear us apart?”

“That sounds like something out of a daytime drama. No, I don’t think so. If anything, I think Tansui might grow attached to you.”

“I hope so. If I marry you someday, she’ll be my sister-in-law, so I’d like to get along with her.”

…Can I pretend I didn’t hear that?