The Beautiful Girl Who Asked Me to Pretend to Be Her Boyfriend Didn’t Want to Break up With Me for Some Reason - Chapter 67

Chapter 67: From a Girl’s Perspective, It’s Actually a Pretty Good Opportunity, So It’s Fine

“The festival was really fun. There were so many stalls, and we ate delicious food, played games, and the fireworks at the end were so beautiful… I still feel like I can hear the sound of fireworks from somewhere.”

On our way back after the festival.

Walking beside me with a faint smile on her face, Shirafuji speaks, and I reply, “Yeah, it was.”

The light clatter of wooden sandals echoes pleasantly.

We walk at a relaxed pace, as if reluctant to leave the festival behind.

Just as Shirafuji said, the festival was really enjoyable.

The stalls, the fireworks—everything.

Maybe it’s because it’s been a while since I last went to one, but the biggest reason was probably that Shirafuji was there to enjoy it with me.

In the end, I think what matters most is who you share the experience with.

“I also wore a yukata for the first time. It was a rare experience.”

“You didn’t feel like you were just going along with my mom’s hobby?”

“Not at all. I wanted to try wearing one at least once. Though, since it’s so different from my usual clothes, it was a bit tiring in that sense.”

Watching her, I could tell that was true.

Unlike a jinbei, a yukata restricts movement more easily.

On top of that, walking in wooden sandals isn’t easy.

If you walk around like that for hours, of course you’d get tired.

“You should rest properly. I was planning to head back tomorrow afternoon, but…”

“Looking back, it all went by in a flash. Your family was really kind to me, so I was able to relax.”

“You can just say Tansui was noisy, you know?”

“I think lively is nice. It made me wonder if having a little sister would feel like this… though, reality isn’t always that simple.”

I know that Shirafuji doesn’t have a good relationship with her family.

So if this time gave her even a little peace, then I’m glad I brought her along.

“Summer vacation is almost over. It felt long and short at the same time.”

“It started with us living together, then you caught a cold and I took care of you. We went to the pool with the two of them, then I joined your trip home and your family treated me well. I wore a yukata, went to a festival, and watched fireworks… Looking back, this summer vacation was really fulfilling. It’s the first time I’ve had such a great summer break.”

“Same here. Before, I didn’t really have many chances to interact with people. Maybe I’ve grown a little?”

“I’d say so. You even managed to reconcile with her, at least somewhat. That’s probably part of it too.”

“…You don’t have to dislike her, though.”

“The fact that you made peace with her and my own feelings toward her are separate issues. I’m just balancing out the part where you’re too soft on her. Though, I doubt I’ll ever talk to her again.”

The only time Shirafuji would ever run into Nishijo is if she comes along when I visit home.

Even so, I don’t think she needs to dislike her just to compensate for how forgiving I am.

“But… summer vacation is really ending, huh? Even though it’s still so hot.”

“More like, it still feels like the peak of summer.”

“Seasons have been getting too extreme lately. I love autumn, but it’s so short it barely even feels like it exists.”

Shirafuji mutters, then lets out a small yawn.

She must be exhausted after walking around in this heat at the festival.

“I’m already sleepy. I’d like to at least rinse off my sweat before bed, but…”

“You’re just gonna have to tough it out.”

“But if you joined me in the bath and washed me, that would solve everything, wouldn’t it?”

“That would cause a whole other problem, so no thanks.”

“That’s a shame. If we bathed together, we’d save time too. And honestly, I don’t think I’ll be able to stay awake until you get out of the bath today.”

“You don’t have to wait for me. Just go to sleep.”

“That would be lonely.”

I wish she wouldn’t say that so casually.

But, well, how sleepy she is depends on her.

“Then at least sleep with me.”

“That would be a disaster if anyone saw.”

“I’m just worried. People tend to feel emotionally unstable at times like this, don’t they?”

Her blue eyes gaze directly into mine.

“…Well, if that’s the case, I guess I wouldn’t mind.”

“You should just accept it outright.”

“It’s embarrassing, okay? Cut me some slack.”

“I don’t see how embarrassment has anything to do with emotional scars.”

“From a guy’s perspective, it’s kind of… you know.”

“From a girl’s perspective, it’s actually a pretty good opportunity, so it’s fine.”

Shirafuji, adding that it’s rare to see me this weak, must have seen right through the emotions I was trying to cover up.

Of course, after meeting and talking with the person behind my trauma, my mental state is bound to be drained.

I appreciate that Shirafuji is trying to help me in her own way, but…

“…Actually, let’s not.”

“That’s so cold. Then at least crouch down for a second.”

“What for?”

“Just do it.”

Following Shirafuji’s silent gesture, I lower myself.

Then, she reaches out and gently strokes my head, her touch soft and affectionate.

Feeling a little ticklish, I glance up at her to understand her intent, and she simply smiles.

“I’m not a dog, you know.”

“You don’t have to be a dog for me to pet you. Besides, doesn’t being patted by someone make you feel calmer? Like you’re being accepted?”

“…Well, I guess.”

“Then go ahead and let yourself be spoiled.”

“I think I already do that enough.”

―――

But I think it looks like a dog.