The Beautiful Girl Who Asked Me to Pretend to Be Her Boyfriend Didn’t Want to Break up With Me for Some Reason - Chapter 7

After facing some train trouble, I finally arrived at the shopping mall. I went to the bathroom for a moment, but when I went to find Shirafuji, I saw that she was already being bothered by two unfamiliar men.

It had only been a few minutes since we separated. I guess I had underestimated Shirafuji’s charm.

Since it’s a holiday and she’s out, it’s understandable that these men would target a beautiful girl standing alone.

…That said, it still annoys me.

“…What’s up with you two? Are you looking for something from my girlfriend?”

I spoke in a slightly lower voice from behind the two men. Startled, the two men who had been focused on Shirafuji jumped and turned around with awkward faces.

They seemed like university students. Their goal was obviously to flirt.

But Shirafuji wasn’t paying them any attention.

She quickly put away her phone, which she had been looking at, and walked past the two men.

“Well, finally here? I was getting tired of waiting,” she said, sounding slightly displeased, while linking her arm with mine as she settled beside me.

It was almost like she was showing them off.

She acted as though the two men didn’t even exist.

The two men were left dumbfounded. Of course, that’s what happens when you’re completely ignored. After a few seconds of awkward silence, they turned and quickly walked away.

I’m glad they backed off without causing any trouble.

I’d rather not have things escalate into a confrontation.

In that sense, I guess my face is helpful…probably.

“You’re pretty quick to notice things, huh?”

“Do I look like the kind of girl who would just follow random guys?”

“They probably just thought they’d try their luck because you’re cute.”

“I wish they’d realize that it’s just annoying when they approach me so easily.”

Shirafuji sighed and shrugged, looking exasperated.

It’s a luxury problem only someone who’s popular could have.

“That said…If you think I’m cute, you should tell me.”

“…I didn’t say it?”

“You said I looked good, but ‘cute’ is the first time today. I think a girlfriend can never be praised too much, so go ahead.”

“I’ll do my best,” I said, intertwining my fingers with hers, hoping to improve her mood. Her slender fingers played with mine, opening and closing rhythmically.

It was a strange sensation, both addictive, whether you were the one doing it or the one being done to.

Though, I have to admit, it might be a bit of a shame if I don’t get to see her face waiting for a compliment again.

I was reminded once more that crowded places are a source of trouble, but we came here to buy pajamas, so I followed Shirafuji into a store.

“A store just for pajamas, huh?”

“I’d say it’s more unusual to not have specialty stores. And here, I can even find something for Hakko.”

“…Am I buying something too?”

“Well, since it’s a special occasion, I thought it would be nice if we got matching ones…Is that okay?”

She looked up at me with her sky-blue eyes.

Her fingers, delicate like white fish, tugged at the sleeve of her outfit.

When she made that cute, pleading expression, I couldn’t really turn her down.

But before answering, I checked the contents of my wallet. I had just over ten thousand yen in it, which I had prepared in case of a rare outing. But would it be enough?

“…Get me something that’s not too expensive.”

“Right, if it’s too expensive, it feels like it’d be a waste to use it.”

Once we were on the same page, I followed Shirafuji to choose pajamas.

I had never bought clothes just for sleeping before. My loungewear consisted mostly of old jerseys from middle school, and even when I bought new clothes, I preferred comfortable things like sweatshirts.

For someone like me to buy matching pajamas with a girl…I bet my younger sister back at home wouldn’t have expected this.

“I think the most important thing about pajamas is comfort. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore the design. After all, we’re going to wear them in front of Hakko.”

“…I see.”

“You’re not reacting much. Are you more of a nightgown kind of guy?”

“No, I just can’t keep up. But…honestly, they all look the same to me. Can you pick for me? I trust your taste.”

“That’s fine, but you should at least pick the color.”

“Well then, black.”

“In that case, I’ll go with white.”

Shirafuji’s gaze wandered over the selection. Since it was a specialty store, there were plenty of options.

Most of the differences were in the patterns, materials, and shapes, but the basic design was similar.

“But, do men like a little bit of exposure?”

“…I don’t know why you’re asking me.”

“You don’t need to act like you don’t know. I know you were looking at my breasts when we sat facing each other the other day.”

“…Sorry.”

“I’m not angry. After all, I’m Hakko’s girlfriend.”

I thought she’d be upset or scold me, but it seems she had no intention of doing so.

I’ll admit, I’d reluctantly agree with the logic that it’s okay for a boyfriend to look.

…Though I’m technically not her real boyfriend.

“I’ll try not to look in the future.”

“Why’s that?”

“…Why are you angry?”

“Figure it out.”

Considering the previous conversation, my response should have been the best one, but Shirafuji glared at me coldly.

…Women’s hearts are impossible to understand.

I made a mental note to keep thinking about it and continued shopping with Shirafuji.

Though, for the most part, I just stood there and watched.

Still upset, Shirafuji picked up matching pajamas in the colors we’d chosen. Since she had picked out my clothes before, I knew the size would fit.

After making the decision, we paid and finished quickly. I had heard that women’s shopping takes a long time, but it was over surprisingly fast.

Carrying a bag in one hand, I walked out of the store. “We still have time, don’t we?” Shirafuji asked.

We were planning to stay overnight, so I wasn’t in a rush.

“Is there anything else you want to look at?”

“I thought it’d be nice to take a quick look at summer clothes. After all, I’ve got you to give me your opinion.”

“I hope I can give you a decent opinion. My vocabulary for compliments is poor, and I’m just not used to this.”

“If you were used to it, I’d be more worried.”

…That’s true, but why is her mood suddenly better?

―――

I want you to see it, please understand