The Charm of the Popular Beautiful Succubus in Class Doesn't Work on Me ~ For Some Reason, This Beauty Keeps Trying to Hold My Hand ~ - 29

Chapter 29: Does This Mean We’re Going to Be ‘Pretend Lovers’?

ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー

We had crossed the Hiroshima Electric Railway tracks, the train we normally used and walked to a quiet, deserted park. It was a small park nestled within a residential area, with nothing but a swing set and a bench. There, Sarashina swayed gently on the swing, while I sat on the metal railing that enclosed it. The swing she sat on creaked, letting out a clumsy, rhythmic squeak.

“Hey, Sarashina? I’m sorry for acting on my own… Don’t be so mad at me, okay?”

“…”

“I was just trying to protect you back then. I couldn’t think of any other way…”

“…”

She had been like this the whole time. She must be really upset because she had stayed completely silent the entire way. She was the one who invited me to walk home together, so I had prepared myself to receive a scolding from her, but now… I didn’t know what I should do. 

Feeling at a loss, I looked up at the sky. The sky was painted in warm hues of the setting sun. 

“I’m not mad…”

Sarashina stopped the swing and murmured that under her breath. 

“…Huh?”

“I’m not mad. After all, you were trying to save me and… Well, how do I say it… I was really happy. I’m actually so happy that I don’t know what to say….”

Those words were so unlike Sarashina. I instinctively turned to look at her, but her head was slightly lowered, preventing me from reading her expression. 

“Still, I’m sorry. I couldn’t think of any other way back then.”

“It’s okay. I’m actually grateful to you.”

She shook her head at my words. Her voice sounded soft and genuine.

“Come on, don’t say something that embarrassing so easily. That’s not like you, Sarashina.”

I said. Feeling the heat rise to my cheek, I quickly averted my gaze from her. Whether she noticed my reaction or not, Sarashina muttered softly in return. 

“Recently… I’ve been thinking. Maybe this is the ‘real’ me and that confident, brash and selfish version of me is the ‘fake’ me.”

“Now, now, don’t go romanticizing yourself. No matter what, you’re still the confident, brash and selfish Sarashina. It’s just, sometimes you’re more tame than usual. That’s all.”

At that, Sarashina raised her head and chuckled. That mischievous smile of hers… Yeah. That was the Sarashina I knew. 

“Hey, Michihito-kun… Does this mean we’re going to be ‘pretend lovers’?”

Sarashina looked up at me. Her eyes looked a bit wet. 

Pretend lovers, huh…

To be honest, I hadn’t thought that far yet. I was merely acting on pure instinct, fully focused on helping Sarashina. But after I had made such a bold declaration in class, I had no choice but to play the role of her boyfriend.  If I didn’t, who knew what kind of danger she might face again? At the very least, I needed to serve as a deterrent to those guys until the situation settled down. 

“I think that would be best, at least until things calm down. But only if you’re okay with it, Sarashina.”

“…I see.”

Without changing her expression, she blinked a few times and stared straight into my eyes. A brief silence ensued between us before she continued on. 

“It’s not that I’m against it, it’s just… I feel like I’m just causing you trouble, Michihito-kun. This is all my fault….”

“None of this is your fault, Sarashina. My name was written on the board too, so I’m just as guilty as you.”

“But still.. Haah… I feel like my heart is being crushed by all this.”

“I was the one who made that bold declaration in class. Let me take responsibility for it.”

“But…”

“Besides, everyone in class already sees me as a delinquent. I think I can serve as a pretty decent bodyguard. For once, this red hair of mine is actually useful.”

I let out a self-deprecating laugh at that. Sarashina, who had been looking at me with a hesitant look on her face, slowly rose from the swing. 

“Are you really sure I’m not being a burden?”

“Yeah.”

“Will you come to my rescue if something like today happens again?”

“Of course.”

“Will you really protect me?”

“Without a doubt.”

“You know there’s no turning back now, right?”

“I know.”

After hearing my words, she closed her eyes and let out a deep breath, as if she was trying to brace herself. A chilly breeze began to blow through the park, gently swaying her silky hair. Opening her eyes, she turned her perfectly composed face toward me.

“Then please go out with me.”

Our gazes met. Her translucent almond-shaped eyes were filled with hope.

“Yes. I’ll be in your care from now on as well.”

I straightened up and lowered my head in a small bow as a response.

Yeah… This is fine. We’re just a ‘pretend lover’, so… We don’t need words like “I love you.” Yes. Those words are not needed between Sarashina and me. If I can help her, even if it’s just for a little bit, then I…

“Also…”

I could hear Sarashina’s voice coming from above. 

“Michihito-kun, you were like a real prince today! You looked so cool!”

When I lift my head, I see her smiling brightly, bathed in the light of the setting sun.

A prince, huh? In that regard, right now you’re shining more brightly than any princess in the world. Goodness… You really need to tone down your cuteness a little. That smile… It’s a foul move, you know?

ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー