We are pretending....right? - Chapter 27- Do you like me?
“Mouuuuuuuu…”
“Even if you pout like that, there’s no way I would have told you my birthday out of nowhere, Sumire-san. And in the first place, we are not children to get excited about such a yearly occurrence. ”
“But I do get hyped up about my birthday and still like to cut a cake. So am I a child in your eyes now, Sou-kun? ”
…well, that was something I didn’t know about her.
Just the thought of Sumire-san wearing a birthday cap while cutting a cake with an excited expression made me feel like skipping months and getting directly to December 24th.
However, now I was put into a corner where Sumire-san was angry with me for not informing her about my birthday.
‘Seriously Dad…’ I sighed inwardly at how enthusiastic my father could be at times.
“Hah…now you are sighing which means you do see me as a child, right? A child who likes to throw tantrums I bet. ”
Not good.
Sumire-san was getting angrier by the second…however, even her enraged face was too adorable for me to get serious here.
The urge to take her pictures having such an expression was enticing enough that I found my hand already reaching into my pocket and subconsciously clicking a picture of her.
I swear it was an impulsive action of which I wasn’t in charge.
“Wha? Why did you take my picture now?! Do I look like a joke to you?!”
Sumire-san stepped even closer to me, pinning my back to the closed door of her room with her eyes drawn in my direction. I have barely seen her this angry yet at the same time so adorable.
Her small cheeks were slightly puffed and her gaze narrowed as she awaited my answer.
And in the end, I spoke the truth, “… Sumire-san looked cute so…I wasn’t able to help… ”
I rubbed the back of my head while I said those words since it was kind of embarrassing, not for me but it should have been for her.
I could admit how beautiful Sumire-san is, all day but it doesn’t mean Sumire-san was immune to hearing it all day.
And true to my words, her angered expression soon sobered up with her slightly reddened ear, now dyed crimson. As I thought, she was vulnerable to being praised in unnatural timing.
Or is it just me who could make her blush? That would be great though.
“A-Are you just trying to cover your mistake with that fake compliment? I didn’t know Sou-kun is the kind of guy who plays with a maiden’s heart. ”
Wah, now is it a tsundere? That ‘hmph’ at the end conveyed how she was just trying to escape being seen getting flushed.
Though I wanted to tease her more, I knew it wasn’t the time yet. This much development between the two of us was enough for now.
“Sumire-san. I apologize that I didn’t tell you before but tomorrow is my birthday so please come to the event my father has organized. I would love to see you there.”
Sumire-san returned her gaze to me before unfolding her arms from her chest before she spoke, ” I would definitely come. It’s my end of the deal to present myself as your g-girlfriend after all. ”
It was slightly painful to hear the word ‘deal’ since it keeps me reminding that our relationship as of now was fake. However, I need to take things slow.
At least Sumire-san does see me as a potential partner from what I have observed and that much is enough for now.
“Then, we should get going, no? ”
I turned to open the door. I might have rushed my movement slightly since our eyes were locked on each for longer than usual. It makes me want more from her and I could not afford to do anything rashly.
Better if I leave here…
“Sou-kun… ” I blinked in surprise feeling the small tug on my shirt which was being held by none other than the speaker.
I didn’t turn, just looked back at her wordlessly.
Sumire-san had her head held down for some reason. I wasn’t able to see her expression but it seems her mood had shifted.
“Sumi-”
“Do you like me Sou-kun?”
*Ba* *Dam*
The beat of my heart has never resonated so clearly in my ear just like it did now. There was no physical reaction from me yet internally I was thrown into a loop of turmoil.
‘…did I go overboard…’ For her to suspect my actions as a source of my attraction wouldn’t be surprising since sometimes I tend to do things that I later regret. And when it comes to Sumire-san then I always lose control.
‘Wait…but it could be that she… ‘ I wasn’t even taking into consideration that Sumire-san also likes me and wants to confirm whether this feeling was mutual. I know her enough to conclude that.
Rather what made me feel anxious was the thought of whether she wanted to end our fake relationship if I say yes here. It was quite possible since she had already presented the condition that we have to refrain from actually falling for each other.
This was that. I know it.
As such, even if I wanted to confess my love more than anything at this moment, I could only say, “… No. Why would you say that? ”
The tug on my sleeve lost its grip before Sumire-san shook her head, refraining herself from showing her expression at all.
“It’s nothing…see you tomorrow Sou-kun. ” With a smile, which undoubtedly was forced she spoke to me.
I wasn’t able to ask what was going on with her…I just couldn’t.
A side of mine felt that I did the right thing by denying her assumption but the other side wanted to tell her the truth and see whatever happens to our relationship from here on.
But in the end… I knew she wasn’t prepared nor was I.
‘I am such a coward… ‘Biting my lip I opened the door and without looking back, walked down the stairs.
***
A/N: – What would be her reaction to his response?
If you are eager to know then comment down.