Bluff 4
“Is it really okay?”
I ask once more for confirmation.
Helping Kuhouin Akira, doesn’t that go against the Neighbor Agreent?
——Clause 6: Neither party shall have a romantic partner until graduation
Despite this, why does Tenjō-sensei seem to condone it?
“It’s neither okay nor not okay. I didn’t hear anything about it.”
Tenjō-sensei’s smile seems sowhat fragile.
Because I see her every day, I notice the slight discomfort. She’s putting on a brave face, unable to maintain her cheerful teacher’s act.
Ah, she’s serious.
She’s really prepared to let handle this.
It seems the thoughts of horoom teacher Tenjō Reiyu and neighbor Tenjō Reiyu are different.
Is this what it ans to work as an adult in society, to clearly separate public and private life?
It’s difficult for , a student.
Difficult, but from the Golden Week experience, I’ve co to understand Tenjō Reiyu’s thinking.
She always goes all out for her students.
She’s the kind of compassionate woman who would bring up a breakup if it’s for my sake, even if she loves .
“Alright! I got it! If you want to take it on, there’s no way I can say no!”
It’s a kind of desperation. I can’t refuse because of my own weakness for love.
If the person I love wishes for it, I have no choice but to respond.
“Nishiki…”
Akira’s expression softens as if relieved.
“Yes, then let’s all work together as accomplices, including Reiyu-chan-Sensei!”
Mayuzumi-san energetically wraps up the discussion, and before I know it, I’ve accepted the role.
Sensei is soon called away by the swimming club mbers and returns to coaching practice.
Since our business is done, we also leave the pool early.
My steps are quick with irritation.
——If Kuhouin Akira has a boyfriend, the confessions from other male students will decrease.
It might be an effective strategy, but I never thought Sensei would approve it.
With that confusion trailing behind, I head ho.
Mayuzumi-san suddenly says she’s eting other friends and leaves midway.
On the way back from school to the station, it’s just Akira and .
The road we walk together every morning feels unusually long today.
I think about escaping to the usual convenience store under so pretext, but today it feels too unnatural. And so, the awkward silence persists, and we reach the station without conversation.
We live in the sa direction, so we share the sa platform.
The train that arrives is crowded with the rush-hour commute. We force our way into the packed car, and as more people board from behind, Akira and I end up pressed close together.
“Just bear with it for a while.”
Unable to move away, the train starts with us stuck together.
I let Akira stand by the door and try to keep so distance by bracing my arm.
“Nishiki, do you dislike ?”
“It’s not a matter of liking or disliking you, Akira.”
“But you’ve been quiet since earlier.”
“Being thrust into the role of boyfriend all of a sudden is a bit much.”
“It’s just an act. Just think of it that way. I will too.”
In the crowded train, we whisper so as not to bother others.
“I don’t have the courage for that.”
An act is about playing a role or a setting——in other words, performing a lie as if it’s real.
“Just behave as usual. If soone calls out to , I’ll just use Nishiki as an excuse to turn them down.”
“Is that all there is to it?”
I can’t shake the feeling that her estimation is too optimistic.
“Nishiki, I’d be troubled if you suddenly got too familiar with as if you’re my real boyfriend too. I’d probably punch you.”
“Don’t solve it with violence.”
I retort without thinking, and Akira smiles.
“You’re finally looking at .”
As the train hits a curve and we’re pushed by the crowd, I end up completely pressed against Akira.
“Ah.”
“Sorry.”
“It’s okay. It’s cramped, so don’t strain yourself, Nishiki.”
Akira is unusually docile.
In this closeness, I realize that Kuhouin Akira is smaller than I thought.
Her haughty attitude makes it hard to see, but she’s also a fragile girl, of course.
Seeing her face this close for the first ti, I notice she wears makeup that gives her a strong impression as if to hide her youthful and delicate features.
n are clueless about makeup, only seeing the superficial, and I’m painfully reminded of that.
If it cos down to it, I feel I must protect her.
That sensation arises within .
“…I have little experience with love, so I tend to be guarded.”
“ too.”
“Don’t do anything reckless.”
“But with you, Nishiki, I feel it’s okay.”
Akira’s response is more honest than usual.
I almost forget her usual sharp tongue, but Kuhouin Akira is a beautiful girl who gets confessions from many guys.
Any normal guy would probably be thrilled at the unexpected chance to play her boyfriend.
Maybe if I were to date a classmate girl, it would start awkwardly like this.
An ordinary love, a scene of youth. A love with no need to hide with an easy partner.
I can’t help but think it’s not so bad.
“If we get caught, it’s going to be incredibly troubleso.”
I reminded myself sternly of the harsh reality.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
“You’re as decisive as ever.”
“I don’t mind getting a bad reputation myself, but I’m sorry if it affects you, Nishiki.”
“Don’t start apologizing now.”
“But…”
“Let’s just make sure we don’t get caught and act confidently until the cultural festival is over.”
“Thank you, Nishiki.”
Now that we’ve co this far, it’s a matter of taking things as they co. All that’s left is to do our best in this over-the-top performance.
And when the ti is right, we can spread rumors that we’ve broken up.
Once the short third term ends after the winter break, we’ll be moving on to our senior year.
As exam students, we won’t have the luxury to talk about likes and dislikes anymore.
“Ah, this is where I get off. Um… from tomorrow on, I’m counting on you.”
“Let’s give it our all.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Looking forward to the challenges that await us?
Just how combative is this woman nad Kuhouin Akira?
Akira, who had gotten off at the station, waved at until the doors closed and she was out of sight.
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