Fake Boyfriend

"That concludes the homeroom session."

Chabashira finished speaking and left the classroom, and I began packing my things to head back to the dormitory. Just as I was walking down the hallway—

"Hikigaya-kun, could I have a moment of your time?"

Ichinose called out to me with an expression of seriousness I had never seen before. She, who was always wearing a smile, looked unusually grave at this moment.

"What is it? Picking this specific time to find me, is this about the violence incident?"

If that were the case, please let me refuse. While it is true that I have been helped by Ichinose before, I have no intention of helping Sudo.

However, my guess was off the mark.

"No, it's not that. Actually... there's something I wanted to discuss with you. Is now a good time?"

"I don't really have any plans..."

"Then, could you come with me?"

After Ichinose said this, she started walking, and I had no choice but to follow. We eventually arrived at a secluded spot behind the gymnasium.

"So? What do you want to talk about by bringing me to a place like this? You aren't planning on mugging me, are you?"

After all, the area behind the gymnasium is a classic spot for confessions and extortion.

"N-no, not at all! Actually, I wanted to ask a favor of Hikigaya-kun... um... could you pretend to be my boyfriend?"

"I refuse."

I answered immediately and decisively. To be honest, this request instantly brought back terrible memories from my middle school days, making me feel irritated. However, since Ichinose didn't know about my past, I wouldn't take my anger out on her.

Ichinose was clearly stunned by my reaction, and just as she was about to start explaining, I cut her off:

"Sorry, I have no interest in getting involved in other people's romantic entanglements. I've suffered enough for that in the past."

If I were to agree to be Ichinose's fake boyfriend, it would definitely lead to a disaster far more troublesome than any minor inconvenience. I had already had enough of that kind of experience back in middle school.

Ichinose seemed to realize from my attitude that there was no room for negotiation, so she lowered her head and apologized.

"I see... I'm sorry for making such an unreasonable request."

"Don't worry about it."

Since she had already apologized, I wouldn't press the issue further.

"You must have received a love letter or a confession to be asking for a fake boyfriend, right?"

Otherwise, there would be no need for one. Unless it was for some couple-exclusive discount event, but even then, there would be no need to come to a place like this.

"Yes, I did receive a love letter."

As she spoke, Ichinose pulled out a letter decorated with cute stationery. Although I didn't peek at the contents out of respect, the style of the paper didn't look like something a boy would use.

"I thought so. If you wanted a fake boyfriend, wouldn't it be more appropriate to ask someone from Class B?"

"But the person who sent the letter... is a student from Class B."

I see, so that means...

"You think that instead of rejecting them directly and making them feel embarrassed, it would be better to pretend you have a boyfriend so they give up?"

"Yes... I'm really not good at handling romantic issues. I don't know how to reject them without hurting them, while still maintaining our friendship..."

"Don't be so naive!" I raised my voice without realizing it. Ichinose widened her eyes in surprise at my words.

"When the person being confessed to says 'I can't go out with you,' the other person is already destined to be hurt. Even if I were to play along as your boyfriend, given your personality, you would definitely feel guilty afterward. Do you really think you could interact normally after that?"

"That's..."

While I understood Ichinose's kind nature, this would absolutely lead to an awkward situation. Worse yet, if the fake boyfriend ruse were exposed, your relationship with that person would inevitably shatter. For Ichinose, who is desperate to avoid hurting others, this would likely be the outcome she fears most.

"Here is a piece of advice: involving a third party in romantic matters only makes things more complicated."

This reminded me of my experience during the school trip. At the time, Hayama, the Service Club, and I shouldn't have gotten involved in the first place. If no one had interfered, Tobe would have been rejected, but that would have been the natural conclusion.

That incident caused me a lot of trouble. If I agreed to play the boyfriend this time, not only would I be in trouble, but both Ichinose and the person who confessed could end up in a difficult spot. This is a matter that Ichinose needs to resolve herself.

"...You're right. I'm sorry, I was thinking about this the wrong way. Hikigaya-kun, you can head back now."

Ichinose bowed her head solemnly to apologize. It seems she finally understood. I breathed a sigh of relief; after all, as friends who get along reasonably well, I really didn't want to see Ichinose worn out by romantic troubles.

"That's good. I'm heading off."

With that, I turned and left the area behind the gymnasium, heading toward the main school building. Just then, a short-haired girl with a tense expression walked toward me. Could it be... is this the person who was going to confess to Ichinose?

As I wondered, the girl spotted me and immediately shot me a look filled with hostility. I guessed right; this person is the one who sent the letter to Ichinose. Although Ichinose said it was a classmate, most of the girls in Class B are hostile toward me, and this one is ninety-nine percent likely to be the one.

Since there was no real loss, I ignored her glare and walked right past her. I really wasn't in the mood to wander around today, so I decided to just head back to the dorms.

I changed direction toward the student dormitory instead of heading to the shopping district.

When I returned to my room, it was empty. Although it was only four o'clock, Hiyori wouldn't be back for another hour.

(I'll take a short nap.)

Even though I didn't blame Ichinose, having my biggest dark history from middle school suddenly resurface was exhausting. Just like Hiyori said, this school doesn't have those acquaintances from Sobu High, so I should take this opportunity to get some rest.

As soon as I lay on the bed, sleepiness washed over me. I gave up resisting and closed my eyes.

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"Mmm... ngh..."

"Oh, Hikigaya is awake. Can we start the fire now?"

"Sure~ Shiina-san, please help prepare the drinks."

"Understood. Sakanayanagi-san, please sit and rest."

"Thank you for your concern. Masumi-san, go and help out."

"Got it."

The moment I opened my eyes, I heard a chorus of voices. Looking around, I found Hashimoto and Sakanayanagi standing by the table in the center of the room where a hot pot was set up, while Hiyori, Ichinose, and Kamuro were in the kitchen.

What is going on? What on earth is happening?

As I sat there filled with confusion, Hiyori walked toward me carrying some drinks.

"Are you awake? It will be ready soon, so please sit and wait."

"...Oh. But why are there so many people here?"

It wasn't strange for Hiyori to be here, as we practically lived together. Sakanayanagi also had a spare key, and Kamuro was likely dragged here by her.

But the presence of Hashimoto and Ichinose was completely unexpected. Although they had visited my room before, having all five of them gathered here caught me off guard.

It was Sakanayanagi who answered my question.

"Masumi and I were shopping at the mall when we ran into Shiina, who was out buying ingredients, so we decided to join forces. Later, while we were shopping, we bumped into Hashimoto-kun, and we all decided to come to Hikigaya-kun's place. When we arrived at your door, we found Ichinose-san already waiting outside."

I see. So it was a series of coincidences that led to this. What an astonishing turn of events.

As I marveled at the situation, Ichinose and Kamuro walked over from the kitchen, and Ichinose raised her hand to signal me.

"Ah, Hikigaya-kun. Sorry to intrude. Thank you for what you did earlier."

"I didn't do much. I just said what needed to be said."

"But those words were exactly what I needed to wake up. She said she would act like nothing happened starting tomorrow."

"...That will probably be difficult."

After all, expecting someone who was just rejected to act like nothing happened the next day is a tall order.

"Perhaps. It might be selfish, but I just want to keep things the way they were."

That is normal for a human being, so I couldn't say much. Besides, the decision rests with Ichinose herself, and I have no intention of overstepping.

"What are you two talking about?"

Hashimoto asked with interest, and Sakanayanagi and the others turned their attention toward us as well.

"Ah, actually..."

Ichinose gave a brief introduction and recounted what happened today. Naturally, she omitted the name of the person she confessed to.

After hearing the story, Sakanayanagi nodded and said, "A wise choice. When love involves a third party, there are always despicable people who will stir up trouble." She glanced at me, clearly referring to Dokugami. When I saw the news that he had been arrested by the police, I almost laughed out loud.

"Can we discuss the details while we eat?" No sooner had Hashimoto finished speaking than my stomach let out a loud growl. It seemed I had been starving in my sleep.

"Fine... Let's dig in."

"Let's eat!"

Everyone said it in unison and began the meal. Although people from classes A, B, C, and D were all present, I hoped this meal would end peacefully.

I thought that would be the case, but...

"Hachiman-kun, say ah--"

"Ah-- thanks, Hiyori."

"Hikigaya-kun, say ah--"

"Ah-- delicious."

"Haha... you guys are so close."

"Hikigaya, say ah--"

"Hey, Hashimoto! Why are you joining in on this!"

"Sorry, sorry. Kamuro, don't you want to try?"

"No way!"

"Huh? Are these maid outfits? And there are three of them?"

"These belong to Masumi, Shiina, and me. Hikigaya-kun loves maid outfits, so we wear them occasionally. Would you like to try one, Ichinose-san?"

"Don't just drag Ichinose into this, you idiot!"

"Calling me an idiot is quite rude. I'm sure Ichinose-san would look great in one."

"Exactly! By the way, Kamuro, cast a spell on the hot pot—" "Shut up!"

"Hashimoto... are you looking to die..."

"A spell? What do you mean?"

"You don't need to know."

Although there were no conflicts between the classes, everyone kept bickering over trivial matters, nearly ending things on a sour note.

Good grief... I feel even more exhausted than I did before my nap...

Just like that, my day became even more tiring than it was before my afternoon nap. However, when Hiyori gave me a goodnight kiss before going to sleep, all my fatigue vanished in an instant.