Yuu 226-230

Title: This is a Lie

More or less, something like that.

Yukino handed the request entirely over to Yuu, and with no objections from Yuigahama, Yuu officially became Masuzu’s fake boyfriend.

“Even though they call it a fake boyfriend, in reality it just means walking home from school together.”

After leaving the Service Club, Masuzu strolled casually beside Yuu, gently stroking her shimmering silver hair as she said with a relaxed tone, “Don’t stress too much, and don’t get any weird ideas—just take it easy!”

“You don’t need to tell me. I’m way more experienced in this kind of thing than you are.”

Yuu remained far calmer than she had expected—there was no hint of excitement at having landed such a beautiful girlfriend.

This, of course, satisfied Masuzu immensely.

“That’s right, I forgot—you’re a professional.”

Masuzu nodded, then suddenly remembered something and asked, “By the way, are you still working as a paid boyfriend?”

“No. I just forgot to cancel my registration.”

The thought irritated Yuu, and he inwardly grumbled.

(System, hurry up and fix this mess!)

System: “Confirmed. Currently processing data for Rental Boyfriend…”

Hearing this, Yuu finally felt a bit relieved, deciding to double-check later.

(Hehe, after being betrayed for so long, I’d be crazy to still trust this system.)

“Then make sure to cancel it when you go home. Be careful not to let anyone else find out~”

Masuzu smiled cheerfully, extending her slender, pale hand and naturally hooking it through Yuu’s arm. “Even though I don’t have any leverage over you anymore, I still don’t want anyone else knowing about my boyfriend.”

“You care that much?” Yuu asked, skeptical.

Masuzu tilted her head, asking in an innocent, childish tone, “Hmm~ Isn’t it natural for a girlfriend to worry about her boyfriend?”

Yuu couldn’t help but laugh. “Even though you despise love so much, you slipped into the role pretty quickly.”

“Of course.” Her expression instantly shifted. Masuzu puffed out her chest proudly and declared with enthusiasm, “Only a lie performed wholeheartedly can truly be called a lie. Otherwise, it’s just a pathetic deception. A fake must know it’s fake—ambiguity doesn’t mean there’s still hope for love, does it?”

“So, Tenkuji-kun, from now on just call me Masuzu. And in return, I’ll start calling you by your first name too… Getting used to calling each other by name like this will keep lovey-dovey people from getting suspicious.”

She lifted her gaze and locked eyes with Yuu.

Though her movements were intimate and her voice sweet, there was no trace of shyness, affection, tenderness, or warmth in her blue eyes.

Only dark emotions, like scattered debris, masquerading as a warm, summery smile.

“Then from today onward, let’s get along well—until the day we part ways peacefully…”

“I love you, Yuu.”

[This is a lie.]

It was a cold confession of love, utterly mismatched with her cute and beautiful appearance. Deep down, she hated him.

Forget about falling in love—any ordinary man hearing these words might suffer cardiac arrest and tremble uncontrollably.

Seeing her like this, Yuu couldn’t help but feel sorry for his past self, who had mustered so much enthusiasm to confess just that morning.

Enjoying the dating process with her? Creating beautiful memories without regrets?

That was far too naive.

Even being a paid boyfriend wasn’t easy, and becoming someone’s fake boyfriend at school would inevitably bring far more complications.

Besides, this current girlfriend was a seasoned member of the “Go to Hell Club” someone who inexplicably despised love, constantly declaring youth to be a lie and love a crime—like a chronic chuunibyou sufferer.

To fill the emptiness in someone like her, to develop mutual affection like he had with his two previous targets, and successfully complete the mission… Wasn’t the difficulty simply too high?

Yuu sensed that the road ahead would be long and uncertain.

Yet, despite all that, he never once considered giving up—

This lie, Yuu would take seriously from the very beginning.

“Let’s forget that fake confession of love.” He smiled, took Masuzu’s hand, and spoke in a gentle tone with an obviously exaggerated expression, “Until this request is fulfilled, I look forward to your guidance, Masuzu.”

[Ding!]
[Congratulations, Host has received a reward: 5 yen.]

(5 yen???)

(Are you kidding me? Do you think I’m some kind of penniless god?!)

Yuu’s expression didn’t change, but he grumbled inwardly.

“Is that what you call professional flirting?”

Masuzu blinked, seemingly lost in thought, then said sincerely, “Wow, my eyes have been opened. The chills I’m feeling right now might even compare to the bread DIO once ate.”

“Do you want me to treat you like Jotaro?”

He snapped back into focus and stared at her. His smile instantly turned impatient and cold as he mimicked the voice of an invincible man.

“Shut up, smelly woman! Just follow me and don’t talk.”

“…”

Masuzu froze for a moment, then her face flushed red. She rubbed her nose—though no blood came out—and lowered her head, giving a thumbs-up.

“That’s actually pretty good!”

[Ding!]
[Congratulations, Host has received a reward: 500 yen.]
[Congratulations, Host has received a reward: Volume 1 of the manga JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. This item has been placed on your bookshelf.]

(Damn it…)

(System, don’t get influenced by her!)

(When I finally complete my mission one day, are you going to give me a Stand ability too?)

Yuu silently pressed his temple, feeling a headache coming on.

“…Masuzu, you’re a masochist and a hardcore JoJo fan!”

As if her weak spot had been hit, her eyebrows shot up. The silver-haired girl shot back sharply:

“Don’t you know? Being treated harshly and scolded by Jotaro is one of every woman’s dreams!”

“Don’t speak for all women in the world!”

“Well then? Sooner or later, everyone—men and women alike—will come to love JoJo. And in that JoJo-only world, isn’t it natural to communicate in JoJo language?”

“You’re clearly someone who never talks about her hobbies with others, yet you’re babbling like a maniac because you’re so excited…”

“JOJOJOJOJOJO——”

“Shut up… And stop groping me!”

“Oh? You’ve got quite a sturdy build. No wonder so many little girls like you~”

“Let’s break up. Right now.”

Their voices, sounding cheerful, intimate, and happy, echoed through the air—though no one could say how much sincerity lay beneath—before fading into the distance as they left the special building.

The evening sunlight at the school gate slowly enveloped the two figures until they gradually disappeared into the dusk.

-

Title: Precisely Because I Hate It, I Must Do It Better

In front of the station.

“I’ll walk you this far. After this, I’m heading to work.”

“Alright.”

Masuzu nodded, pulling a small black notebook from her pocket. She scribbled something inside before tucking it away again.

“I won’t go with you, even though I’m your girlfriend.”

Hearing that, Yuu asked, confused: “Our cover is only at school, right? We don’t need to extend it to private life?”

“Unlike you, I like doing things perfectly. I don’t want to leave even the smallest loophole.”

Masuzu raised one finger and said seriously, “Whenever we’re out in public—anywhere there’s a chance of running into others—we should maintain the awareness that we’re a couple, to avoid careless mistakes. I can’t threaten you anymore, but for the sake of this request, I hope you’ll keep that in mind.”

Yuu didn’t mind. “Fine. You’re more serious about this than I expected. Paying attention to details like this.”

Hearing that, Masuzu gave a faint smile, her tone laced with mockery:

“Precisely because I hate it, I must do it better.”

Yuu didn’t yet understand the true meaning behind those words.

Masuzu quickly composed her expression, gracefully waved, and turned halfway.

“Then I’ll be going. See you tomorrow, Yuu.”

“See you tomorrow, Masuzu… By the way, can we change that way of calling me?”

Pressing the corner of her lips, Masuzu tilted her head. “Why? I’m quite comfortable calling you that.”

“There’s a guy friend who calls me the same… Never mind, forget it.” Yuu sighed. “I’ll just have to try to keep him from showing up.”

Masuzu shrugged. “How weird~”

They bid each other farewell and exchanged contacts.

Masuzu then walked into the station, quickly blending into the crowd until she disappeared.

After glancing at his new chat contact, Yuu turned and headed toward Angel Coffee.

Ever since he’d trained the new staff to independence, he’d been visiting the café less and less. A while ago, because he had to accompany Asuna to a tutoring session, he’d even taken an indefinite leave—free to return whenever he pleased, far more liberated than the manager himself.

Besides, now he essentially only came to train new employees or help out casually. His responsibilities were minimal. The manager no longer saw him as an employee either, assuming he’d already quit, and welcomed him back anytime. If Yuu was willing to help, the manager wouldn’t skimp on pay, desserts, or anything else.

Before this summer vacation, Angel Coffee had almost been his second home.

Though his first thought upon receiving the system had been to free himself from part-time work, that didn’t mean Yuu would immediately abandon his past—whether it was painful, joyful, or regretful.

Some things, he always remembered clearly.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

In the late afternoon, the streetlights hadn’t turned on yet.

Only a few paper lanterns swayed gently, emitting a soft red glow, waiting for nightfall.

Yuu walked down the increasingly busy shopping street, turned at the intersection past the shoe store that had closed a year ago, greeted the yellow-and-black striped cat strolling lazily atop the half-height wall—only to be scornfully rebuffed with a haughty flick of its tail.

Yuu brushed the cat’s fur from his hand, washed his hands at the faucet in the corner of the wall, then pushed open the door and entered Angel Coffee.

As the clear chime of the bell rang, a sweet, childish voice followed.

“Welcome—haaa~ It’s Senpai.”

Her cheerful tone instantly dropped. The blonde girl lazily slumped over the wooden counter, her usually bright and mischievous eyes now lifeless, like a fish stranded on dry land.

“Your disappointment is way too obvious. Careful, I might give you trouble.” Yuu closed the door and glanced around the shop. “No customers today?”

“Not just today—it’s been like this for three days straight.”

Iroha sighed deeply, her soft, pale cheeks squishing against the table as she lamented, “I can already smell bankruptcy. What should we do, Senpai~? I really love this place. At this rate, we’re going under!”

“Don’t worry. The manager’s family is extremely wealthy. Whether this shop stays open or not depends on his mood, not the balance sheet.”

Yuu walked toward the back kitchen. He noticed the “In Use” sign hanging on the storage room door and immediately understood why Iroha dared to say such things.

Inside the storage room were the manager’s favorite coffee beans, stored in a soundproof container. While he was organizing them, he wouldn’t hear anything from outside unless someone knocked.

“Really? Thank goodness—he’s actually a reliable uncle after all!” Relieved, Iroha patted her budding chest and struggled to rise from her chair. “But being too relaxed isn’t good either, Senpai… Can I play on my phone?”

Yuu wasn’t fazed by her cutesy tone at all. He said firmly, “No. If you’re bored, just clean.”

“Tch, knew you’d say that… Stone-headed Senpai.”

Pouting, Iroha obediently picked up the cleaning supplies.

Meanwhile, Yuu went to the storage room to chat with the manager, then helped check inventory in the back kitchen before returning to the café counter.

Iroha was wiping a window that was already spotless, out of sheer boredom.

She stood on tiptoe, slightly bending forward. The black-and-white uniform skirt rode up, revealing more of her smooth, firm thighs. Her legs were tightly pressed together—no gap at all. If one looked higher, one could almost guess just how beautifully shaped the girl’s ribbon-adorned backside was, just by sight.

Yuu calmly averted his gaze.

Nothing special. Totally normal.

He wasn’t particularly interested in this cute-looking, cute-acting junior of his. More accurately, he preferred girls with bigger chests, mature, gentle… and also those he’d accidentally come to like.

Unless she wore fishnet stockings and a black garter belt, her panties wouldn’t even budge.

“Senpai, are you done?”

The girl’s voice suddenly broke in. Without thinking, Yuu replied, “Not yet… Wait, done with what?”

“Of course, done talking with the manager. What else?” Confused, Iroha stepped away from the window and approached, holding the cloth. “If you’re done, I have a shameless request—I hope Senpai will agree to it~”

Blinking her bright, dewy eyes, she set the cloth aside and twirled the soft ends of her hair.

Striking her cutest pose and expression, she blushed shyly.

Unfortunately, Yuu just stared at her with a completely blank expression—as if watching a man acting cute.

“If it’s a shameless request, don’t say it.”

“Cruel!”

Shocked, Iroha’s eyes widened. She collapsed weakly onto the counter like a deflated doll.

She sighed in resignation, then quickly bounced back up, planting her hands firmly on the table and leaning across the counter.

Her bright brown eyes locked seriously onto Yuu’s.

“Senpai, let’s end the joke here.”

“I’m not joking.”

“Go back to being the Senpai who fulfills every junior’s wish.”

“In which world line does that exist? I’ll go kill him.”

Iroha ignored it all. She remained firm, speaking bluntly: “Anyway, your cool look yesterday impressed me so much that some of my friends want to meet you. So, we’re going on a group blind date!”

“No.”

Her determination lasted less than a second. The pretty girl, a head shorter than him, immediately began tugging at his sleeve, whining, “Pleeease~ I’ve already given so much fanservice in this uniform. It’s just meeting a few cute girls—you won’t get eaten~”

Yuu sneered in disgust, glancing at her skirt. “What fanservice? Are you calling your safety shorts fanservice?”

Iroha instantly covered her backside with both hands, as if catching a pervert, though her cheeks flushed slightly. Still, she wore a proud, triumphant smile.

“Hehe—So you did look! Senpai, you’re a skirt-peeping pervert. Now you have to go on that group blind date with me!”

“You’re the one who showed it to me. What’s it got to do with me?” Yuu rolled his eyes mercilessly. After a moment’s thought, he raised both hands and said honestly, “To be honest, I already have a girlfriend. How could I go on a blind date with you?”

“What?! You already have a girlfriend??”

Hands still covering her backside, Iroha stared at him in shock, disbelief written all over her face.

“Wait… Did Senpai really start dating Yukinoshita-senpai? I thought that was just a rumor…”

His expression froze. Yuu’s cheek twitched.

“…Has this weird rumor already spread throughout the entire school?”

-

Title: A Lowly Junior Like You Still Has a Long Way to Go Before Becoming a Backup

“Not yet—at least not in the first year. I only know from hearsay. Otherwise, my friends wouldn’t have dared suggest wanting to meet you.”

Iroha bit her thumb, staring at the floor. Her small cheeks puffed up and deflated as she seemed lost in thought.

But quickly, she lifted her eyes and asked curiously, “So, Senpai, who’s your girlfriend? Don’t tell me… it’s that 2D wife everyone’s otaku friends keep talking about?”

Though her tone was innocent and cute, devoid of overt discrimination, such pure, unfiltered prejudice could cut even deeper.

“…Don’t look down on 2D relationships. What’s wrong with having a 2D wife? She doesn’t cry, doesn’t make noise, doesn’t whine—”

“Stop!”

Iroha cut him off, rudely stepping back two paces and staring at him with a strange, disgusted look.

“Senpai… you’re not actually…?”

Alright, this girl didn’t just have prejudice—she carried the typical disdain fashionable girls held toward otaku.

“No, I was just speaking on behalf of writers.” Yuu shook his head and stepped away from the counter. “Who it is? Maybe you’ll find out tomorrow. If there’s nothing else, I’ll head home first.”

Iroha shuffled closer lazily, small fingers tugging at the hem of his sleeve. She shook her head behind him and shouted without grace:

“Senpai, you could’ve just told me now! Why make me so curious~~ You’re truly worse than I thought, dangling a girl’s feelings like this!”

Even when she was annoying and yelling, the girl still looked adorable.

That was Iroha’s principle—she maximized her charm in every interaction. It wasn’t just limited to being a café worker; with her methods, she could probably gather a loyal following as student council president or build strong relationships with other clubs.

It wasn’t some abstract act or lie—it was simply her survival strategy.

Because of that, Yuu didn’t hate her, but he couldn’t say he particularly liked her either—

“Ah! Wait… Could it be Senpai is deliberately keeping me on a string to make me his backup option? I’m so sorry!”

“Even though Senpai is handsome, great at piano, skilled at everything, and honestly the ideal type for most girls—I don’t hate your type, but I can’t accept a playboy juggling two girls at once! I want my first love to be simple, so I’m sorry—don’t make me your backup!”

…Yeah, that was exactly why Yuu didn’t particularly like her.

Tilting his head at the tiny girl who released his sleeve and bowed deeply, Yuu was momentarily speechless.

For some reason, one word surfaced in his mind—Jikoen-Otome.

A girl who acts superior and pretends to be the main character.

But when she lifted her head and grinned mischievously, Yuu dismissed the thought and smiled back.

“A lowly junior like you still has a long way to go before becoming a backup.”

“Ah, Senpai is so mean—! I was just joking! Why did you reject me so seriously?”

She turned and waved. Yuu picked up his bag, preparing to leave the café.

“Tenkuji-kun, wait a moment.”

His mustached manager hurried out of the storage room, holding a store shopping money pouch, and said somewhat sheepishly, “If you have time now, could you help me go to the convenience store to buy a few things? I have a dinner meeting with a distributor later, and I need to stay here to receive the coffee bean delivery, so I can’t go…”

Yuu took the pouch and looked at him, puzzled. “Buying things isn’t a problem…”

“I’ll have Isshiki-kun accompany you. She can carry the items back, so you won’t need to make a round trip.” The mustached manager glanced at Iroha. “Is that alright, Isshiki-kun?”

“Sure, it’s not time to go home yet…” Iroha pouted, tilting her head in confusion. “But why not just send me alone? Why ask Senpai for help?”

“Because there are some specific brands I need to buy. If I write them down, I’m afraid Isshiki-kun might get confused. So, I figured Tenkuji-kun could teach her while they’re out.” The manager wiped sweat from his forehead and gave a bitter smile. “I completely forgot about this. Thank goodness Tenkuji-kun didn’t leave yet. Otherwise, during this busy season, Isshiki-kun’s burden would’ve gotten even heavier…”

“There you go, Senpai! Did you hear that?” Hearing this, Iroha immediately turned toward him. “Until I can replace the manager… or rather, become the strongest waitress in this shop, you can’t just leave! This is about responsibility!”

Yuu laughed. “Your true colors finally show. Besides, you just don’t want to take on more responsibility, right?”

If the sky falls, the tallest person bears the weight—and right now, besides the manager, he was the tallest.

Everyone knew Iroha had a lazy heart.

“Ehehe~” Acting cute, she lightly tapped her own head and cheerfully walked off toward the changing room.

“Then, Senpai, wait for me outside! I’ll come out after changing to accompany you on our date~”

Yuu’s lip twitched slightly. “I already have a girlfriend. Aren’t you being a bit…?”

Iroha widened her eyes in shock, covering her small mouth with her hand. “Oh, I forgot… What a shame. I can’t tease you as much as I want anymore.”

“I’ve never once felt teased by you.” Yuu shook his head resignedly.

The mustached manager watched them warmly from the side. After Iroha closed the changing room door, he smiled and said:

“You two get along so well, you’re like siblings.”

If only he hadn’t heard that Yuu already had a girlfriend, the manager’s wording might have been a little more ambiguous.

After all, ever since Iroha started working there, Yuu had sincerely taught her, and she had studied seriously. The manager had witnessed their relationship grow steadily from the beginning.

Though some people discouraged workplace romances, for a manager who ran the shop purely for enjoyment, the occasional romantic comedy unfolding in the café was the best possible thing.

Too bad…

“Maybe. Though my little sister is far cuter than her.”

Yuu’s expression didn’t change, his tone unwavering, as if stating a universal truth.

Not long after, the cheerful, pretty high school girl emerged from the changing room.

“Let’s go, Senpai! Let’s go shopping at the convenience store!”

“Why are you so excited?”

“Hehe, it’s like getting off work early~ How could anyone not be excited to get paid while going out for a walk?”

“Ehm, Isshiki-kun, I’m still right here…”

“…Ehem, I didn’t say anything just now.”

Under the mustached manager’s complicated gaze, the two stepped out of Angel Coffee one after the other and walked toward the nearest convenience store.

-

Title: My Junior Can’t Possibly Be This Cute

“Senpai, what does the manager want to buy?”

On the street, Iroha walked beside him with her hands behind her back.

“Some common ingredients, but the manager prefers brands from small factories and has special recipes based on subtle taste differences.” Having worked at the café for two or three years, Yuu naturally knew all about this. “Like lemon cakes, handmade cookies, and sponge cakes... Though he’s very confident in his blended coffee, in my opinion, desserts are actually the manager’s specialty.”

Iroha nodded in agreement. “That makes sense. No wonder I always feel our shop’s desserts are tastier than those sold outside... By the way, Senpai, can you make desserts?”

“A little, but I’m not skilled.”

“You’re that good at cooking, yet not skilled at desserts?”

“That’s why there are chefs and pastry chefs.” Seeing her surprised expression—as if she were silently saying, So you’re actually weak here?—Yuu tapped his forehead with his wallet. “Don’t just talk about me. Can you?”

Iroha, who had been about to complain while rubbing her forehead, quickly pretended nothing happened. She gazed at the distant sky and sighed.

“Tonight’s sunset is so beautiful...”

Yuu scoffed, walking past her as she stood there, not stopping his steps at all.

Iroha quickly caught up, her shoulder-length blonde hair fluttering under the evening light.

“Senpai, would you try learning to make desserts for your girlfriend?”

“Why ask such a thing?”

“Just curious.”

“I’d make her learn. We’d do it together.”

“...Uwaa, zero points. With such a straightforward personality, Senpai, you can only have a girlfriend thanks to your skills and looks, right?”

“You wouldn’t understand. From an idealistic standpoint, are there really any truly ‘straightforward’ men in the world? Or are we all actually straightforward men...?”

“I don’t wanna hear it, I don’t wanna hear it, I don’t wanna hear it~ I don’t wanna hear Senpai’s silly excuses~”

Iroha closed her eyes, covered her ears, and shook her head vigorously.

Yuu glanced at her. Seeing her ridiculous act, he couldn’t help but smile—feeling both resigned and happy.

As if sensing his gaze, Iroha secretly opened one eye. When their eyes met, she couldn’t hold back her laughter either.

She walked beside him, hopping like a small, lively, adorable rabbit.

They soon arrived at the convenience store. Yuu grabbed a shopping basket and began explaining one by one the brands of sugar, chocolate, peanut butter, and other ingredients to choose, following the list in his wallet.

Unlike her playful attitude earlier, Iroha listened seriously. She even took notes on her phone. After all the items were in the basket, she even took a photo—her attitude was extremely careful.

As they were about to pay, Iroha stopped him.

“Senpai, wait a second—I want to buy some desserts to eat on the way!”

Yuu thought for a moment, then picked up an empty shopping basket beside him. “Use this. Put in whatever you want to eat. Today, I’m treating.”

“Eh?! Really?” Iroha widened her clear, animal-like eyes, visibly surprised. “I never expected Senpai, who even refused a blind date with me, to be so generous... Ah, I know! The manager must’ve given you extra money for snacks, right?”

Her expression changed, proudly showing she’d guessed correctly.

“No, this is a gift for you.”

Yuu rolled his eyes, forcibly shoving the basket into her small, soft, cold hands. He spoke deliberately with a smug tone: “Considering how seriously you took your learning, I’m deeply pleased. Giving a small gift is nothing. Just accept it gracefully.”

“Ugh—“ Feeling looked down upon, Iroha narrowed her eyes, clearly annoyed. “You really said that? Iroha is a good girl who will seize every opportunity to make herself happier—if Senpai dares act this smug, I won’t hold back anymore!”

“Go ahead.” Yuu crossed his arms, casually leaning against the nearby snack rack. He pulled out his phone and said without looking up, “I’ll give you ten minutes. When you’re done, call me.”

“Just you wait!” Iroha glared at him angrily, her lovely legs immediately stepping forward as she dashed toward the dessert and ice cream section.

Late September—the season when short skirts and ice cream still hadn’t disappeared—was a time when girls’ spirits remained as hot as summer.

“School life like this is finally normal.” Yuu sighed, watching the girl run off.

Of course, during these ten minutes, Yuu wouldn’t just wait around like a fool.

He opened his chat with Masuzu and began composing their first conversation message.

Tenkuji: “A junior invited me to a blind date—meeting and chatting with several girls who want to get to know me. What do you think?”

Masuzu a.k.a. Go-to-love-hell: “First message is already cheating? You’re impressive, Yuu.”

Then she sent a screenshot of her contact list, where she’d changed his name to Cheating Bastard.

Tenkuji: “...If I intended to cheat, would I even ask you?”

Masuzu a.k.a. Go-to-love-hell: “If you didn’t intend to cheat, why didn’t you just refuse outright?”

Tenkuji: “You hate love so much, yet you understand its intricacies so well.”

Masuzu a.k.a. Go-to-love-hell: “Of course. Know yourself and know your enemy, and you’ll never lose.”

Tenkuji: “Anyway, I already refused and told her I have a girlfriend. I only asked you to make you feel appreciated. How about it? Happy?”

Masuzu a.k.a. Go-to-love-hell: “Hehe, excuse me.”

Masuzu a.k.a. Go-to-love-hell: “Back to the main topic. As my boyfriend, of course I won’t allow you to go to a blind date full of loose socializing—like not putting a Shiba dog into a pile of Poodles. This is a serious ethical issue!”

Tenkuji: “So many weird things here, I don’t even know which one to reply to.”

Masuzu a.k.a. Go-to-love-hell: “But since it sounds fun, I’ll allow it.”

Tenkuji: “???”

Masuzu a.k.a. Go-to-love-hell: “But there are conditions...”

Just as the ten minutes were nearly up and Iroha returned with a basket full of desserts, Yuu had finished talking to Masuzu. He ended the chat and put his phone away.

“How’s that! This is my skill... Senpai, why do you look so weird?”

“Just chatting with someone whose brain’s a little broken.” Yuu sighed, not intending to explain. Instead, he looked at the shopping basket overflowing with cakes, sweets, and Häagen-Dazs ice cream.

“Picked everything? Sure you can carry it?”

Iroha puffed out her slightly wavy chest and declared confidently, “For sweets, a girl can unleash one hundred percent of her strength!”

“Good then.” Yuu’s expression didn’t change. He took the basket and prepared to pay. “Later, you’ll have to carry two shopping bags. Hope you can make it home alone.”

“Eh?” Iroha blinked, her little devilish smile freezing on her face before she could even show it. She stared at his back, dazed.

“...S-Senpai! You weren’t just bluffing, were you?”

“When have I ever bluffed?” Yuu turned, looking at her with resignation. “Your trust in your Senpai is this low? Truly disappointing.”

Iroha looked slightly confused. “Eh? No, but... This was supposed to be the scene where Senpai boasts in front of his junior, only to have his plan cruelly exposed! Are you really going to pay for a basket worth tens of thousands of yen?!”

“I already said—take whatever you want, as long as you can carry it. I’ll treat you.”

With such a large sum of money, Yuu the generous spender raised an eyebrow, unconcerned. He turned and continued walking toward the counter.

Iroha kept muttering in place. “Ah, I know—this is a trick! You’re deliberately doing this to raise my feelings so I’ll like you. But sorry, even though I love money and want to marry a rich man, being treated like this doesn’t make me feel anything at all—“

Yuu didn’t look back. He was already in line.

Iroha’s chatter paused briefly.

“—Ugaaaaa, Senpai, wait for me! That doesn’t count, that one doesn’t count!”

Without finishing her sentence, she gave up and screamed while rushing after him, then snatched the shopping basket.

“Hey...”

“Wait a second!”

Without waiting for Yuu to ask, Iroha quickly walked back and dashed again to the dessert shelf.

Not long after, she returned with puffed, angry cheeks, hands behind her back, walking in front of Yuu.

“Senpai’s personality is truly awful! After knowing him for nearly a month, I finally understand completely!”

As she spoke, she placed the strawberry roll cake she’d been hiding behind her back into the shopping basket, setting it among the other ingredients.

Price including tax: 250 yen.

“What’s awful about it?”

Yuu glanced at her, unable to suppress a smile as he looked at her.

Iroha looked away, twisting the ends of her hair, stomping her feet in annoyance, deliberately complaining.

“This makes me look like a greedy, evil woman, right? Girls care about image! What if a handsome guy from Tokyo happens to walk by and sees that scene? He won’t know I was just joking!”

“Then I’ll help explain.” Yuu took out his wallet, patted her head, and laughed. “It’d be a shame if such a good junior got misunderstood by a handsome guy from Tokyo, right?”

“Exactly!” Iroha crossed her arms and nodded seriously.

She quickly laughed at herself, tucked her hair behind her ear, and looked back at Yuu, her eyes filled with helplessness.

“Seriously~ Senpai, don’t joke like this. Your family isn’t that rich.”

Yuu was surprised, finally realizing. “Did the manager tell you?”

“I overheard by accident while chatting. Besides, it’s been so quiet lately!” Iroha waved her hand, telling him not to mind. “Even though Senpai seems to have a side job lately, which is why you want to go out, treating unconditionally like this is too excessive! You could easily be tricked by an evil woman, you know?”

After saying that, she playfully winked, her long lashes fluttering, her small pink lips slightly pouting.

“Right, like me!”

Then Yuu burst into loud laughter.

“Hahahaha—You’re the one, Isshiki, don’t joke around.”

“...Oh, I see.”

Iroha stared at him with a flat expression, her eyes cold and sharp. She didn’t want to say anything more.

Unfortunately, Yuu didn’t care. He didn’t even attempt to comfort her.

The two stood quietly in line at the counter, the air heavy and frozen.

After paying, he handed the shopping bag to Iroha, still ignoring her pouting face.

“Be careful on your way. I’ll go home first.”

Not too heavy—the girl could carry it with one hand.

Iroha stayed silent for a moment, looking at the strawberry roll cake in the bag. Her small, rigid pride couldn’t hold up anymore. It melted instantly, turning into a helpless smile.

“Haaah—“ She let out a long sigh. “Senpai, must it be hard to be your girlfriend?”

Yuu shrugged. “You’ll have to ask her yourself. I don’t feel that way.”

“Hmph, so confident...”

The sunset painted the streets. In front of the convenience store, the blonde girl tilted her head and looked up at Yuu.

Pedestrians and cawing crows formed the background, as if they were separated in another world.

Even surrounded by deep orange-red hues, his facial lines, eye color, the curve of his lips...

Everything looked clearer in her eyes—brighter and deeper than before.

Her cheeks felt sun-warmed. Iroha squinted, tilted her head, and laughed from the bottom of her heart.

“Well, I’ll take that as a yes!”

“Thank you for the gift, Senpai!”

Her sweet, crisp voice, deliberately drawn out, made the already cute girl even cuter.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

“By the way, about that blind date...”

“Hm? Didn’t Senpai already refuse? Since you have a girlfriend.”

“The problem is here... My girlfriend said it’s fine. Even if all the participants are girls, it’s not an issue.”

“...Senpai, is your love life okay? I, your cute junior, am getting worried here?”

“I’m leaving. See you later.”

-

Title: A Professional Accomplice

Yuu walked Iroha back to the main road. Only after she suddenly turned at the corner and waved at him did he finally leave.

Before the golden ball of light was swallowed by the darkening sky, he had already arrived home. He went upstairs, placed his school bag in his room, and changed clothes.

When he opened the door to his locked room, Yuu couldn’t help but frown.

“This feeling…”

Someone had been inside?

He stood at the threshold, scanning the room, even sniffing the air.

...No different from when he’d left the house.

Even so, though his memory was far better than before, Yuu couldn’t recall the exact layout of his room in great detail. He’d never slipped hair or paper into the door gap to check if anyone had entered or left.

There was no evidence—only a vague sense that someone had been in his room. Like a warehouse long untouched suddenly catching a brief draft, the difference was so slight it was almost illusory. Yuu even suspected he was being overly sensitive.

“Sora, did you come into my room?”

He set down his bag. After changing, as he passed Sora’s room, he asked casually.

“Isn’t your room locked? Besides, why would I go into your room?”

A cold, melodious voice came from inside. Sora answered his question with another question.

“Then it’s nothing.” Since nothing was missing, Yuu dismissed the thought for now and headed downstairs. “Don’t forget to come out for dinner.”

“Okay~”

For some reason, his sister’s voice sounded like she was relieved.

After dinner, Yuu returned to his room. The first thing he did was turn on his computer and check the rental boyfriend website.

Though the data hadn’t been deleted, his personal profile page now showed a 404 error. His profile picture was gone too—no trace remained of him ever being a rental boyfriend.

Regarding this, Yuu nodded in satisfaction. He took the brand-new first volume of the JOJO manga from the bookshelf, flipping through its pages as he said:

“System, you’re actually useful after all. Keep it up. Maybe I won’t turn you into a human later, sparing you from experiencing the suffering and joy of human women.”

System: “...”

The system, now possessing basic intelligence, chose to skillfully remain silent in response to his rude remark.

After confirming the system had finally cleaned up the mess he’d made, and Kouichirou had informed him that Asuna was doing well—now not only playing games but even planning to join the kendo club—Yuu finally felt truly relieved.

Aside from Haruno’s wooden comb, the previous two missions should have ended perfectly, leaving no lingering issues.

As for Masuzu, Yuu could only take things step by step. Only after gradually getting to know her could he begin to understand what “filling the emptiness in her heart” truly meant, and then achieve the desired goal.

“Too bad. The essence of a fake boyfriend is completely different from a rental one...”

Thinking about this, Yuu couldn’t help but sigh.

Unlike Haruno, Masuzu, who hated love, might despise everything related to dating. She didn’t need Yuu to genuinely act like a boyfriend—she only needed him to convincingly perform the role in front of others. So even something like allowing his “girlfriend” to go on a blind date with other girls would be fine, since she’d find it amusing and might even hide nearby to watch.

A rental boyfriend offered warmth; a fake boyfriend concealed coldness. His past experiences might not be usable here, and even the approach to getting close to her was somewhat difficult.

“But... experience isn’t that important, right?”

After all, Yuu had once interacted with those girls instinctively. Falling in love had been natural. He’d never used dating methods or secrets, yet he was already highly skilled at improvisation and adaptation.

Even for the troublesome Masuzu, as long as Yuu continued interacting with her, he’d surely discover her weak, vulnerable side—then strike and conquer her heart—

Even if he didn’t truly want to date her, he could make her fall for him, unable to ever let go again.

...Haha, this dating-game-like way of thinking—if applied in real life, he’d definitely become a scumbag. That was completely unacceptable.

Yuu shook his head with a small laugh, stretched his body to relax, cleared his mind, and stopped thinking about such things.

Looking at the first volume of the JOJO manga—Phantom Blood—he suddenly felt curious and said to himself:

“If, before Araki-sensei finishes drawing part eight, I’ve already received all the JOJO manga volumes as rewards from the system and sent the final volume to him, would that alter the world’s timeline?”

And again, before the ending is revealed, I could tell all the JOJO fans what happens, confidently announce who dies, and watch their disbelieving expressions and suspicious reactions...

That must be it—just thinking about it already gets me excited!

Yuu didn’t want to be a scumbag, but occasionally playing the devil? He’d quite enjoy that.

If the chance truly came, his first target would be a high school girl JOJO fan—Natsukawa Masuzu.

“For some reason, I really want to see her devastated expression...”

In the quiet room, a small, slightly wicked laugh echoed.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Far away, in a luxurious apartment.

Masuzu couldn’t suppress a shiver, rubbing the goosebumps on her pale arms.

“Bad premonition... Could it be my fake boyfriend is planning something terrible using this identity?”

Thinking this, she pulled out her phone and sent a message.

Masuzu a.k.a. Go-to-love-hell: “Right now, in your mind, what position am I in?”

Yuu replied quickly, not making her wait by her phone.

Tenkuji: “One hand on your hip, one hand through your head, laughing like a madman.”

“Good.” Masuzu nodded in satisfaction and set down her phone.

Aside from her status as a fake girlfriend—and setting aside all factors related to love—she actually quite liked Yuu.

The reason was simple.

JOJO.

Anyone who had read and loved JOJO, and wasn’t just a fan who liked making jokes, was someone Masuzu didn’t dislike.

“Seems nice. Maybe we could be friends after this fake relationship ends.” She couldn’t help but smile happily.

But she also knew—it was just a passing lie, not to be taken seriously.

“Alright, time to prepare for tomorrow’s blind date~”

She stood up. In the quiet apartment, Masuzu hummed a tune and began rummaging through her closet.

As for how she’d act as a couple tomorrow, or whether others would suspect anything, she never worried.

—Because her accomplice was a professional-grade fake.