62 - The more I think about it, the stronger my feelings become

RAW

Haruto is my number one boyfriend in the entire world!"

Ayaka declared boldly, her expression glowing with both embarrassment and joy, radiating a brilliance that could only be described as angelic.

Facing her beaming smile directly, Haruto's grandmother froze for a few seconds before turning to him with fervor.

"Haruto! What a wonderful girlfriend Ayaka is!"

"Y-Yeah, Grandma. Calm down, too much excitement isn't good for you."

"Just seeing Ayaka's lovely smile makes me feel 10 years younger!"

"Thank you so much," Ayaka replied, her delighted smile captivating the grandmother even further.

Haruto had never seen his grandmother in such a cheerful mood. She seemed utterly enamored with Ayaka and clapped her hands as if struck by inspiration.

"Say, Ayaka, would you like to see Haruto's childhood albums?"

"Yes! I absolutely would!"

Ayaka eagerly leaned forward, her enthusiasm spilling over as she nearly rose from her seat. Haruto, mortified, tried to protest.

"Grandma, please, don't say weird things."

"Why not? Little Haruto must have been absolutely adorable!"

"Alright, give me a moment to grab them," the grandmother said, ignoring Haruto completely.

"Yes, please!" Ayaka's face lit up with anticipation.

His grandmother left the room to fetch the albums, leaving Ayaka grinning ear-to-ear.

"Don't expect too much," Haruto muttered, scratching his head.

"Are you kidding? Mini Haruto? That's bound to be adorable!"

"I'm not a mascot, Ayaka."

"If they made Haruto mascots, I'd buy one!"

"Please don't," Haruto replied, his smile strained as he realized Ayaka might not entirely be joking.

Moments later, his grandmother returned with three thick albums. Ayaka, brimming with excitement, asked for permission to look through them and immediately began flipping through the pages.

"This one’s from Haruto's elementary school days," the grandmother pointed out.

"Wow! Little Haruto is so cute! Was this at a sports day?"

"Yes, that's him running as the anchor in a relay race," she said fondly.

Ayaka squealed with delight at each photo, praising Haruto’s childhood cuteness, while he cringed and quietly endured the barrage of "adorables."

The afternoon flew by as Ayaka and Haruto's grandmother bonded over the albums, their laughter echoing through the house. By the time they finished the third album, the setting sun cast the room in an amber glow.

"Look at the time!" his grandmother exclaimed.

"It’s already evening," Ayaka noted as she stood to leave.

“Thank you so much for today,” she said, bowing deeply. The grandmother waved warmly.

“Come back anytime, Ayaka.”

Walking side by side through the quiet streets, Haruto glanced at Ayaka.

“Thanks again for today. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Grandma so happy.”

“I’m glad she enjoyed it. After all, that’s what being a pretend girlfriend is for, right?”

“Right…” Haruto replied, his tone faltering slightly.

Though he was grateful for her help, Haruto couldn’t shake the guilt weighing on him. Every time he saw his grandmother’s joy and Ayaka’s earnest smile, the lie they shared felt heavier.

As they reached Ayaka’s house, she turned to him with a bright smile.

“You don’t have to walk me any further. Thank you for today, Haruto.”

“Take care,” he replied, waving as she disappeared around the corner. He stood there for a moment, lost in thought, before murmuring to himself.

“This… isn’t right, is it?”

Her warm smiles, his grandmother’s happiness—they all rested on a fabricated relationship. And yet, he couldn’t bring himself to end it. Her laughter and radiant joy were genuine, even if the premise of their connection wasn’t.

Haruto sighed deeply, his thoughts drifting to his friends’ words.

"No one plays pretend boyfriend unless they actually like someone."  

If Ayaka truly shared his feelings, was he not wasting precious time by staying silent? Yet the fear of rejection kept his feet firmly planted.

“…I’m such a coward,” he muttered bitterly, his voice fading into the evening stillness.