I Just Want a Single Ending [148]

Just as she was about to continue persuading him to stay for more movies, Soyo suddenly realized something. Pausing, she quickly switched to an apologetic tone:

"I'm so sorry. I forgot how busy you've been all day. Asking you to stay longer like this is really too much."

After all, she'd been asleep in bed most of the day and was far from tired. Meanwhile, he'd been braving the storm to get her a birthday cake and present, even cooking a whole feast. Asking him to watch more movies with her now… she could see how selfish that might sound.

"It's fine. You don't have to apologize over something like this; I'm really not all that tired," Saku assured her, clearly focused on her wellbeing. "I just thought it might be better if you avoided staying up too late."

With the system adding so much stamina and his ability to recover it so quickly, there was no way he'd be worn out by just a day of helping her.

"Alright then," Soyo relented, though she didn't fully believe him.

Sure, he might claim he wasn't tired, but wasn't that just something people said when they didn't want you to worry? She saw no need to press him on it, so she simply pretended to accept his words.

"Besides, if you really want to watch more movies, we can continue tomorrow. It'll still be stormy, so we'll be stuck inside anyway."

Saku gestured towards the window, where rain continued pouring down.

"Good point."

With that, Soyo felt better. It was only Saturday after all—they still had another day together.

"Alright, let's not dwell on it. For now, let's just focus on the movie," Saku said, returning his attention to the screen.

Hearing that, Soyo quietly basked in the simple pleasure of his company.

The movie itself was a straightforward comedy—no tragic twists, no heavy emotions, just a series of lighthearted, ridiculous antics that left them both laughing.

Before they knew it, the movie had ended.

"That was pretty fun," Saku commented as the credits rolled.

"Yeah, it was," Soyo agreed.

Then, checking his watch, Saku noted the time and gently reminded her, "It's past eleven. Time to get some rest."

"I suppose you'll be heading home?" she asked, a bit reluctantly.

"Well, yeah. I can't exactly stay here, can I?" Saku replied with a laugh.

Their relationship hadn't exactly reached that level of closeness, and besides, his own apartment was just downstairs. There was no real reason for him to stay over.

Soyo didn't answer but gave a small nod.

"Oh, and if you don't mind, could I borrow your spare key tonight?" he asked. "Just in case you're too tired to let me in tomorrow."

Though he could technically use his ability to teleport, it'd be hard to explain to her how he'd managed to get inside.

"Of course," she agreed readily. "But my fever's mostly gone, so you really don't need to worry about me so much."

"Still, better safe than sorry," Saku said, sincerity clear in his voice. "I'd hate for anything to happen to you."

Soyo's gaze softened, and she nodded quietly.

He didn't want anything bad to happen to her… that must mean she mattered a lot to him, right?

"Alright then, I'll be going now. Goodnight."

Saku rose from his seat, bidding her farewell.

"See you tomorrow."

Soyo's reply came just as he stepped out.

Back in his own apartment, Saku flopped onto his sofa with a relaxed sigh.

"Alright, so maybe I'm not actually tired, but that was a long day."

Reflecting on everything he'd done, Saku could definitely feel a change in Soyo's attitude towards him—it was warmer, friendlier.

Effort well-spent, it seemed.

After a moment of self-congratulation, he took out his phone to check his messages, noticing one from earlier that he hadn't read.

During the movie, he hadn't wanted to be rude by checking his phone. Now, however, he opened it and saw a message from Ikuyo Kita.

Kita Ikuyo: Good evening, Saku-senpai! Do you have a moment? There's something I need to ask you about!

She needs a favor? Saku wondered, typing a quick reply.

[Sorry for the delay. I just saw your message. Is there something you needed help with?]

Why hadn't she just said what it was outright? he mused. That way, he'd know right away if it was something he could help with or not.

Only seconds later, the message showed as "read."

Whoa, she's still up at this hour? he thought. She really is a social media queen, huh?

As he was marveling at her quick response, her reply popped up.

Kita Ikuyo: Saku-senpai… could you pretend to be my boyfriend for a day?

Kita Ikuyo: Or, um, to put it another way, could you be my fake boyfriend just for one day?

Kita Ikuyo: I know it's sudden, but you're the only one I can ask!

[Sure]

[Sorry, I can't]

At the sight of the system options, Saku couldn't help but mutter, "Huh?"

Was this one of those classic galgame or rom-com tropes where the girl suddenly asks the guy to pose as her boyfriend?

He couldn't believe this was actually happening to him. And to think it was Kita asking!

Before choosing, he sent back a cautious reply.

Saku: Could you fill me in on the details?

After all, here he was, a self-proclaimed galgame pro, encountering a galgame scenario in real life. There was no way he could just rush into it without knowing more.

Kita Ikuyo: It's like this, senpai… remember the makeup you gave me?

Saku: Yeah, of course. You mentioned wanting to post about it.

But right after sending the message, he had a hunch of what might be going on.

Did posting about it cause her some trouble?

Kita Ikuyo: Exactly! After I posted on Instagram, a few of my old classmates saw and asked if the makeup was a gift from my boyfriend… you know, since it looked so fancy and all.

Kita Ikuyo: I didn't know how to explain, and… well, now they all just assume it's from my boyfriend.

---

T/N: ??? there's no need for thisss just explain properly ((stellaris HSR got bonked again :((, off to the hub the scribble one (will be reuploaded there this week will put in end of chapter when it has been))

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