Our Life That Begins with a Convenient Relationship - Chapter 16

After finishing work, I said “Good job today” to the manager and left the shop. I took a deep breath and exhaled. I felt the tiredness of the day leave my body just a little bit.

I looked to the side and saw Sakura standing by the entrance.

She had left a little earlier and was waiting under a streetlight. She looked so bright standing there that I stopped walking for a moment. But when she noticed me and smiled, I naturally started walking again.

“Good job today, Ms. Sakurai!”

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting. It took a little longer than expected.”

“It’s okay! I’m just happy we can go home together like this!”

Until now, it was normal for me to go home alone after work. Every time I walked the night path, I would tell myself I did a good job, and then go straight home or go shopping. I had lived like that for a long time.

That is why walking home side-by-side with someone feels fresh and a little ticklish in my chest. I’m sure she feels the same way.

The noise of the city and the sound of the train in the distance sound softer than usual. The night breeze cools my skin, and my body feels comfortable after work.

Even so, she is in a very good mood. Her cheeks are a little red, probably from the alcohol, but her voice is more cheerful than usual.

I didn’t know what she was like after leaving the shop, but maybe she is always like this when she drinks. …Well, the time she got completely wasted before was probably a rare exception.

“By the way, your things will arrive tomorrow morning, right?”

“Yes. I don’t have much, so I think I can finish unpacking quickly.”

As soon as I answered, she pumped her fist in the air.

“Then, let’s go look for furniture together in the afternoon!”

I almost stopped walking because of those words.

Her face was shining like a child’s. It was honest and clear, her smile felt a little too bright for me.

…I heard about it before, but it seems my room will be that empty room. Also, she is even buying me furniture. She is taking too much care of me.

I wondered if it was okay to be treated this well. On the other hand, when I saw her happy face, the words to refuse got stuck in my throat.

“Yes. And Sakura, just to be safe, can we check the contract one more time?”

“Yes, of course!”

She nodded with a big smile as if she had been waiting for me to ask. I slowed down my pace and we organized the rules for this “fake marriage” again.

—I will continue to work at the pub while living in her apartment. In exchange, I will do all the housework and pay for groceries instead of rent.

To be honest, the cost of food will definitely go up. However, I won’t have to pay for rent, electricity, or water. My savings, which used to be very small, will increase a lot.

On the other hand, she will work at her company as usual and support me financially.

Looking at it calmly, I feel a bit like a “leech.” No, I will keep my job and do the housework so maybe I won’t be treated like a leech.

And most importantly, we can avoid the pressure to get married from our parents. I don’t know what will happen the next time my parents call, but I hope they give up. Just having that possibility made my heart feel lighter.

However, the more I think about it, the more I feel like I am the only one gaining something. I get a place to live, she buys me furniture, and she is a stable office worker.

“…I wonder if this is really okay.”

“Eh? Did something happen?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

(…Since she wants this, maybe I should just accept her kindness.)

I told myself that and stole a glance at her face as we walked. Her cheeks, lit by the streetlights, were glowing softly. Even though I was used to seeing her, she looked different somehow.

But there is one thing. I have to draw a clear line here.

Now that I am living with her, if I leave things unclear, something will surely go wrong later. No matter how calm or comfortable our relationship is, we are not in “that kind of relationship.”

“So, I want to add one condition to this life.”

I stopped walking under a streetlight and spoke. Sakura blinked and looked at me. She tilted her head, her neck looking soft in the light.

“A condition?”

“Yes.”

Choosing my words carefully, I looked at the road ahead. The red light of the traffic signal reflected on the asphalt, staining our feet red.

“If either of us gets a boyfriend or finds someone we like in the future, let’s end the contract then, okay?”

The moment I said it quietly, I felt my voice shake just a little.

My chest felt noisy. It wasn’t because of the cold wind or the silence of the night.

I have no plans to get a boyfriend, and I don’t think I can. But she is different. She is still young, has a future, and will have many chances to meet people.

(…I am just borrowing a part of her life.)

By thinking that, I tried to calm my shaking heart.

Actually, maybe I was a little scared. Especially because I know that an “end” will come someday.

I hope this peaceful life lasts a long time, but I don’t want to be in the way when she chooses someone else.

I was too embarrassed to say those feelings out loud.

Even so, after a short silence, Sakura nodded with a serious face.

“Yes, that is fine. I look forward to living with you!”

She held out her hand, and it looked slightly red under the streetlights. I was a bit confused but took her hand.

The moment our palms touched, I felt a soft warmth in my fingertips.

“Yes, I look forward to it too.”

The moment I said it, I felt something sink deep into my chest. It wasn’t quite anxiety or relief. I just knew for sure that I didn’t want to get in the way of her future.

Soon, a tall apartment building appeared in front of us. It was so tall it made my neck hurt just to look up. I wonder if I will get used to it.

From now on, that will be my… no, our room.

It was then.

A large truck drove by, making a loud engine noise right next to us. The sound was deafening, and I frowned and stopped.

That must be why.

“I already love you—”

The small whisper she let out did not reach my ears, even though she was right next to me. The only thing left in my ears was the sound of the truck’s engine.

“Hmm? Did you say something?”

“No, it’s nothing!”

She smiled and looked forward. That smile seemed to melt into the light of the streetlights.

…However, that smile on her face left a strong impression on me.

In the night air, it looked beautifully and painfully bright.