Our Life That Begins with a Convenient Relationship - Chapter 21

The washing machine’s rotation slowed down, turning into the low hum it makes just before the spin cycle. As I was tidying up a pile of folded towels in the living room, a desperate voice suddenly came from behind me.

“M-my stomach…!”

I looked up and saw Sakura-san jumping up from the sofa, her face pale. Her hair fluttered as she hurried down the hallway, her slippers pitter-pattering against the floor.

She ran straight into the bathroom—click—and the door slammed shut.

…I knew it. Eating that much last night would lead to this.

She had been eating everything I put in front of her with an innocent smile, saying, “This is so delicious!” But I grew suspicious when she started rubbing her stomach several times during the meal. As expected, the burden finally hit her now. I probably should have stopped her from eating dessert after all that.

“I wonder if she’s okay.”

I whispered to myself and stopped folding towels.

I could hear her faint groaning from the bathroom. She was probably struggling, and while it was a little funny, I was also a bit worried. At the same time, I found myself thinking that a noisy morning like this wasn’t so bad.

However, that peaceful time did not last long.

The phone in my pocket vibrated. The moment I took it out and looked at the screen, I caught my breath.

It was a call from my mother.

“…Ah, it’s finally happening.”

Somewhere in my mind, I knew this was coming. She would probably say things like, “I want to introduce you to a nice person,” or “You’re at that age already.”

But this timing might actually be perfect. Because I am supposed to be “married” now. Of course, it is actually a fake marriage.

I let out a sigh and pressed the call button. My mother’s voice sounded exactly the same as always.

“Kyoko! I have to consider the schedule of the person I want to introduce to you, so send me your free days quickly!”

There it was, the usual routine. But today, I could be a little more confident. It was time to use my trump card.

“…Um, actually, I—”

I got married.

The moment I was about to say that, a chill ran down my spine.

I had received a similar call only a week ago. If I said “I got married” in such a short time, she would definitely be suspicious. Instead of convincing her, she would suspect I was just making things up again. She would ask too many questions, and it would turn into a nightmare interrogation.

I closed my mouth and reorganized the words in my head. I needed a way to say it that sounded more real and harder to see through.

“Actually… what? Say it quickly.”

“No, well, the thing is, I’m dating someone with the intention of getting married. So, a blind date is a bit…”

After a moment of silence, my mother’s voice sounded excited.

“Oh, really?! You should have said that sooner! So, what kind of person is it? I hope they are a proper person!”

Oh, she believed it quite easily. It was almost disappointing.

But since she was asking so many questions, a bad answer would reveal my lie. However, a lie is much stronger when you mix in a little bit of truth rather than making it up completely.

“Yeah. They are younger than me, but much more reliable. They work at a big company and earn a good living.”

This wasn’t a lie. Socially, she is definitely more successful than me. …However, I couldn’t say the most important part that the partner is a woman. That would definitely lead to trouble.

If she tells me to bring my partner home or let her talk to them, I’ll just say work is too busy for now.

“I see. Well, if you hurry, I might still be able to see my grandchild’s face.”

“…We are both busy with work, so at this age, it might not be that easy.”

Actually, since we are the same sex, it’s fundamentally impossible regardless of age.

I muttered that irony in my heart, but I covered it up with a fake laugh.

A small pain remained in my chest. It was a tiny bit of guilt for telling lies.

But, if the time ever comes to visit my parents’ house with her, I plan to tell them everything then. I might be cut off from my family, but if she stays by my side that will be enough.

…Wait, when did I start assuming a future where she is by my side forever?

“Then, make sure to contact me when you have a wedding! Since a chance like this is rare, make sure to capture their heart through their stomach! Do you understand?!”

“Yeah… I understand. Bye.”

The moment I hung up, all the strength left my body. I sank into the sofa and looked up at the ceiling.

“…God, I’m tired.”

It was only a few minutes on the phone, but it felt like I had used an hour’s worth of energy.

For now, the pressure to get married will probably stop. But I’m scared of the next call. She will definitely ask for more details next time. Maybe I should talk to Sakura-san and coordinate our story a little.

While feeling that anxiety and looking around the living room, the bathroom door opened with a click.

“Ugh… I think I ate too much yesterday.”

Sakura-san staggered out, looking like she had left half her soul behind. She held her stomach with her hand, and there were faint shadows under her eyes. The hem of her white shirt was a bit messy, and she still had bedhead.

Even so, for some reason—

I thought even she looked kind of nice like that.

“I thought so.”

I spoke to her with a wry smile. Then, strangely, the heavy feeling in my chest suddenly felt lighter.

The guilt from the call with my mother and the bad taste of the lies seemed to disappear somewhere far away just by seeing her face.

…It’s strange. I’ve listened to her complaints for years, but I only learned her name recently, and today is only our second day living together.

Despite that I’m already becoming unable to imagine a life without her.

And suddenly, I made a wish.

I hope she doesn’t get a boyfriend. I hope she doesn’t truly fall for someone else. I hope this strange relationship called a “fake marriage” continues like this forever, without breaking.

I know how selfish that wish is. But even so, my heart certainly wanted it.