Hayato stood by the counter, leaning against it, lost in thought. His eyes drifted toward the back, where Sayu had gone to grab his jacket.
'So… how do you even ask someone to be your girlfriend?' he wondered, shifting his weight. 'I've only ever been on the receiving end—never actually tried it myself. Just walk up and say it? No, that sounds weird. Maybe start casual… then ease into it. But she won't take me seriously if I just—Ugh, now I sound like a lunatic, asking someone out just for my own benefit...'
Ding.
The sound came from behind the counter, waking Hayato from his inner monologue.
His eyes flicked toward Sayu's phone, lying on the corner by the register. The screen lit up, revealing a message banner.
[Sakura University]: Notice: Tuition balance due in 2 months…
He blinked, tilting his head slightly. 'Tuition?'
Before he could think further, Sayu appeared, her ponytail swaying lightly each time she turned.
"Sorry for the wait."
"No need."
"Here." She handed him his jacket; he took it. "Thanks again." she replied and was on her way to return.
Hayato straightened. "Actually… can I talk to you for a second?"
She raised a brow, glancing around the café. Most customers were already sipping their drinks or typing away at laptops, no one waiting at the counter.
"…Sure. But let's sit, I can take a few minutes."
They walked over to a table, and Sayu slid into the seat across from him. "So? What's up?"
"So..." he began nervously. "do you remember the girl you saw yesterday?"
Sayu took a moment before responding. "Hmm... yeah, the one at the hotel right? What about her?"
"Well the thing is..." He took a deep breath and then spilled everything: how his family had arranged the meeting, how he lied about having a girlfriend to get out of it, and now his parents wanted to meet the 'girlfriend' he'd invented.
Sayu laughed.
"Hehe… your life sounds like a drama. You could write a whole show about it," she joked. "But why tell me all this?"
Hayato swallowed, hesitating for a moment, and then he said it.. "Be my…"
His voice dropped too low. "Sorry, what was that?"
"Be my girlfriend."
Sayu blinked, her expression flat with disbelief. "…What?"
"I mean," he stummered. "I… I need one, and I thought—"
"You thought I'd just agree?" Her voice rose slightly, then she gave a short, awkward laugh. "Are you crazy?"
"I can explain—"
"No, you can't." She shook her head, standing up. "I've got work to do."
"Wait once, just listen to me! Look if you help me with this...I-I will.. " he tried to think of something to convince her with but nothing came. Just then as she was about to leave, something to his mind.
"Your Tuition!" he suddenly blurted.
Sayu paused, confused. "…What?"
"Y-Your tuition you need some money don't you?"
"How did you—?"
"Well, your phone lit up with a message, and I—"
"Did you just—?"
"No!" He cut her off. "You left it on there when you left and it light up suddenly and I-well anyway, if you could just help me with this problem I will help you."
Sayu looked at him, expression unreadable..
"Look, all you have to do is act like my girlfriend. Say you're my girlfriend. And in return, I'll help you with anything...Ehm?" He waited for answer.
She turned away, muttering under her breath, "…Unbelievable…"
Hayato stayed seated, calling after her calmly, "If you change your mind, text me."
She didn't answer.
* * * * *
Later that evening, Sayu sat at her desk, the glow from her laptop lighting the small room. Her essay document blinked with a half-finished sentence when her phone rang.
[Mom]: Incoming Call
She picked up. "Hey, Mom."
"Hey, Sayu..."
They talked briefly greeting each other and asking about how the other is doing for a while, until...
"Hey, mom..." Sayu began. "about the—"
"Sayu, about the tuition… I'm still looking into some things. Your uncle hasn't gotten back to me yet. Just hang in there, okay?"
"Mm. I understand," Sayu replied, though her chest felt a little tighter.
After they hung up, she leaned back in her chair. Her mind wandered—back to the café, to Hayato's words, to the quick flash of determination in his eyes.
"…Is he really serious?" she murmured.
She let out a bitter laugh, sharp and disbelieving.
"He must be out of his mind…How could anyone just ask someone to be their fake girlfriend like it was nothing?'"
But then reality slammed back in as her gaze landed on the school notice glaring at her from her phone.
'I still got around 2 more months... can I really gather enough until then..?' she thought.
Then a certain conversation flowed into her mind.
______________________________
"Your Tuition!"
"..what?"
"Y-Your tuition you need some money don't you?"
_______
"Look, all you have to do is act like my girlfriend. Say you're my girlfriend. And in return, I'll help you with it...Ehm?"
______________________________
She ran a hand through her hair, frustration boiling over. Her face fell onto her arm as she stared at the message screen.
"Ugh, I can't believe I'm even considering this…"
But…
Her fingers trembled slightly, hovering over her phone.
[To: Hayato] Let's meet.
She hit send before she could change her mind.