Chapter 28

“Shall we go?”

“Eh—ah, yeah. Sure.”

I took Shin’s hand and started walking.

He looked like he wanted to ask what was going on with me, but this wasn’t something I could explain—so there was nothing I could do.

“…Haa.”

I let out a small sigh, quiet enough that Shin wouldn’t hear.

In stark contrast to how happy Shin was to be home, I couldn’t shake the heavy feeling in my chest.

Even though I’d ended up coming to Shin’s family home with him, honestly, all I felt was anxiety.

Shin seemed to think, naturally, that his parents would welcome me with open arms—but I couldn’t be that optimistic.

If I’m being completely honest… I didn’t really want to come on this trip at all.

When Shin first brought up going home, I even considered refusing and asking him to keep my existence a secret from his parents.

Even so, I’m here now for a very simple reason: it would be a huge problem if the brainwashing wore off halfway through his visit.

Brainwashing becomes more unstable when confronted with contradictions.

And here, in this town where Shin has so many memories, the risk of it unraveling is far greater than usual.

To prevent that, I had no choice but to come along and monitor things closely.

“…Haa.”

…This is terrifying.

The thought that Shin’s parents might not accept me… it’s a little painful.

And if they tell him to stay away from me…

That would be—really—bad.

“…Ugh…”

My stomach hurt. A sharp pain twisted through my gut.

If Shin saw me like this right now, I’m sure he’d wonder why I was so scared.

But that’s only because he’s still under the brainwashing.

From an outside perspective… I must seem incredibly suspicious.

To Shin’s parents, I’d look like some foreign-looking girl who suddenly appeared near their son.

Someone who moved in with him out of nowhere, doesn’t go to school, doesn’t work.

And on top of that, I’m not even his girlfriend—just a “close friend.”

Not to mention… the dress I’m wearing, the hat, the suitcase I’m carrying, and everything inside it… all of it was bought for me by Shin.

I may not be fully familiar with the values of this world, but even from TV dramas and such, I have a vague sense of how girls like me are usually portrayed.

Girls like me—aren’t they usually called something like… gold diggers?

Women who manipulate men into supporting their lifestyle and buying them things.

“…Haa.”

Even thinking about myself like that was painful, and I sighed again.

…Maybe I should have come up with a proper backstory.

…But even that…

At first, I thought about making up a believable story and acting the part.

Like saying I go to the same university as Shin. That alone would’ve made me seem far less suspicious.

Or maybe even claiming to be his girlfriend.

I used to be a guy, so I do feel resistance to actually being his girlfriend, but if it was just a lie, just a role, there wouldn’t be a problem.

I probably could’ve even linked arms with him and played the part if I had to.

…But in the end, I gave up on that idea.

The reason was walking right beside me—Shin.

I lifted my head and glanced sideways.

Shin was looking at me, his face full of concern.

“…"

Sure, maybe if I crafted a convincing backstory, I’d be accepted by his parents without trouble.

But the price of that would be forcing Shin to lie to them.

Not a small, harmless lie—but something big. A life-altering deception.

I couldn’t make him do that.

That’s why I abandoned the idea.

Besides, I didn’t want to make Shin lie for my sake.

I know he’s human too, and he’s probably told his share of lies.

But the idea of him lying because of me… for some reason, that really bothered me.

“…”

I forced a smile and looked at Shin, who still wore that worried expression.

And when he saw my smile, he smiled back with his usual easygoing face, as if relieved.

…Yeah. This is better.

Before I realized it, my feet had stopped moving. I started walking again, facing forward.

…Well, even if I did come up with a story, I might slip up eventually.

Maybe I’d get through this visit fine. Maybe even the next one.

But after that? And the one after that?

Keeping up a lie forever is nearly impossible—and if it ever falls apart, it could cause even bigger problems.

Even back in the other world, I’d seen small lies from subordinates spiral out of control and end in disaster.

I don’t even want to remember the mess that created.

…Yeah. That’s why this is the right choice.

I decided to go meet Shin’s parents just as I am.

“Yuu, we’re almost there.”

Just as I made up my mind, Shin pointed ahead and spoke.

There was a two-story house in the direction he pointed.

That must be his family’s home.

…Okay. Let’s do this.

I don’t know how things will go.

But I’ll give it everything I’ve got.

The house is right in front of me.

With that resolve in my heart, I stepped forward.

…But still, I really am nervous.

Even if I’ve made up my mind, fear is fear—it doesn’t just disappear.