The Neighborhood High School Girl, Miss Isezaki, Is the Great Saintess Returned from Another World~ And I, Suddenly Awakened as Her Exclusive Mana Supply Uncle, Travel Between Earth and Another World with Time-Space Magic~ - 83. Proposal

83. Proposal

“I want you to go out with me. Um, with the intention of marriage.”

After that message, there were stamps of a male rabbit in a tuxedo and a female rabbit in a wedding dress, saying, “We’re getting married!”

…Huh, what’s this? Could it be that I’m being confessed to by Aihara?

But, it’s Aihara… I can’t quite tell if it’s a joke or serious. However, for now, it’s probably best to listen to him without teasing.

Once decided, it wouldn’t be right to leave it on LINE. Regardless of whether she’s at work or not, I immediately called Aihara.

Amidst several rings, Aihara finally answered on the eighth call.

“…. Hello?”

Aihara’s voice reached my ears. It was her usual voice. I could hear sounds of the engine, so she must be outside the office.

“Oh, Aihara? It’s me.”

“Yo, Senpai. …So, what’s your answer?”

“What do you mean, ‘What’s my answer’? Seriously, Aihara… Um, well, sorry, but I…”

“W-Wait a sec! Hold on, Senpai! Senpai, did you really take it that way!? Oh no, that’s not it at all! Please listen to me properly!”

I just interpreted her message as it was… But feeling somewhat relieved, I urged Aihara to continue.

“So, was I mistaken after all? Then what did you mean by that?”

“Yo, I’ll explain. …Um, well, you see. Actually, my family background is pretty wealthy. You could say we’re from a prestigious family? Well, our family is actually a branch off from the main line, so it’s not much different from an average household…”

“Oh, I see. Come to think of it, you always had good manners, especially during meals.”

People from high society, like Isezaki-san and the landlady, have a certain elegance even in the way they eat.

With Aihara, her behavior and appearance sometimes clashed, which made it even more noticeable.

“Wow, Senpai, did you really notice that? Senpai, do you like me too much? If that’s the case, and Senpai really wants it, I could go out with you…”

“You idiot. Enough with the jokes, just continue with your story.”

“Right-o. …So, here’s the thing. My grandpa on my mom’s side… That is, my Jiichan holds quite a high position in the main family. Recently, Jiichan’s health has been declining, and he’s been spending his days in a VIP hospital room all alone. Isn’t that pitiful? So, since I’ve been well taken care of by Jiichan, I’ve been visiting him a lot, you know?”

“Yeah, I see.”

Despite her carefree demeanor, she’s surprisingly responsible.

“Then one day in the hospital, Jiichan said to me, ‘Before I die, I want to see Rio’s child. If that’s not possible, then at least bring your boyfriend.’ When he said that, I felt like I had to fulfill Jiichan’s wish while he’s still alive, you know?”

“Ah… I see.”

“Exactly! That’s the gist of it! But making a boyfriend just for that is kinda sketchy, right? So, I want Senpai to pretend to be my boyfriend! What do you say? Could you do it!?”

“Ugh…”

Letting out a big sigh, I spoke to Aihara slowly and calmly.

“You know… If that’s the case, it doesn’t have to be me, right? I’m just a dull unemployed guy. Your grandpa would probably feel more reassured with a more presentable and handsome guy than me. If a cute girl like you asked someone out, most guys would probably say yes.”

“Huh? C-Cute…!? W-Wait, Senpai, stop with the unexpected comments, seriously! Wait a sec!”

Huh? What’s with this girl? Despite always calling herself cute. What’s she blushing for now, weirdo.

After a while, I heard Aihara’s voice again from my phone, seemingly calmer after taking a deep breath.
“Sure, sure… Sorry for the wait. Well, Senpai, let’s see… Yeah, I guess so. If a cute girl like me approaches, guys might easily say yes, right? But then if they misunderstand, it’ll be trouble for me. That kind of thing is tough. But in that regard, Senpai seems experienced, so I’m relieved.”

“You calling me experienced…”

Though I said that, it’s true that when it comes to romance, it’s become somewhat bothersome. Going on dates to places I don’t want to go just to please her, and having to keep in touch every day like it’s a quota. It’s started to feel exhausting, like I’m at work or something. I want to use my time for myself. I think just watching from afar is enough for me when it comes to romance.

Anyway, if a regular guy were in my shoes, they might take up Aihara’s invitation and try to get even closer. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. I don’t think so, but… Aihara got into a dangerous situation with a pickup artist the other day, and I can’t help but feel a strong sense of danger that she might get involved in trouble…

Hmm… I’m worried, that’s for sure—

“Alright, I got it. If that’s the case, I’ll do it. But meeting your grandpa multiple times is out of the question, okay? I’m also busy in my own unemployed way.”

Reluctantly agreeing, I heard Aihara’s cheerful voice through the phone.

“Thanks a bunch, Senpai! It’ll be fine! I think Grandpa will be satisfied just seeing your face once!”

“I see, got it. Then you decide on the date and time. I’ll go along with it.”

“As expected from you, Mr. Unemployed! Well then, Senpai, I’ll call you back later! See ya!”

With those words, the call abruptly ended. Ah, what a busybody…

Finally placing my phone on the table, I looked up at the ceiling. It seems I’m now tasked with playing the role of a gal’s boyfriend, following in the footsteps of the scumbag husband. Perhaps I’m currently being tested by the gods of theater.

Should I start saying things like “Chill” or “Totally rad”…? And so, while planning the performance of a gal guy, I took a sip of the now cold coffee.