Himegi-san a Bride from the Future Begs Me to Confess My Love to Her Again - Volume 2 Chapter 1.7

Me, Princess’s Sister, and a Bunny Suit 7

After leaving the hospital room, we sat on a bench in a nearby park, feeling the cool air of the spring evening.

Neither of us could head home just yet.

I had to address the questions I’d been harboring.

“Thanks for the magic tricks.”

“I’m glad Anna-chan enjoyed them.”

“You’re really amazing. Despite being on her guard at first, she actually warmed up to you in the end. I’m a little envious.”

Just as Himegi-san said, by the time we left, the girl had opened up to me enough to ask, ‘Show me magic tricks again sometime.’

“… Himegi-san, I’m sorry.”

I bowed my head to Himegi-san.

“Huh? Why are you apologizing?”

“Today, after meeting Onē-san, I understood one thing. Why Himegi-san doesn’t date anyone.”

If a family member is going through a tough medical battle, you can’t possibly be lost in romance.

If my family were sick, I’d be reacting the same way as Himegi-san.

In such a situation, I selfishly confessed my feelings to her.

The more I think about it, the more I wish I could go back to that day and punch my thoughtless self.

“If it’s about the confession, you shouldn’t worry. After all, you didn’t know anything back then…”

“Thank you. Hearing you say that lightens my heart a little.”

“I also owe you an apology.”

“Is that about the current relationship between us?”

She nods slightly.

I see, Himegi-san’s confession at that time was…

“As you might have guessed, Ouji-kun, I had no intention of dating anyone until my sister got better. But now, I am dating you.”

“So, the reason we’re dating has something to do with your sister?”

“Today, after meeting with Nē-san, I think you understand that she doesn’t have much time left.”

With a trembling voice, she spoke about her sister’s condition.

” ….. “

I knew it, but I couldn’t easily accept the fact.

Despite all the laughter, to think she had so little time left…

There couldn’t be a more painful reality for Himegi-san, her family member.

“We’ve tried various treatments, but none have worked. The doctor has announced she won’t make it to the fall…”

Tears were brimming in Himegi-san’s eyes.

Seeing her grief-stricken expression, a sharp pain pierced my heart.

It must be incredibly difficult, knowing her beloved sister doesn’t have long to live.

I took a handkerchief from my pocket and gently handed it to her.

“…I’m sorry.”

“If it’s painful, you don’t have to talk about it.”

Himegi-san shook her head,

“It’s okay. I’ll be fine.”

And then she let out a sigh, staring intently at me.

“She said she wanted to see who I’d be dating before she dies…”

“So, you picked me?”

“…After watching the video of Harune’s birthday party, she took a liking to you.”

So, the reason we became a couple was for Natsumi Himegi…

Strangely, I didn’t feel angry about it.

Some people might scream, ‘Are you mocking me?’ but instead, I felt somewhat relieved.

Well, it would be a lie to say it’s not a bit sad…

“Is that the only reason I was chosen?”

I’m happy she liked me after watching the birthday party video, but if that’s the only reason, anyone could have sufficed.

“There are three reasons why I chose you. The first is that my sister liked you. The second is that I thought you wouldn’t say no. And the third is…”

“The third reason?”

“That…I’m sorry. There were only two reasons.”

“…I see.”

So that means Himegi-san isn’t dating me because she’s in love with me…

I knew it, but it’s still a bit disappointing.

No, the real disappointment will come later. What matters now is what to do next.

Do we continue to pretend to be a couple in front of her sister, or do we break off the relationship here?

I can understand Himegi-san wanting to minimize her sister’s regrets with the little time she has left.

The method may be incredibly clumsy, but it’s filled with love for her sister.

Honestly, even putting aside my romantic feelings for Himegi-san, I want to continue supporting her.

However, it’s also true that my sense of ethics is questioning whether this is really the right thing to do.

Is it truly correct to keep lying to someone with such a limited time left?

Either choice seems like it would leave a bad taste in my mouth…

Should I ask Touka-san, who knows the future, for the best answer?

No, that’s… probably wrong.

This is my life. Making decisions and taking responsibility for my chosen path has to come from me.

“To be honest, I wish you had consulted me sooner.”

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t bring myself to say it because I imagined you might reject me.”

“I won’t say no. After all, if I do, you’ll probably try to find another guy to play the boyfriend role, right? If it comes to that, I’d rather pretend to be a couple.”

Even if it’s fake, I don’t want any other man standing next to Himegi-san.

“But I wish you had been honest…”

“I’m sorry.”

With that, she bowed deeply, apologizing once again.

“Okay. We’ll be a couple for as long as your sister is alive. …Let’s go with that.”

I chose for us to move forward together.

I chose to pretend to be her lover.

Even knowing that it might not be the right thing to do——

“Are you sure? I’m asking something really terrible of you.”

“You chose me when you go down that hard road. That’s enough for me.”

“…Thank you.”

“No problem.”

And so, we decided to part ways on the spot.

Himegi-san gets into the luxury car she had been waiting in.

“Shall I give you a ride?”

Touka Himegi should be at home.

It’s probably not good for the two of them to bump into each other.

“No, I’ve decided to go home alone today.”

With that judgment, I declined her offer.

My words seemed to sadden her a little.

Maybe she thinks I’m angry and that’s why I’m refusing her offer?

“…I see. Ouji-kun, thank you so much.”

“Don’t worry about it, I’m really not mad. I just want to walk alone for a bit.”

“…Alright, Ouji-kun. See you tomorrow.”

She lightly raised her hand and said “goodbye” through the window of the car.

Normally, such a gesture from her would have sent me over the moon, but I wasn’t happy at all this time.

And with that, Himegi-san left the scene.

“Time to go home…”

Honestly, I was pretty down.

Even if I go home, there’s another Touka Himegi there.

Now that I know the Himegi family situation, how should I face her?