Himegi-san a Bride from the Future Begs Me to Confess My Love to Her Again - Volume 2 Chapter 2.1

A Pool Date with the Princess 1

Golden Week had begun.

We were at an amusement facility on the outskirts of town called Crown World.

This was my first time visiting Crown World.

I still vividly remember asking my parents to take me when it first opened, only to be turned down because ‘it would be crowded.’

In the end, I never went after that, but I really want to tell that version of Hakuba Ouji who cried in frustration back then:

——Five years later, you’ll be playing at the heated swimming pool with the girl you like.

Crown World was celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, and it seemed that they were hosting a grand event, attracting many visitors.

And here I was, glaring at Takashi Harukawa in the changing room.

“Don’t glare at me like that.”

“As expected of the ace of the soccer team, huh…”

His physique wasn’t like that of a bodybuilder, but there was not a trace of unnecessary fat on him.

His body was one that would likely be popular with women.

I couldn’t help but feel envious.

I wish I had such an ideal body type.

I stared at my own body in the mirror provided in the changing room. Pathetically slender…

“Ah——”

In the end, we gave up on a date for just the two of us and came here with an oddball couple along with Harune-chan, making us a group of five.

I would’ve loved to come alone with Himegi-san, but this time, a part of me felt relieved that we weren’t alone.

Then, Kanako’s boyfriend stared intently at a part of my body and said,

“So you really are a guy…”

Damn it, I won’t forgive him!

I’ve decided not to forgive anyone who makes fun of my name or appearance, no matter who they are.

So, I stared right back at his crotch as if to return the favor.

Phew, I win…

I gently patted his shoulders and said,

“Don’t worry about it!”

With a triumphant look on my face, I encouraged him.

“Ugh!”

After changing, I took the disheartened Takashi Harukawa out of the changing room.

Then, showers that would refresh our bodies welcomed us.

“Ah——! Unlike the ones at school, this is warm water!”

“True, the temperature is just right and it feels good.”

After cleaning ourselves up, we decided to wait near the entrance for Himegi-san and the others to come out.

We wouldn’t miss each other if we stayed here.

“It’s been since the opening that I last came here.”

Natsumi-san had said something similar to Takakyun as well.

“…I heard you met Natsumi Onē-chan. “

His sudden words caught me off guard.

“Yeah, I met her…”

“I see.”

Takashi Harukawa is Touka Himegi’s childhood friend.

So, it’s easy to imagine that he would also be close to her sister, Natsumi-san.

Naturally, I thought he would know more about Natsumi-san’s illness than I do.

His somber expression seemed to confirm this.

“To be honest, there are times when I wonder if it’s okay to be playing around like this.”

Although there’s no need to compare, I have no doubt he’s feeling even more regretful about the situation than I am.

“But I’ve decided to act as usual, even if it’s hard. I think that’s what Natsumi Onee-chan would want.”

“I see.”

I don’t think his perspective is wrong.

If I were in his position, I would probably make the same choice.

“Thank you.”

“Yes?”

I was surprised by his words. To think he would thank me…

“Thank you for meeting Natsumi Onee-chan and for putting up with the unreasonable demands of my whimsical childhood friend.”

It seems that Takashi Harukawa has a good grasp of the situation.

“If someone else were Touka’s boyfriend, I think I would have forced them to break up. I’m really glad that my rather foolish childhood friend ended up with you, Ouji-kun.”

He may be speaking harshly, but his expression was incredibly calm.

One way or another, just as I consider Kanako important, his soft expression conveyed that Touka Himegi is also an irreplaceable and important friend to him.

“I apologize for asking this of you, Ouji-kun, but I’d like you to indulge my high-maintenance princess’s silly requests until the end.”

I nodded slightly at his earnest words.

“Thank you.”

And with that, he deeply bowed his head to me.

Himegi-san has a great childhood friend.

I decided to consult him about something that’s been bothering me as he lifted his head.

“Hey, Takakyun, can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Himegi-san apparently chose me for three reasons. The first is that Natsumi-san likes me, and the second seems to be that she thought I wouldn’t refuse. But she didn’t tell me the third reason. Do you have any idea what it might be?”

Although Himegi-san corrected it for two reasons, I believe there are three. Why did she close her mouth about the third reason?

“I see. I think Touka was hesitant to say that.”

“Hesitant?”

“Maybe she felt bad about putting you through all this.”

“So you’re saying she want me to do something for her?”

“Yes, as much as it pains me to admit, I can’t do it. But you might be able to.”

“Something only I can do?”

“Yeah. Meeting you made both Touka and Harune-chan a bit better. Thanks to you, they’ve started to smile a little more.”

” ….. “

“Even the old lady and that gruff old man seemed more lively after meeting you.”

“I don’t think that’s because of me.”

“No, it’s definitely because of you. Ouji-kun, do you understand why the Himegi family has become a little more lively?”

“…Sorry, I have no clue.”

I pondered for a moment, but no answer came to mind.

Seeing this, he tells me the answer with a refreshing smile.

“——It’s because you resemble Natsumi Onee-chan.”

“I resemble Natsumi-san?”

“You’re impulsive, careless, bad with money, and you love playing pranks on people. You’re just like Natsumi Onee-chan.”

I don’t know if Natsumi-san is a careless person who’s bad with money, but sadly, all the words Takaki-kun just said apply to me.

“Isn’t this where you’re supposed to compliment me?”

“Seeing you perform magic so earnestly at Harune-chan’s recent birthday party reminded me of how Natsumi-nee-chan used to be when she was cheerful.”

“Hey-hey, is this your way of giving me straightforward praise?”

“I heard from Kanako why you continue doing magic.”

“…Ah, that chatterbox…”

“Natsumi Onee-chan is a person who loves making others smile. She’s the type who would put herself last just to make someone who’s sad feel better. Aren’t you the same?”

What’s with that? Are you sure you’ve got it right?

“Ouji-kun, like I said before, let’s have as much fun as we can today. I’ll assist Kanako and Harune-chan to the fullest, and you’ll do the same for Touka.”

And with that, he firmly grabs my right shoulder, swaying me from side to side, and starts singing a cheer song I’ve never heard before.

“Hey-hey, stop it! I really hate this athletic club vibe! What’s this cheer song anyway?”

“Of course, it’s the Nankai Hawks’ cheer song!”

“Why baseball??? Aren’t you in the soccer club?”

“Hahahaha! You lose if you care!”

“…Oh, come on!”

I grab his shoulder, and we start singing the cheer song together without a care for who’s watching.

I thought he was a wonderful guy for being able to play the fool.

Even when things were tough, the man beside me never lost his smile, and I genuinely respected Takashi for that.

But would this also someday be just a page of our youth?

Either way, his words saved me.

Overthinking doesn’t suit me.

For now, I should enjoy what’s right in front of me.

And I should also face Himegi-san properly.

Even if we’re a fake couple, I’m Himegi-san’s boyfriend now——