Hakuto had already said more than enough, yet Eriri remained the same.
If this had been just an ordinary conversation, Hakuto could have simply walked away, maintaining his usual aloof demeanor.
But…
"Sister Sayuri… You've really given me a tough one this time…" Hakuto muttered under his breath.
The most important thing right now was to get Eriri back on her feet.
There was no way Hakuto would actually follow Sayuri's suggestion and keep stringing Eriri along.
That was something he just couldn't do—at least not now.
Because of this, Hakuto found himself treading carefully.
He couldn't afford to speak too harshly. If he were being honest, he could just spill the truth about the contract, and that would settle things immediately.
But doing so would likely cause conflict between Sayuri and Eriri.
Besides, Sayuri was his boss, and he had no say in matters like these.
After much contemplation, Hakuto decided that things couldn't stay this stagnant. It was time to stir up some waves.
"Eriri… Can I ask you a question?"
"Hmm…?"
"For the past two years, you've always given me the impression of being perfect."
"A perfect rich young lady, a perfect untouchable beauty. So, you… you shouldn't be like this…"
For some reason, though his words were clearly meant as praise, the more Eriri listened, the more her heart clenched. Even her breathing grew erratic again.
"The Eriri I know, or rather, the persona you've shown me, has always been like that…" Hakuto still had his usual smile, but in the next moment, his expression darkened.
A bad premonition surged through Eriri, and her body began to tremble uncontrollably.
"Then, Eriri, could you explain something to me… about the name Kashiwagi Eri?"
At that moment, silence engulfed the room. Eriri couldn't hear anything, not even the sound of her own heartbeat.
"Kashiwagi Eri… Kashiwagi Eri…" She murmured the name, unable to comprehend how Hakuto had learned about it.
This name, which she had desperately tried to avoid, was now being placed before her once more.
"Kashiwagi Eri… That's your pen name, isn't it, Eriri? You've kept it from me for two years."
"Was it my mom who told you…?"
"Does it matter?"
Eriri no longer cared about how Hakuto had found out. Right now, all she could do was grasp his hand tightly, refusing to let go.
"Listen to me… I didn't mean to hide it. I was just afraid that if you knew, you'd distance yourself from me like everyone else…"
"Do you really think I'm that kind of person, Eriri?" Hakuto pulled the hair tie from his hair, letting his long locks fall over his shoulders.
"Or do you think that your coldness and impatience toward me back then would hurt me less than simply revealing your pen name?"
Eriri said nothing, merely gripping Hakuto's hand even tighter.
"I told you before—you don't owe me anything. And in those two years, you never had feelings for me, not even for a second… right?"
"I heard the name from Kasumigaoka-senpai. That was when I found out you liked drawing 18+ manga…"
"You were afraid that knowing this would make me distance myself from you, weren't you?"
Eriri didn't speak, only burying her head against her chest and nodding slightly.
"But did you know, Eriri? Since that day, I started learning about otaku culture."
"I studied different illustration techniques—not that I can match you, but at the very least, I can handle basic coloring and line work."
With a sigh, Hakuto continued.
"Did you ever wonder why I gave you those badges and figures? I was genuinely trying my best to embrace your interests."
"When I found out you drew 18+ content, it didn't bother me at all."
"Instead, I started learning things that I would never personally use, just so I could help you in some way."
As Hakuto spoke, Eriri lowered her head further, nearly collapsing to her knees before him.
"I'm sorry…"
Hakuto paid no mind to her apology and went on.
"And yet, after all this time, Eriri, you never once showed me your true self."
"Though, I suppose… I wasn't much different either."
As he spoke, Hakuto reached out, attempting to pry her fingers off his hand.
But no matter how hard he tried, Eriri refused to let go.
"Eriri… For those two years, in your heart, I can't even be compared to Kasumigaoka-senpai, someone you bickered with daily."
"No… That's not true…"
"Forget it. Say whatever you want."
Hakuto had already concluded that what Eriri was feeling right now was either guilt or possessiveness.
Love?
If she did have feelings for him, they probably only emerged in the past few days.
Hakuto couldn't help but complain inwardly.
Come on, Sayuri-sis. Give it a few more days, and this would've resolved itself…
"Eriri… Can you let go of me now? I think I've made myself very clear."
"No… Hakuto, I like you… I really do…"
"I know…"
Even as she confessed, Eriri refused to release her grip, leaving Hakuto at a loss for words.
"Hakuto… We can go back to how things were, right? We can, can't we…?"
Hearing Eriri's words, Hakuto didn't even know what kind of expression to make.
Perhaps, over those two years, he had been too kind to her, leading her to a misunderstanding deep in her heart.
Hakuto had already said everything he could. If she kept pushing, he'd have to resort to a standard rejection line.
"The way you are now, Eriri, is not what I like. Stand up. I'll be waiting for you ahead."
Seriously, this whole situation could've been resolved with a single sentence. Why had he wasted so much effort?
This was exactly the kind of thing Hakuto was good at—it was practically his job.
But Hakuto no longer wanted to be entangled with Eriri.
It would be better for all three of them this way.
Hakuto would have fewer troubles.
Eriri wouldn't spend all day sulking at home because of him.
And Sayuri, as her mother, could finally stop worrying.
___
Read 20 Advanced Chapters on p@ tr eon (.) com/HalflingFics
Also, please point out my mistakes in the comment, thank you!
Don't forget to leave a review too~
Check out the other translations too
___