𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆 | 𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪 𝘬.

𝟏𝟏

The weekend passed in a blur of quiet family time, and before you knew it, Monday morning arrived, bringing with it the familiar rush of school. The sun was just beginning to rise as you hurried out the door, your school bag slung over your shoulder and a quick goodbye tossed to your parents. Your mind, however, was already drifting toward the day ahead.

You hadn’t seen Nanami since Friday afternoon, and though you knew you’d have to maintain the fake relationship in front of everyone today, part of you was starting to feel... conflicted. The routine was becoming oddly comfortable. Between Nanami’s tutoring sessions and the occasional moments where you had to act the part of his girlfriend, it was easy to forget that it was all just an act.

And then there was Gojo. Ever since he had moved in, his presence had been steadily growing in your life. Whether it was saving you from the robber or effortlessly charming your parents, Gojo seemed to have this uncanny ability to slip into your world without you even realizing it.

As you reached the school gates, you spotted Yui and Ayumi waiting for you by the entrance, both wearing wide grins that immediately had you on guard.

"Morning!" Yui chirped, pulling you into a hug. "Ready for another exciting week?"

Ayumi smirked, leaning in with a teasing glint in her eyes. "Exciting? More like interesting. I wonder what Nanami has planned for his fake girlfriend this week."

You rolled your eyes, though you couldn’t help but smile at their playful banter. "Very funny. Nothing’s changed since last week."

Yui pouted, linking her arm through yours as the three of you made your way toward the building. "Come on, it’s been almost six months now! Don’t tell me you’re not even a little bit interested in him? He’s spending so much time with you. And don’t forget the tutoring sessions!"

You shook your head, your thoughts drifting to the quiet, focused Nanami you’d come to know. "Nanami’s... not like that. He’s serious about the deal we made. And besides, it’s just tutoring. He’s helping me so I don’t fail another math exam."

Ayumi grinned, clearly enjoying the conversation. "Oh please, that’s what makes it so suspicious! It’s always the quiet ones."

"Suspicious or not," you said with a sigh, "I still have to keep up the act. And it’s not as easy as it looks."

Before Yui or Ayumi could respond, a familiar voice called out from behind you.

"Hey, isn’t that Nanami over there?"

You turned, your heart skipping a beat as you saw Nanami standing near the entrance, leaning casually against the wall with his arms crossed. His expression was as stoic as ever, but there was a subtle nod of acknowledgment when your eyes met his.

"Looks like your boyfriend is waiting for you," Ayumi teased, giving you a gentle nudge forward.

Yui giggled, whispering, "Good luck!"

With a resigned sigh, you made your way over to Nanami, trying to ignore the flutter of nerves in your stomach. This was all part of the deal, after all. You had to play the role, even if things were starting to feel a little more complicated than you’d anticipated.

"Morning," you greeted him, keeping your tone neutral as you stopped in front of him.

"Good morning," Nanami replied, his voice low and calm as always. He pushed off the wall, falling into step beside you as the two of you made your way into the building.

The hallway was already bustling with students, and as you walked together, you could feel the familiar stares and whispers following you. Even after six months, it seemed like people still hadn’t gotten used to the idea of you and Nanami being together.