Chapter 2 | My Cool Girlfriend Intends to Be My Wife in Reality Too

Several days had passed since I discovered that Rin was actually Mizuki-san. Before I realized it, Thursday had arrived. In two days, I’d be teaming up with Kurumizaka-san for an online gaming session, making us a trio.

“Oi, Ayanokoji. Cheer up, yeah?”

“Exactly. You should be grateful you got to hit the cafeteria with Mizuki-san even once.”

“…I’m not exactly moping, you know.”

It was a peaceful lunch break, the classroom buzzing with a warm, lively atmosphere. As usual, I was eating with Saito and Tachibana. I hadn’t spoken to Mizuki-san at school since that Monday. After our cafeteria outing, a small rumor had started swirling around school—probably made worse because Kurumizaka-san was there too. Given their idol status, it was probably best to avoid interacting with them in public from now on. In the end, we’d only shared that one lunch break.

“Itadakimasu… gulp… Gochisousama.”

I popped a boiled egg into my mouth and clasped my hands together. That was my lunch.

“As always… one boiled egg? That’s really enough for you?” Saito asked, eyeing me skeptically.

“Yeah, I’m used to it.”

“Getting used to it isn’t okay. A high school guy surviving on just one egg for lunch? That’s no good,” Saito pressed, his tone half-concerned, half-exasperated.

“He’s right, man. Don’t your parents give you money? Why not buy some actual food?” Tachibana chimed in.

“I’m saving up—for in-game purchases, obviously,” I said with a smirk.

“What a sleazy grin… That’s just stupid!” Tachibana groaned.

“Ayanokoji-kun seems sensible, but when it comes to online games, he’s practically inhuman, huh?” Saito said, shaking his head.

Tachibana nodded vigorously at Saito’s words. Rude jerks.

“By the way, Ayanokoji, why don’t you call Mizuki by her first name?” Saito asked out of nowhere.

“W-What’s that supposed to mean? As if I’d have the guts for that!”

“But Mizuki calls you Kazuto-kun, doesn’t she?”

“Well… yeah.”

Come to think of it, she’d been using my first name from the start. I’d chalked it up to her personality, but…

“For Mizuki to call a guy by his first name? That’s not normal,” Saito said, leaning forward.

“Is it?”

“Yeah. I heard this half a year ago, but some hotshot guy tried getting close to Mizuki and called her by her first name,” Tachibana added.

“Oh? And then?”

“She completely ignored him. Didn’t even glance his way.”

“…I can picture that.”

“But the guy, totally misreading the situation, thought she was just shy and casually hugged her from behind.”

“A-And then?”

“She threw him over her shoulder and slammed him onto the floor!”

“Tch, that’s intense…!”

From what I was hearing, the guy was clearly in the wrong. Calling her by her first name out of nowhere and hugging her from behind? That’s straight-up harassment.

“Luckily, the guy only got some bruises… but it proved Mizuki’s dislike for guys is no joke,” Tachibana continued.

“Dislike for guys? Sounds more like self-defense to me,” I muttered.

“And yet, that same Mizuki is calling you by your first name,” Tachibana said, his tone heavy with implication.

“…What’re you getting at?”

“C’mon, man, you know what I mean.”

Saito grinned, clearly enjoying this. “According to my calculations, there’s an 84% chance Mizuki-san is head over heels for Ayanokoji-kun!”

“H-Huh!? W-What’re you talking about!?” I shot out of my chair, my voice loud enough to draw every classmate’s stare.

My face burned. I quickly sat back down, mortified.

“Pfft! Ayanokoji-kun, you’re freaking out too much!” Tachibana laughed.

“It’s because you said something ridiculous! As if Mizuki-san would… be into someone like me…!”

“Nah, I think it’s actually pretty plausible,” Saito said calmly.

“No way. Mizuki-san and I are just online gaming friends. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“Really? I’ve been casually observing Mizuki-san lately, and she seems to have her eye on you, Ayanokoji-kun,” Tachibana said.

“Yeah, I’ve seen it too. No doubt about it,” Saito added.

“…N-No way, that’s absurd.”

The idea that the popular idol Mizuki Rinka could be in love with me, a self-proclaimed online gaming addict? Unbelievable.

“What if we’re right, though?” Tachibana pressed.

“You’re lying! I was starting to get my hopes up!”

“No, I’m serious,” Saito said, unfazed.

“What’s that supposed to mean…?”

Damn it. Saito was totally playing me. I took a deep breath to steady myself.

“If you’re so skeptical, why don’t you try calling Mizuki by her first name?” Saito suggested.

“…If she ignores me or throws me, I’ll never recover.”

“Yo, Saito. What’s the chance Ayanokoji’s first-name challenge succeeds?” Tachibana asked.

“According to my calculations, about 70%.”

“That’s a scary enough percentage to make me hesitate. And it’s lower than the chance she’s into him,” I muttered. Saito’s calculations were, as always, incomprehensible.

“Hey, are you Ayanokoji Kazuto-kun?”

“Huh—?”

I turned toward the voice. A girl I didn’t recognize stood there, her blue ribbon marking her as a second-year like me, though not from my class.

“Mind coming with me for a bit?”

“Oi, oi…! Ayanokoji’s getting his popular phase…!” Tachibana exclaimed, dramatically clutching his chest.

“Nah, it’s not like that. I’ve got a boyfriend, anyway,” the girl said, brushing off Tachibana’s theatrics.

“I don’t mind, but can you tell me what this is about?”

“I can’t say it too loudly, but Nana-chan’s calling for you.”

“Kurumizaka-san?”

What could she want? Either way, I couldn’t just ignore Kurumizaka-san.

“Alright, let’s go.”

“Got it.”

As I followed the girl, Tachibana and Saito stared, jaws practically on the floor.

“N-No way, first Mizuki, and now Nana-chan!? Are you some kind of monster…!?” Tachibana gasped.

“According to my calculations, the chance Ayanokoji-kun’s in his popular phase is… 100%!” Saito declared.

…What were these guys even talking about? I left the classroom, their stares burning into my back.

☆

Guided by the girl who claimed to be Kurumizaka-san’s friend, I walked down an empty hallway toward the landing before the rooftop.

“By the way, we don’t know each other’s names, do we? I’m—”

“Ayanokoji Kazuto, I know~ My name’s Kotone. Feel free to call me Kotone-sama~”

“That’s straight-up condescending! What’s with the ‘feel free’ part…? Calling a girl by her first name is kinda embarrassing, so could you tell me your last name?”

“When you ask someone’s name, you’re supposed to introduce yourself first~”

“Oh, right. I’m Ayanokoji Kazuto—wait, you already know that! You’re the one who cut me off…!”

Kotone-san kept spouting bizarre remarks, her carefree attitude unshaken. In just this short exchange, my weirdo sensor was blaring.

“I know a lot about you~ Ayanokoji Kazuto, 17 years old, online gaming addict, two friends, blood type A, right-handed, only child, and male.”

“Stop calling me ‘male.’ Why do you know so much about me?”

“Because I’m the friend of the popular idol Kurumizaka Nana~”

“That’s got nothing to do with it, right? If you don’t cut it out, even I’ll get mad.”

Kotone-san’s elusive expression—half-lidded eyes and a straight face—left me completely at her mercy. I couldn’t keep up with her airy demeanor or the mysterious sources of her information. Just who was this Kotone girl? She had a plain appearance, but…

Tilting my head, I walked beside her. “Well, I’m just a guide, you know~ Practically a background character. So I can’t say too much or assert myself~”

“Huh.”

“Which means anything I say from now on is just me talking to myself… Nana’s chest is as big as it looks, but it’s even more impressive when she’s undressed. Her hips draw an artistic, flowing line of perfection~ That said, Mizuki Rinka’s no slouch either. Her chest is smaller than Nana’s, but she’s the type who looks slimmer in clothes, I’d say. Her legs are gorgeous too, giving her a different charm from Nana~ Their three sizes are—oops, that’s top secret. Not even the official site has that info~ If you want more, you’ll have to pay~”

“Can I call the police now, Kotone-san? You sound like you’re involved in some kind of crime.”

I was dumbfounded by Kotone-san’s fluent rambling. A background character? She was clearly carving out a distinct role for herself.

“By the way, Ayanokoji Kazuto. Do you know why Nana called for you?”

“Probably about Mizuki-san.”

I thought it over, and that was the only thing it could be.

“That cafeteria incident the other day has become quite the rumor~ The man-hating Mizuki Rinka showing up at the cafeteria with the online gaming addict Ayanokoji Kazuto? That’s a full-blown scandal~”

“Yeah. That’s why I’m keeping my distance now.”

“So, how’d you get close to Mizuki Rinka? Blackmail? Threats? What dirt did you dig up?”

“Am I some kind of villain? I didn’t do any of that… It’s just, a lot happened.”

“Ooh, that sounds juicy~ I’d pay good money for that info~”

“Not selling. Don’t underestimate me.”

My heart wasn’t so weak that it’d waver for money.

“How about a million yen to start?”

“Wha!?”

Okay, it wavered pretty easily.

“Relax, I won’t leak it to the world~ I just wanna know for myself~”

“Even if you say that… Besides, a normal high schooler wouldn’t have a million yen to throw around.”

“Hm? Who said Kotone-chan’s a normal high schooler~?”

“W-Wait, you don’t mean…”

“Yup. I’m just an ordinary high school girl~”

“I’m done talking to you. Absolutely done…!”

I’d never been toyed with this much in a conversation with a girl. Or rather, I’d never even had a conversation with a girl before. The only time I ate lunch with a girl was that one time with Mizuki-san, and walking down a hallway while talking to a girl? This was the first. I’d never even greeted a girl before. What was I even doing at a co-ed school…?

“Ayanokoji Kazuto. Use this~”

“Huh?”

Kotone-san gave me a gentle smile and handed me a cherry blossom-colored handkerchief. “My handkerchief is as dry as the Sahara Desert. I’d love for you to moisten it with those beautiful tears~”

I realized then—my eyes were brimming with tears. Reflecting on my life, I’d noticed how utterly devoid it had been of girls!

“Kotone-san… No, Kotone-sama!”

Gratefully, I took the handkerchief and wiped my tears. And then, I realized something else. This was the first time a girl had been kind to me. The tears wouldn’t stop.

☆

Led by Kotone-san, I arrived at the landing before the rooftop. Since it was secluded, no one should spread rumors about us being here.

“Oh, Kazu-kun! It’s been a while!”

Noticing me, Kurumizaka-san hopped down from a low step on the stairs. Her skirt fluttered briefly—I quickly averted my gaze.

“Hm? What’s wrong, Kazu-kun?”

“N-Nothing at all.”

“Gotcha. Thanks for coming all the way here, Kazu-kun!” Kurumizaka-san beamed, grabbing both my hands tightly. Her touch was so soft…!

“Guess my job here’s done~”

“Yup, thanks, Kotone-chan!”

Thanked by Kurumizaka-san, Kotone-san started to leave. But just before she did, she glanced back. “Ayanokoji Kazuto might be an honest and kind guy~”

“Yup, I know!” Kurumizaka-san responded as if it were obvious, exuding an inexplicable trust. And she was still holding my hands…!

“Hmm, I see~”

Kotone-san gave me an appraising look, making me squirm. After a moment, seemingly satisfied, she nodded happily and disappeared down the stairs.

“W-What was that about?”

“Who knows? Kotone-chan says cryptic things for no reason sometimes, so you don’t have to mind her too much.”

I didn’t get it, but if Kurumizaka-san said so, I’d let it go. …That aside.

“Uh, Kurumizaka-san…?” I hesitated, glancing at our still-joined hands.

Looking down at my hands, still tingling from her grip, I managed an awkward plea. “Uh, could you maybe… let go?”

“Oh, sorry! I got carried away…” Kurumizaka-san’s cheeks flushed as she stepped back, releasing me.

I’m pretty sure my face mirrored hers, heat creeping up my neck.

“So, what’s this about, Kurumizaka-san?” I asked, trying to steady my voice.

“Right, um… I have a favor to ask, Kazu-kun.” Her tone shifted, earnest now.

“A favor?” My mind raced. What could an idol like her possibly need from an online gaming addict like me? A hundred CDs with handshake tickets? No way I could afford that.

“Please… get closer to Rin-chan!” Kurumizaka-san declared, bowing swiftly, her voice brimming with conviction.

“Closer? Mizuki-san and I are already pretty tight as gaming buddies.” I scratched my head, puzzled.

“No, not like that.” She straightened, eyes gleaming. “Not just in-game friends. I want you to get closer in real life too.”

“Even if you say that…” I trailed off. Talking to Mizuki-san daily sounds amazing, but isn’t that a bad idea? “Wouldn’t it cause a stir if an idol got too friendly with some guy?”

“Of course, since we’re idols, getting close to a specific guy might spark some rumors…” She nodded, acknowledging the risk.

“More than just ‘some’ rumors, I’d bet.” That’s why Mizuki-san and I agreed to keep things distant at school.

“I get it. That’s why Rin-chan’s been looking happy but… kinda lonely lately.” Kurumizaka-san’s voice softened, her gaze distant.

“Happy but lonely?” I echoed, confused by the odd phrasing.

“Could you, Kazu-kun, try reaching out to Rin-chan? I think she’d be thrilled if you did.”

“What about people at school or in public? Won’t they start talking if we’re seen together?”

“Then… keep it a secret! Be close without anyone finding out!” Her eyes sparkled, as if she’d cracked a genius code.

“Uh…” I couldn’t hide my bewilderment at her enthusiasm.

“Or do you dislike Rin-chan, Kazu-kun?” she asked, tilting her head.

“No, it’s not that!” I waved my hands quickly. “I just…”

“Please! Get closer to Rin-chan!” Her plea was desperate, almost theatrical.

Seeing her like that, I hesitated before asking, “Why do you want Mizuki-san and me to get closer, Kurumizaka-san?” From an idol’s perspective, it’s a risky move. If anything, she could’ve bribed me to stay away from Rin-chan—exaggeration, sure, but idol-guy scandals are no joke these days.

“W-Well, it’s just… I can’t really say, or rather, I shouldn’t…” Kurumizaka-san averted her gaze, fidgeting with her fingers, clearly embarrassed.

“Did Mizuki-san put you up to this?”

“No! Rin-chan didn’t say anything! This is all me!” She denied it with surprising force, catching me off guard.

“Oh, okay…” I mumbled, flustered by her intensity.

“I just want Rin-chan to be happier. She’s been through a lot.” Her voice grew heavy, hinting at something deeper—not just the struggles of a high school idol.

“I want Rin-chan to be happy, both as an idol and as a regular girl. I don’t want her to have to choose one over the other.” Her sincerity hit me like a wave.

“I see…” I didn’t grasp the full story, but her words carried weight.

“Will you get closer to Rin-chan in real life too?” she pressed.

“Well, yeah… I’d like to get closer to Mizuki-san if I can.” I admitted, feeling a flicker of hope.

“Really? That’s great!” Kurumizaka-san exhaled, visibly relieved. She really cares about Mizuki-san, huh.

“So, how do I do that specifically?” I asked, scratching my cheek.

“Hmm… maybe start by changing how you address her?”

“How I address her?”

“Yeah. Rin-chan doesn’t like it when you call her so formally, Kazu-kun.”

“Huh? Really?” My eyes widened.

“Yup. Try calling her Rinka.” She grinned mischievously.

“Seriously? That’s…” A massive hurdle. Like I told Tachibana and Saito, I don’t have the guts for that.

“Feeling nervous?” she teased, reading my expression.

“Yeah. Very.” My heart was already racing at the thought.

“Then Saturday’s your chance. Start by calling her Rin in-game, then ease into Rinka in real life.”

“Will I get used to it…?” Calling her Rin online and Rinka in person feels like a seismic shift.

“I’ll subtly back you up, so do your best to call Rin-chan by her first name!” Her enthusiasm was relentless.

“…Got it.” Overwhelmed, I nodded despite myself. Her pushiness reminded me of Mizuki-san.

“Thanks, Kazu-kun! You’re the best!” She beamed.

“Kurumizaka-san, you’re way more assertive than I thought…” I muttered. Getting closer to Mizuki-san in real life, sharing our gaming hobby—it didn’t sound impossible. “Oh, and Kazu-kun, let’s exchange contact info!”

“Huh, is that okay?”

“Of course! We need to strategize to get you and Rin-chan together—er, I mean, to help you two become better friends, right? It’s easier if we have each other’s contacts. We can’t let Rin-chan find out about this plan.”

“True…” If Mizuki-san caught wind of this secret meeting, she might get suspicious. To protect Kurumizaka-san, we had to keep it quiet.

“Alright, let’s do it.” I pulled out my phone, and we exchanged contact info smoothly.

“Sweet, all set!” Kurumizaka-san chirped. Now my phone held the contacts of two popular idols. This thing might be the most valuable object in the world.

“Operation Get Rin-chan and Kazu-kun Super Close is a go!” she declared.

“…Y-Yeah?” I felt cornered, things moving faster than I could process. But if I could get closer to Mizuki-san, I’d be happy. The problem was people finding out. Luckily, we had our shared gaming world, separate from reality. As long as I didn’t screw up, it should be fine.

☆

That evening, while grinding in an online game at home, my phone rang. Mizuki-san. A call was rare. Pausing my mining, I grabbed it.

“Hello, Kazuto-kun? Sorry for calling out of the blue.”

“No, it’s fine.” Through the phone, I caught faint chatter—lively voices of other girls, probably idols. Was she calling during a practice break?

“My break’s almost over, so I can’t talk long… but there’s one thing I need to ask you, Kazuto-kun.”

“What’s that?” I asked casually.

Big mistake.

Her voice dropped, icy and unlike her usual cool demeanor. “During lunch today, what were you doing with that girl?”

A shiver ran down my spine. Instinct screamed danger. One wrong move, and I was done for.

“Uh… ‘that girl’?” I stammered.

“An unfamiliar girl came to your classroom and called you out, didn’t she? I saw it… with my own eyes.”

“—!” Kotone-san. She’d led me to meet Kurumizaka-san. Mizuki-san must’ve seen us.

She was misunderstanding something. Gripping the phone, I froze as her voice turned colder.

“Of course, I trust you, Kazuto-kun. There’s no room for doubt with an honest boy like you.” Her words felt like a trap. “But this is my own weakness stirring doubts. I feel bad, but just to be sure, can you clarify? What were you doing with that girl?”

My brain scrambled. This was bad. My instincts were sounding alarms.

“Kazuto-kun? Why aren’t you saying anything?” Her tone sharpened.

“Uh, well…” I couldn’t tell her about Operation Get Mizuki-san and Me Super Close. It’d risk Kurumizaka-san’s position and their friendship.

“Kazuto-kun. If you’ve betrayed me, I’ll have to take legal action.”

“L-Legal action? What? Wait, what’s this about?” I felt like a cornered husband accused of cheating.

“Explain yourself. There’s still time if you do it now.”

I was lost. She just wanted to know about Kotone-san, right? Why was she talking about betrayal and legal action?

“Rinka—practice is starting again!” A distant voice—one of Star☆Mines’ members—cut through.

“Got it, I’ll be right there.” Mizuki-san’s tone shifted back to me. “Kazuto-kun, we’ll continue this tonight.”

“Wait, hold on—” Beep. The call ended.

“What is this? What’s going on…?” I muttered, dazed. Someone explain this!

Panicking, I opened our group chat with Tachibana and Saito. “Guys, listen. I just got a call from Mizuki-san.”

Minutes later, two pings. “Bragging, huh? I’ll shove a bell pepper in your mouth,” Tachibana wrote.

“According to my calculations, the chance you’re bragging is 100 million%,” Saito added.

“That’s not it! I can’t go into details, but she asked about lunch in a super scary way!” I typed frantically.

“Oh yeah? You still haven’t told us what happened at lunch,” Tachibana shot back.

“Sorry! I can’t say!” I’d dodged their questions at school to protect Kurumizaka-san and avoid embarrassment.

“Ayanokoji-kun, with so much hidden, we can’t make sense of anything,” Saito replied.

He was right. After swearing them to secrecy, I gave a vague rundown of Mizuki-san’s call.

Tachibana sent a chibi grim reaper sticker. “Ayanokoji. A yandere always comes with a bad ending, you know?”

“Are you saying I’m gonna get stabbed!? Mizuki-san’s not a yandere!” I protested.

“According to my calculations, the chance Mizuki-san’s a yandere is 120%,” Saito wrote, adding a plain glasses sticker.

“If she’s a yandere, that means she’s in love with me,” I countered.

“Exactly,” Tachibana replied.

“Yup,” Saito echoed.

Their instant agreement threw me. “…Nah, no way.”

“Think about it, man. Isn’t Mizuki just jealous?” Tachibana pressed.

The popular idol Mizuki Rinka, jealous? No way. “I’m not saying it’s certain, but she’s got her eye on you,” he added.

“The way Mizuki-san looks at you, Ayanokoji-kun, is special,” Saito chimed in.

I couldn’t believe it. Mizuki Rinka, a radiant idol, and me, a gaming addict? We’re a total mismatch.

Saito sent a rare serious message. “It comes down to what you want with Mizuki-san, Ayanokoji-kun. If you’re happy as is, do nothing. But if you want to meet her feelings, take it slow, at your own pace. Whatever you choose, as long as it’s thought through, we’ll respect it.”

“Saito…” I was touched. He’s a great friend, despite his weird calculations.

“By the way, the chance things work out with Mizuki-san is… 0.12%!” he added.

“Oi! That’s the lowest yet!” My respect vanished.

“Make it work with Mizuki. And introduce us to other idols!” Tachibana wrote.

“Count me in!” Saito added.

I closed the app without replying. Consulting them was a mistake.

Sinking into my chair, I sighed at the ceiling. “Ha… My heart’s pounding.”

Mizuki-san might like me. The “what if” made my chest thump. “More importantly, how do I deal with tonight…?”

Operation Super Close on Saturday felt impossible. I started mentally rehearsing my conversation with Mizuki-san.

☆

9:24 p.m. Time for Mizuki-san’s call. I paced my cramped room, possessed by nerves. How could I explain without spilling about Kurumizaka-san? I didn’t want to lie.

“Why am I so freaked out…?” I just didn’t want Mizuki-san to misunderstand.

My phone rang. Mizuki-san. Hesitating, I answered. “Good evening, Kazuto-kun.”

“G-Good evening…” Her voice was calm, as always.

In my quiet room, I focused on her words. “About today… I’m sorry for being so harsh.”

“Huh, no, it’s…” Her apology caught me off guard.

“I can’t help worrying about what you’re doing, Kazuto-kun. Who you’re with, where, what… I trust you, but I can’t shake this anxiety. Do you understand?”

“Uh, maybe?” I didn’t, really.

“You’re such a wonderful guy, so I know girls must be approaching you. That’s why I’m anxious.”

“Anxious?”

“Yes. That you might run off with another girl.”

Run off? She sounded like we were dating. “I know you’re popular, Kazuto-kun, getting approached by all sorts of girls.”

“No way, I’m not popular! I’ve barely talked to girls!” Saying it stung. Mizuki-san’s contact was my first; Kurumizaka-san’s, my second. Kind of impressive, actually.

“Really? That’s hard to believe. You, not popular? An anomaly.”

“It’s true. I’m just a gaming addict…”

“I see. Maybe that makes sense.” Her tone grew thoughtful. “These days, there’s too much unnecessary information. The internet, societal rules… As an idol, I feel it—people who flaunt charm are valued over those who act naturally.”

“That… kinda makes sense.” At school, quiet types like me get labeled loners. Some kids force cheerfulness, hurting themselves. Maybe gaming lets us be truer than reality.

“I feel it as a high school idol. How much humans are steeped in desire…” Her voice carried unseen struggles.

I couldn’t respond, sensing the weight behind her words.

“But where there are bad people, there are good ones too. And you, Kazuto-kun, are especially wonderful among them.”

“You say that so confidently. We’ve only interacted in real life for a week.”

“We’ve been together in-game for four years. A pure connection, untainted, where we bared our hearts.”

A wave of emotion hit me. She cherished our game time. Rin’s words weren’t a lie.

“Plus, we’re married. I don’t want you chatting casually with other girls.”

“…In the game, right?”

“Yes. Since we married in a world free of impurities, we’re a better couple than real-life ones.”

“…Huh?” My unease swelled.

“We got off track. Back to the point. What were you doing with that girl?”

“Wait, I heard something way bigger than that!”

“What? Is anything more serious than cheating in a marriage?”

“No, that’s wrong! We’re just game friends, aren’t we?”

“Yes. Game friends, and since we married in-game, we’re a couple.”

“Oh, uh, right. But it’s different in real life, right?”

Swallowing hard, I waited. “Kazuto-kun.”

“…Yes?”

“I told you, I wouldn’t marry just anyone in-game.”

“You did.”

“I believe the game lets us have true, heartfelt connections.”

“Yeah, I don’t disagree.”

“And we married there.” Her voice softened. “So in reality, I’m your wife too, aren’t I?”

I froze, phone in hand, stunned. Saito and Tachibana were wrong—Mizuki-san wasn’t just interested. She was acting like my real-life wife!

“What’s wrong, Kazuto-kun? Did I say something strange?”

“…Uh, marriage is a bit…” Too heavy. A popular idol and a gaming addict? We’re worlds apart.

“Marriage, what? You’re not saying it was a mistake, are you?”

“…What if I did?”

“I’d have no choice but to die.”

“What!?”

“Together with you.”

“Wha!?” A murder-suicide? From an idol?

“I can’t imagine life without you, Kazuto-kun. Since meeting in real life, my love for you grows daily.”

“L-Love…?” The word felt unreal. I was shocked, not just happy or embarrassed.

“Tell me honestly. If you cheated, it can’t be helped. I never thought I could monopolize a guy like you. It’s heartbreaking, but I might overlook a little cheating.”

“Wait, don’t run with this! I’m not keeping up!” I interjected, desperate for a pause.

But her voice turned fragile. “Right, that’s how it is.”

“What?”

“I’ve heard popular guys are good at playing dumb.”

“That’s not it! I’m seriously not following!”

“It’s okay, Kazuto-kun. As long as you don’t abandon me and keep me by your side… I won’t ask for much else.”

“Mizuki-san!? Your brakes are off!” This wasn’t just a derailed train—it was rampaging through the city.

“Kazuto-kun, remember this. Your true wife… is me.”

“W-Wait, Mizuki-sa—” Beep. She hung up.

Her words swirled in my head like a storm, leaving me dazed in my room.