I wasn’t taking it seriously. If anything, Nanami was the one getting overly worked up. Why was she clinging to this so much? This seemed like the perfect moment for her to say, “Fine,” and let it end, but…
Well, whatever. Since this would probably be the last conversation we’d have, I decided to let out all the frustrations I’d been bottling up.
“Wait, wait… then what do you expect me to do? I have work and exams to prepare for—it’s my final year, after all. Are you saying I should give all that up just to serve you?”
“I-I’m not asking you to be my servant!”
“Then what am I to you, Nanami?”
“You’re… you’re my boyfriend, of course!”
Hearing her call me her boyfriend after so long didn’t make me happy. It didn’t move me in the slightest, and that realization surprised me.
“Oh, really? But, you know, we haven’t been on a date in about six months.”
“That’s not my fault! I’ve been busy with work! I don’t have the time to hang out with you all the time!”
“I get that. I’ve always respected your work and supported you, haven’t I? But then… why isn’t it okay for me to be busy?”
“That’s… because you…”
“Because I what? What’s wrong with me?”
“You… you just…”
Even when I pressed her, she hesitated and couldn’t give a proper answer.
“If you have nothing else to say, I’m leaving. I’d rather spend my time studying.”
“W-Wait! We’re not done talking yet!”
As I turned to leave, Nanami panicked and grabbed my arm.
“…Fine. Let go. What else do you want to say?”
“Y-You don’t really mean we should break up, do you?”
“Why would I lie? I think breaking up is a good idea. I want my time back.”
Nanami’s body trembled as she glared at me, clearly seething inside. Normally, I wouldn’t have argued back this much, and by now, I probably would’ve already apologized to her.
“If you break up with me, who’s going to take care of me?” she snapped.
“You can take care of yourself,” I replied.
“I can’t! I have modeling work, you know!”
“Well, then you could hire a housekeeper. You’ve got the money for that.”
“I don’t have that kind of money! All my earnings from work go straight into my parents’ account!”
“Oh, come on. I know for a fact you’re getting more than enough living expenses from your parents every month. And on top of that, they cover your work-related costs separately. Don’t act like you’re broke.”
“H-How do you know that?”
“I heard it from your parents when they were back visiting. I don’t care how you spend your money—it’s yours to do with as you like—but let’s not pretend here.”
[Explanation: The protagonist is calling out Nanami for her false claims of financial hardship, exposing her reliance on parental support for living expenses.]
“I-I’m not wasting it on partying or anything!” she protested.
“Oh, really? Then what are you spending it on?”
“On food and clothes! You know, living expenses! I’m not wasting it on fun or anything!”
“Food expenses, huh? Sure, I’ll give you that—you do eat out a lot. But let me ask you this: I’ve been cooking for you every other day since you started living alone. Not once have you offered me a dime for groceries.”
Since Nanami started living alone, I’d been making meals for her at her request—on an almost regular basis. But she had never once reimbursed me for groceries or any other expenses.
“T-That’s because… You’re my boyfriend! It’s only natural!”
“It’s not just food, though. All the household supplies—like toilet paper, detergent—I’ve been buying those too. Have you ever thought about who’s been footing the bill?”
“…Fine, fine, I’ll pay you back! Is that what you want? What is this, you just wanted money all along? If that’s the case, why didn’t you just say so from the start—”
“No, you’ve got it wrong.” I cut her off, irritated at the assumption. “I’m not asking for money.”
“…Huh?”
I made it clear before she could misunderstand any further. I wasn’t complaining because I wanted reimbursement. That wasn’t the point.
“What I’m trying to say is that anyone would do those things for you if you just paid them. Cooking, cleaning, laundry—it’s not like I’m uniquely qualified. If you’re willing to pay for it, you might as well hire a professional. You don’t need me for that.”
“That’s…”
“What’s the matter? Got something to say?” I pressed.
“….”
Nanami fell silent again.
“Well, whatever. If you have nothing else to say, then I’m done here. I’m leaving.”
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