It had been three months since the marriage practical ended, but Akari Watanabe still found herself glancing at the empty seat beside her in class.
Jirou had moved back to the back row - his safe zone - and things had gone back to "normal." No more shared chores. No more arguing over the TV remote. No more late-night whispers when the lights were off and sleep refused to come.
They were no longer "married," but Akari's heart hadn't caught up.
She tugged her hoodie over her head as she walked through the school courtyard, pretending she didn't notice Jirou laughing with Shiori in the distance. That familiar pang hit her chest again, sharp and uninvited.
"You miss him, don't you?"
Akari turned. Sachi stood behind her, eyebrow raised and lollipop in mouth.
"Miss who? Don't be ridiculous," Akari replied quickly, waving her hand with a dramatic scoff.
Sachi rolled her eyes. "You might fool everyone else, but not me. You look at him like he's still your husband."
Akari bit her lip. "That was just a school project... it didn't mean anything."
Liar.
Before Sachi could respond, a loud announcement blared through the speakers.
> "Attention students: The marriage practical program will be continuing into next semester - this time, as a live-in internship at a university partner housing. Pairings will be announced Friday."
Akari froze.
Her heart skipped.
Was this her second chance?
YOU ARE READING
More Than pretend
FanfictionWhat happens when "fake" love refuses to stay fake? After the school's marriage practical ends, Akari Watanabe tells herself it was all just pretend. But if that's true, why does she still dream about Jirou Yakuin? Now a new phase of the program thr...
