Weren’t You Only Using Me As A Stand-in? [150]

At the third-floor arcade in Roppongi Hills, Domā Umaru pressed both hands against the clear acrylic panel of the claw machine, eyes sparkling as she fixated greedily on the Black Rock Shooter figurine inside.

“They finally restocked.”

She’d been waiting for this.

Two whole weeks without stepping foot in the arcade—all for this day.

No more talk. Today, she was going on a hunting spree.

She fed two tokens into the machine, her gaze sharpening with focus as she began her capture attempt.

Not far away, a pair of dark eyes were watching her intently.

She’s got... a surprisingly good figure? Totally underestimated her.

Kitahara Takeru was genuinely surprised.

Same clothes as usual—but today, Umaru wasn’t wearing stockings.

Her slender legs peeked out from under her black shorts, smooth and delicate like spring shoots.

And every time she leaned in toward the claw machine, her hips lifted ever so slightly, tracing a soft and alluring curve.

Tch. Maki shouldn’t be back yet.

Takeru figured she’d be a while, so he pulled out his phone and dialed Umaru.

“Yes!” Umaru exclaimed, pumping her fist as the claw dropped the Black Rock Shooter into the prize chute.

“Great start. Not bad at all.”

She stashed the figurine in her bag and was just about to move on when her phone rang.

She glanced down and blinked. “Huh? Why’s he calling now?”

From her mumble, Takeru could already imagine her expression—and he grinned.

Ever since their last call, he’d been steadily “harassing” her.

Texting her with random questions, calling her late at night—usually after finishing his nightly calls with Kamikawa Rie, Sawamura Spencer Eriri, Shijō Maki, and Kashiwagi Nagisa.

Then, finally, he'd call her.

And now, Umaru had grown used to it. She’d even begun to answer without hesitation.

Progress.

He planned to keep this up—turn her “tolerance” into a habit.

“Hello?”

Her voice came through. Takeru looked over toward the claw machine. “Domā-san, do you remember what you promised me?”

“What?”

Umaru blinked, confused.

“You said if you lost the bet, you’d go on a date with me.”

“When did I promise that?! You threatened me into it!”

She puffed up like an angry pufferfish.

Takeru couldn’t help but recall another girl with a similar habit—Nakano Miku.

Umaru’s puffed cheeks were just as cute, if not cuter.

“The next mock exam isn’t until next semester—so how about we use next month’s Seven School Joint Exam results instead?”

“The Joint Exam? No way! We agreed on the mock exam. You can’t just change the terms like that!”

Umaru refused flatly.

She didn’t believe she would lose—but beating Takeru was no easy feat. She’d have to rely on her brother for tutoring.

Which meant less gaming time.

And that was unacceptable.

“Afraid, Domā-san?”

“Give it up, Kitahara-kun. Reverse psychology won’t work on me.”

“What if I promise that if I lose, I’ll never call and bother you again?”

Now that got her attention.

“Seriously?”

She always answered his calls—but only on the balcony. She didn’t dare take them in the house, afraid her brother would overhear.

Standing on the hot summer balcony, getting eaten alive by mosquitoes—she had the bite marks to prove it.

Of course, Takeru had no idea.

He imagined her living in a Western-style mansion like Eriri, taking his calls in a private room.

Umaru’s public image was just too flawless. Everyone assumed she was the heiress of some conglomerate.

Not just Takeru—even her classmates believed she was the Domā Group’s rich daughter.

“Cross my heart, may I turn into a puppy if I lie.”

Should I trust him this once...?

Umaru was tempted, but still skeptical.

“By the way, Domā-san, where are you right now?”

“Me? Wait—why are you asking that?”

Her alarm bells rang instantly.

“I’m at the arcade on the third floor of Roppongi Hills, and I think I just saw someone who looked exactly like you at the claw machines. Just wanted to check.”

What?!

He’s here?!

Panic surged through her. “O-of course I’m at home studying! Where else would I be?!”

Time to retreat. NOW.

Forget the figurines. She slung her bag over her shoulder and made a run for it.

Meanwhile, Takeru, hiding behind a cabinet, watched her bolt for the exit, thoroughly amused.

He said casually, “Oh? Then shall we video call? I’ve got a math problem I need help with.”

“No need! Just send it in a message or something!”

Umaru was halfway to the doors.

“That’s so tedious, though. Huh—oh no, that girl I mentioned? She just ran off. She really looked like you. That wasn’t you, right?”

“Of course not!”

“Then why do I hear running?”

“Upstairs neighbor’s on a treadmill!”

“Really? But you sound kinda out of breath, Domā-san.”

Since she was literally running while talking, her voice came out in panting bursts.

Anyone who didn’t know might seriously misunderstand.

“I-I just ate something spicy, that’s all. Ssss-hahh...”

“Tsk, Domā—”

“Anyway! About the Seven School Joint Exam, fine, I accept!”

Worried that Takeru might press further, she cut him off and quickly changed the topic.

“Great. Then next time we go out, please dress cutely. A miko outfit would be perfect—preferably sleeveless.”

“Why do you sound like it’s already set in stone?! And since when do shrine maidens wear sleeveless? Have you ever seen a miko dressed like that?!”

“Sure have. Reimu totally wears it.”

“Who?”

“Hakurei Reimu.”

“...Kitahara-kun, are you stuck in the 90s or something?”

“Mock me all you want, but my Touhou soul is wounded.”

...

The bickering continued until they finally hung up.

Maki sure is taking her sweet time.

Even while chatting with Umaru, Takeru had been keeping a cautious eye on his surroundings, worried Shijō Maki might suddenly return.

But the call had ended, and she was still nowhere in sight.

Another few minutes passed.

Still nothing.

Takeru felt a twinge of unease.

No way... Maki didn’t get kidnapped, did she?

If she had, he’d be so screwed.

The Shijō family would never let him live it down.

Takeru stood and began walking toward the entrance, ready to go look for her.

But before he could even reach the door, he spotted Maki—

Beating the absolute hell out of a boy.

Since the system only flagged female characters, he had no idea who the guy was.

But they... kind of looked alike.

Don’t tell me... that’s her brother?

Takeru paused.

He really didn’t want to meet his “target’s” relatives.

Their relationship wasn’t even real—why make things more complicated?

Then again, he had already met Eriri’s parents.

Whatever. Worst-case scenario—I die.

He approached.

“Neesan—neesan! Brother-in-law’s here! Watch your image!”

“You think I’m stupid?! Trying to trick me again?!”

Maki raised her hand for another whack, but before it could land, a warm hand gently caught her wrist.

“Maki, what’s going on?”

Crap. It really is Takeru!

My image!

Right now, Maki wished she could go back in time and punch her parents for ever having this little brother.

Shijō Tei shrank under her death glare and quickly hid behind Takeru, whining, “I told her!”

“Maki, this is...?”

Takeru looked curiously at Tei.

Maki took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. “Takeru, this is my idiot brother. Shijō Tei.”

“Shijō... Tei?”

Takeru’s expression froze.

Wait. That’s the guy Tanaka and I planned to double-team at the next soccer match...

And now... he was Maki’s brother.

So I scam his sister for money and plan to drop-kick him on the field? That’s... not great.

“You’ve probably heard his name—he ranked first in this year’s mock exam.”

So you’re the top scorer, huh?

Well, enjoy it while it lasts. Next time, that spot’s mine.

“Nice to meet you, Shijō-kun.”

“Nice to meet you too, brother-in-law!”

“...Brother-in-law?”

Takeru turned to Maki, amused. “I thought we were waiting.”

Maki’s cheeks turned pink. “He’s just saying things. Don’t take it seriously.”

Takeru bent down, locking eyes with her. “But what if I do take it seriously?”

They were so close, their eyelashes could’ve touched.

Shijō Tei’s single-dog eyes nearly popped out of his skull. (°Д°)

Maki’s heart was pounding like a drum. Her face flushed red, her throat tight.

“I-I-I don’t know! Don’t ask me!”

Takeru gently pinched her cheeks and pulled her face toward him.

Maki had no choice but to squeeze her eyes shut.

He cupped her cheeks in both hands and kneaded like she was a mochi ball.

Tei’s jaw hit the floor.

Bro. Are you for real right now?

I wouldn’t dream of touching my sister like that and you—

“Watanabe Takeru, that’s going too far!”

Maki’s eyes snapped open, glaring at him in fury.

To do that to her—an heir to the Four Palaces, the future heart of the nation!

Unforgivable.

He’s dead. That was the only thought in Tei’s mind.

He leaned in and whispered to Maki, “Didn’t we agree? Loser has to obey the winner all day.”

“What? You planning to break your promise?”

“So that’s what the Shijō women are like, huh? Say one thing, do another?”

Maki immediately wilted.

She was just like Shinomiya Kaguya—once she gave her word, not even wild horses could make her take it back.

Breaking a promise? Might as well kill her.

“What?” Takeru said, still toying with her cheeks. “You upset?”

Maki hung her head and clenched her fists.

You’re dead later, Watanabe. Just you wait.

“No.”

Takeru gave a satisfied hum and finally let go, turning to Tei. “Want something to drink? I’ll send your sister to get it.”

Send my sister to fetch drinks...?

Is that even allowed?

Tei hesitated, but temptation was strong.

“Ahaha… that’s kind of awkward, brother-in-law.”

“What’s awkward? Go on, Maki, grab your brother something.”

Takeru waved her off like a servant.

Maki clenched her fists so tightly her knuckles popped.

Tei braced for her to roundhouse-kick Takeru—

But to his shock, she turned and walked off.

“Wait!” Takeru called after her. “My drink first.”

Maki stomped back, shoved the drink into his hand, and turned to go.

Takeru raised an eyebrow. “No straw?”

She glared at him.

“What's the matter? Can’t take a joke?”

With an exhale, Maki stabbed the straw in and held it to his lips.

“Anything else, Takeru?!”

He waved her off. “Nope, all good.”

Tei stared in awe. “How… how do you do it?”

This guy, who looked no older than himself, had tamed the dragon.

“Maybe your sister’s just head over heels for me.”

Takeru shrugged.

“If she ever bullies you again, let me know. I’ll deal with her.”

In Tei’s eyes, Takeru shone like a god.

“You don’t even know how bad she was. Always hitting me, stealing my money—she says it’s for your gift, but still—”

Like a man who had finally found a backer, Tei began spilling every grievance he’d ever had with Maki.

Completely unaware that just behind him, Maki was gripping a water bottle so tightly it looked like she was practicing to crush his skull.

Takeru saw her.

He bowed his head slightly in mourning.

I said it. And you believed me. That’s on you, buddy.

,,,

The three of them spent another hour playing through every arcade game they could find.

When they finally parted ways, Tei looked like he’d just left Disneyland.

The moment he stepped into the car, Maki swung her fist.

WHAM!

“UGH—!”

Tei doubled over, clutching his stomach as he slumped to the car floor.

“I’m a what, huh?”

“I’m a violent dragon, am I?!”

“I like to hit people, do I?!”

She pounded him without mercy.

Tei covered his head and wailed, “Sis, if you hit me again I’m telling brother-in-law!”

Bad move.

The moment he said it, her punches doubled.

---

This is a fan translation of 不是说只拿我当替身的吗？by 雪碧加冰. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!