Weren’t You Only Using Me As A Stand-in? [102]

Yukinoshita Yukino’s expression turned cold.

She stood up slowly, arms crossed, gaze sharp enough to cut: “Narcissism is an illness, Kitahara. And you—are already terminal.”

“My recommendation? Immediate prefrontal lobotomy.”

Her tone was that of a judge handing down a death sentence—clinical, detached.

“…Anyone else saying that, fine. But you, Second Daughter? You’re the least qualified to call me narcissistic.”

Kitahara Takeru was willing to admit—sure, he could be a little self-absorbed.

If others called him narcissistic, he’d take it. But Yukinoshita Yukino? The Princess of Chiba? She wanted to talk about narcissism?

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Yukino’s brows furrowed, her gaze frosty. “Are you suggesting I’m narcissistic?”

“You seriously don’t think you are?”

Kitahara stared at her, equal parts stunned and speechless.

He honestly couldn’t believe it—Yukinoshita Yukino had zero self-awareness about her own narcissism.

“Who was the one who arbitrarily decided I was following her? Who jumped to conclusions and assumed I liked her? Remind me—who was that ‘basic, delusional girl’ again?”

Their first encounter hadn’t been anything dramatic.

Back when several schools were sending offers to Kitahara, his first stop had been Sōbu High.

He figured living in Chiba was easier than surviving in Tokyo. Plus, several of his targets happened to be in Chiba, so enrolling somewhere local made sense—less running around.

Chiba wasn’t Tokyo, sure. But it still had its share of good private schools.

And among them, Sōbu ranked highest in faculty quality, academic atmosphere, and university admission rates.

It was during his tour of Sōbu High that he first met Yukinoshita.

Noticing she’d arrived in a chauffeur-driven car, and recognizing her as a potential "target," he decided to initiate light contact.

He asked her for directions. She gave them, coldly.

Left a brief impression—nothing more. Since he hadn’t yet confirmed where he was enrolling, he didn’t linger.

Their second meeting came two weeks later.

By then, Kitahara was officially a student at Aoba Academy. He was in Chiba to scout the location for his upcoming date with Kasumigaoka Utaha.

They ran into each other at the library.

It was crowded that day. Spotting an empty seat beside Yukinoshita, Kitahara had nodded a greeting and sat down to read Love Metronome.

No conversation. No interaction. That was their second encounter.

The third time was at last year’s Cat & Dog Expo.

Kitahara had arrived early again, killing time before another appointment. And there she was.

Before he could even say hello, Yukinoshita looked up and said, “Stalker?”

The audacity left Kitahara speechless.

Yes, fine—he had been interested in her. But he hadn’t even acted on it yet!

And with how packed his dating calendar was, who had time to tail her?

He couldn’t help snapping back with: “Your ego’s massive, huh?”

He knew it wasn’t the wisest thing to say to a potential “client,” but—cut him some slack, okay? ヽ(。>д<)ｐ

Ever since that exchange, Yukinoshita had taken every opportunity to jab at him. And Kitahara, having long since given up on “freeloading off the Yukinoshitas,” decided there was no need to play nice.

Every time they met, it was open war.

“I really thought you were into me,” Yukinoshita said flatly now, as if making an idle observation.

There was no trace of irony in her expression—just that usual cool indifference.

Yukinoshita was cute. No denying that.

Even students from other schools had heard of Sōbu High’s Ice Beauty.

In terms of reputation, she outshone even Shinomiya Kaguya.

And her appearance came with sky-high confidence.

Kitahara’s face contorted like he’d just bitten into ramen and found a rat’s head: “Where the hell did you get the idea I’d like you?”

You think I’m that desperate?

Like he’d ever sign up to have kids with her—imagine that future:

Kid needs milk → reaches for his chest → oh, it’s Dad's.

Kid tries Yukino’s → wait, still Dad’s.

Serious question: How many dads does this child have? Where did Mom go?

“Well, from your lowly perspective, maybe my thinking seems off. I don’t blame you. But for someone like me, it’s simply rational,” she said calmly.

“This conclusion is backed by experience and observation.”

Yukinoshita brushed her long black hair over her shoulder, her eyes glinting with the arrogance of a capitalist appraising the proletariat.

Kitahara took a step forward, looming over her, adopting the same haughty gaze Shinomiya Kaguya often used on others.

Yukinoshita had to tilt her head up just to meet his eyes—she literally couldn’t see his face otherwise.

Right then and there, she was physically outclassed.

She knew he was doing it on purpose. She glared, furious—but still took a subtle step back to regain distance.

Even if she lost ground, she straightened her spine proudly. “Since I was young, boys have always liked me. Of course I’d assume you were the same.”

Kitahara’s eyes flicked across her chest, then he let out a faint laugh.

Yup. Front and back, equally flat.

Made it hard to tell which side was which.

Yukinoshita noticed the direction of his gaze. And even though Kitahara hadn’t said anything, she felt the insult.

A raw, unfiltered humiliation.

She crossed her arms over her chest and glared daggers at him, silently reminding herself: I’m still young. I still have time to grow.

My sister filled out just fine. Surely I won’t be that far behind.

Even if I only get half of what she has… I can live with that.

“…There have been boys before you who approached me just to hit on me, then later stalked me. That’s why I assumed you were one of them.” She rushed her words, trying to get it all out before he said something to rile her up again.

“I see.”

Kitahara nodded, looking like he understood.

For all her venom, she was seriously pretty.

Yukinoshita let out a quiet breath of relief—but shot him a wary glance.

Since when was he so agreeable?

“To think you assumed I liked you… I must say, Second Daughter Yukinoshita, your courage is impressive,” he said with what might’ve sounded like praise—if not for the smirk curling at his lips.

A sneer born of someone with a 10 in Charm looking down on someone with only a 9.

This insufferable bastard…

Yukinoshita’s face turned ice-cold, but she had no comeback.

There was just… no way to attack Kitahara on looks.

He was the kind of guy whose appearance was as exceptional as his personality was detestable.

“I’m heading to the dog exhibit next. You’re welcome to tag along if you want.”

Kitahara turned to leave—only to suddenly hear:

“Yukino? Takeru?”

The two turned their heads in unison.

Not far off, Hayama Hayato and Miura Yumiko stood side by side, watching them curiously.

Yukinoshita saw her childhood friend and instantly turned her head away, expression unreadable.

Kitahara’s eyes, however, flickered with something less composed—like he was trying to avoid someone.

Hmm?

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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!