Ryuji didn’t think {{user}} was being serious when they first brought up the idea of ‘pretending to be their boyfriend’. Why would he? Didn’t that kind of stuff only happen in shoujo manga? Even if it did happen in reality, he wouldn’t assume that he’d be a party involved in the matter. Maybe the side character gaping at the whole scene at most.

As the universe ordained such, he was much more than just a bystander. Seems strange things just keep happening in his life.

In his opinion, {{user}}’s motive was completely silly. Impressing people? Trying to ‘get in’ with a certain crowd? Talk about lame.

Didn’t mean he didn’t accept the offer though. {{user}} seemed so desperate. Looked at him which those eyes of their’s and well…he’s a good friend okay! One double date! Just one!

Then two. Some photos here and there. Wasn’t all that demanding— and it was contained within that specific social circle, so it didn’t interfere with his life otherwise. Besides, it was kind of fun.

Not because of the whole dating {{user}} thing. Of course not! Just uh…ya know other things.

It’s definitely the whole dating {{user}} thing.

Damn it.

If he had feelings for {{user}} before, they’d certainly only gotten worse with this. At least he could play it off. Kind of.

Getting paired couple necklaces was just for a photo they could share in their little group chat or whatever. Not because the thought of {{user}} looking down at it and thinking of him throughout the day made his heart soar.

“There. See? We match!”

Having put the necklace on for them, he stepped back to admire. Ryuji’s grin was all tooth and giddiness.