The Lie and What Follows

It’s Monday after the break.

In the classroom, with midterms just a week away, there’s a gloomy atmosphere. As a third-year student busy with entrance exam subjects, there’s nothing more disheartening than regular tests. However, since failing these tests could jeopardize graduation, my classmates are reluctantly studying.

I, being proficient in academics, was observing this atmosphere. Naturally, my eyes drift towards Riko-san. It was rare to see her, usually with the IKeJo (attractive girls) group, focusing on her desk. No, it’s not that I was particularly concerned about her…

…But I was. Yesterday, I received her third confession over the phone, and I turned it down. I was worried she might be cloaked in a dark aura again, but from what I could see, she seemed okay. Whether she truly was, I couldn’t tell.

…It would be arrogant of me to try to confirm it.

Feeling a bit foggy in my heart, I shift my gaze.

“Whoa, Adachi’s studying!? Seriously, dude! Come to remedial classes with me!”

Don’t invite me to remedials like it’s a date, playboy.

“Shut up. I’m focusing right now.”

He’s promptly dismissed.

“Exactly. Be quiet, you’re annoying.”

Kiryu-san’s follow-up. Yep, the usual Kiryu-san. But this time, the playboy has backup.

“Well, it does get annoying studying all the time. After the tests, let’s go out somewhere.”

That’s handsome Kondo-kun. The playboy, buoyed by the support of a handsome guy, becomes super high-spirited. Amazing, the words of a handsome guy have some kind of magical tambourine effect.

“Right? Kenta’s so cool! Let’s go!”

“Definitely… wanna go out!”

Kiryu-san, too easily swayed.

“What about you, Adachi?”

“Maybe, if I’m free.”

“Whoa, seriously!? From Adachi-kun!?”

The playboy is overly joyful. Good for him.

“We’ll go too!” “Indeed.”

Imamura-san and Tamura-kun, the pink devils, are also joining. Everything’s turning pink…

All the IKeJo, assemble. I’m sure the ratings would be incredible. I know the phrase “Shimura at the back” from watching too much of them. My gaze meets Kondo-kun’s, and… why does he look a bit sad?

I avert my eyes, still feeling his gaze.

Physical education class.
Playing soccer, as usual. Well, today, too, my love for Kyoto grows. The boys are sweating out their youth on the field.

I’ve moved from my usual tree shade spot to one near the gym where the girls are. Alone, of course.
I wonder if anyone will come looking for me if I just lie down here. Preferably someone who carves starfish out of wood…

“Hey.”

It’s handsome Kondo-kun.

“Good job. Kondo-kun.”

He’s invaded my new spot… The defensive range of a handsome guy is just too wide.

Sitting next to me, Kondo-kun, looking at the field, hesitantly asks,

“Doesn’t seem like it’s going well with Adachi?”

…

“Ah, sorry. I shouldn’t pry. Just curious.”

He’s the one who encouraged me on the school trip. He corrected my misunderstanding about being rejected by Riko-san. It’s only natural for him to be concerned.

“There’s no chance of us dating.”

“…”

“Just friends. That’s what I’ve decided.”

“I see.”

“Yeah.”

He probably has a lot to say, a lot to ask. But Kondo-kun just nods.

After a moment, we watch our classmates playing soccer. Oh, the playboy scored a goal. He’s looking around, probably for someone. Ah, he’s seen us and is waving like crazy. Cute.

“I thought you two were well-matched.”

Kondo-kun mutters while I’m being soothed by the playboy.

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. Both clumsy, slowly getting closer. That’s what I thought.”

…He might be right. Both Riko-san and I are clumsy. I thought we were slowly getting closer since that day on the school trip. But I chose to be with Haruka.

“Just friends, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Then, there’s still a chance.”

Is he talking about himself or about me and Riko-san? Can’t tell from his expression.

“I’ll keep watching.”

“Do you… still like her?”

It’s clear Kondo-kun still has feelings for Riko-san. But saying he’ll watch over us means he’s holding back his feelings… That must be hard.

“Of course I like her. But right now, Adachi can only think about Endo… Maybe someday…”

He

looks at me with a refreshing smile.

“Someday, if Adachi gives up on Endo, I’ll take my chance. Until then, I’ll watch.”

His words are so similar to Riko-san’s.

“Why are you… so kind?”

“Who wouldn’t want to support the girl they like?”

Kondo-kun smiles brightly, still the handsome guy.

“I told you, right? I haven’t given up.”

“…Thanks.”

Then comes the guy who breaks the solemn atmosphere.

“Kenta! Tooru! Did you see it?! My goal!”

It’s the playboy.

“Sorry, didn’t see it.”

“Me neither.”
I might have, but I forgot amidst Kondo-kun’s handsome aura. Oops.

“Really? That’s a downer…”

The playboy looks genuinely disappointed. I feel a bit guilty. Was it the goal when he was waving?

“Maybe I did see it…”

“Hey, we’re near the gym! Let’s sneak a peek!”

Cutting off my words, the playboy drags Kondo-kun away. My concern was wasted. I want my remorse back.

“Stop, will you?”

“Come on! It’s fine because it’s Kenta!”

That special treatment for handsome guys. They can get away with anything, right?

I watch them leave.

From afar, I think I hear the playboy’s scream. Namu…

———————————-

After returning home.

After finishing dinner preparations, I wait for Haruka. She’ll be home soon, as per her message, so I stand in the kitchen. On the menu today is salmon meunière, egg soup, vegetables, and Haruka’s requested mushroom rice. Add the leftover stew from yesterday, and it’s complete. A harmonious mix of Japanese and Western cuisine.

“I’m home!”

As I appreciate the wonders of Japanese culture, Haruka returns.

“Welcome back.”

“Wow, it’s ready! The rice is with mushrooms, right?”

“Yes, as requested.”
Otherwise, you get angry, don’t you?

“Nice. I’ll go change!”

Haruka rushes to her room. Right before closing her door, she pops her head out.

“Tooru!”

“Yeah?”

“Let’s go on a date next week.”

“Uh.”

“Got it?”

“…Yes.”
I had no right to refuse.