The Lie and What Follows

Monday dawned, a day after my conversation with Haruka.

With only a week left until the midterm exams, the third-year students, despite having their sights set on future academic paths, couldn’t neglect their studies for these graduation-dependent tests.

The usually noisy classroom was not filled with the silence of students concentrating on their test studies. You guessed it – it was because of the frivolous guy.

“I’ve given up on math! Don’t need it! Why do I have to study for the test?!”

He lamented. Even if he’s focusing on English, Japanese, and elective subjects for private universities, there’s still math in the common test. Just give up.
…Why do I know so much about the frivolous guy’s academic plans?

“Can’t you be quiet for a bit and study?”

Kiryuu-san’s sharp retort. Yes, the usual Kiryuu-san.

“Well, it is depressing to just study all the time.”

Kondou-kun, the handsome guy, chimed in with the frivolous guy.

“Right? Hey, how about we go out to refresh ourselves after the exams?”

Kiryuu-san… Such a quick turnaround. Is she equipped with knives, forks, and a drill? Terrifying…

The other members of the cool guys’ group seemed enthusiastic about her suggestion. The quickly revived frivolous guy also raised his voice.

“Sounds great! Where should we go!?”

“Adachi, any place you want to go?”

“Nah, I’m passing next weekend. Sorry.”

Riko-san decisively declined Kondou-kun’s offer.

“Okay, got it.”

Kondou-kun took her crisp refusal in stride and smiled wryly at me. Why are you looking at me?
…Well, I was looking too.

“Eh, Adachi can’t? Should we change the day?”

While the frivolous guy tried his best, my smartphone buzzed with a notification.

“Which is better for you, Saturday or Sunday?”

It was from Riko-san.

Ah, I see. She’s suggesting using one of those days to hang out with the cool guys.

“Let’s do Sunday.”

“Mm.”

After ending the brief exchange, Riko-san informed the cool guys’ group.

“I can make it on Saturday, but not too late.”

“Great, we can all get together then.”

Kondou-kun said, looking at me with a refreshing smile.

…But why are you looking at me?

“Alright! I’m getting pumped up!”

So, it was decided to hang out with the cool guys’ group on Saturday.

Meaning, my confession to Riko-san was set for Sunday.

…I’m already nervous, and it’s only next week.

“What’s wrong?”

Ninomiya-san peeked at my face.

“Just feeling a bit nauseous. Don’t worry.”

“Come on, you can’t just feel nauseous and tell me not to worry.”

That’s true.

But I had calmed down a bit.

Right. On the day, I’ll go for it, all or nothing.
…But I can’t actually break. I need to be careful to succeed.

I’m grateful for the early intervention from Ninomiya-san.

“Thank you, Ninomiya-san.”

“Huh? I haven’t done anything?”

But that’s enough for me.

“Your care alone is saving me. Thank you for always looking after my mental health.”

“You think so? Well, if you say so. Goodnight.”

Goodnight.

As I watched the sleeping princess, my smartphone buzzed again.

“You two seem close?”

I looked up to see Riko-san smiling brightly at me.

Her usually dazzling smile was somehow intimidating.

———————————–

Time flies.

Today was sunny, the last day of the test period.

Nothing noteworthy happened, and with one subject left, the tests were about to end.

The last subject was English.

I, who never struggled, calmly filled in the answer sheet, then found myself gazing at the front of the classroom.

Specifically, at Riko-san’s back.

With less than five minutes left, she was still busy writing and erasing answers.

…You can do it.

She didn’t stop until the teacher’s final call.

Papers were collected, and a relaxed atmosphere spread through the classroom.

Even as exam students, it’s permissible to unwind after a week of tests.

As I watched the frivolous guy and others discussing tomorrow’s plans, Ninomiya-san spoke to me.

“Good job. How was it?”

“Good, I think. And you, Ninomiya-san?”

She smiled, seeming confident.

“I’m as usual. But Tooru, you’re feeling good, huh? Might have surpassed me this time?”

Ninomiya-san’s grades are usually in the top five.

She spends most classes sleeping.

If she tried, she could easily be first.

Me, hovering around her usual ranking, half-jokingly said.

“Yeah. I’m

aiming for first place now. In tests and mock exams.”

Ninomiya-san’s eyes widened slightly.

“Hmm. Okay.”

She looked at me intently, then nodded as if understanding something.

“It’s nice to see you alive. Not just your dead-face.”

Is that a compliment?
…Dead-face. Do I look dead to Ninomiya-san?

“Did something happen?”

Yeah. A lot.

“Yeah, kind of.”

“Okay. Good luck, Tooru.”

Our words lacked details, but her vague support was comforting.

“Thanks. I’m heading home now. I have to prepare a special dinner for Haruka.”

I picked up my bag and stood up. Riko-san was discussing tomorrow’s plans with the cool guys’ group.

“Bye. Hope your confession goes well.”

…I didn’t say anything about that.
Is she really a psychic?

That night, as I read in my room, Riko-san called.

“Hello, Tooru?”

“Good evening, Riko-san.”

“Hey. Otsu.”

A normal greeting. Hearing her voice, which I heard at school, close to my ear, filled me with contentment.

“Have fun with everyone tomorrow. A nice break after the tests.”

“Thanks. I’ll wrap it up quickly and head back.”

“Okay.”

“Mm.”

A brief pause.

“Hey, Riko-san. Can I have some time on Sunday evening?”

“Sure. What is it? A surprise?”

“No, not a surprise, but…”

“Well, I won’t ask. I’m looking forward to it. Our first date.”

Date. That day was a date too, but probably this Sunday will be our real first date. I think Riko-san meant it that way.

“Yeah. Me too.”

“Hey, Tooru?”

“What?”

“Don’t worry. It’s going to be fine.”

Did she guess? That I’m planning to confess.

Frozen in place, Riko-san continued.

“Hehe. I’m going to sleep now. Goodnight, Tooru.”

“Goodnight, Riko-san.”

I hung up and took a deep breath.

“Don’t worry,” her words resonated.

Yes. I’ll tell her. My gratitude. My feelings.

Start anew from there.

I couldn’t sleep much that night.