The Lie and What Follows

Walking with Riko-san to the station, our hands intertwined.

“See you tomorrow, Tooru.”

“Yeah, see you tomorrow.”

We let go of each other’s hands as we parted.

Riko-san kept gazing at me, not heading towards the ticket gates, seemingly expecting something more. I knew what she wanted… but we were in public.

“Um…”

Earlier at the bench, there were fewer people around. That moment was impulsive, driven by overwhelming affection. But if she’s asking for it again, I need to be prepared.

“Tooru…”

I felt vulnerable under her gaze, with her eyes slightly upturned, almost about to agree to anything she asked. Glancing around, there was no one paying attention to us…

I moved closer to her. She closed her eyes, tilting her face up. She looked so cute.

I kissed her… on the cheek.

“Why not the lips?”

“Sorry, I got embarrassed.”

A total wimp, yes, I am.

“It’s okay. But next time, okay?”

“…Yes, next time.”

“Then, I’ll be going. Bye.”

I watched her pass through the ticket gates. Even after she was out of sight, I couldn’t move for a while.

———————————-

Back home after dinner, Haruka inquired about my day.

“So, did you kiss or something?”

Finishing my explanation, Haruka’s question caught me off guard.

“No, not really?”

“You did, right?”

“Yes, we did.”

I couldn’t lie to her; my reaction was a dead giveaway.

“That’s annoying.”

She seemed genuinely upset.

“Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize, idiot. Shorty.”

Calling me short was unnecessary, wasn’t it? I smiled wryly at her sulking figure.

“What are you laughing at? I’ll crush you, you know?”

“Sorry.”

After venting her frustration, Haruka sipped her coffee and spoke again.

“Next time.”

“Yes?”

“Bring Adachi over.”

This meant she was ready to meet Riko-san, having sorted out her feelings in some way.

“Okay, thanks, Haruka.”

“I might crush her, though.”

I’ll stop her with all my might if that happens.

———————————-

Monday at lunch, I found myself with the cool guys.

After the fourth period, Kondou-kun and the others surrounded my desk. I was trapped from three sides, with Ninomiya-san sleeping at a distance, unconcerned. I looked towards Riko-san for rescue. Our eyes met – she smiled but shook her head.

“Endou, wanna eat?”

“Yes.”

I was escorted to the rooftop.

“So, how was it?”

Kondou-kun’s abrupt question.

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t pretend, Tooru! You had a date with Adachi, right?”

How did they know? Was I seen? No, I hadn’t hidden anything, but the interaction at the station…

“Adachi told us on Saturday. ‘Don’t bother me tomorrow, I might get a boyfriend.'”

Riko-san… so direct.

“Everyone knew except Imamura. She was shocked, but we mostly knew. So, how was it?”

I realized I couldn’t escape this.

“Yes, we’re dating now.”

I decided to be honest. It was the least I could do for their support.

“Ooh!!”

The guys cheered in unison, drawing attention from others on the rooftop. I wished I could disappear.

“Great, Tooru! Congratulations!”

“Thanks, Charao.”

Charao’s congratulations warmed my heart, knowing he once liked Riko-san.

“That’s great, Endou.”

“Yeah.”

I thanked them all. Their support had been crucial.

“How far did you go? Kiss? More?”

“Ah, never mind! I don’t want to know!”

Charao quickly changed his mind. He shouldn’t have asked about the girl he liked.

“Really? I want to know. Did you kiss?”

“Yeah.”

Kondou-kun’s smile turned cheeky.

After lunch, I returned to the classroom, ignoring Charao’s teasing. Kondou-kun and Tamura-kun pressed for details.

I loved these romance talks.

Walking back, we saw Riko-san talking to someone.

“Oh, isn’t that Ishigami talking with Adachi?”

Ishigami-kun, a handsome guy with a Charao-like vibe. I mentally named him ‘fake Charao’.

He was speaking loudly to Riko-san.

“Adachi, who were you with in that Insta post yesterday? I messaged you. That’s sneaky.”

Riko-san’s reply wasn’t clear, but his tone was getting worse. Feeling a dangerous air, I approached them.

“What? Just go out with me next time. There’s no reason to say no!”

“I do have a reason. I won’t hang out with you alone.”

Ishigami grabbed Riko-san’s arm as she tried to leave.

“Let

go!”

I couldn’t hold back any longer.

“Let go, I said!”

Riko-san kicked him. Whoa.

“Adachi! You…”

“Hey, hey. What’s going on here?”

Charao intervened.

“Kitazawa… What do you want?”

…Kitazawa? Charao has a name?

“Don’t get too cocky, Ishigami. Class is starting, get back. And stay away.”

Ishigami muttered, backing off.

“Alright, let’s go!”

Charao’s words dispersed the crowd. Many students were looking at me, curious after my public declaration of being Riko-san’s boyfriend.

Riko-san took my hand as I stood frozen.

“Tooru…”

I didn’t want to make her anxious. That’s why I had to be brave. But again, I was…

“It’s okay, Riko-san.”

“I’m here for you.”

“Eh?”

“When you’re in pain, I’m here. So when I’m in pain, you protect me.”

-That’s us, right?-

Truly, what a wonderful girlfriend she is.

“Yes, I’ll protect Riko-san too.”

“Tooru…”

“Hey, you lovebirds! Class is starting! Get inside!!”

Thank goodness for Kondou-kun’s interruption.