The Lie and What Follows

The school trip is already coming up next week.

I have to steel myself to endure the trip with the popular girls, including the six groups we’ll be divided into.

…To be honest, I’d rather take a break.

But taking a break is a no-go. After all, I have my younger sister Haruka.

Even if I were to say that the school trip is tough and I want to skip it,

I’d be questioned as to why it’s tough, and she’d easily conclude that it’s because I’m a loner.

Haruka doesn’t particularly object to me being alone at school, but she gets really angry if I use that as an excuse to skip events like this. She’s furious, really.

Even though I’m the one who prepares meals, I end up getting punished by not being allowed to eat.

Haruka won’t allow me to take a break unless I’m really unwell.

…I’m the older brother, aren’t I?

So, what if I actually do get sick?

That’s also a no-go.

For some reason, my robust body doesn’t catch a cold even if I run home from school in a downpour. I’ve maintained good health for about six years now. If there’s a heroine in my life, she’d have to give up on any nursing events.

Well, my mental state is fragile, so I’m hoping for some healing in that area.

In that case, let’s focus on strengthening my mental state.

I’ll knock on the doors of a famous temple and get guidance to enlightenment from a venerable monk who has detached himself from the secular world.

Upon thinking of this second plan, I searched for well-known temples. Most of the temples that popped up were in Kyoto.

…Which is the destination of the school trip.

The very place I don’t want to go to is where my path to enlightenment lies. What an ordeal.

The option for enlightenment is also a no-go.

…Maybe it’s just better to stick with the popular girls.

Ninomiya-san, my consultant, is also in my group.

During the three-night, four-day trip, I’ll have one-on-one consulting to help my almost-bankrupt mental state.

What’s more, there’s a chance that the pink devils (Imamura-san and Tamura-kun) will join forces with the popular girls, making it a group of six or seven including Ninomiya-san.

Ninomiya-san has places she wants to go to by herself, so she probably knows how to enjoy the trip. After all, she has attributes of being a psychic, a glutton, and a tsundere. I wouldn’t be surprised if she enjoys a solo trip, uploads a video of herself drinking beer and snacks in the hotel.

And then there’s me, alone. Perfect.

As long as I understand the various assembly points and times for the school trip, I can freely walk the path to enlightenment.

…Well, maybe enlightenment isn’t necessary anymore.

I pedaled my bicycle with a buoyant feeling, as the possibility of going around Kyoto and Nara alone made the previous gloomy mood disappear.

I entered the classroom feeling refreshed.

What caught my eye as I headed to my seat at the back by the window was Ninomiya-san chatting with the popular girls (Imamura-san, Kiryu-san, Adachi-san).

“Ah, good morning, Endo-kun.”

“Good morning, Ninomiya-san.”

…When you’re called by name, you have to respond.

Upon hearing Ninomiya-san’s comment, the popular girls also looked my way.

“Hey, good morning, Endo-kun!” Imamura-san greeted me cheerfully.

“Eh, Endo.”

Hm, if I want to study Kyoto, the mythological system of tatami is the best.

I got into it through anime, but the original work is wonderful. I might even have the qualities of the protagonist of this novel.

“…Endo…!”

Alright, I heard you.

The voice from Adachi-san made my body react as if a trauma switch had been turned on. I couldn’t respond simply because I was scared.

I lifted my face from the book and sent my gaze towards Adachi-san.

I can’t look her in the eye. I focus a little above Adachi-san’s eyes.

“That… Um, go-good morning.”

“Good morning.”

“Um, abou—”

“I’m sorry…!”

I stood up and walked out of the classroom at a brisk pace.

Heading for the boys’ restroom.

…I managed to greet her. But just responding wore me out considerably.

Because I suddenly felt a stomachache. I can’t go on anymore.

I sat in the stall of the boys’ restroom and caught my breath.

Just having a conversation with Adachi-san wears me out this much.

“Ugh, this is tough.”

Once your mental state is broken, it’s hard to heal.