The Lie and What Follows

I forced my worn-out body to move and returned to the classroom.

I wonder if it’s okay that I left in such a hasty manner.

If you just look at her appearance, Adachi-san is quite beautiful. Although she has a lot of the “gal” elements, the aura she gives off due to her assertive attitude has something even more captivating.

In short, she’s very popular.

I heard that she even topped the school-wide girls’ ranking that some playboy was spreading around.

I didn’t vote. Did I get a notification?

Rushing into the bathroom to avoid her words like that, won’t I be targeted by Adachi-san’s fan club (if such a thing exists)?

That could lead to days of being bullied. I’ve never been bullied, but just thinking about it gives me a stomachache.

I remember being teased just for going to the bathroom next to the classroom when I was in elementary school.

…It’s not bullying. It’s just one form of communication between classes. There was no bullying in my elementary school.

Now imagine that happening on a high school scale. Just thinking about it gives me a headache.

Alright, let’s go to the nurse’s office.

I’ll explain the situation to the nurse and hide there for the day.

If I’m not in the classroom, Adachi-san’s fan club will probably think I’m repenting deeply in the toilet. Probably.

I decided to act immediately.

I pivot and change my direction.

Instead of striking a pose, I place my hands on my stomach to visibly show that I’m not feeling well. Preparation is key. Before entering the nurse’s office, I have to get into the mood, or else I won’t be able to face the nurse fully prepared.

I work on getting into character.

I’m sick. I’m sick. I feel sick. …Okay. It’s working. I check my posture in the hallway mirror.

Yeah, I look visibly unwell.

I’m all set. Here goes.

It didn’t work.

I was lightly dismissed and kicked out of the nurse’s office.

Why? My mental simulation was perfect.

I explained my situation and even conveyed that there’s a possibility of multiple people targeting my life.

The nurse gave me an ambiguous word of advice: “Come back some other time.”

Ugh, I have no choice but to go back to the classroom.

Is there really no way out?

Will my somewhat doomed school life easily reach another dead-end like this?

“Brother?”

I turn towards the voice. My sister is there.

She must’ve stepped out from the group that was surrounding her; there are a few girls who are probably her fans in the background.

Well, it’s the same school, so it’s not surprising that we’d run into each other. But Haruka and I don’t usually talk at school.

Not that she’s avoiding me, but she’s always busy and has people around her.

If a loner like me were to approach popular Haruka, I’d be instantly rejected. Sure enough, the girls in the back are giving me suspicious looks.

Everyone in my school life seems to be an enemy…

“Ah, Haruka. What’s up?”

“Well, what do you mean? Why did you come out of the nurse’s office? Are you feeling unwell?”

“Ah, no, no. I was just saying that I might be targeted by Adachi-san’s fan club.”

I wasn’t really sick.

But upon hearing a certain word in my joke, Haruka’s face started to show signs of anger.

“Adachi?”

I messed up.

Ever since that day, the keyword “Adachi” has been set as a no-go in front of Haruka.

“What did Adachi-senpai do to you this time?”

“No, it’s not like that! I just left the classroom while she was greeting me, that’s all!”

It doesn’t sound like a big deal when I say it out loud.

But from Haruka’s perspective, that little thing is a big issue.

“Did she… talk to you?”

Ah. I did it again.

I have to fix this, fast.

“Hey, Haruka, isn’t there a morning assembly today? Are you all prepared for it?”

Every Monday, there’s a morning assembly, a gathering of all grades. It’s a tradition for the student council president and vice president to give some opening remarks.

It seems like she was on her way to the assembly. I saw some familiar faces in the crowd behind her.

Haruka looked back once, then turned back to me.

“…We’ll talk at home.”

“…Yes.”

I figured as much.

Morning Assembly

Our Christian school has an auditorium that can accommodate all three grades of high school. About 1,000 students can fit in, making it a lively place during events like cultural festivals.

And now, standing on the stage and garnering the attention of all students is the student council president, “Rin Hayashi,” and my sister Haruka.

President Hayashi is not as tall as Haruka, who is almost 180 cm, but she’s still tall for a girl, around 170 cm. She ties her black hair into a ponytail and gazes at us with strong, straightforward eyes.

My sister Haruka joined the student council because she looks up to President Hayashi.

I’ve talked to her a few times when she’s been invited to our home.

…Even if it’s just greetings, it adds up over time.

Dressed neatly in her uniform and exuding a serene aura, President Hayashi makes the students naturally sit up straight.

“Good morning.

I hope everyone took the weekend to rest their bodies. Whether you’re active in clubs or using the time for yourself, please take care of yourselves and work hard in your studies this week.

For the third-years, the school trip is next week. Even though it’s a trip, it’s part of your studies. Please don’t forget that you’re exam-takers and participate while observing the rules. Also…”

The president continues her speech, but my focus is elsewhere. I’m petrified by Haruka’s gaze from behind the stage.

Among the third-years sitting in the back, her gaze was fixed on the front row of the third-year block. It’s probably where Adachi-san is sitting.

Her expression hasn’t changed much, but just that gaze alone might be enough to shoot someone dead.

She’s really mad.

Seeing Haruka glare unblinkingly at Adachi-san, I decided that tonight’s dinner will be a lavish one.