The Lie and What Follows

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It’s true.

I was surprised to see many people visiting the other day, but it seems this work was on the daily ranking.

I’m honestly trembling at the number of accesses… To those who give their opinions and support through comments, and those who rate or bookmark, I truly appreciate it.

I hope this story, written as I please, can add even a little to your time.

Wednesday

April, with its temperature fluctuations within a single day, is coming to an end, and the daytime temperatures have become comfortable. In front of me, a classmate in light clothing is sweating profusely, continuously moving his body.

It’s during physical education class.

For us, exam students, physical education time is basically treated like free time. Our two classes are split into boys and girls, so what I’m watching is the guys sweating.
…It’s not like I’m particularly drawn to the girls sweating.

On the field, teams loosely divided are engrossed in soccer. Students who don’t talk much in class seem really into it, maybe because they’re happy to move their bodies. Especially the soccer club members are showing off their skills.

The frivolous guy, he really was in the soccer club. In the class, he’s kind of a joker (that’s my personal opinion), but when it comes to soccer, he’s enthusiastic yet serious. I’m impressed. When the girls’ eyes aren’t on him, does the frivolous guy become handsome? Still unfortunate. However, it’s not just the soccer club’s show. Some boys with good athletic abilities were also doing moderately well, but among them, the handsome Kondo-kun was showing a level of movement comparable to the soccer club.

Truly handsome. The word “handsome” doesn’t just mean a good face, but also excellent grades, outstanding athletic ability, good personality, good luck in love, and good fortune in work. If I could embody him, my future would be secure.

I, sitting in the cool shade of a tree at the corner of the field, was watching my classmates. Why don’t I participate? I’ve never really felt like doing sports, especially since a past incident when I was glanced at by classmates lamenting the lack of players in elementary school, then quickly looked away and resumed their search. Being a goalkeeper would have been fine…

But, I like watching. I believe there’s a power in seeing people seriously engaged in anything, even if it’s just play during class. Watching my classmates having fun gives me energy.

A match lasts 20 minutes. The boys from two classes are divided into four teams plus me. They can only play for 20 minutes, but I get a full 40 minutes. Being alone is good. Opponents are still being recruited.

It seems the first match just ended, with classmates laughing as they left the field. Kondo-kun, who scored two goals, was high-fiving his teammates and drinking a sports drink with a handsome gesture. I might have stared too long, as our eyes met. I quickly looked away, pretending to scan the surroundings, but he kept his gaze on me and started walking towards me.

What, is there a handsome-viewing fee? I’ve been seriously behind on payments then.

“Good work, Endo.”

I’m not tired at all. Yes.

“Oh, good work, Kondo-kun.”

Kondo-kun sat down beside me.

“…”

“…”

Neither of us spoke, like a samurai standoff. Maybe he wanted the best spot on the field? I should give it to him since he must be tired from the game and move to another tree. Was I a cicada in a past life?

I was about to silently greet Kondo-kun and stand up when…

“Endo, do you have a girl you like?”

“…Huh?”

His sudden question caught me off guard. Kondo-kun, slightly embarrassed, scratched his cheek.

“No special reason for asking.”

“Ah.”

This is uncharacteristic for the usually savvy Kondo-kun. My crush? Hmm, recently, Adachi-san. I think it’s okay to say I liked her. Though it was crushed to pieces.

“I don’t have anyone. I don’t even have friends. Seems I’m not at that level yet.”

“Level…? Huh?”

Kondo-kun didn’t seem to understand. If you’re not at a certain level, you don’t even get greeted, right? But to someone maxed out like Kondo-kun, it’s probably incomprehensible. He might say, “If you can’t get a girlfriend, just get a lover”… or maybe not.

“Sorry. But no, I don’t.”

I repeated myself. Kondo-kun, who had been watching my every move, sighed slightly.

“I see. That’s good then. Sorry for asking something weird.” He said, smiling. Wow, the handsome aura is strong.

An awkward air hung between us. Only one person could break it.

“Hey? Kenta? What are you doing over there?” It’s the frivolous guy.

He must have been looking for Kondo-kun and found us in the shade. He sat down next to Kondo-kun.

“Whoa! It’s cool here! Let’s sit here next time!” …I should officially move to the other tree.

After making a fuss, the frivolous guy noticed me sitting next to Kondo-kun.

“Huh? Oh, uh,”

Yeah. He doesn’t know my name. Neither do I know his. Frivolous O-san, was it?

“It’s Endo.”

Kondo-kun helped out. As expected of the handsome guy.

“Oh! Right! Endo-kun!” …He definitely didn’t know.

“…Yeah.”

“Why are you two here? A secret meeting?”

“No, just talking with Endo for a bit.” No, we weren’t.

“Really? Endo-kun, do you have a crush? It’s summer, huh!” I don’t understand. How does love equal summer?

“No, I don’t.”

Just to be safe, I deny it.

“Really? What a waste. Let’s fall in love! I’ve been in love for so long!” We know. The entire class knows.

“It’s a bummer not being able to see the girls in PE. Adachi’s gym clothes are super cute!”

“Well, yeah.” Kondo-kun agrees!

So, Adachi-san is popular. …Wait, does that mean they’re mutually interested?

“Sweaty girls are great, huh! It’s so exciting!”

“Is it?” I didn’t agree.

“Anyway, Endo-kun. You’re in the same group as Shin for the school trip, right?” He’s referring to Tamura-kun from the baseball club.

“Yeah. Sorry about that.”

“Why are you apologizing? That’s hilarious!”

He finds it funny.

“We’re in the same group, so let’s get along!”

“Right. Nice to meet you, Endo.” The frivolous guy talking with a laugh. Kondo-kun with a handsome smile. …They’re really nice guys.

“Hey! Isn’t that Adachi and them? They finished drinking water! Let’s go, Kenta!”

“Hey, wait! Don’t pull me! See you, Endo.”

“…Boys, really.”