The Lie and What Follows

The students, having completed their first day’s itinerary of the school trip, were transported by bus to their respective rooms at the inn.

“Wow, this place is pretty spacious!”

I brewed some tea that was provided on the room’s table.

“Hey, Kenta, we should wear yukatas, right?”

“Not yet. We were told to stay in our gym clothes until dinner.”

Ah, the tea tastes good.

“Man, I can’t see the girls in yukatas yet? Bummer…”

Oh, there are also tea snacks. Let’s have some.

“We can see them after the bath.”

“That’s true! You got it, man!”

“Indeed.”

Hmm, eating kyō-gashi in Kyoto feels extra special.

“This is getting exciting, right, Endo-kun?”

“Yeah, I guess…”

Found me… I wish they’d think of me as just a spirit in the room. Notice me, and you’ll bring misfortune…

“We’ve got some time before dinner. Let’s have tea.”

Handsome Kondo-kun suggests it, but I’ve already prepared tea for all three of them. I’ve been trained in taking care of others by Haru. Don’t underestimate me.

It feels a bit awkward being the only one making tea…

I prepared tea for all three, placing the cups near them. It’s a simple gesture of hospitality.

“Ah, refreshing! Feels like life’s back in me!”

Wait, did he just drink tea? Sounds like beer.

“Thanks, Endo.”

Kondo-kun casually thanks me with his charming smile.

I can’t reciprocate, though. Valentine’s Day is long gone, and for Kondo-kun, every day is like Valentine’s Day.

“Indeed.”

Tamura-kun is… he’d be perfect with a newspaper in hand.

After a brief rest in the room, it’s time to change into gym clothes before dinner. Halfway through, the usually high-spirited frivolous guy mutters, seeming quite down.

“But, you know, Adachi still doesn’t seem well.”

“True, is she not feeling okay?”

Kondo-kun responds to the frivolous guy, his tone slightly hesitant. Does he know something?

“Hmm. Her elbow strikes felt pretty normal to me.”

Interesting. The frivolous guy gauges Adachi-san’s condition by the strength of her elbow strikes.

Is he a masochist?

“Well, she might cheer up during the trip. Let’s not bother her too much. Now, let’s go eat.”

Kondo-kun forcefully changes the subject, lacking his usual natural charm. My “handsome-dar” is getting more accurate…

Entering the banquet hall, we join the rest of the students, who are already assembled. The meal begins shortly after.

As I enjoy the beautifully arranged food, Ninomiya-san taps my shoulder gently.

“Um?”

“…Can I have more rice?”

She asks, a bit embarrassed.

That’s right. Ninomiya-san has a voracious appetite.

How does all that food fit into her small frame? It’s a mystery.

I have the rice container next to me.

I take her bowl, generously fill it with rice, and hand it back to her.

I’m tapped on the shoulder a bit harder.

After dinner, it’s time for the bath.

Carrying towels and a change of clothes, I head to the bathhouse.

Although it’s a large bath, I’m not one for long soaks. A quick wash, a brief dip, and I’m satisfied.

I should head back to the room quickly. The others will be returning from the bath soon. They won’t bother waking me up, I hope.

…I know there’s probably a pillow fight planned, but I’m fine with just my futon. Even being stepped on once or twice doesn’t bother me.

Instead of my pajamas, I put on a yukata and head out of the bathhouse. I remember seeing a vending machine on the way here, so I decide to buy a drink.

Reaching the vending machine, I find someone already there, apparently struggling with it.

I’ll wait three meters behind her.

She keeps pulling the change return lever.

Ah, I see. The machine is broken. It won’t return the money. But more importantly…

“Thanks. Sorry.”

“Ah, no, sorry for startling you.”

We exchange apologies awkwardly…

It’s clear she feels guilty about me, having lied and put me through so much. Haru was quite harsh about it, too.

But it’s a bitter memory for both of us. I’ll just bury it deep down.

Yet, she looks so troubled…

“Are you okay, Adachi-san?”

As I speak, she looks surprised and then lowers her gaze.

After a few seconds, she lifts her face, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“…Why are you being nice to me? After I made you suffer so much… Why…?”

“That’s because

…”

“Endo… I’m sorry for lying to you. For hurting you, for being selfish… I’m sorry…”

She must have been suffering, too. There’s still so much I don’t know about her.

Her words shed a little light on my darkened heart.

“I’m sorry for running away, too.”

After shedding her tears, she apologizes again.

“Okay. Thank you. Really, I’m sorry.”

We continue to apologize…

“Alright. See you later, Adachi-san.”

As I turn to leave, she calls out to me.

“Endo…! Can you spare some time the day after tomorrow? I’ll wait at Kyoto Station… as long as it takes.”

The day after tomorrow is free time. I’m supposed to be with Ninomiya-san, but…

“I already have plans to be with someone…”

Not a lie. Really.

“I’ll wait… at the station.”

“Okay.”

“See you.”

“Okay.”

Parting ways with Adachi-san, she seems a bit more spirited, despite her tear-streaked face.

Returning to my room later than expected, a pillow hits my face as soon as I open the door.

“Endo-kun, you’re late! Let’s have a pillow fight!”

I wish they’d let me soak in the moment a bit longer.