The Lie and What Follows

Nara, Japan.

Apparently, one-fifth of Japan’s national treasures are located in Nara.

On the second day of the school trip, our group, after a bus ride from the center of Kyoto, arrived at Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara Park.

The vermilion-lacquered shrine, known for its grand scale, attracts many tourists who spend half a day exploring.

“Wow, it kinda stinks here!”

“Don’t be silly. We only have two hours, so let’s get going.”

I silently added the pun about the deer to Kiryu-san’s statement, not daring to say it out loud for fear of her wrath.

“Eh? Was that a deer pun? Kiryu-chi, you’re on fire!”

The frivolous guy gets the full brunt of Kiryu-san’s multi-combo attack.

Watching him being tossed around (in my imagination) finally calms my heart. Am I too fond of the frivolous guy?

Last night was a whirlwind of events too vast for my mental storage: Adachi-san’s apology and Kondo-kun’s unexpected revelation. The interaction with two key figures of the Ikejo group was too much to process in one night’s sleep, but now, the frivolous guy’s carefreeness is soothing.

Walking a bit away from the Ikejo group with Ninomiya-san, who seems sleepy. She’s even cute while half-asleep.

The Ikejo group, led by the pink devils, followed by the frivolous guy and Kondo-kun, Kiryu-san and Adachi-san, proceeds along the shrine’s approach.

I avoid staring too long at the overly affectionate couple and instead notice Adachi-san waving at me discreetly.

“Did you and Adachi-san get closer?” Ninomiya-san suddenly asks, snapping out of her drowsiness.

“No, I wouldn’t say we’re close… probably.”

I fumble for the right words.

“Is that so? Well, that’s good,” Ninomiya-san smiles.

I ponder about tomorrow’s plan.

Ninomiya-san suggests starting from my choice, but I remember Adachi-san’s words, “I’ll be waiting.” She has her own group; it’s unfair to make her wait at the station all day.

“I have to visit a place tomorrow, alone.”

“Oh? Where?”

“It’s… I’d rather go alone.”

“…”

“Sorry. So I might not be with you until evening.”

She seems slightly disappointed.

“Okay, then we’ll part ways a bit early.”

Relieved, I feel it’s important to talk with Adachi-san, even though I don’t know what to say yet.

“By the way, take the Sanin Line back from Arashiyama. You can see Evangelion from the window.”

“Really? I’ll definitely take that train.”

Exploring Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Nara Park, we encounter many deer.

The frivolous guy is ecstatic. “Wow, so many deer! It’s like my whole vision is filled with them!”

The Ikejo group is busy interacting with the deer, oblivious to our growing bond.

Returning to Kyoto, we have dinner and a quick bath again.

In the room, Kondo-kun is already there, looking every bit the model student with his slightly wet hair and yukata. He offers me a sports drink.

“I’m hanging out with Ninomiya-san tomorrow. Adachi told you about meeting up?”

“Yeah, she said she’ll wait. She seems determined.”

Kondo-kun suggests contacting Adachi, offering her number.

“Why are you helping me this much?”

“Just because. I want to make memories with Adachi too. If she waits for you all day, she can’t hang out with us. Don’t hog her, okay?”

His jovial tone hides a slight sadness, but he remains cheerful.

That night, I message Adachi-san: “Is 17:30 at Kyoto Station okay?” Her reply comes instantly: “Yes, looking forward to it.”

I fall asleep looking at her dog ‘goodnight’ sticker.