The Lie and What Follows

On the Sunday following the end of the test period, I was waiting for Riko-san at the station. After a restless Saturday night, I woke up at 3 AM. Watching the dark town gradually illuminate with the morning sun, I pondered in solitude.

After sipping coffee and getting ready by 6 AM, I realized something – Riko-san is always earlier than me. Not wanting to keep a girl I like waiting, and with my mind a bit muddled, I left home early.

It was 10 AM, two hours before our meeting time. Too early, yes. I was relieved not to see Riko-san there yet; if she had been, I’d need to rethink the meaning of “meeting up.”

The Sunday morning was sparsely populated. I sat on a bench away from the ticket gates, trying to read a book, but my thoughts were on the day’s date, making it hard to focus. So I closed the book and just watched the station square.

After about ten minutes, my phone buzzed with a message from Riko-san.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning, Riko-san.”

“What are you doing?”

I couldn’t tell her I was already at the station. That would make me seem too eager. I decided to say I was at home drinking coffee, remembering a tactic I read about in a book: a lie mixed with truth is less detectable.

“I’m still at home, drinking coffee.”

“No, you’re not.”

How did she know?

“Look ahead.”

When I looked up, there was Riko-san.

It was only 10:48 AM. Too early, but not as bad as me.

“Good morning, Tooru.”

“Good morning, Riko-san.”

I wondered if she was always this early. We still had over an hour until our meeting.

“I couldn’t sleep well and thought of waiting for you. I’m not usually this early.”

Was she making excuses? She seemed a bit rushed.

“Why are you so early?”

That’s a good question.

“I woke up early and didn’t want to keep you waiting.”

I even felt a bit creepy saying that.

“Thanks, but that’s too early.”

“You too.”

We laughed awkwardly, both being here way too soon.

Standing up, I admired Riko-san’s outfit – a pastel-colored blouse, a long skirt, and a thin long cardigan, her hair elegantly braided. She looked mature.

“Riko-san, you look nice in that outfit.”

“Thanks. Plus five points.”

I was grateful, even for the pity points.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.”

Lacking expression, but trying.

“Since we’re early, want to go somewhere?”

Accepting my clumsy attempt, we decided to walk around.

We strolled near the station. The east exit was bustling with a shopping mall, while we were at the quieter west exit with old-fashioned shops. We stopped at interesting stores, exchanging thoughts on products.

“Do you have no interest in clothes, Tooru?”

My outfit was usually a shirt and slacks, selected by Haruka. I had no confidence in my fashion sense.

“Not really. Haruka says my taste is disastrous.”

I once considered a T-shirt with internet slang and a hoodie with emoticons as stylish.

“Let’s go shopping next time.”

“Really?”

“I’ll pick something for you.”

Grateful for her offer, I looked forward to upgrading my wardrobe.

“Your current outfit is nice, though.”

A casual compliment from Riko-san. Good job, Haruka.

After a full round of the shopping street, it was past noon.

“Let’s have lunch?”

“Okay.”

We dined at a stylish café near the station – the same one we visited before. Riko-san chose a pancake set, and I went for a coffee set. Remembering she couldn’t finish her meal last time, I felt proud of myself for learning.

“Shall we share?”

Riko-san’s suggestion, with a tilt of her head, was adorable.

“Sure.”

We halved the pancakes, still a significant portion. Riko-san cut a piece and hesitated, then shyly brought it to my mouth.

“…Open up.”

I opened my mouth, accepting the pancake she offered.

“It’s different,” she commented, probably referring to my reaction.

After eating, Riko-san suggested going to the arcade upstairs.

“An arcade?”

“Yeah, let’s do something different.”

We entered the loud, colorful space. It felt like a donation box. First stop: the purikura (photo booth) area.

“Let’s take this one.”

Riko-san chose a booth, and we stepped inside. The machine’s voice guided us through poses. I struggled with the instructions, but Riko-san was surprisingly ready.

“…Hurry up.”

I followed her lead, and the machine captured our awkward poses, including a “lover’s pose” where Riko-san pulled me close.

Afterward, we

decorated the photos with drawings and stickers. I discreetly added a note on one: 【5/14 Anniversary】.

We played racing games and tried our luck at UFO catchers, losing track of time.

By 5:10 PM, we walked slowly along the seaside walkway lit by the setting sun. Finding a bench, I suggested taking a break.

“Shall we sit?”

“Yeah.”

We sat side by side.

“It was fun today. Thank you.”

“Me too.”

Now was my moment.

“Hey, Riko-san.”

“Hmm?”

“I lack confidence. I run from problems and look away. But you always pull me along. Even today, I didn’t plan anything.”

She waited for me, never gave up.

“Still, if it’s okay… I like you, Riko-san. Will you go out with me?”

Her reply was hesitant.

“I’m bad-tempered, I get angry and sulky easily. You might get tired of me.”

“I won’t.”

“Will you still date me?”

“Of course. As many times as you want.”

“Will you stay by my side forever?”

Her eyes trembled with uncertainty.

“Yes, I’ll always be with you.”

Tears fell from her eyes.

I whispered, “I love you,” and gently kissed her.