Liar's Lips Fall Apart in Love - Volume 1 Chapter 1.13

The Spring When I Met You 13

“Look, for example, what about him? Uh… Houjou, was it?”

The face that came to mind was that of Hiroki Houjou from the same seminar. A pretty handsome guy, he’s the cheerful type who talks to everyone, including someone like me, who’s more of a shadowy presence.

Even Nanase, who doesn’t usually interact with guys, had talked with Houjou at the recent party.

He’s bright, sociable, and refreshingly pleasant, the kind of guy everyone likes.

If someone like him were her boyfriend, her university life would undoubtedly be rosy.

However, Nanase tilted her head in confusion.

“Huh? Why Houjou-kun?”

“Girls all like guys like that, don’t they?”

“You’re generalizing too much. I think Houjou-kun is a nice person, but… as for dating him, it doesn’t really strike a chord with me.”

After saying that, Nanase hurriedly added, “Of course, it’s not like I’m in a position to say that!” Apparently, even Nanase has her own preferences.

I admitted to myself that my generalization was indeed too broad.

“So, what kind of guy do you prefer?”

“Hmm, I haven’t really thought about it… I’ve never had someone I liked before.”

Well, that makes sense. The Nanase who used to study in the library all the time didn’t seem to have much interest in romance.

“But even you wouldn’t be okay with just anyone, right?”

“Y-yeah. But… I don’t have anyone in particular in mind either…”

“Anyway, even if you find a great boyfriend, what do you want to do with him? Just so you know, your ‘rosy’ life lacks any concrete detail.”

“Ugh.”

Nanase stumbled over her words, apparently hit the mark. She folded her arms and thought hard with a serious expression. Maybe she was imagining her rosy days with a boyfriend.

“…I want to have lunch together at university, talk on the phone every night before bed, go shopping together, and sit side by side on the banks of the Kamo River…”

“Sigh.”

Hearing Nanase talk, I inadvertently let out a sound. I’ve never dated anyone before, but is this what all couples do? Just the thought of it was disheartening.

“…Is that really fun?”

As I asked, tilting my head, Nanase replied passionately.

“It is! If it’s with someone you like, definitely!”

Is that how it is? I can’t understand at all, and I don’t really need to.

“But dating isn’t just about that kind of stuff, right?”

“What do you mean?”

“No, it’s more like… there are things that you do only if you’re in a romantic relationship… right?”

What came to mind were more direct words, but I refrained from saying them out loud. However, it seemed that Nanase got what I was implying. Perhaps she hadn’t considered that aspect, as she blushed and looked down.

“Right… I guess so.”

An awkward and somewhat tense atmosphere going on. Damn, one wrong step and this could be considered sexual harassment.

“Anyway. If you ever find someone you like, I’ll support you.”

After saying that, I felt a tiny prick in my heart, but I pretended not to notice.

“…Thanks.”

Nanase said, smiling ambiguously.

After closing the door, I warmed up the somewhat cooled karaage in the microwave before eating.

The karaage Nanase made was unquestionably delicious. Whoever might become her future boyfriend and taste this karaage will surely be happy.

***

“Then, discuss in groups and summarize. The presentation will be the Friday after next.”

At the professor’s words, a groan rose from the back of the lab. The professor glared at the group with a stern look.

Our seminar’s professor has a severe expression and is nicknamed “Chibesna” by some students. It seems to be short for “Tibetan Sand Fox.”

I think there’s a slight resemblance as I looked at the professor’s cold eyes.

The seminar I belong to involves a lot of group work, which is a pain for someone with zero sociability like me. However, it’s a required course, so there’s no helping it.

To work in society in the future, it’s important to develop at least basic communication skills. I understand that, but interacting with others is still a hassle.

The professor randomly assigned the groups. I want to finish the discussion quickly and go home since I have a shift at my part-time job in the evening.

“So, let’s decide on a theme. What should we do?”

The one who looked around the group and spoke was Houjou. Contrary to his appearance, he’s quite serious and makes sure to complete any necessary tasks.

In the same group were Houjou and Saki Sudo who seemed to be good friends with Nanase. Sudo is quick-witted and not the type to prolong discussions with unnecessary chatter.

With Houjou and Sudo leading, the theme and role distribution were decided efficiently.

They even managed to assign me a role without much input from my end.

“Okay, so that’s settled. Once we’ve gathered the materials, let’s meet again. How about after the seminar on Friday? Is lunchtime okay?”

“Okay. For now, let’s make a LINE group.”

As Sudo took out her smartphone to say that, I spoke up.

“Do we need that? We’ve already decided on the meeting schedule, so there’s no need to contact each other.”

I, who uphold individualism, have no intention of belonging to pointless communities. I’d rather not connect on social media with seminar acquaintances I’m not close with.

“Huh? You finally speak up and it’s that?”

Sudo seemed annoyed and snapped back at me.

“Do you even know the word ‘cooperation’?”

“I know it. I don’t plan to get in the way, but I don’t want to get chummy more than necessary.”

After saying that, I realized I might have gone too far.

But before I could apologize, Sudo started making a fuss, saying, “What’s with that attitude? So rude!” and I missed the chance to smooth things over.

Well, it can’t be helped. I have no desire to cozy up, but I intend to complete the task I’ve been given. I won’t let anyone complain.

“…I’ve got work later. I’m heading out.”

As I was about to leave the lab, I caught a glimpse of bright chestnut-colored hair in the corner of my eye.

It was Nanase. Her long hair was twisted and tied at the back of her head in a complicated structure that I couldn’t quite understand.

Nanase’s group discussion didn’t seem to be going well, as her normally well-shaped eyebrows were slightly furrowed.

It seems she was in the same group as Kinami, who doesn’t appear to be very serious.

Kinami was leaning in and talking to her about something. He probably has feelings for Nanase. Not that it matters to me.