Liar's Lips Fall Apart in Love - Volume 1 Chapter 1.15

The Spring When I Met You 15

Come to think of it, Sagara-kun was in the same group as Sacchan. Sacchan was angry, saying, “He’s totally uncooperative,” but honestly, I was envious.

Sagara-kun, who is always so serious, would surely complete the task without cutting corners.

Lately, I haven’t been speaking to Sagara-kun at all.

──Anyway, from now on, don’t talk to me too much. If strange rumors start, guys will stop coming near you.

Sagara-kun must be worried about me, but still, I felt lonely.

Of course, it’s not that I don’t want a boyfriend to share a rosy university life with, but the idea of not being able to talk to Sagara-kun because of that might be unpleasant.

Since entering university, I’ve had the vague idea that I wanted a “wonderful boyfriend,” but I never seriously considered what I should do to achieve that or what kind of boyfriend I wanted.

To begin with, I can’t even imagine myself dating someone. The hurdle is too high. It’s only natural, considering I didn’t have a single friend until not so long ago.

──There are things that you can only do if you’re in a romantic relationship, right?

When Sagara-kun said that, I was quite shocked. Dating someone isn’t just about sitting side by side on the banks of the Kamo River.

When I imagine having such a deep relationship with someone yet unknown──I feel fear before anything else.

Maybe I’m not ready to become someone’s girlfriend. If that’s the case, I have to tell him properly.

Anyway, for now, group work is my focus. After the presentation is over, maybe I’ll bring dinner again as a treat.

With that thought in mind, I turned back to the task at hand.

◆◆◆

Sagara’s PoV

“…W-what? Sagara, you’ve actually done it properly.”

Looking at the report I had compiled, Sudo was dumbfounded.

It had been a week since our group work began. We had gathered for a meeting. I, who had finished the assigned task quickly in between part-time job shifts, was the first to submit it.

“Wow, it’s really well put together and easy to understand. You’re quick and amazing, Sagara.”

Houjou nodded in admiration. It seemed that the other members hadn’t finished their parts yet. The presentation is next week, and there is still time, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

“Sorry! I didn’t think you were up for it, so I underestimated you.”

Sudo said, putting her hands together. The fact that I lack cooperativeness is true, so there’s no reason for me to be apologized to.

“Completing the work given is just normal, isn’t it?”

“Nah, it’s not always like that. Haruko’s group seems to be having a tough time.”

Suddenly, Nanase’s name came up, and I asked back, “Why?” I haven’t been talking to Nanase much recently, so I don’t know what she’s up to.

I wondered if I shouldn’t have gotten involved, but Sudo began to speak freely.

“Haruko’s group isn’t very cooperative, and they don’t seem to take it seriously. It looks like Haruko is struggling on her own.”

“Ah, Nanase is with Yuusuke and such. Sounds tough.”

Houjou gave a wry smile. He seems to be close to Kinami and might understand his lack of seriousness.

Come to think of it, a few days ago, I saw Nanase staying late in the laboratory. When I came back from my part-time job yesterday, even though it was midnight, the lights in her room were on. Maybe she was working on the group work.

As I was silent, Houjou smiled mischievously and asked.

“Sagara, are you worried about Nanase?”

“…Not really.”

“Saying that, you cold-hearted guy! Heartless!”

After Sudo expressed her indignation, she raised her fist with a bright voice.

“But it’s great that everyone in this group is serious! Let’s work hard and get the highest evaluation!”

“Saki. Just so you know, right now you’re the one who’s the most behind.”

Houjou sharply pointed out, and Sudo stumbled over her words. As I watched from the corner of my eye, I was vaguely thinking about Nanase.

Then another week passed, and it was Wednesday.

I woke up to the sound of large raindrops fiercely beating against the window glass.

Peeking outside the window while still lying down, I saw a downpour.

Checking the time on the smartphone charging by my pillow, it was 8:53 a.m.

Since I had a shift until 4 a.m. and took a shower and slept around 4:30 a.m., I had managed to get about four and a half hours of sleep. More than enough.

I don’t have classes until the third period, so the morning is completely free.

The group work is going smoothly, but the presentation is the day after tomorrow.

It might be good to prepare a little more. I’ll go to university early and stop by the library.

Getting up, I washed my face at the small sink. I noticed I had a bedhead at the back of my head, but it was bothersome to fix it. No one would probably care anyway.

With this heavy rain, commuting by bicycle would be tough.

Even if I wore a raincoat, I’d end up soaked. It takes nearly an hour to walk to university, but taking the bus seems like a waste.

I’ll have to walk.

With a vinyl umbrella in hand, I headed to university while avoiding puddles.

It looks like the rain had just started a while ago, as I could see salarymen stranded under eaves without umbrellas.

When I arrived at university, I went straight to the library. There’s something like an automatic ticket gate at the entrance, and you can pass by holding up your student ID.

I put my drenched vinyl umbrella into an umbrella bag. The library was air-conditioned and a bit chilly.

After picking up a few legal documents from the shelves, I looked around and noticed a back as straight as if it had a ruler in it, causing me to shrug my shoulders a little.

…It seems I’m quite good at spotting her.

Nanase, with a pale blue cardigan draped over her shoulders, was facing the desk, flipping through pages intently.

Her desk was piled high with books.

I know very well that Nanase is a serious and responsible woman.

Otherwise, the high school library wouldn’t have been kept so beautifully and comfortably. The figure sitting at the desk overlapped with the girl with braids and glasses from back then. Her core hasn’t changed since that time.

I know that I shouldn’t speak to her. Still, I couldn’t leave her alone.

I walked slowly over and pulled out the chair in front of Nanase, sitting down.

Nanase looked up as if startled, let out a small “Ah,” and after glancing around nervously, she spoke in a whisper.

“Good morning. You’ve got bedhead.”

Being told that, I instinctively reached for the back of my head. Damn, next time I’ll make sure to fix it.

“Are you also preparing for the day after tomorrow, Sagara-kun?”

“…Are you doing this alone?”

I didn’t answer Nanase’s question and asked instead.

Nanase furrowed her brow and gave an unclear “Hmm.”

Taking the notebook on the desk, it was filled with neat handwriting. Probably, she has taken on the work that should have been divided within the group all by herself.

“Why do you go that far? Just slack off a bit.”

Judging from the notebook, her group’s presentation will turn out great. The other members of her group will also reap the benefits. Doesn’t that make her angry?

Even if she slacks off a bit this time, Nanase could make up for it on her own. She is extremely capable.

“Being serious by yourself, you’ll just end up losing out.”

When I said that, Nanase lowered her eyes gently. Long eyelashes cast shadows on her pale cheeks.

“Is being serious really such a bad thing?”

“…Huh?”

“I don’t want to cut corners in anything I do. I want to give my all. Even if people say I’m inefficient, I don’t want to think that being diligent is wrong.”

In the silent library, only Nanase’s voice quietly echoed.

Come to think of it, her current appearance is the result of her “giving her all” to her university debut.

She’s quite a clumsy girl. Even so, I couldn’t bring myself to ridicule her.

“…Even if no one recognizes your effort?”

When I asked sarcastically, Nanase turned towards me and smiled brightly.

“There are people who do notice. Like you, Sagara-kun.”

Internally, I flinched, but I kept my composure and responded.

“…Not really.”

I looked away suddenly, tossing out those words. Nanase chuckled with a muffled laugh.

“Thank you for worrying about me. I’m glad you spoke to me.”

That wasn’t why I had spoken to her. As always, Nanase is overestimating me.

“Hey, Sagara-kun.”

Nanase leaned forward, calling my name in a quiet voice so as not to bother those around us.

“Maybe I don’t need a boyfriend after all. That, well… maybe the timing isn’t right now,” she said, and then lowered her eyebrows as if asking, “Is that bad?”

I couldn’t help but wonder if that was really okay for her… but whether it’s bad or not isn’t for me to decide. If Nanase says so, then that’s just how it is.

“…Then do as you like.”

After my response, Nanase’s cheeks relaxed in relief. Then she closed her book and glanced at the wristwatch on her left hand.

“It’s almost lunchtime, isn’t it? I was thinking of buying bread from the convenience store.”

“Oh, I see.”

“I wonder if it’s raining outside? I didn’t bring an umbrella.”

Nanase said, looking at my vinyl umbrella. It seems that when she left her apartment, it wasn’t raining yet. You can buy umbrellas at the convenience store inside the university, but it’s a bit of a walk from the library. Without an umbrella, she would surely get drenched for sure.

After hesitating for a moment, I spoke up.

“…Want to share? The umbrella.”

Nanase’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Ah, really?”

“Yeah, I was thinking of going to the convenience store too… to buy something for lunch.”

If someone sees us sharing an umbrella, they might start unfounded rumors again, but I had become indifferent to that. It’s a hassle, but if asked, I’ll just deny it.

It’s impossible for me and Nanase to be a couple, even if the world turned upside down.

“Thank you.”

The moment Nanase smiled and thanked me, what rang in my head was Houjou’s voice.

──I think you two would make a good pair.

While looking at the woman’s smile in front of me, I laughed through my nose, thinking, “As if.”