Liar's Lips Fall Apart in Love - Volume 1 Chapter 2.2

The Summer When Something Changes 2

I took a sip of my coffee without adding sugar or milk.

It had a deep aroma that was different from instant coffee.

Since it cost six hundred yen, I might as well savor it to the fullest.

Despite it being a weekday, the cafe was crowded, and the staff were bustling around hectically.

Nanase paused and looked at a “Staff Wanted” sign on the wall, murmuring to herself.

“They’re looking for part-timers here…”

I remember Nanase mentioning that she didn’t have any part-time jobs.

To me, part-time work is just a means to earn money, but for many students, it isn’t just that. Expanding one’s social circle beyond university could be a good thing for Nanase, who is aiming for a rosy university life.

“Why not give it a try? You might as well start a part-time job.”

At my words, Nanase’s eyes widened in surprise.

Then, she looked down unconfidently and poked at her parfait’s ice cream with her spoon.

“But… everyone there is so sparkly, and it might not suit me…”

“That’s the kind of sparkly crowd you’re aiming to get along with, isn’t it?”

“Plus, I’ve never worked part-time before… I wonder if I can handle customer service.”

“Customer service can be surprisingly manageable. The important thing is not to let your emotions get the best of you”

I’ve been working at a convenience store for two months now, and I think I’ve been doing pretty well, despite my lack of friendliness. I initially had a strong aversion to it, but it’s not so bad once you can handle your emotion. There aren’t many customers who expect excessive communication from convenience store clerks. Well, the quality of customer service at a cafe might be different from a convenience store.

“Maybe I’ll try practicing a bit.”

After clearing her throat a few times, Nanase straightened her back. She looked straight at me and smiled.

“Welcome!”

When I remained silent, Nanase looked embarrassed and urged me to say something with her lips pursed.

Snapping back to reality, I took a sip of my coffee to disguise my reaction.

“It’s okay, isn’t it?”

“Really? Do you think I can do it?”

“You’re suited for it… I think. Nanase, you’re hardworking, have a good memory, and you’re friendly. You’re the type who could probably do well in any workplace.”

After all, there would be plenty of customers who would pay six hundred yen for coffee if they could be served by a clerk like her.

What people value varies from person to person.

Nanase had been looking down in thought, but after a while, she seemed to make up her mind and looked up.

“Sagara-kun. I’ll try applying for the job! Thank you. I’ll give you this parfait as a thank you for pushing me forward. It’s delicious.”

Saying this, Nanase handed me a spoon. I took it impulsively and then wondered if this was what they call an indirect kiss. Am I the only one who cares about this because I’m a loner?

…Well, it doesn’t matter. She probably isn’t thinking about anything like that.

With a sense of resignation, I scooped up some peach, cream, and ice cream with the spoon and took a bite. It’s probably delicious, but I couldn’t really taste it.

“It’s delicious, isn’t it?”

Smiling, I handed the spoon back to Nanase. She took it with an unperturbed face and continued eating her parfait.

I took another sip of my coffee, trying to hide my agitation. Somehow, my body temperature had risen, and I regretted not ordering iced coffee instead.

And then, a few days later, Nanase, having finished her job interview, came to my room and gave a peace sign, saying, “I got the job!” If this helps her world expand and brings her one step closer to a rosy university life, then paying six hundred yen for that coffee was worth it.

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Haruko’s PoV

Gion Matsuri is a summer tradition in Kyoto.

Once July arrives, floats called yamaboko line up along Shijo Street and Kawaramachi Street in the heart of Kyoto, and the sounds of Gion Bayashi echo through the air.

On July 17, there is an event called Yamaboko Junko, where the yamaboko parade through the streets of Kyoto. From the 14th to the 16th at night, the evenings are called Yoiyama, with many stalls lining the main streets. When students in Kyoto say they’re going to Gion Matsuri, they usually mean this Yoiyama.

…That’s what I heard from Tsugumi-chan, a Kyoto native girl.

Wearing a yukata and going to Gion Matsuri with a boyfriend seems to be a status symbol for Kyoto girls.

Perhaps because of this, hastily made couples seem to increase before Gion Matsuri, or so they say.

“Well, it’s super crowded, so there’s a high chance they’ll just end up fighting and breaking up.”

While Tsugumi-chan explained, I sipped my Frappuccino and nodded with a “hmm.” There’s no way for me to verify how accurate her story is. It might even be slightly prejudiced.

The first Sunday of July. The rainy season hasn’t officially ended, but it’s a clear, sunny day.

Tsugumi-chan had invited me out shopping. There are youth-oriented fashion buildings in Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto’s downtown area, and the pre-summer sales had already begun.

I fell in love with a blouse but gave up on buying it due to its not-so-cute price.

Shopping is definitely fun. It would be even more enjoyable with money.

After shopping, we entered a coffee shop near Sanjo Bridge. The limited-time peach Frappuccino had a refreshing aftertaste and was delicious. But, it was quite pricey. I’m sure if I told Sagara-kun the price, he’d make a face and say, “You could order a set meal at Kaifuutei and still get change.” I smiled a little at the thought.

But no matter what Sagara-kun thinks, a limited-time Frappuccino shared with a friend is priceless to me.

The Kamogawa River outside the shop reflects the relentless sunlight.

“Couples sitting at equal intervals along the riverside” is a typical scene at Kamogawa, but in this scorching heat, I think it looks hot before feeling any longing for it. Still, some couples sit closely together, showing impressive perseverance.

“Haru-chan, are you going to Gion Matsuri?”

“Uh… I don’t really have any plans…”

When I answered, Tsugumi-chan said, “I see,” and sipped her Frappuccino through a straw. To tell the truth, I’d like to go to Gion Matsuri.

I had never participated in local festivals before. I listened to my classmates planning to go to festivals with a face that said I wasn’t interested. I really wanted to wear a cute yukata with friends, take pictures, eat candied apples, and enjoy an extraordinary atmosphere.

If it were Sacchan, she’d casually suggest, “Let’s go together,” in situations like this.

Even three months after entering university, I still find it hard to invite friends out. The fear of being rejected crosses my mind, and I hesitate.

Even today’s shopping trip came about because Tsugumi-chan invited me.

But if I really want to pursue a rosy university life, perhaps I should be the one to proactively reach out. Sagara-kun would probably tell me to invite them myself if he were here.

Gathering my courage, I opened my mouth to speak.

“Hey, Tsugumi-chan…”

“Oh yeah. I wonder if Sacchan is going to Gion Matsuri with Hiroki-kun. I heard Hiroki-kun was planning to ask her out.”

My mustered courage was crushed, and I swallowed the words I was about to say. I sipped the almost-melted Frappuccino and asked,

“Why, Houjo-kun?”

“It seems like they’re on the countdown. They’re likely to start dating soon.”

I covered my mouth with one hand in surprise. Houjo-kun and Sacchan get along well, but they said it wasn’t like that. Was I the only one who wasn’t informed?

Seeing my shocked reaction, Tsugumi-chan hurriedly tried to reassure me.

“No, I didn’t hear it directly from Sacchan. It just seems like they’re getting along well.”

“Oh, I see…”

Sacchan and Houjo-kun dating. They do make a good match and would probably be a wonderful couple. But it’s a little shocking. I want to be happy for them, but it feels lonely.

If Sacchan is going to Gion Matsuri with Houjo-kun, maybe it would be a bother if I invited her. Tsugumi-chan and Nami-chan have boyfriends too, so maybe it’s better if I don’t say anything unnecessary…

“Hey, hey Haru-chan. Can we go back to that store later? I can’t forget the dress I didn’t end up buying.”

“Yeah, sure! I want to take another look at that blouse too!”

After going back to the fashion building with Tsugumi-chan, I ended up buying the cute blouse with the not-so-cute price.

For a while, I’ll follow Sagara-kun’s lead and live frugally, deciding to increase my shifts at my part-time job.

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