Liar's Lips Fall Apart in Love - Volume 1 Chapter 2.5

The Summer When Something Changes 5

Sagara-kun turned back with a look of reluctance.

“Um, just one thing. Do I look good in my yukata? Is it… cute?”

I had wanted to ask him that question ever since we ran into each other by chance earlier today.

Even when choosing the yukata and doing my hair, I had unconsciously thought about what Sagara-kun might like.

All my other friends had complimented me, saying it was cute, but I desperately wanted to know what he really thought.

With a feeling akin to prayer, I awaited his response. Sagara-kun’s face quickly turned grumpy.

“Not really.”

I know. His “Not really” is synonymous with a yes.

Despite his hard-to-read response, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

◆◆◆

Sagara’s PoV

In late July, with the end of the rainy season, came the time for mid-term exams at the university.

“Sagara-kun. You’ve been looking a bit pale lately, haven’t you?”

Nanase, who had come to deliver dinner as usual, said with concern.

While accepting the plate piled high with cold Chinese noodles, I replied, “I’m fine.”

Nanase muttered, “Is that so…” and tilted her head in doubt.

The regularity of Nanase bringing dinner had become part of my daily routine.

However, I had not forgotten to be grateful.

“…Thanks. This helps.”

“No problem! Sorry for the simple meal.”

Though Nanase said that, it was far from simple. The cucumber, ham, and eggs were beautifully shredded, and it was topped with a delicious sesame dressing.

I prefer sesame dressing over soy sauce dressing.

Even during the exam period, it seems Nanase has been cooking properly for herself.

Cold Chinese noodles are a blessing in this blisteringly hot weather.

I was running out of the bargain-priced somen I’d bought in bulk and had been wondering what to do.

“You’ve been working part-time every day recently, right? Are you sure you’re okay with exams coming up?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

I’m diligent with my classes and have no issues with attendance points. I’ve also already submitted my report assignments.

All that’s left are the written exams.

Most students reduce their part-time hours to study for exams. Nanase, who had started working at a cafe, mentioned she hasn’t been taking many shifts lately.

However, I couldn’t afford to do the same. Cutting back on shifts means less pay, and living paycheck to paycheck, that’s a matter of survival for me.

So, despite the upcoming exams, I’ve been working almost every day. The manager appreciates it because it’s a busy time with fewer hands on deck.

Still, I can’t afford not to study. Failing a course is out of the question, and for the sake of my future, I want to get the best grades possible.

I have no intention of skipping classes, so, as a result, I have to cut back on sleep.

…Well, either way. It’s not like I can sleep well in this unbearably hot apartment anyway.

“You’ve got serious bags under your eyes. Aren’t you sleeping much?”

“…I can’t sleep. It’s too hot…”

I still haven’t turned on the air conditioning in my room, trying to endure the heat.

I wonder if I can make it through the summer with just a fan.

Nanase looked at me in dismay and shrugged her shoulders slightly.

“Hey, maybe it’s time to give in and turn on the AC… you’ll ruin your health.”

But I stubbornly shook my head.

“No. I’m fine. I can still manage.”

“Sagara-kun, you’re stubborn about the strangest things… What are you fighting against?”

If I had to say, it would be against myself.

“Anyway, get back to your room. You need to study too.”

With that, I pushed her back and Nanase turned around as if being pulled by her hair.

“…Hey, Sagara-kun. If anything comes up, rely on me right away. We’re neighbors, after all.”

“I’ll be fine. I won’t trouble you.”

“That’s not what I mean!”

I half-forced Nanase out of the room, still seeming like she had more to say.

After the door closed, suddenly, I felt a wave of exhaustion hit me.

I still had a part-time job today, and after eating the cold Chinese noodles, I decided to take a quick nap.

◇◇◇

Haruko’S PoV

Walking towards the university library, I listened to the annoying buzz of cicadas in the blazing sun. I took a towel handkerchief out of my basket bag to wipe the sweat beading on my forehead and checked my makeup with a compact mirror to see if it had smudged.

It was the end of July. With the mid-term exams just a week away, the campus suddenly seemed more crowded.

Everyone skips lectures but still fervently wants the credits. They hurriedly check the exam scope and copy lecture notes borrowed from someone else.

I’ve had several acquaintances ask to copy my notes, too. It’s fine by me, but if they’d attended class regularly, they wouldn’t need to panic now.

With the exams a week away, I, of course, have been diligently studying.

Today, too, I planned to study in the cool, quiet library. I’m aiming for the highest grades. I’ve been punctual and present for every class, and I’ve completed my report assignments perfectly.

There’s no failure.

By the way, I wonder if Sagara-kun has been studying properly, since he’s been working part-time every day even before the exams. He’s been looking pale lately, and whenever we pass each other at university, he seems very tired. Maybe he’s suffering from summer fatigue.

I remember his words, “I won’t trouble you,” and feel frustrated because that’s not what I meant.

No matter how close I think we’ve become, Sagara-kun fundamentally doesn’t seem to open his heart to me. If I try to cross a certain line, he quickly distances himself.

──I don’t want to let anyone into my world. I’d rather not allocate resources to troublesome human relationships. So as much as possible, I prefer not to interact with others.

At the time, I thought he was just being stubborn . But perhaps his solitary life is something deeper.

As I thought about this, I arrived at the library. In front of the library, a group of five or six boys and girls were hanging around.

One of them, a tall boy, noticed me and waved with a smile. It was Houjo-kun.

I waved back lightly, and Houjo-kun came jogging over.

“Hey, Nanase. Going to study at the library?”

“Yeah. What about you, Houjo-kun?”

“Just hanging out with the guys from the club. It’s so damn hot, we were thinking of moving.”

Houjo-kun’s companions seemed to be from the futsal club. He has many acquaintances in other faculties and seems to have many friends of both genders.

According to Sacchan, he’s incredibly popular. I suppose his university life must be rosy, I thought.

“Nanase, you got a minute?”

“Uh, yeah, sure…”

“Then, wanna grab some ice cream? I’ll treat.”

Caught off guard by his sudden invitation, I was flustered. Although I had some interactions with Houjo-kun, we had rarely talked alone. What could he be intending?

While I was bewildered, Houjo-kun said, “Let’s go,” and headed for the convenience store inside the university.

I hurriedly followed him.