Liar's Lips Fall Apart in Love - Volume 1 Chapter 3.1

The Autumn When Love Begins 1

It has been a week since summer vacation ended and university classes resumed.

I, as usual, lead a life of study and part-time work, far from the rose-colored university life I had initially hoped for—though it turned out a little different than the solitary and comfortable life I wanted.

“There’s plenty of rice left, so eat up!”

Nanase, sitting next to me, said that.

With autumn here, her azuki bean-colored high school tracksuit has made a comeback.

Lately, whenever our schedules align, Nanase and I have been eating dinner together.

It was supposed to start as a way to save on electricity by eating in an air-conditioned room together, but we’ve continued the habit into the cooler weather somewhat naturally.

Feeling guilty about receiving her one-sided generosity, I started giving her money for food expenses.

Today, Nanase made ginger pork for us. The shredded cabbage was finely and beautifully cut, reminding me of my recent failed attempt at cutting green onions, which made me feel a bit pathetic.

Perhaps I should also practice cooking a bit.

“By the way, the cultural festival is coming up soon.”

“Ah,” as Nanase mentioned it.

Our university’s cultural festival takes place at the beginning of November and lasts for three days.

It’s quite a grand event that attracts many people from outside the school. Those who belong to cultural clubs and circles seem to be especially gearing up for the festival with enthusiasm.

“Our seminar is going to have a booth. We’re selling yakitori for 300 yen/stick.”

“Huh. That’s a rip-off…”

“I’m not in any clubs or circles, so I’m happy I can participate in the festival! I’m looking forward to it!”

Nanase clasped her hands in front of her chest, her eyes shining with anticipation. For her, aiming for a rose-colored university life, it must be an unparalleled event.

Well, it’s none of my business. I have no intention of getting overly involved in a non-profit event. If I’m going to work, I’d rather do it at my part-time job where it’s meaningful.

“Besides, 300 yen/stick… Will they even sell? What kind of pricing is that?”

“It’s a festival, isn’t it normal? Candy apples were up to 500 yen too…”

They’re probably just going to grill frozen yakitori bought from a wholesale supermarket and slather it with sauce. The thought of the cost price gives me chills. I definitely wouldn’t buy it.

“There was also talk about the girls dressing up as saleswomen in yukata… but that got scrapped because it’d be too cold in November. I kind of wanted to wear one.”

Oh. So, no yukata.

I was, internally, a little, fairly, reasonably disappointed. Yakitori sold by Nanase in a yukata might be worth 300 yen. I found myself seriously contemplating such a ridiculous idea.

“Tomorrow at noon, we’re meeting in the lab for the festival planning. You should come too, Sagara-kun!”

“Huh, sounds like a hassle…”

I let my true feelings slip. Nanase stared at me intently, not pleased with my reluctance.

“I’d be happy if you came, Sagara-kun.”

…But, well, indeed. It would probably earn me some scorn from others if I, who am in no circle or club, didn’t offer any help.

Our seminar often involves group work, and it would be difficult to proceed if I lowered my standing with everyone.

My part-time job starts in the evening, so maybe it’d be better to show my face.

“Alright, I’ll go.”

“Really!? Yay!”

Nanase cheered and hummed a clumsy tune. Listening to her, it seemed to be the theme song of the local supermarket. What a choice, I thought, and chuckled to myself.

The next day, about seven of us, including Nanase and me, gathered in the lab for the cultural festival meeting. I didn’t see Houjo or Sudo; they must have gone to their respective circles.

I watched the discussion at the center of the research lab from a distance. Reluctantly, I agreed when Nanase asked me to be a salesperson on the day of the event.

“Hey, let’s take a break, break time. We’ve pretty much decided everything, right? It’s fine.”

After about two hours, Kinami threw his pen down and suggested a break.

Somebody spread out snack foods on the table, and the chatter grew lively as people snacked.

Nanase came over with a red box and sat next to me.

“Here, have some too, Sagara-kun.”

I thanked her and took a chocolate-covered pretzel, crunching into it. It tasted better than I remembered.

“By the way, the beauty pageant entries are starting soon, right?”

“Ah, right, I saw the posters. Wonder if anyone we know will enter.”

During the casual conversation, someone brought that up.

Our university also has a beauty pageant, like many others. However, it’s not that extravagant; it’s part of the school festival’s events, almost like a game.

The preliminary round is voted on online, and those who pass can participate in the finals on the festival day.

“Hey, Nanase, why don’t you enter?”

The moment Kinami said that, Nanase nearly spit out her tea.

“W-what!? No way, Ah… absolutely impossible!”

Nanase refuses with a desperate look on her face, but Kinami, not giving up easily, pressed on.

“Come on, Nanase is cute. I bet she could make it far!”

“You can apply online, right? Just need to take a photo and write a profile.”

Before I knew it, the others were also getting excited. I kept silent, feigning ignorance.

Then, Nanase, with a troubled look, tugged on the hem of my parka under the table. I was startled and looked at her; she was giving me a pleading look.

“What should I do, Sagara-kun…”

She whispered in a tiny voice. I responded, “What’s wrong?” while trying to be discreet. Nanase leaned in closer, and I couldn’t help but feel a embrassed.

“I… I can’t do a beauty pageant. It’s ridiculous to think of me entering.”

“What’s so ridiculous about it?”

“Because… you know, Sagara-kun… my, my true face.”

Nanase said it with an apologetic tone. So that’s what she was worried about.

“It’s not ridiculous at all. Why not give it a try?”

No matter what her bare face looks like, Nanase with makeup is undeniably beautiful, so there’s no problem with her entering a beauty pageant.

I don’t think it’s ridiculous at all. If she’s aiming for a rose-colored university life, participating in a beauty pageant could be an interesting experience.

“It’s not… ridiculous?”

Nanase looked surprised, her eyes wide open.

Just then, Kinami approached with his smartphone. Perhaps noticing how close we were, his expression turned slightly suspicious.

“What’s up? Having a private conversation?”

“…It’s nothing.”

“Whatever. Here, Nanase, I’ll take your picture! Look this way!”

Kinami aimed the camera, and Nanase, as if resigning herself to fate, managed a strained smile.

Kinami pressed the shutter repeatedly, then tilted his head as he looked at the screen.

“It’s kind of off. Nanase, your photo isn’t coming out great. Can you smile more naturally?”

“Uh… I don’t know how to smile any more naturally than this…”