Liar's Lips Fall Apart in Love - Volume 1 Chapter 4.12

The Winter When We Take a Step Forward 12

And so, with the end of the final exams, spring break began. Alone, I found myself waiting in front of a fashion building in Shijo Kawaramachi for Nanase.

Thinking back, since coming to Kyoto, I’ve rarely ventured into this area. Surrounded by people who seemed too dazzling, I felt intimidated.

…Enough hesitating.

Today, I’m going to confess to Nanase.

But it can’t just be any confession. I have to create a “romantic situation” that would satisfy Nanase.

After much agonizing, I finally settled on a date course.

First, we’d watch a romance movie that Nanase would like, then eat tart at a trendy café, and finally sit side by side on the banks of the Kamo River, watching the sunset.

The old me would have fainted at the thought of such a plan.

But this is also a step toward becoming a “wonderful boyfriend” for Nanase.

As I waited, restless, I spotted Nanase across the street. She wore a new coat over her white dress, something I’d never seen before.

She must have bought new clothes again, I secretly thought. Perhaps she spends most of her part-time job earnings on clothes.

Nanase noticed me and waved happily. I raised my hand slightly, returning the gesture. As the signal turned green, she jogged over.

“Sagara-kun, sorry! Did you wait long?”

“No, not really…”

I answered, then regretted it. Maybe as a wonderful boyfriend, I was supposed to say, “I just got here.” In reality, I had been waiting here for fifteen minutes.

But as I fidgetting for words, Nanase started walking with a bright smile.

“This is kind of new! We don’t usually meet up since we live next door to each other.”

“Ah, yeah, right.”

“Sagara-kun wanting to watch a movie is rare. What’s up?”

“Well, just thought…”

I mumbled my response and awkwardly took Nanase’s hand. As I gently squeezed, her cheeks flushed red. After a moment, she squeezed back, stronger.

And so, I set off, determined to make Nanase’s dream date come true.

…However, things didn’t go as smoothly as planned.

Maybe because I worked late last night, I spent most of the two-hour movie nearly asleep. The cinema’s chairs were too comfortable.

Nanase said, “It was interesting,” but she probably noticed I was sleeping.

The tart shop we visited next was busier than expected. A three-hour wait? This isn’t a theme park ride.

As we debated whether to wait, Nanase kindly suggested, “I want to eat a crepe instead.” I felt bad for making her consider my feelings.

Later, when we moved to the fashion building at Nanase’s request, the price of an accessory she was pondering made me gasp. If she bought it, I’d have to survive on weeds next month. Nanase said, “Maybe I’ll buy it with my next paycheck,” and left the store without purchasing anything.

…I’ve accomplished nothing…

My actions so far were far from those of a “wonderful boyfriend.”

In contrast, Nanase’s behavior was perfect. She laughed off my failures and kindly supported me.

She seemed happy no matter where we were or what we did, subtly expressing her wishes when we were indecisive.

I was grateful, but wished she would show some frustration or anger. Maybe, I was imposing too much on Nanase.

With a heavy heart, we crossed the Shijo Bridge and descended to the riverside. We were late, and the sun had already set behind the mountains. We were supposed to watch the sunset. Nothing went as planned.

On the Kamo River banks, though sparse due to the cold, couples sat at intervals. I quietly asked Nanase, “Want to sit down?”

“Really? I’m happy! Yes, let’s sit!”

The moment Nanase lit up with joy, I threw my silly pride over Mt. Daimonji. I’ll never mock couples sitting at intervals on the Kamo River again.

Nanase and I sat side by side on the riverbank. The evening in February was colder than I expected. Nanase sneezed a small “Achoo!” and I panicked.

“Sorry, it’s cold, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, a little.”

I took off my scarf and wrapped it around Nanase’s neck. She buried her face in the black scarf and smiled, “Thank you.” Just that made the biting wind seem insignificant.

“…Nanase. This is for you.”

I handed her a paper bag I took out of my shoulder bag. Recognizing the brand logo on it, she exclaimed, “Ah!”

“Can I open it?”

After I nodded, Nanase carefully unwrapped it. Out came a small, black tube—a lipstick.

I had bought it at a department store about a week ago, overwhelmed by the variety of colors. I showed the clerk Nanase’s photo and bought what they recommended.

“Is this a gift for your girlfriend?” they asked, and I felt my face burn.

“It’s cute! I love this brand. Thank you. I’ll cherish it.”

Regardless of how she truly felt, her words relieved me. After all, I don’t trust my own taste.

No matter how you look at it, I’m not the enviable boyfriend others might wish for. Being with me might not lead to the rosy life Nanase hopes for. Surely, there are many men who could fulfill her desires better than I could.

Yet, I wanted to be with Nanase forever.

The gently flowing river reflected the city lights. In silence, we placed our hands together, our body warmth slowly blending until it became the same temperature.

I faced Nanase directly. Her eyes, clear enough to draw me in, were once too dazzling to look at directly.

But after nearly a year, I was finally prepared to face her. No more running from her feelings or mine.

There was only one thing I needed to say.

“Um, I-i…like you, N-Nanase…”

…Ah, damn, I stuttered.

I couldn’t think of any clever lines, there was no beautiful sunset, and the Kamo River in midwinter was freezing. My once-in-a-lifetime confession was far from cool.

Nanase’s eyes widened, then blinked—and she let a tear fall.

“!? Uh, s-sorry, Nanase!”

Panicked by her sudden tears, I floundered.

Was it wrong? Should I have said it more coolly…?

I searched for a handkerchief, but unfortunately, I had nothing like it. Large tears streamed down her cheeks, staining her skirt.

As I fumbled, Nanase, with tears brimming in her eyes.

“I’m so happy…”

“Eh, what?”

“I’ve been waiting…for you to say that…I’m glad…”

Nanase sobbed like a little child.

“I…couldn’t give up on you, Sagara-kun…I wanted to say I like you again, but couldn’t…I had to work hard…so you’d confess…I was really scared.”

“Nanase…”

I made her feel so insecure because of my indecisiveness. A mix of guilt and affection tightened my chest.

The urge to embrace her, crying before me, was almost overwhelming, but I restrained myself with reason.

“Sniff, what should I do? My makeup will run…after all my effort…”

Nanase’s eye makeup was gone, her tears slightly blackened. The girl crying before me was far from the glittering girl she aspired to be.

Yet to me, she was the most adorable girl in the world.

I reached out and gently wiped her tear-streaked cheeks.

“It’s okay. You can just be yourself around me.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I like the hardworking Nanase…but you don’t have to force yourself around me. I’m happier when you can be yourself and smile.”

After sniffling, Nanase gave a soft, tearful smile. Even if it wasn’t perfect or fully smiling, that kind of smile was the most charming to me.

“Then, let me say one thing honestly.”

“What?”

Nanase, sulking, whispered:

“I’ve been hurt a lot. If you don’t say you like me a hundred more times, I won’t forgive you. Make sure I feel secure.”

Indeed, that was true. I had to make amends to her with all my might.

“Understood.”

Saying so, I gently grasped Nanase’s slender wrist and pulled her toward me. She widened her eyes in surprise and slowly, I moved my face closer to hers.

Just before our lips touched, Nanase placed her palm over my mouth, saying, “Wait.” Slightly frustrated, I pulled her hand away.

“What? You were the one who said to make it clear.”

“What are you planning to do?”

“Something only lovers do.”

Immediately, Nanase’s face turned bright red. Mine was probably just as red.

After looking around, she braced herself and closed her eyes tightly.

I pressed my lips clumsily against hers, covered in rose-colored lipstick. The contact was brief, and we quickly pulled apart.

“Do you understand now?”

“…Not yet.”

As she asked from up close, Nanase answered. Drawn by her invitingly lowered eyelids, we shared an awkward second kiss. “One more time,” she whispered, and we kissed again.

By the time Nanase fully understood my feelings, the rose color on her lips had completely vanished.

TLN : :))))))))))) <3 <3 <3