Liar's Lips Fall Apart in Love - Volume 1 Chapter 4.5

The Winter When We Take a Step Forward 5

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Haruko’s PoV

Christmas has ended, and the university is on winter break. I’m sitting at my desk in my room, working on a report.

I’m in my bare face with glasses, wearing a jersey with a hanten over it. It’s not a look I’d show anyone, but it’s the most comfortable style for studying.

While I’m busily typing on the keyboard, the intercom rings, “Ping-pong.” As a minimal act of resistance, I put on a large mask before opening the door slightly.

“Delivery service. Please sign here.”

I sign with the pen and receive a large package. The sender is my mother from home. The cardboard box is marked with [Relief Supplies] in black marker.

Even after coming to Kyoto, I occasionally receive packages like this from home. Inside are rice, vegetables, instant miso soup, cup noodles, and my favorite snacks.

This time, along with those items, there was a Christmas limited edition coffret from a brand I’ve always admired. The handwriting that says [To Haruko, a Christmas present] belonged to my beloved older sister. My heart leaps at the sight of the colorful eyeshadows and blushes.

After sending a thank you LINE message to my parents and cousin, I walk to the window.

I open the curtains and gaze absent-mindedly outside. It seems Sagara-kun has gone to work today. I wonder if he’ll be coming back soon, unconsciously searching for his figure.

It’s nearly midnight. At this hour, I can’t even offer to bring him dinner. That means I lose a reason to go see him.

I wish we could have the kind of relationship where I can see him anytime I want, without needing a reason.

How audacious of me to think that, especially after being turned down.

…What exactly is at the core of Sagara-kun’s solo living philosophy?

Come to think of it, the first time Sagara-kun rejected me was when I talked about my family. Perhaps the problem he’s facing is related to that.

Sagara-kun is still closing off his heart, trying to live alone without involving anyone.

If Sagara-kun truly wishes for a solo living world, I think that’s fine. If he genuinely wants to be alone from the bottom of his heart, (though it’s sad) I have no intention of interfering.

…But. The thought of Sagara-kun suffering… I hate it.

Even when he pushed me away, saying he couldn’t accept me, or when he said, “This is my problem,” Sagara-kun always seemed to be in pain.

Even if I became a sparkling girl, made lots of friends, and had fun days, if Sagara-kun isn’t smiling, my university life surely wouldn’t be rosy.

Sagara-kun said he would cooperate with me to protect his solo university life. Then, I will help Sagara-kun to obtain my rosy university life.

At that moment, I saw Sagara-kun’s figure illuminated by the streetlight outside the window.

He was wearing a black down jacket, blending into the night, but somehow, my eyes always find him.

Unable to stay put, I rush out of my room and greet Sagara-kun, who is coming up the stairs, with a “Welcome back!”

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Sagara’s PoV

On my way back from work, I glanced at the remaining calls on my smartphone and involuntarily held my breath.

I stopped and leaned against a telephone pole, using my numb fingers to operate the smartphone and check the history.

The caller was my mother. There were three calls in total, one every hour. It’s the first time she’s called so frequently since I left home.

The unpleasant thought that it might be an accident or illness caused unrest in my heart. The current time is 22:00, my mother is probably still awake.

After a moment of hesitation, I tapped the call button from her number.

“Souhei? Are you doing well?”

Mother picked up after one ring, her voice tense and slightly stiff.

Even after I left home, my mother called a few times. However, those exchanges were awkward, filled with uncomfortable silences, and ended in an uneasy atmosphere.

I’ve forgotten what it’s like to have a casual closeness with family.

“Is there something you needed?”

“Well, Souhei… are you coming home for winter break?”

“…Ah. I have work, so it’s difficult.”

It wasn’t a lie that I have work. But to be honest, I had no intention of going home.

My mother is now living with her new partner. If I go back, I’d probably just be in the way. In fact, I haven’t seen my mother once since leaving home. I wasn’t asked to come back for Golden Week or summer break.

But unusually, my mother didn’t back down.

“…Can’t you come back, just for a little while? I’ll pay for your trip.”

“…But…”

“Listen, Souhei. Actually, there’s something important your mother has to tell you.”

Even over the phone, I could sense the strong will in her voice. That’s when I finally understood her intention.

Ah, I see. It’s not that she wants to see me.

“Mom. Are you getting remarried?”

There was silence on the other end of the phone at my question. After a while, I could hear her sigh.

“…This isn’t something to discuss over the phone.”

“…Sorry.”

“Check your schedule again and get back to me. Good night, Souhei. Don’t catch a cold.”

With that, the call ended in the usual awkward atmosphere.

I shoved my smartphone back into my down jacket’s pocket and started walking again.

The cold wind howled fiercely, making my ears painfully cold.

As I was going up the stairs to my apartment, Nanase rushed out of her room. Nanase, in her bare-faced glasses and hanten, lit up with joy upon seeing me. (tln : A hanten (袢纏) is a short winter coat and an item of traditional Japanese clothing.)

“Sagara-kun! Welcome back!”

The moment I saw her face, I felt a sense of relief, but I hid that feeling and shrugged my shoulders.

“Don’t come out at this time.”

“Sagara-kun coming home, I saw it from the window.”

I hadn’t expected her to be watching. Maybe she was waiting for me.

…I can’t say I’m glad to see her face because I was feeling down. Saying something so suggestive would surely confuse her.

Looking at Nanase’s innocently smiling face, I scratch my head in confusion.

“…? Sagara-kun, is something wrong?”

Noticing my gloomy expression, Nanase asks with concern. Hesitating, I finally speak up.

“…Nanase, are you going home for winter break?”

“Ah? Yeah, I’m planning to.”

“…Don’t you not want to go back to your hometown?”

“No, I’m fine now,” Nanase stated firmly, showing no signs of forcing herself.

I replied with a short “I see,” and looked down.

Nanase has stopped dwelling on the past and is trying to move forward. It’s only me who’s still stuck.

“…Sagara-kun, are you going home?”

Nanase timidly asked. I kept my gaze down, staring at the tips of my sneakers.