u/Korichii10

I immediately took action to secure a solid standing within Group 3.

All to get along with the girls from the other classes as usual, and to amicably deepen our relationships.

Dinner on the first day of the special exam was the absolute perfect opportunity for this.

However, such plans were instantly shattered by the appearance of a certain man.

“If you don't mind, would you like to eat together.”

The one who called out to me was, of all people… overly dramatic though it may be, Ayanokouji-kun.

A lone boy diving straight into a flock of girls.

Even if he didn't mean anything by it, for me, it was a massive nuisance.

It was especially far from ideal given that Class D was present.

Information had already made its rounds to me too. The certified data that Ichinose Honami, their class leader, harbours feelings for Ayanokouji-kun. The last thing I want is for Amikura, someone close to her, to spread any unnecessary speculations.

Even so, given that he called for me, I, the good girl, played it safe.

I readily accepted, and we eventually distanced ourselves from the other students.

“What are you playing at, Ayanokouji-kun,” I asked, wanting to know the reason he approached me so instantly.

“Didn't you say you wanted to discuss things regarding tomorrow onward?”

This man's words are a heavy mix of truths and lies, so they can't be trusted.

So much so that I wouldn't be surprised even if he were acting solely to undo all my hard work.

“When the hell did I say that... Besides, you don't need my help in the first place, do you. You do realise you’re being a massive pain, right.”

“Is that so? I’d figured you’d be pleased, being able to show your usefulness within the group and satisfying your need for validation, but I suppose I was mistaken.”

He spoke with his usual, unchanging expressionless face.

God, he pisses me off.

He pisses me off, yet for some reason, I find myself unable to fully hate him.

Despite him being the same person during the Unanimous Voting Exam I’d loathed to the point of wanting to murder, that is.

“Don't make me laugh. It would be one thing if it were just you, but do you have any idea how painful it is to be praised in front of Shinohara and the others who know my true colours. They're just mocking me for their amusement.”

Observing his attitude up to this point, I arrived at an answer.

“Well, I do understand why you can't rely on Shinohara-san and Ike-kun...” I muttered with annoyance, acknowledging that it can't be helped that I’d be chosen by process of elimination.

“Still, it looks like you're doing quite well in your new class, Ayanokouji-kun.”

“They had their backs against the wall for Sakayanagi gone, after all. Things probably would've worked out even if it weren't me, I reckon.” [1]

“Yeah right.”

“If you have anything in mind, feel free to ask away.”

“I don't.”

Or so I’d thought, but then one thing that has been bothering me came to mind.

“There's no short of rumors about you right now, after all. Not that I think they're all true, but I've heard plenty of things about you even from Class D.”

That Ichinose Honami harbors romantic feelings for Ayanokouji.

That there might have been some event between the two that had brought them closer.

How trivial. Even as I’d thought of it so, it had been irritating me ever since I found out.

Putting it into words didn't change anything; if anything, it even felt as though it’d added to my burden.

“Even so——”

Thinking about it any further was unpleasant, so I decided to change the subject.

“Having people know the real me is nothing but trouble in general, but I guess having moments where I can speak my mind like this is might be m one saving grace.”

And using that as an excuse to escape, I began to walk away.

“Sorry, but I'm heading back. I don't want to draw any more attention from Shinohara-san and the others for no good reason.”

“Living a double life must be tough.”

Just because it's not his problem, I wish he wouldn't say that so flippantly.

“A bit late for that, don't you think.”

I’ve continued to wear this mask for my own sake.

But lately, I've been wondering.

Just how long is that going to go on for.

Until my life as a student ends? Even after I join the workforce? Even after I get married? Even after I grow old?

I wonder——just how long must I keep wearing this mask——.

***

TL Note:

[1] Not sure what he’s referring to regarding 成立 (literal: establish) as I’ve long stopped reading, engaging, or keeping up with the plot of this series, so just defaulted to an equivocal “worked out.”