YOBANASHI DECEIVE 0

“…No, no, it’s true. What reason would I have to lie about it?”

The girl looked at me dubiously in response.

She must have doubted me from the outset.

…Which would be the smart thing to do.

When you considered the ability I had to deceive people’s eyes, that was the most prudent path for anyone to take.

“Don’t believe me, huh…? All I’m trying to do is lead you back to your original body.”

The girl stubbornly refused to nod at me.

Well, I figured as much.

Who’d say yes to such a blatantly fishy tale? Nobody. Of course not.

And I have good reason to talk like this, too.

It’s not like I’m seeking to make her dislike me.

I just want people to keep wondering about me. Doubting me. Doubting someone who can’t even trust himself.

I don’t understand myself at all.

What do I like? What don’t I like? What do I want to achieve? Why am I here?

What am I, really, on the inside? I still had no idea.

I wouldn’t want anyone to believe anything a guy like that told them.

They should doubt it. Deny it. Tear it down to pieces, for all I care.

Then, from the rubble, the real me might pop its face out. I’d like to see that for myself again.

…Though, maybe even that’s a lie.

Thanks to the lies piled atop lies, I’ve become completely unable to say what I really mean any longer. It’s irritating.

However, she really is a good girl.

She’s got this amazingly strong, refined sense of self. And the ability to doubt people. I’m practically jealous.

“Okay, well, how ’bout we do this? I could tell you some stories and stuff on the way there; how ’bout that? You won’t get all bored that way. You’re free to go if you do, though.”

The girl’s expression still oozed suspicion.

Yes. That’ll work for me.

“I mean, it won’t be weird stories or anything, right? I’ll just tell you about my life and stuff. It’s nothing too exciting, but at least it’ll keep you occupied, y’know?”

“…Here, how ’bout I give you a little taster?”