Interlude…

I don’t get it.

I was thinking the whole time I was sitting at my desk—when I was talking with everyone, when the bell rang, and when the class began.

I really was confused. I’d thought this was for the best, that this could finally come to a solid end. That’s why I’d cried. But I really don’t get it.

But of course we’re here. This is what he’s like. This is what they’re like. They’re smart, but they are so, so stupid. They’ve always done this stuff, so they don’t understand any other way. They need to have reasons like opposition or a competition, or they can’t get close.

So it was an excuse—that whoever wins the competition, they’ll do whatever the other says.

I think she’s already settled on a wish. It’s the same as mine, but the opposite. They’re similar, but completely different.

There’s only one way to grant her wish—but it’s the one thing we can’t do.

It doesn’t matter how—we absolutely have to be involved, or none of this will work.

…So I say.

I’m sure this is an excuse, too.

I hadn’t written down the notes from the blackboard, but it was already getting erased, and the textbook was turned to the next page. I couldn’t hear any chatting voices. A sigh mingled with the squeak of chalk and the skritch of mechanical pencils.

I glanced over to the place where I was always looking.

He was leaning his cheek on his hand, eyes closed, nimbly spinning his pen with his right hand, head tilted just slightly downward to pretend like he was looking at the textbook, just in case… But honestly, this was better than usual. When it’s really bad, it’s like he’s completely asleep, flopped over on his desk. He’s always like that during breaks and stuff.

I was always watching.

Even back when we were in different classes, even when he never noticed, even when he didn’t know me—and since we got to know each other and slowly became friends, probably always.

So for just a little longer…I’ll make excuses. I’ll lie.

And do my best to put on a smile.

I really am dishonest.