Chapter 19: Fate Is...

After a few seconds of staring at each other, I was the first to speak.

「...If it's a checkup for faking illness, wouldn't a weekday be better?」

「Of course not. ...Um, I was just visiting an acquaintance. It's not like I'm here for myself.」

Shigure, who sighs as if exasperated, is in complete casual clothes, an off-shoulder top and long skirt. It gives a different impression from the her I see at school, and I almost find myself staring, but I somehow manage to look away and resist.

「Tsukishiro-kun, why are you here? ...If it's lovesickness, I don't think it can be cured.」

「My little sister is hospitalized. I was visiting her.」

「...Tsukishiro-kun, you have a little sister?」

「I told you before on the rooftop...」

「No, I thought it was a lie...」

「I'm not like a certain someone.」

The sight of Shigure laughing as she says "Just kidding" is honestly beautiful. Dozens of men must have been deceived by this beauty.

I feel sorry for them, but at the same time, I wonder if I'm one of them too. I need to be careful not to be seduced by this beauty into doing something strange.

「Was the way home okay yesterday?」

「It was fine... Why?」

「Well, you were alone yesterday, right? I was worried about what I'd do if Minazuki-senpai attacked you...」

「Nothing happened at all... Fufu, were you worried about me?」

Unable to lie, I reluctantly nod.

「My, my boyfriend is quite the worrywart. Or perhaps you're possessive?」

「Who would worry about someone like you...」

「Acting embarrassed isn't like you. It's fine, you can honestly admit you like me.」

That devilish smile had truly criminal-level destructive power. I could somewhat understand why the school's boys are captivated.

「Oh my, how passionate~」

「Being young is nice~」

The words that reached my ears made me instantly understand. Staying here any longer would be bad.

When I look at Shigure, she seems to have noticed too and is blushing.

「...Let's go outside for now.」

「Y-Yes. That's right...」

I left the inpatient ward walking close enough to almost touch hands with Shigure.

「...Oh my.」

▼▽

After leaving the hospital, we ended up walking around the area a bit.

It was Shigure's suggestion, but I had no reason to refuse. I can't lie about something like this.

Since this university hospital area is the city center, there are many people and shops. With more people comes more gazes directed at Shigure and me.

「...We're being stared at a lot.」

「There's no point worrying about it now. You're walking next to me, so be more confident.」

「What amazing confidence as always.」

Shigure's core never wavers no matter when or where. There are people who are drawn to that attitude.

But I felt something off about it somehow. Something I can't describe in words, just a feeling, but there's definitely a lie there.

Somewhere in her words, her personality, or perhaps something more fundamental, a lie is mixed in. That's what I suspect.

「Hey, Tsukishiro-kun. How long do you think the statute of limitations on lies is?」

Shigure suddenly asked.

I couldn't fathom Shigure's true intention, but looking at her profile, I could easily understand this isn't a joking question.

「There's no statute of limitations on lies. They last a lifetime. There's never a time when they're forgiven.」

「Why is that?」

「No matter how much time passes, the wounds created by lies remain. The convenient idea that sins disappear with time is just wishful thinking.」

After hearing my words, Shigure seems to think about something and shows a contemplative gesture while looking down slightly.

「Hey, why do you hate lies so much, Tsukishiro-kun?」

「...It's a trivial reason. When I was little, I once mediated in bullying. I had a troublesome sense of justice even for myself, so I couldn't tolerate that kind of thing. …But as a result, I was ostracized by the bullying group and had responsibility shifted onto me. Everyone around stayed silent, and no one defended me. In such a close-knit place, the more honest you are, the more you're disliked.」

It was a bitter memory from childhood. From that day, I began to hate lies.

The more honest you are, the more you're rejected from this world. Despite education that says liars are bad, this is what it comes to in the end.

I know──this world is cruel.

「...I see. I've made you recall something unpleasant. I'm sorry.」

「It's fine. I'll forgive since you're my girlfriend.」

「...Hey, do you still have time after this? There's somewhere I'd like you to come with me.」

Having no particular plans, I went with Shigure to a certain place. There, I will catch a glimpse of Shigure's true face.