I’m a Telepath, but It’s Tough Because the Cool Beautiful Girl Next to Me Is Having Pink Thoughts - Chapter 31

It had been a while since I last came to school, so I was feeling pretty gloomy. But before I knew it, the first through fourth periods had passed as if in the blink of an eye.

When my telepathy isn’t active, it’s a whole different level of relief. I don’t have to hear anyone’s dumb daydreams, or their dirty little fantasies, and my focus shoots way up. Maybe that’s why time flew by so quickly.

So quickly, that I started wondering if someone was secretly messing with time itself. Not that I ever met anyone who could actually pull something like that off. Everyone I knew was a little broken in some way, just like me.

Normally, by lunchtime I’d be happy, grab something to eat, and then space out and enjoy myself. But today wasn’t normal.

And the reason was obvious, Kisara had gone and made plans for us to have lunch together and without even asking me. Honestly, I’d almost wished lunchtime would never come.

The last thing I wanted right now was to be seen hanging around Tatsuki at school. It’d be like pouring gasoline on a fire that was already smoldering.

This morning, for some ridiculous reason Kisara mentioned, a few classmates suddenly started acting all friendly with me. But who knows what they were really thinking underneath?

I’m a telepath, after all. I know better than anyone that the kind-looking, harmless type can suddenly bare their fangs. And to be fair, those guys this morning didn’t exactly look harmless to begin with. More like they reeked of suspicion.

And then there was Kisara herself. No way could I ignore her.

Lunch with her? It felt less like a casual meal and more like an interrogation. There’s no doubt in my mind she still sees me as her enemy. That whole “I just want to talk” thing she said this morning, that was code for something else.

───At the wash basin, I splashed cold water on my face.

Most people wouldn’t go this far just because they had to eat lunch with someone. But I needed something to snap myself awake.

God, I really hope this doesn’t turn into a hassle…

Of course, saying things like that always ends up being a flag… doesn’t it?

—

The meeting place was the school courtyard. Compared to the hidden back garden that Tatsuki and I usually used, this spot was much sunnier, with a refreshing breeze drifting through. Perfect for lunch.

And yet, it was also the kind of place I avoided. I liked to say it was because telepathy made the noise unbearable but the truth was simpler. I just didn’t like being around people.

When I ate with Chihiro, it was always in the classroom or the cafeteria. I never thought I’d have any reason to come here… and yet, here I was.

Complaining wouldn’t change anything. Forcing myself to accept that, I stepped into the courtyard.

Benches, trees, a pond, and even a strange monument. The courtyard was set up like a little park.

The air was already full of chatter and laughter. With how fierce the battle for seats supposedly was, this noisy atmosphere must have been normal here.

“Hey, Itsumi! Over here!”

Even through the clamor, Chihiro’s voice carried clearly as he waved me over.

“Took you long enough. If you’re gonna eat in the courtyard, you got to move faster than the track team.”

“Yeah.”

Of course, it was Chihiro.

When we parted ways earlier, Kisara had mentioned inviting someone. And she apparently really had. Whether it was out of consideration for me or part of some scheme, I couldn’t tell.

“Still, you’re being invited by Kisara? I didn’t see that coming. Well, I guess you two did talk the other day when you sat next to each other.”

“It’s not like I wanted this. It’s far from it.”

“Hm. Well, maybe those rumors weren’t so far off, then?”

Chihiro grinned, his smile sharp and teasing. The rumors could only mean the ones whispered around class.

I didn’t bother denying them anymore. If anything, denying them would be more misleading than confirming them based on the truth of the situation.

I pulled a face, showing as clearly as I could how much I hated the idea. That only made Chihiro’s grin grow wider.

And then, before I could reply, another voice called out.

“I’m sorry, I’m late.”

“Finally, man… All of you are the same.”

From behind me came, of course, Kisara and accompanied by Tatsuki.

Kisara wore the same calm smile and easy tone as ever. On the other hand, Tatsuki seemed tense as her face was stiff with her shoulders drawn in. Maybe it was because she wasn’t used to talking with Chihiro… or maybe it was all the stares from people around us.

“My bad… But honestly, I only invited you guys because I was counting on you to grab a spot first.”

“Oh, come on. You make it sound like I’m your errand boy.”

“Now, now. I really do appreciate it.”

Kisara let out a loud cackling laugh while Chihiro only twisted his mouth into a crooked line and looked exasperated. She seemed to act that way with everyone.

Though… I couldn’t help but think she wasn’t quite as sharp-tongued with him as she usually was with me.

“Putting that aside, why don’t we dig in already?”

“Putting that aside… Well, I guess you’re right. Itsumi did bring food, right?”

“Huh? Yeah.”

I rustled the plastic bag in my right hand. Inside was nothing but sweet bread. No thought at all to nutrition or balance. But just for today, I figured it didn’t matter.

Once the two main players sat down on the bench, Tatsuki and I followed.

The order ended up being Kisara, then Tatsuki, then me, and finally Chihiro.

I doubted it was a coincidence. Chihiro had already been sitting but Kisara chose the edge instead of scooting in. There was no mistaking it. She’d arranged things so that Tatsuki and I would sit side by side.

“…By the way, Rio-chan.”

Kisara suddenly spoke up as we were quietly eating our food.

“You and Itsumi-kun seem awfully close, right?”

“Kh—!”

Tatsuki choked and coughed abruptly. Even I, though not quite that badly, froze mid-bite as my chewing halted.

“Come on, tell us a little bit about that.”

Kisara grinned with her sly expression.

Chihiro, too, leaned in with interest, reacting as if to say, “Oh, this should be good.”

And just like that, the thing I’d been dreading all morning was finally beginning.