"'Falling to where,'" Dubian Che recited the last line of the haiku, "I'm not feeling particularly good or bad, just a bit hesitant."

"Hesitant?" Kiyono Lin sighed helplessly and closed her book, "Let me chat with you."

"Sure, what shall we talk about? Takahama Kyoshi?"

"Okay, you start." Kiyono Lin placed the book on her pleated skirt that covered her knees, lightly stroking the cover with her fingers.

"Uh—" Dubian Che was at a loss for words, "Regarding Takahama Kyoshi, I know this haiku."

"So do I."

"Do you agree?"

"Didn't you propose talking about Takahama Kyoshi?" Kiyono Lin gently rested her hand under her chin, her smile elegant with a hint of playfulness, very charming.

"I was hoping to learn about him from you," Dubian Che said.

"Ah, I've told you, haven't I? I don't know everything, and admitting that..."

"...is one of your excellent qualities," Dubian Che finished for her, "I remember everything you say."

"Credit goes to writing a diary?"

"Speaking of diaries, it's about time you..."

"It's about time you submitted the second one."

"..." Dubian Che looked at the assertive Kiyono Lin without blinking, "Kiyono-san."

"Go ahead."

"You are indeed very beautiful."

"Anything else?"

"I might like you even more than I thought."

"Got it, anything else?"

Looking at her pure and otherworldly face, with eyes as clear as crystals, Dubian Che's heart raced.

He wanted to voice his innermost wish, pleading her to overlook all his faults, even any cares in her heart, and to wait until they were together before slowly criticizing him.

Even if it meant a lifetime of blame, it wouldn't matter.

His heart pounded, his palms began to tingle, and his voice surely became hoarse.

"...No more," Dubian Che said hoarsely.

Kiyono Lin gave him a deep look: "In that case, let's talk about something else."

"Talk about what?"

"Do you think honesty is necessary?"

"Actually, humanity has never truly pursued honesty."

"Go on."

"People verbally advocate for it, but they want others to adhere to it, while they themselves mostly overlook it. When honesty is useful, people are honest; when lies are more convenient, they immediately turn to admire dishonesty."

"What about you?"

"I'm one of them too," Dubian Che said, "but with you, I wish to always be honest."

"Because being honest with me is advantageous to you?"

"I won't deny that part of it is because of that, but you wouldn't like someone just because they're honest, right?"

"Honesty is just a basic part of being human, I would appreciate it, but..." Kiyono Lin turned her gaze away, looking forward, "Liking someone has nothing to do with whether they're honest or not."

"Then am I being honest for nothing?"

Kiyono Lin turned back, looking coldly at Dubian Che.

"Just kidding," he laughed, "I'm honest with you simply because you're beautiful."

"Merely because of appearances?"

"Ap-appearances are very important, you know," Dubian Che pretended to be guilty and said.

"Didn't you just say you'd always be honest with me?" Kiyono Lin sighed long and hard, having no way with him.

"Honesty is just a means," Dubian Che stared into her eyes, "The goal is to make you happy. As long as it makes you happy, whether it's honesty or lies, I'm willing."

"...Is that so." Soft hair slipped from behind Kiyono Lin's ear.

She remembered what the fortune-teller said during the trip to the Capital City:

"Although very smart, sometimes knowing the other person is lying, you still choose to believe them."

At that time she instantly said it was impossible without thinking.

Now, that person appeared.

Both of them fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts.

At some point, Dubian Che felt a slight weight on his shoulder, and turning his head, he saw Kiyono Lin asleep, leaning on his shoulder.

Like this, letting the sleeping Kiyono Lin continue to rest on his shoulder, not worrying about anything, might also be nice.

But...

"Kiyono-san," Dubian Che gently called to awaken Kiyono Lin, "We've reached the last stop."