[Novel] Asari-kun Won't Talk

April 1st, the first day of the new school term.

When I entered the classroom, Asari-kun was sitting quietly in his usual seat. Asari-kun, who has been in the same class as me since last year, hardly ever speaks. Everyone in the class asks, "Does Asari-kun actually talk?" but I have occasionally heard him muttering in a small voice.

"Good morning, Asari-kun."
Even when I spoke to him, he just gave his usual faint nod. His mouth, tightly shut like a clam, rarely lets out a sound.

Everyone in the class is excited that today is April Fool's Day.
Sacchan said happily, "We're allowed to tell lies all day today." "Is that so?" Just as I was thinking about what lie I might tell, Mr. Omori, our homeroom teacher from last year, walked into the classroom.

"Good morning, everyone. Today is the start of the new term. Also, today is a special day."
When the whole class said in unison, "April Fool's!", Mr. Omori smiled.

"That's right. I have a special announcement today. Actually, starting today, I've decided to do away with all homework."
The classroom erupted. Everyone was overjoyed.

"Really!?"
"Yay!"
"Mr. Omori, you're the best!"

Only Asari-kun didn't react; he just stared at Mr. Omori in silence, blinking his eyes. It was as if he were lurking in the sand on the ocean floor, quietly observing the situation.

Mr. Omori continued with a laugh, "And, starting today, I've decided to have math and Japanese tests every single day."
The cheers instantly turned into screams of "No way!" But many of the kids realized this was an April Fool's joke and started giggling.

"Teacher, that's an April Fool's lie, right?" asked Sacchan.
"Well, who knows?" Mr. Omori smiled meaningfully. "The principal told me, 'Let's increase the number of tests this school year.'"

Most of the kids were skeptical, but they started to look a little uneasy. I also began to wonder, "Could it be true?"
At that moment, I happened to look at Asari-kun, and his expression seemed to change just a little. Then, Asari-kun, who had been silent the whole time, slowly stood up. Everyone in the class stared at him in surprise. His lips, which were usually pressed together like a bivalve, began to open little by little.

"It's a lie."

It was a small, but clear voice. The classroom went silent for a moment. Everyone was shocked that Asari-kun had spoken.

"This morning, when I passed by the staff room, I heard Mr. Omori tell Mr. Hayashi, 'Let's surprise the kids because it's April Fool's Day.'"

The classroom was silent for a moment, and then Mr. Omori laughed loudly.

"Asari-kun, you heard that, did you? That's right, this was an April Fool's joke. No homework and daily tests are all lies."

A wave of relieved laughter spread through the classroom.

"Asari-kun, that's the first time you've said a long sentence!"
"Wow, so you can talk!"
"You saw right through the teacher's lie!"

The classmates were surprised that Asari-kun had spoken, but the topic quickly shifted to Mr. Omori's April Fool's prank. Asari-kun turned a little red and went quiet again. As the classroom returned to its usual noise, Asari-kun seemed to sink back to the bottom of the ocean. Everyone else was soon obsessed with the next April Fool's joke and seemed to have already forgotten about Asari-kun.
But I saw it. Asari-kun's small smile and his mouth, which had opened just a tiny bit.

Asari-kun, who is always silent.
But he opens his mouth quietly only when it is truly necessary. That is precisely why his words carry weight.

From my seat by the window, I looked at Asari-kun once more. While reading his book, he had returned to being the usual Asari-kun again.