I Don't Want to Laugh

(Sumeragi Yukino)

I'm being tested. I'm sure Kaidou-kun approached me and made jokes to see if I'm a cool and elegant girl or just an ordinary girl acting cool. That's the only reason I'm thinking why he suddenly told me a joke yesterday.

"Sumeragi-san, are you dating Kaidou-kun?" One of my classmates, Onodera-san, asked.

"No."

"Really? But I saw you walking together for the last two days. I thought you started seeing him."

"We're just friends."

I like this situation. People think I have a relationship with Kaidou-kun. That's a good thing. For now, we are just friends, but in no time I'm sure he will ask me out.

"I heard that you rejected many boys who confessed to you. What if Kaidou-kun confesses to you too?" This time, it's Inami-san who asked.

"I don't know, I didn't think that far."

Inami-san smiled. "I think Kaidou-kun has a crush on you, Sumeragi-san. Look, he's staring at you from his desk."

I quickly look at his desk, and our eyes met. He is looking at me. This is not good. I have to keep my expression.

He then look ahead again — stopped looking at me.

"See? Kaidou-kun loves you, Sumeragi-san. That's why he approached you!" Inami-san looks excited.

"You think he's the right guy?" I asked.

Inami nods quickly. "He is so kind and strong! I saw him save a girl who was being bullied by bad guys at night once. He beat them alone and made them run away."

I'm trying to stop myself from smiling.

The girl that Inami-san talking to is me.

Kaidou-kun saved me from bad guys at night once. But I don't think Kaidou-kun knows that the girl he saved is me. Because that night, I tied my hair in braids and wore glasses. I never do that hairstyle in school, so I don't think he knew it was me.

"Inami, are you in love with Kaidou-kun?" Onodera-san asked.

"No, Kaidou-kun is a good guy, but I have a guy I love myself!" Inami smiles.

I'm glad to hear that, it would be troublesome if one of my friends likes the same guy as me.

"Who is it?"

"Secret."

"Hey, just tell me, Inami!" Onodera-san looks at me. "You want to know too, right, Sumeragi-san?"

I nod.

Inami-san laughed. "Hahaha, don't worry, I'll tell you guys some time for sure."

Inami is the complete opposite of me. She always smiles and is cheery. I'm glad she wants to be my friend even though I never change show any expressions. Onodera-san too. She accepts me as I am. I'm grateful to have friends like them.

The problem is that some of my classmates in my freshman year were confused about why I had suddenly changed my personality. So I told them that my beloved cat had died and made me who I am today, and they believed it.

*

"Sumire-san, let's go home together!" Kaidou-kun approaches me before I left my desk.

"I'm Sumeragi, not Sumire."

"Oops, sorry. Let's go home, Suraragi-san!"

"It's Sumeragi, not Suraragi."

"Okay, okay, let's go home, Sumememe-san!"

What is he trying to do? Why does he keep mispronouncing my name? Is he imitating an anime character?

"I'm Sumeragi, not Sumememe."

"Sorry, I stuttered..."

That must be on purpose.

"Okay."

He smiles. "Then, let's go, Sumeragi-san."

For the third time, I went home with Kaidou-kun. If he makes a joke again today, I can confirm that he is testing me to see my true personality.

We're silent for a few minutes. He doesn't say anything until he suddenly tapped me on my shoulder.

"Herroo Sumerragi-sannnn."

He makes a funny face out of nowhere.

Luckily I can still manage my expression.

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing — just wanted to make you laugh." He stopped making a funny face.

As I thought.

"Why do you want to make me laugh?"

"I wonder if you can laugh or not. I'm just curious."

As I thought!

He wants to test me! He wants to check if I deserve him or not!

This is a battle. If I laugh then I lose. I had to keep my face still until he stops making jokes and confess to me.

Don't worry Kaidou-kun. I will be your cool and elegant smart girl. I will not lose!

"What do pandas eat?" Kaidou-kun starts to make jokes.

"Bamboos?"

"No."

"Then what?"

"A bread."

I nod.

"It's not funny?" He asked worriedly.

"Try again."

It's funny, but not enough to make me laugh. A funny riddle will never work for me. Except for yesterday's elephant joke. I almost laughed.

After that, Kaidou-kun continued to make jokes until we arrived at the school gate. I managed to keep my expression as flat as usual.

"Lastly, Sumeragi-san. What do elephants have that other animals don't?"

Does he make the same joke again?

"Elephant child," I answered.

"No."

"No? Then what is it?"

"A trunk."

I looked at his face to see what kind of expression he is making. His face slowly turned red.

"That's not funny, is it? Oh, I'm so embarrassed!" He then looks down while scratching the back of his head.

I also look down and smile. Is it okay to be like this? Should I laugh for him? He tried so hard. But what if this is a test? I'm afraid he will stop approaching me if I start laughing.

"That's funny, Kaidou-kun. Thanks for trying to make me laugh."

He sighed. "I'll try again tomorrow."

I nod.

"Okay, see you later, Sumeragi-san."

"See you."

We parted.

I turn around and see Kaidou-kun's back from afar.

Why do you keep making jokes Kaidou-kun? Why don't you just confess to me? Are you still not sure that I am your cool and elegant smart girl?

Please, notice the sign I give you Kaidou-kun.

I would never want to go home with you every day if I don't have feelings for you.