Before my parents passed away, they left me with some advice.

"Don’t let others see what you’re thinking or feeling."
"Always hide yourself. Be an adult."

They were always honest with others. While honesty can be a strength, in society, it often turns into a weakness.

My parents were straightforward and never hid their thoughts. Because of that, they suffered many losses.

Perhaps they didn’t want to pass that trait down to me. Even on their deathbeds, they worried about me. Following their last wishes, I have always lived my life hiding myself.

I always greeted others with a smile. Even when speaking to a child, I made sure to use polite, respectful language.

Believing that my gaze could reveal my thoughts to others, I even avoided showing my eyes. That’s how I ended up living with my eyes half-closed.

People said they felt uneasy because they couldn’t tell what I was thinking, but I didn’t mind.

As my parents had wished, I always lived behind a mask, hiding my true self.

Maybe that’s why.

“You! This is all your doing, isn’t it? All of this was part of your grand plan!”

“Haha, I’m sorry, but I have no idea what you’re talking about…”

“Don’t bother feigning ignorance! You’re the mastermind, aren’t you?!”

At some point, I found myself in another world, being accused of being the mastermind.

I’m not a mastermind.

I just like to play small, harmless pranks now and then.