"I'll go get the tea ready... Please, make yourself at home while you wait."
Sara-senpai said that and headed toward what I assumed was the kitchen.
Left alone with her grandmother, I felt a sudden, awkward pressure to fill the silence.
What should I talk about...?
"Now then... it was Takanashi-san, wasn't it?"
"Yes, my name is Kazunari Takanashi."
Since she had spoken up first, I turned to face her and gave a proper greeting.
Looking at her again, I noticed she had a very gentle, easygoing air about her. It was a striking contrast to Senpai, who was always so sharp and dignified. At least, that was the impression I had.
"How polite of you. I am Yukie Satsukawa."
"Then, would it be alright if I called you Yukie-san?"
"Of course. Still, I never would have imagined you were Sara-chan's friend. It really is a small world, isn't it?"
Yukie-san began to chat happily.
I had been thinking the exact same thing—the world felt incredibly small right now.
"I was surprised too. I never expected something like this to happen..."
"We had a gathering that evening, so I had more groceries than usual. I’ve managed loads like that before, so I usually just take a breather on the stairs and carry them up in one go."
According to her, this was a regular occurrence. Hearing that, I wondered if I had been meddlesome—if my help had come across as patronizing.
"Did I... do something unnecessary?"
"No, no, heavens no. It was certainly hard work, so you were a huge help."
Just as we were talking, Senpai returned with a tray. She had brought tea and what appeared to be some tea cakes.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Takanashi-san, here you go... and this is for you, Grandma."
"Thank you."
"Thanks, dear."
After placing the refreshments on the table, Senpai sat down beside Yukie-san.
"Allow me to thank you again for looking after my grandmother. Thank you very much."
"Thank you," Yukie-san added.
It was a bit embarrassing to be thanked so formally, but I knew I had to respond properly.
"No, it was just a whim... I simply couldn't walk past. Anyway, please don't let it weigh on you anymore."
"...I see. If you say so, Takanashi-san... then I will offer my gratitude again at a later date."
"No, really, I've already received more than enough thanks."
"I'm sorry. I know I'm being selfish, but I would like to do at least one thing to repay you."
Senpai looked somewhat apologetic, yet she clearly had no intention of backing down. Her voice was firm. Then, as if to back her up, Yukie-san spoke.
"Takanashi-san, this girl won't budge once she's made up her mind. I'd like to do something for you too, but I wouldn't want to become a nuisance... Sara-chan, can I leave my share to you?"
"I understand. Since that's how it is, Takanashi-san, I simply must insist you accept a gesture of thanks from me."
When she said it with such a serious expression...
I didn't have a reason to stubbornly refuse, and if it would satisfy them, I figured I should just accept. I only felt a little guilty because my initial action had been driven by a strange sense of compulsion. Besides, being any more reserved would just be rude.
"...Alright. Then, please make it something simple and easy to prepare."
As soon as I gave in, Senpai's expression softened with relief.
"Yes. I'll think of something that won't be a burden and give it to you later."
"Thank you."
"No, I am the one who should be thanking you."
Senpai replied with a gentle, airy tone.
"Still, to think Sara-chan would actually introduce me to a boy she's friends with."
"Grandma, it's not like I don't have friends... and besides, calling us 'friends' might be presumptive toward Takanashi-san..."
Senpai looked somewhat flustered. However, judging by her tone, it didn't seem like she actually disliked the idea of being called my friend.
"Oh? How about it, Takanashi-san?"
"Well, if Senpai is okay with it, then I am too... Regardless, to me, she's a senior I deeply respect."
When I answered with my honest thoughts, Senpai made a face that looked troubled, yet also carried a hint of happiness.
"Are you sure? Takanashi-san."
"Yes. If you're okay with it, Senpai."
"......Really?"
"Yes!"
"......Thank you."
And then... I caught a glimpse of a smile.
I was happy to know that she didn't think poorly of me. Though, rather than a friend, the image of her as a "Senpai" was still much stronger in my mind.
Even so... Senpai's tone became so much more relaxed when she talked to her grandmother. Honestly, I felt like I was seeing something incredibly rare.
"Takanashi-san, how did you and this girl become friends?"
"Well, it was quite a coincidence, actually."
I gave her a general overview, starting from our meeting at the flowerbed up until today. It made me happy that Senpai chimed in, adding details and nodding along as we explained it together.
Before I knew it, quite a lot of time had passed.
"I'm sorry, I ended up staying much longer than I intended. I don't want to be a bother, so I'll be going now."
"Oh, you're more than welcome to stay longer."
Yukie-san was kind enough to say that, but it was almost time to think about dinner. I should leave before I overstayed my welcome.
"No, I need to do some shopping... Please excuse me."
"I see. Well then, do come by for tea again."
"Thank you."
I put on my shoes at the entrance and said my goodbyes. Senpai walked with me as far as the stairs.
"Takanashi-san, see you tomorrow."
"Yes. Excuse me, Senpai."
As I walked down the shrine stairs, I happened to look back halfway. Senpai was still there, and she gave me a small wave.
Behind that stoic, almost expressionless mask she wore were many different sides of her that actually existed. Why is she so strict with others? Why is she so cold? And why does she treat me normally?
I was reminded once again that I didn't know her at all.
But the heavy feeling I’d had before coming to the shrine was completely gone.