"Shall I explain things in order? If there is anything you would like to ask, please do not hesitate to say so."
With those words, Sara-senpai began to talk about the things I’d mentioned not knowing when we were back in the store.
She told me about a friend in the Gardening Club who had been just as close to her as Natsumi-senpai.
When that friend moved away, there were no other Gardening Club members left, so Sara-senpai had taken over the maintenance of the flowerbeds to ensure they weren't abandoned.
The first time I had visited the flowerbeds, it turned out she had been absent for several days because of a cold.
Then, the conversation shifted toward her personal life.
"My family consists of three people: my father, my mother, and myself. Also, as you already know, Takanashi-san, my maternal grandmother lives nearby. My paternal grandparents have already passed away."
From there, she told me about how she had struggled with boys since she was young, how that aversion had worsened during middle school, and how she had grown fed up with everything by the time she reached high school. I heard about how hard she had worked on her studies and the circumstances that led her to join the Student Council.
"I feel like I understand why you got fed up with everyone and adopted your current stance, Sara-senpai. In a way, I feel like I can relate."
"When we spoke before, I had a feeling that Takanashi-san and I were somewhat alike."
Then, she told me about her daily life.
"I mentioned that I didn't have any particular hobbies, but recently, I’ve been spending more time on cooking. I’ve started checking new recipes, researching how to make them, and practicing more often. Since I didn't know much about the kinds of dishes men prefer, learning a new repertoire has been quite enjoyable."
She was practicing cooking for men—which, in other words, meant she was doing it for me.
She was going that far, just for my sake...
"Um... thank you. I feel a bit guilty knowing you've done so much for me, but... I’m truly happy."
"I am doing it because I enjoy it. If it makes Takanashi-san happy, I have nothing more to ask for."
Senpai really did love cooking.
And now she was at a point where she could practically call it a hobby.
In that case, the present should definitely be something related to cooking.
I’d heard that people prefer using tools they’re already accustomed to. If that was the case, then instead of a utensil, maybe something she could wear while she worked... Yeah, I’d decided.
I would get her an apron.
I’d find a cute apron that perfectly suited her tastes!
And while I was at it, I’d buy that other thing I found earlier, too!
"Fufu... is something the matter? You have such a happy look on your face."
"N-No, I was just really happy."
It seemed my joy at finding the perfect gift had leaked onto my face.
Suddenly, Senpai reached across the table and placed both of her hands over mine.
She touched them ever so gently.
"...I find my school life very enjoyable right now. Takanashi-san, Natsumi, and I... we commute together in the morning, we eat lunch together, and we can go shopping or hang out like this on our days off. Even if the people around me don't change, I've found something fun that makes me not even care about them anymore."
Senpai wore a truly radiant smile.
Knowing that I was at least one of the reasons for her happiness made me move. I felt a renewed determination to protect that smile.
"...Um... Yuzuki-san..."
"...Don't say it. I know..."
Yeah... we were such third wheels...
It wasn't like we were directly interfering since we weren't talking to them, but I couldn't help but feel like a nuisance just by existing in their vicinity.
Tachibana-kun clearly felt the same way, as he couldn't hide his awkwardness anymore.
How could they create an atmosphere like this and not be a couple?
Moreover, the fact that they still considered themselves just friends... what was going to happen when they actually started dating?
It was terrifying to think about. Besides, having to witness this play out in front of my eyes all the time... yeah, I definitely needed a sacrifice—I mean, a collaborator—to share this hardship with.
"Hey, Tachibana-kun. I think the burden of watching over those two by myself is going to be too heavy from now on."
"No, I go to a different school, so that's a bit much for me..."
"For now, let's exchange RAIN contacts. Come on, get your smartphone out."
"Eh? Right now!?"
"You're lucky, Tachibana-kun. There are plenty of boys who want my RAIN info but will never get it. You're happy, right?"
"...Yes."
Good, good. Friends need to share their burdens, after all.