"Takanashi-san, I am glad that you don't wish to cause us any worry or trouble. However, what would you do if you forced yourself to endure the pain, and your health condition worsened as a result?"
Ugh, Senpai’s words were a painful truth...
"Since you live alone, Takanashi-san, even if there were a sudden change in your health—or heaven forbid, it got even worse—I wouldn't be able to notice. I wouldn't be able to help you."
Senpai looked me straight in the eye. Her gaze was so earnest and intense that I felt like I was being drawn into her eyes.
"If you were to become seriously ill somewhere I couldn't see... I would cry, you know?"
Guh, that was the ultimate finishing blow. To think Senpai would actually say something like that...
"As I mentioned yesterday, taking care of you is neither a hardship nor a burden for me. Rather, knowing you are suffering in silence is far more painful for me. Therefore..."
As she spoke, Senpai leaned in close. Once she was at arm's length, she raised her index finger and poked me in the forehead.
"If you lie to me... no-no!"
Waaaah! No, I have to keep it together, don't let my face turn red... Wait, it’s impossible! This is way too cute!
Just watching them was making me blush!
Takanashi-kun was bright red... well, anyone would be after that. Knowing Sara, I’d brought up the topic because I thought it would be entertaining to watch her give him a proper lecture, but I never expected her to counterattack with such flirtatious behavior.
I mean, Takanashi-kun is definitely a goner now, right?
This is Sara we’re talking about. If you asked a hundred people, all hundred would say she’s a strict person. For that same Sara to deliver a Moe Lecture of all things...
When Sara usually delivers a lecture, it’s truly harsh. The only ones who would ever say "thank you" for it are those idiots in the Fan Club. For anyone else, it’s enough to make them tear up.
...Seriously, though. A high school girl saying "no-no" to a boy her own age? Sara is incredible. I could never pull that off; the idea wouldn't have even crossed my mind.
And she wasn't even being calculated or trying to be cutesy. It was completely natural... Is she really just a pure essence of femininity at all times?
Takanashi-kun obviously has feelings for her deep down, so how was he supposed to survive that?
...More importantly, she started by saying "us," but halfway through, it changed to just "I"...
"Have you reflected on your behavior?"
"Yes... I've reflected deeply..."
I really had. Beyond the feelings of guilt, I was just as overwhelmed by embarrassment.
"...Ah... did I perhaps speak a bit too harshly? I'm not angry anymore, so it's okay, all right?"
I kept my head down, not wanting Senpai to see my face—which I knew was crimson—but it seemed she’d misinterpreted my silence as me being depressed from the scolding.
Then, I felt a hand on top of my head.
Wait, no way... not here, with all these people passing by!?
"Takanashi-san, I am not angry. As long as you have reflected, that is enough... Could you please look up at me?"
Pat... pat... pat...
Her gentle stroking made it even more impossible to lift my head!
The word "exasperated" was practically invented for moments like this.
I mean, they've gotten way too close... What on earth happened over the last few days?
Sara was the one who had changed the most. Before, there must have been a part of her that worried about being a nuisance to Takanashi-kun, but now it felt like she fully trusted him to accept her affection.
She’d mentioned feeling lonely last night, so this was probably her way of filling that gap. Though the person herself probably just thinks she's doing it because she's happy.
Hmm, I really want to confirm how Takanashi-kun feels.
I have things to discuss, so maybe I’ll consult with Tachibana-kun tonight.
After a series of overwhelming events, we finally arrived at school.
Sigh... I have to face that class again starting today...
"Takanashi-san, if you feel any change in your health condition, please go to the infirmary. Also, make sure you contact me as well."
"...(Is Sara his guardian now?)"
"Y-yes. But I think I'll be fine."
"Then, I shall see you during the lunch break."
"See you later~"
"Yes, see you later."