After school let out, I headed to the hospital with Sara-senpai accompanying me.
The results of the palpation and X-rays revealed a small hairline fracture. Combined with the sprain, the doctor ordered me to stay on bed rest for the time being.
"Please, leave everything to me. I intend to do my absolute best to take care of you. Since this happened because of me, I will see my responsibility through to the end."
Senpai told me this with a somewhat mischievous glint in her eyes.
I felt like I had a decent handle on her personality by now. Recalling how she had acted when I’d had a cold, I figured she planned to look after me not just at school, but at my house as well. Unlike back then, we both wanted this now, so I decided to accept her kindness without putting up a fight. I’d just have to find plenty of ways to thank her later.
"First, we should consider tonight's dinner. Please let me stop for some shopping on the way home."
Her comment assumed my kitchen was empty. She wasn't wrong. However, there was a nagging issue... I still hadn't confessed that my story about a relative cooking for me was a lie. Since this wasn't just a two- or three-day affair like my cold had been, I figured I might as well come clean.
"Um, Sara-senpai... about dinner..."
"Yes? Is something the matter?"
"Remember how I told you a relative was making meals for me? Well, that was..."
"You’re finally telling me, then?" Senpai cut in with a slightly troubled smile.
Judging by her response... she must have already noticed.
"I knew the moment I saw your kitchen, but I stayed quiet, thinking you might have your reasons. I’m happy you're being honest with me now, but why did you hide it?"
Well, there was no way she would miss a pristine, unused kitchen.
"...Honestly, I was just worried you'd scold me."
It was a pathetic reason, but since I couldn't hide anything from her anyway, I told the truth. Senpai put her hands on her hips and puffed out her cheeks in an "I'm angry" pose. It was so cute I almost started grinning.
"If you don't speak truthfully... it’s a 'no-no,' okay?"
She poked my forehead with her index finger as she said it.
Thank you for the moe lecture.
We stopped at a general goods store on the way to pick up a few things I needed for the conversation I was planning. Without giving too much away, I let Senpai choose a key case and a simple wallet for me. Being a fan of cute things, she naturally picked out something adorable.
After we left the shop, we walked until we reached a park. I had already decided this was the place where I’d say what needed to be said.
I was starting to get nervous.
When I entered the park, Senpai followed behind me without a word. Perhaps she could sense the shift in the atmosphere.
"Sara-senpai, I have something to tell you."
I turned to face her, looking her straight in the eye. The sheer weight of what I was about to say made my heart race.
"Yes... I'm listening."
Senpai answered firmly. She no longer seemed afraid; I hoped that meant our talk earlier today had finally helped her believe in me.
"We talked about jealousy earlier this afternoon. I said a lot of things, but the truth is, it’s hard to completely separate those feelings. I have my own sense of possessiveness, too. If I saw you getting along with another guy, I’d definitely be jealous. To be honest, I’ve felt relieved seeing how coldly you treat other men."
Sara-senpai watched me quietly, hanging on my every word. I pushed forward.
"I arrogantly assumed that I was the only one who was different to you—the only one who was special. I'm sorry."
Senpai nodded with a soft smile. "No, it's the truth, so there is no problem. In fact, I'm glad you felt that way."
Yes, that was how I felt. And I believed it because of the attitude Sara-senpai showed toward other men. However, I hadn't been able to make her feel the same security. Even if I expressed it in words, she would likely still feel anxious if she couldn't feel it as a reality.
Especially since this was her first love.
It was impossible for me to suddenly start acting as cold to others as Sara-senpai did, and even if I tried, she would probably just tell me not to force myself. That was why I needed to prove she was my number one in a way that was impossible to misunderstand.
"Right. So, in return, I decided to prove that I think of Sara-senpai as special."
I pulled my house key out of my pocket, removed the old keyring, and attached the new key case she had chosen. Senpai looked on blankly, clearly confused. I took her hand, pressed the key case into her palm, and wrapped both of my hands around hers.
"From today on, I’m entrusting this key to you. It's a bit pathetic, but my life won't function without you anymore. Injury or no injury, I can't stand the thought of a daily life where you aren't around."
I knew I sounded a little desperate. But since it was the truth, I didn't stop.
"I'm giving this to you as proof. This key belongs only to us. It’s a sign that you're the only person I want by my side. I'm giving it to you because I trust you more than anyone else. Please take this as a declaration that I will accept you whenever and however you need me."
I had given it everything I had. I wondered if giving someone a house key was a bit much, but I figured that was exactly why it would show her how serious I was. Besides, she had already been to my house many times, so it would be practical for her to have it.
Senpai closed her eyes for a moment, processing my words, then looked at me with a solemn gaze.
"I have considered the weight of this key. With that understanding, I will accept it."
She spoke even more formally than usual. She tucked the key into her bag as if it were a priceless treasure. Then, her face broke into a radiant smile. She moved closer and leaned her entire weight against me.
"Sa—Sara-senpai!?"
I was completely caught off guard by her boldness. As if enjoying my panic, she spoke in a playful tone.
"Hehe... Now that you’ve gone this far, I won't be holding back. You gave me your word that you'd accept me anytime and for anything. Now, Takanashi-san, you have to take responsibility and catch me."
As she snuggled against me and looked up at my face, her expression was a direct contradiction to her teasing tone—she was blushing a deep, vibrant red.