"And... that’s essentially how it happened."
"I see."
Sara-san didn't say anything more.
Or rather, she probably couldn't.
I had been held in her arms for most of the story. The only reason I was able to finish recounting everything was because I could feel her warmth beside me. And the reason I hadn't succumbed to my usual pessimism was that Sara-san was crying in my place.
While I spoke, she kept me close, her hand gently stroking my hair. Her presence gave me a sense of security that allowed me to tell the whole story, not just about what happened with Yuzuha, but everything up until graduation.
"Why did Kazunari-san have to suffer through such things...? I couldn't care less what happens to that foolish childhood friend. To not only fail to recognize Kazunari-san’s kindness but to actively exploit it... she is beyond help."
"Why... I wonder."
As I looked back and spoke the words aloud, I found I could view the situation more objectively than before.
In the beginning, Yuzuha was likely just swept up in the moment. When everyone else started attacking me, it naturally led to people pitying and paying attention to her. I doubt she expected that at first.
But regardless of how it started, she eventually found herself at the center of attention. She was coddled and pampered by everyone around her. Getting a taste for that was likely the turning point. After that, the easiest way to keep getting what she wanted was to drag me down even further. Since the whole thing started with me being the villain, she probably figured that the worse I looked, the more sympathy she would receive.
She didn't care what happened to me as long as she got what she wanted... it was a bit late to be realizing that now.
Regardless of her true intentions, the fact remained that she had used me. She had immersed herself in a sense of superiority, growing more conceited with every lie until she became the person she is today.
"Sara-san, that’s my past. That’s Kazunari-san's story—including all the parts that no one else would ever believe."
"Thank you for telling me. I am 100% certain that Kazunari-san's story is the truth. If you were worried I might doubt you, then I find that quite hurtful, you know?"
She was right. I hadn't truly doubted that she would believe me.
"You're right, I'm sorry. I knew in my heart that you would believe me, Sara-san."
"Yes. Actually, I am more surprised by the sheer stupidity of your middle school classmates... To think an entire group could be so easily swayed by such a blatant lie."
At the time, I hadn't given it much thought, but now that she mentioned it, it was strange that not a single person had stood up for me.
(In fact, it seems more natural to assume some other influence was at work behind the scenes. If someone wanted Kazunari-san to be isolated and distrusted... based on everything I just heard, only one person fits the description...)
"In any case," Sara-san continued, "it seems the childhood friend's rumors spreading first made it nearly impossible to convince your classmates otherwise."
That was likely the crux of the problem. That was why they demanded evidence I didn't have.
"However, despite everything, there is a part of me that is actually grateful to that childhood friend. If I ever meet her, I would like to tell her: 'It is thanks to your foolishness and stupidity that I was able to meet someone as precious as Kazunari-san.'"
...She was right. If those things hadn't happened, I wouldn't have chosen this school. I would never have met her.
That was it!
"You're right... exactly right! I endured that painful year just so I could meet you. If I look at it that way, everything had a meaning. If a year of that was the price for meeting you, Sara-san, then I'm the luckiest guy in the world..."
When I said that, Sara-san pulled me close again, pressing my face into her chest. She was so soft... I was happy, truly, but it was also a bit overwhelming!
"In that case, I will make you so happy that I overwrite Kazunari-san's painful past entirely. I will make you forget all about it..."
She seemed so moved that she refused to let go. Still feeling the lingering relief of having finally shared my secret, I simply stayed in her embrace.
I lost track of how long we stayed like that.
As we shared quiet, idle conversation, a heavy drowsiness finally began to settle over me. It had to be quite late. Tomorrow... or rather, today, was a school day.
Sara-san had to be exhausted too, but she didn't seem to have any intention of leaving my side. Eventually, neither of us could fight the sleepiness any longer.
"Kazunari-san, shall we go to sleep now? We can still get a few hours in before morning."
"Yeah... okay..."
I tried to pull away to move back toward my bed, but Sara-san held me tight.
"Kazunari-san, this is where you'll be sleeping."
She seemed just as tired as I was, but her grip was firm, as if she were anchoring me there. Wrapped in her warmth and overwhelmed by exhaustion, I finally hit my limit.
"Sara-san... good night."
I gave up all resistance.
"...Good night, Kazunari-san. I promise... I will..."
A soft kiss landed on my cheek.
Birds were chirping outside.
"Mmm... Sara-san..."
"...Yes? Did you call for me?"
"Sara-san..."
I squeezed her tight.
"Fufu... Kazunari-san, I'm right here."
She felt so warm and comfortable.
"...So cute. This is a problem, we don't have much time... but maybe just a little longer..."
I drifted off again.
"Nn..."
When I finally opened my eyes, Sara-san was standing before me. She was already wearing her school uniform and an apron.
"Good morning, Kazunari-san."
She gave me a bright morning greeting, smiling so happily that I had to ask what was up.
"Morning, Sara-san. Uh... did something good happen?"
"Fufufu... You were acting very spoiled in your sleep this morning. Seeing that side of you made me very happy."
...I had absolutely no memory of that.
Though I did remember a very pleasant, cozy feeling... probably starting from last night.
As my head cleared, the memories of the previous night came flooding back. I told her everything... I got sleepy... and then I slept with Sara-san... Wait, we slept together?!
Well, it was fine. I’d slept like a log until morning.
"Come now, Kazunari-san. Breakfast is ready. Get up and wash your face."
The second semester started today.
I would be fine. No matter what Yuzuha tried to do, I would overcome it.
Because Sara-san was watching over me. Because Sara-san was here.