My conversation with Hayato wrapped up in about an hour, so I sent Sara-san a quick message to let her know I was on my way.
I didn't want to keep her waiting at home any longer than necessary, so I hurried back.
"Welcome home, Kazunari-san."
The moment I opened the door, Sara-san was standing right there in the entrance to greet me.
Had she been waiting by the door ever since I sent that message? If so, I felt terrible for making her wait...
"I'm sorry, Sara-san. Were you—"
"Kazunari-san? I said, welcome home."
"……I’m home, Sara-san."
"Yes!"
It seemed my hunch was correct; she was demanding a retake. When I gave her the proper response, she beamed at me with a radiant smile.
"Would you like to rest for a while? Or would you prefer dinner first?"
………
I knew she didn't mean it that way, but her words sounded suspiciously like the classic trope: "Would you like dinner, a bath, or...?"
Judging by her expression, she clearly had no such intention and was simply asking for my preference. Still, a mischievous impulse took hold of me. I wanted to see how she would react if I played along, so I decided to test the waters.
"In that case... I'll have Sara-san."
I waited with bated breath to see how she would respond to such a bold line.
"Eh? Me...? Um... what do you mean by that...?"
She wasn't so much shocked as she was at a complete loss. It was an unexpected answer, and she didn't know how to handle it. She looked a little troubled, and I started to feel guilty, thinking I should tell her it was a joke soon. However, she seemed to read the truth in my expression before I could say a word.
"Very well. Understood."
Sara-san seemed to have come up with a counter-plan. She gave me a firm, clear reply and stepped toward me.
She reached out her arms, pulled my head toward her as if to pull me into an embrace, and whispered into my ear, "Welcome home, Kazunari-san."
Then, she shifted her face slightly.
Mwah...
She pressed her lips against mine in a long, lingering kiss.
While I stood there, frozen in shock, Sara-san pulled back just enough to look me in the eye.
"Will that suffice?"
"Y-Yes. Thank you very much."
The gratitude slipped out of my mouth before I could think. This time, Sara-san was the one with the mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Fufu... I suppose this means I win?"
"I surrender..."
I immediately raised the white flag in the face of Sara-san's Victory Declaration.
We put the conversation on hold for a moment while I went to change out of my school uniform.
A fresh shirt and clothes had already been set out for me. While I changed, I heard the clink of ice against glass as Sara-san prepared a glass of cold barley tea on the table.
Once we had both settled down and taken a breather, I started my report on the day's events.
The main topic, of course, was Hayato's realization regarding the difference between his feelings for Natsumi-senpai and Todo-san. As she listened to my story, Sara-san seemed to be deep in thought.
"Is something wrong?"
"No... human emotions are such complicated things, aren't they? I can relate to him, in a way. I had a difficult time understanding the different types of 'likes' and recognizing my own love. I think admiration and love can feel very similar at times."
"I guess it’s hard to notice the difference between feelings that are so similar unless there’s a clear trigger, right?"
"Yes. And whether or not one notices is truly vital... I've felt the weight of that realization myself, more than anyone."
Sara-san gave me a happy smile. Considering that our current relationship was the direct result of her noticing those feelings, her conviction was understandable.
"That is why I'm glad Yokokawa-san was able to figure it out. If you intend to help him, Kazunari-san, please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist."
If Sara-san was willing to help, I thought it might be a good idea to invite Todo-san along so the four of us could go out together.
After we finished dinner and were relaxing, my smartphone vibrated in my pocket.
I pulled it out and checked the screen; it was a message from Hayato.
"Thanks for today. Talking it out with you really helped."
"You're welcome. Sara-san says she's happy to help too, so maybe the four of us should go out somewhere soon?"
"Sounds great. I'd definitely like to talk more about that."
"Got it."
With that settled, I looked up to find Sara-san watching me with a warm grin.
"What is it?"
"Nothing. You just looked like you were having so much fun that I couldn't help but smile myself."
Apparently, she had been watching me the whole time I was messaging Hayato. Had I really looked that happy?
Well, this was my first time having a friend come to me for a Love Consultation and actually helping them out. It was a new experience, so I suppose I was enjoying it.
Oh, speaking of messages...
"That reminds me, I got a RAIN from Hanako-san today as well."
"Oh? I received one from her too."
"Was she venting about something?"
"Yes. I wasn't quite sure how to respond, but I helped her with a small consultation."
I wondered if she was sending those venting messages to everyone she knew. Was she really that frustrated, or was she running into trouble at school? It made me a little worried.
Wait, did she say a consultation?
"A consultation?"
"Yes. However, Hanako-san specifically asked me not to tell you, Kazunari-san. It's a secret."
What was that about?
Now I was dying to know. The fact that it was a secret kept specifically from me only made me more curious.
"Hanako-san is a mysterious girl. To be honest, I had my own thoughts about the way she interacts with you, Kazunari-san, but..."
It seemed the two of them had talked about something while I wasn't looking. Given her phrasing, it sounded like Sara-san's opinion of her had shifted.
Sara-san clearly saw how much I wanted to know, but she maintained her mysterious smile and showed no sign of budging.
"Fufu... I am sorry, but this is a Girl Talk matter. I can't tell you, even if you are Kazunari-san. However, I believe you will understand the part she wants to keep hidden eventually. Please, just wait until then."
If she put it that way, I couldn't press her any further.
Based on Sara-san's choice of words, it was something she wanted to keep secret "for now." I would just have to be patient and wait for the right time... even if the suspense was killing me.
Still, for Hanako-san to reach a point where she was sharing secrets with Sara-san... she really was something else.