“Well then, see you later.”
“Yes, until the next opportunity.”
I stepped out of the car in front of my apartment and finished my farewells to Masaomi-san through the open passenger window.
In many ways, my time working for the Satsukawa family—a period that had felt surprisingly fulfilling—was finally over.
I felt like I had gained a truly valuable experience. I'd learned what it meant to be compensated for work and felt the joy of having my efforts recognized.
More than that, I had caught a glimpse of the atmosphere within the Satsukawa household, a family so harmonious and happy.
Perhaps it was because I’d felt like a part of that circle for a brief time, but it was also true that I now felt a strange sense of loneliness in the apartment where I lived alone by choice.
After returning home, I had nothing in particular to do, so I spent my time aimlessly browsing the internet on my smartphone. I say "meaningless" because my mind was so full of worries that none of the content I looked at actually registered.
The source of my anxiety was, of course, today.
At the Satsukawa house, I had witnessed Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san waiting eagerly for Sara-san’s return.
The joy on Masaomi-san’s face, and the way Mayumi-san had been happily preparing the feast since the morning... Seeing them like that, how could anyone possibly justify getting in the way of their precious family time?
Even if today was a no-go, Sara-san was supposed to stay over tomorrow. I just had to endure one more day, right?
I was well aware that I was just acting tough. Honestly, I was lonely, and the wait was painful, but...
Furthermore, I didn't think it was conceited of me to believe that my absence would make Sara-san feel lonely too.
Even so...
I had simply been indulging in Sara-san’s kindness, failing to realize what lay beneath the surface of that happiness. Thanks to the part-time job, I had finally noticed that I had been constantly taking away from the time Sara-san should have spent with her wonderful parents.
That was exactly why I wanted Sara-san to cherish her time with her parents on a day like today.
I had decided to persuade her.
If I was going to do that, I should at least meet her in person to talk...
With that thought, I called Mayumi-san to confirm the pickup time at the school.
“Hehe, so you want to see her as soon as she gets back? In that case, I’ll head over a little late. You two can flirt all you want until I arrive~”
It was a bit embarrassing, but she was quick to catch on. It helped that she didn't pry too deeply into my reasons.
I decided to be purely grateful for her cooperation.
And so, partly with the ulterior motive of wanting to surprise her, I headed to the school without telling Sara-san.
There was an hour and a half left until the scheduled arrival time for the second-years.
I chose a spot slightly away from the school’s main gate, where no one else was waiting, and settled in for her return.
I knew I had arrived far too early, but I couldn't settle down at home anyway, so it didn't matter.
I occasionally checked my smartphone, watching the minutes tick away while I thought about what to say to Sara-san. Even though it felt like I had so much to tell her, I realized there was actually very little I could legally talk about.
Since I had spent the entire week on the secret job, I couldn't mention it, which naturally cut down my list of topics.
Of course, the main focus would be Sara-san’s travel stories, so it wouldn't really be a problem...
The number of family members arriving to pick up students continued to grow.
The area in front of the main gate was becoming quite crowded. I was far enough away that it didn't affect me, but seeing so many people made me worry if we would actually be able to find each other.
Despite my concerns, I finally saw the buses approaching.
They arrived almost exactly on schedule, one after another.
By the time the last bus pulled up, I still hadn't been able to spot Sara-san through the windows.
Crowds of families had already gathered around the bus doors, so I decided to wait for things to calm down before making my move.
“Wait a minute, Sara! Hold on!”
I thought I heard Natsumi-senpai’s voice in the distance. It might have just been my imagination, but either way, I wasn't about to dive into that crowd since I wasn't family.
So, just a little longer...
I was leaning against a wall with my head down and didn't notice until the very last second.
Hearing the sound of rapid footsteps approaching, I looked up—only to be caught off guard as a figure lunged toward me. I managed to catch her just in time.
The person diving into my chest was, of course, Sara-san.
I wondered how she had noticed I was here. We shouldn't have been able to see each other from the bus...
I could only maintain that level of calm logic for a few seconds.
Sara-san wrapped her arms around my back, hugging me so tightly it felt like she would never let go.
As the realization fully set in—that the person in my arms was the beloved woman I had been longing for—the cool thoughts in my head were instantly replaced by overwhelming affection.
As I wrapped my arms around her, Sara-san whispered in a tiny voice, “Kazunari-san... Kazunari-san... I missed you so much...” over and over, leaning her entire weight against me.
“Sara-san... I missed you too... I really missed you...”
Holding her close, I was finally able to say those simple words.
Hearing that, Sara-san began to fidget as if she wanted to move, so I slightly loosened my grip.
Once she had some room to move, she slid her arms around my neck and stood on her tiptoes, bringing her face incredibly close.
Chu.
She pressed a kiss to my cheek and then stopped, holding that posture for a long time as if she refused to pull away.
I have no idea how much time passed with her lips against my cheek. When she finally pulled back and lowered herself from her tiptoes, she settled back into my arms as if that were her fixed position.
She seemed to notice that I had frozen up from the shock, and she pulled back slightly to look at me with a sorrowful, longing gaze.
“Kazunari-san... more...”
It was rare for Sara-san to be so pleading.
Of course, I knew exactly what she was asking for, and I wasn't about to be tactless enough to make her say it out loud. I adjusted my strength so as not to hurt her and pulled her into a firm, deep embrace. She let out a happy sound and rubbed her face against me.
As we stood there flirting, I finally felt my heart start to settle.
“Kazunari-san... I'm home.”
“Welcome home, Sara-san.”
We finally exchanged proper greetings, though Sara-san was still clinging to me and I was still holding her tight.
I thought about letting go so we could talk properly, but as soon as I loosened my grip—
“Kazunari-san... please, stay like this a little longer...”
She spoke with that same sorrowful tone.
Unlike her usual self, this spoiled version of Sara-san was so incredibly cute that I found it impossible to pull away myself.
“...I am so sorry. The moment I saw Kazunari-san’s face, I lost my self-control. I intended to be the one to support you, and yet...”
“No, I’m the one who’s usually being spoiled. Please, let me be the one to do it for once.”
When I said that and tightened my hug just a little more, Sara-san leaned into me with a look of pure bliss.
Then, in a tiny whisper—
“Then, please let me be spoiled right here. In exchange... when we are at Kazunari-san’s house, you must let me spoil you twice as much, okay?”
She whispered those words and then burrowed back into my arms.
Once we had finally calmed down enough to talk normally, I decided to bring up today’s matter before I lost my nerve.
“I hadn't heard that you were coming, Kazunari-san. Did something happen?”
“Sara-san... I want you to go straight home today.”
“Eh? Yes, I'll go home first to drop off my things, and then I'll head to Kazunari-san’s house...”
“No, that’s not what I mean. I want you to stay at your house tonight. I’ll be waiting for you tomorrow morning instead...”
“……Eh?”
She seemed to understand what I was saying, and her voice was filled with confusion. I just hoped I could persuade her.
“Sara-san, I think your parents are really looking forward to your return today. Did you get any messages from them?”
“...Yes. They said we’re having a party tonight... but I...”
“Sara-san, I’ve been constantly leaning on you and letting you take care of me. You’re with me almost every day, from morning until night. But I know your parents cherish their time with you just as much. It’s a party, right? Then please, spend today with them. You’re the only one who can truly make them happy...”
“……………”
Instead of an answer, I felt Sara-san’s hands squeeze the fabric of my shirt tightly.
She was clearly struggling to accept what I was saying.
“Kazunari-san... I...”
“Sara-san, I’m lonely without you. It’s pathetic, but my life doesn't even feel right when you're not there. I want to be with you forever. But if being with me means you have to neglect your parents, I’ll feel so guilty that I won't be able to enjoy your company. So please, Sara-san... for my sake, stay with your parents today. I’m asking you.”
“Kazunari-san...”
I spoke slowly and gently, trying to make her understand.
It was okay. Sara-san would understand.
“Besides, we just got to see each other! We originally weren't supposed to have a stayover tonight anyway, so it’s not that big of a deal.”
Right, it wasn't a huge deal.
Sure, it was lonely, but if it was just about seeing her, we could meet tomorrow morning.
We were just taking the time we would have spent together tonight and using it right now.
“……Yes, I understand. Just as you say, Kazunari-san, I will stay at home with my parents today.”
Sara-san finally accepted it, giving a small nod against my chest.
I felt a wave of relief. Now Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san would be able to enjoy their evening.
“Kazunari-san, could you let me go for a second?”
I released my arms as she asked, only for her to wrap her own arms around the back of my head and pull me into her chest. Feeling that warmth and softness for the first time in a week, I felt like I could stay there forever.
“Satsukawa-san, it’s almost ti—... O-oh, sorry for interrupting...”
“Fueee...”
“W-wow... this is seriously intense...”
“Sigh, I figured it would end up like this. Come on, let's go, you lot.”
I was so dazed by being held by Sara-san that I barely registered the voices nearby.
“Thank you for thinking of me and my parents. I know that you are suppressing your own feelings for our sake, Kazunari-san. To honor those feelings, I will do exactly as you ask.”
Sara-san stroked my hair as she spoke in a gentle, rhythmic tone.
So, today was settled. It was decided... It was lonely, but I had no regrets.
“So at least for now... please, let me hold you. I want you to lean on me, Kazunari-san.”
When she said that, I couldn't hold back anymore.
I gave in to her words and leaned my entire weight into her, clinging to her.
Sara-san held me even tighter, pulling my head deep into her embrace.
“Kazunari-san... I love you... I really, truly love you...”
Wrapped in Sara-san’s sweet whispers, her warmth, and her softness, I found myself wishing that time would just stop right then and there.
Bonus Girls' Side
“Wait a minute, Sara! Hold on!”
Even before we got off the bus, Sara had started acting incredibly restless. The moment the doors opened, she took off running.
I called out, wondering what in the world was going on, but Sara didn't even look back as she sprinted toward a secluded area.
“Ah-ha, she couldn't hold back, could she?”
“Well, it's impossible. Satsukawa-san has been dying to see him all trip.”
“That’s why I told you to wait until after the dismissal before telling her!”
The three of them seemed to be in on something, arguing amongst themselves.
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
Yuri looked a bit guilty, so the other two answered for her.
“Yuri spotted Takanashi-kun from the bus window. We warned her to keep it to herself until after the dismissal because we knew Satsukawa-san would run off if she heard.”
“But she said something like, 'This looks like it'll be interesting,' and told her anyway. Then Satsukawa-san lost all her composure...”
I see. So that was the reason for the dash.
In a way, it was a blessing in disguise that Takanashi-kun was waiting in a quiet spot.
If he had been right in front of the gate, it would have been a total disaster.
“We haven't even finished the dismissal greetings yet...”
Since many students were already busy talking to their families, the teacher, who had given us a bit of free time, started calling for everyone to gather up.
“What should we do?”
“We have to go get her, right?”
“I wonder if we're even allowed to see this...”
Despite their words, the three of them looked like they were dying with anticipation.
We couldn't just leave Sara there, so we headed toward the spot where Takanashi-kun was supposed to be...
“Satsukawa-san, it’s almost ti—... O-oh, sorry for interrupting...”
“Fueee...”
“W-w-wow... this is seriously intense...”
“Sigh, I figured it would end up like this. Come on, let's go, you lot.”
I suppose I should be grateful they weren't actually kissing.
Still, Sara was holding Takanashi-kun with such overwhelming affection. Usually, you'd expect it to be the other way around, but... well, that’s Sara for you.
And since the three girls had just witnessed the scene firsthand, they were in a total frenzy.
“That was way too passionate...”
“Satsukawa-san was the one doing the holding! Hyaaa, I saw something incredible!”
“Satsukawa-san had such a gentle look on her face... I didn't know she could look like that.”
“A girl in love... no, she’s already a loving maiden!?”
Sigh... well, it was a bit late to be surprised by that.
More importantly, I had to figure out what excuse to give the teacher.
If they didn't do a roll call, maybe no one would notice she was missing.
And just as I hoped, there was no roll call, so we managed to get away with it.