Now then, I suppose it was about time.
It had been a week since they had last seen each other, and Sara-chan must have been thrilled to be reunited with Takanashi-kun. It felt a bit cruel to separate them so soon, even if only for a short while, but...
Masaomi-san was looking forward to this, and so was I. I hoped he would forgive us just this once. Of course, I fully intended to sneakily drive her back to him afterward.
Still, Takanashi-kun's part-time job had turned out to be a wonderful opportunity. It made me truly happy to see Masaomi-san and Takanashi-kun get along so well. At this rate, everything would surely be fine when "that time" finally arrived.
Oh, speaking of "that time," it seemed Takanashi-kun had resolved to tell Masaomi-san about his relationship with Sara-chan. He was the same when he made that confession right in front of me, but to announce his intentions so clearly... he was as bold and daring as ever. I couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle.
"Mayumi, isn't it about time?"
"You're right. If we head out now, the traffic should be dying down. Shall we go?"
Masaomi-san was in high spirits, likely because he was finally going to see his daughter after a week.
To be honest, Sara-chan tended to be a bit strict with her Father. I knew it wasn't because she disliked him, of course—it was just that rebellious age. That was exactly why it was so surprising to see a man appear who could make her fall so hopelessly in love.
And for her way of loving to resemble mine so closely... it was quite something.
While we were in the car heading toward the school, Masaomi-san spoke up as if he had just remembered something important.
"That's right, Mayumi. Regarding Takanashi-kun..."
"Yes?"
"Sara wouldn't take it well if she knew a boy her age was at the house. Let's avoid mentioning Takanashi-kun's part-time job as much as possible."
"...I see. Understood."
Certainly, Sara-chan would have been displeased if it had been any boy other than Takanashi-kun, so Masaomi-san's concern wasn't entirely misplaced.
Now then, I wondered what kind of reaction he would have when Takanashi-kun eventually introduced himself properly? Since he was the man of destiny who had finally appeared for his precious daughter, I truly hoped he would accept him wholeheartedly.
When we arrived at the school, it was less crowded than I had expected. Pushing our arrival time back a bit might have actually been for the best.
I asked Masaomi-san to wait in the car while I stepped out to find Sara-chan. Let’s see, her class should be...
I spotted her standing in front of the bus. Natsumi-chan was beside her, along with a few others. They seemed to be chatting happily; perhaps they were her friends.
"Ah, Sara, Mayumi-san is here."
Natsumi-chan noticed me and waved, alerting Sara-chan to my arrival.
"Wait, is that Satsukawa-san's Mother!?"
"No way, she looks like an older sister!"
"Wow, she and Satsukawa-san look so much alike! Her future is bright, I'm so jealous..."
My, it seemed I still had it in me.
Still, it warmed my heart to see that Sara-chan's circle of close friends was growing. As Sara-chan bowed to her classmates and headed my way, I offered an polite bow to the group before welcoming her back.
"Welcome home, Sara-chan."
"I'm home, Mother."
Oh? She looked a bit downcast. I wondered if something had happened.
"What's wrong, Sara-chan?"
"No, it's nothing."
If it was nothing, she shouldn't have been wearing such a troubled expression. Well, I was sure she would be fine once she got to spend some time flirting with Takanashi-kun later.
"Did Takanashi-kun already head home?"
"Yes, he left a short while ago."
"I see. I'll take you over to his place later, so feel free to pamper him to your heart's content. And afterward, let him pamper you just as much."
"No... I'm staying home today."
...Oh, that was unexpected. I had anticipated her insisting on staying over at Takanashi-san's House tonight.
"Are you sure about that?"
"...Yes. Kazunari-san told me... that he wanted me to prioritize my parents over him today."
What? That didn't sound like their usual dynamic. Why the sudden change?
Of course, it was a very good thing for him to show such consideration for others rather than just being swept up in infatuation. However, I didn't think they needed to force themselves to be that mature yet. There hadn't been any sign of this earlier.
For him to suddenly be so mindful of us... did something happen during his part-time job? Come to think of it, how was Takanashi-kun acting today? While he was at the house...
As I retraced the day's events, the realization hit me. Masaomi-san didn't know, but I might have made a blunder.
For Takanashi-kun to show such uncharacteristic restraint, he must have noticed something. What did he see at our home today?
We had been talking about the family party for Sara-chan’s return. Masaomi-san had looked so happy, and I had been enthusiastically preparing since the morning...
"Say, Sara-chan, did you tell Takanashi-kun about tonight?"
"Yes, I mentioned that we were likely having a family party at home..."
With that, my suspicion was confirmed.
It was my mistake. It was too late for regrets, but I should have waited until after Takanashi-kun left to start the preparations. He was such a considerate soul; he must have seen our excitement and decided he didn't want to get in the way.
But he probably couldn't tell Sara-chan what he’d seen, so he must have persuaded her without mentioning the party. He likely made it sound like it was just his own selfish request.
Honestly... he did such touching, sweet things that it just made me want to dote on him even more. If it was a family party, Takanashi-kun really should have been there too. Once Masaomi-san finally accepted their relationship, I intended to treat Takanashi-kun like my own son.
Actually, in my heart, he was already as good as a son.
Regardless, I had to fix this now.
"Sara-chan, after you eat dinner, go and get your stayover preparations ready."
"Eh? But Kazunari-san told me—"
"You know that's not how Takanashi-kun truly feels, don't you? That's why you have that downcast look."
"........."
"We'll be perfectly satisfied just having the party, so go to Takanashi-san's place after that. Please pamper Takanashi-kun enough for my own share as well, okay?"
"Excuse me? Why is your share involved in this, Mother? I am the only one who will be pampered by Kazunari-san, and the only one who will pamper him in return."
I only meant it as a little joke, but she snapped back at me with such intensity. If I ever mentioned what happened during Takanashi-kun's part-time job, it would likely turn into a disaster. I supposed I would have to be careful not to tease her too much once we were all associating as a family.
Now then, since that was settled, we needed to get home and have our party. Masaomi-san was waiting, and I needed to get her to Takanashi-san's House as soon as possible.
I would have to find a way to make up for the unnecessary stress I caused Takanashi-kun eventually. As for the loneliness he was feeling right now—I was sure I could leave that to Sara-chan.
After returning home, I changed my clothes and spent the rest of the evening sprawled out, staring at my smartphone.
Since I had been waiting at the school since early afternoon, I hadn't eaten dinner yet, but I wasn't particularly hungry. It was too much trouble to change again and go shopping, so I figured I’d just eat some bread later if I got desperate.
I wondered if Sara-san was having fun right now...
It was fine. Just because we couldn't meet tonight didn't mean we wouldn't see each other tomorrow. She would surely come over in the morning as usual, so it wasn't something to get depressed about.
...Even I knew I was just trying to act tough.
With no plans and no work tonight, I considered just calling it a night and going to—
Knock, knock...
Click.
There was only one person who would enter without ringing the doorbell, using only a knock before opening the door with her own key. When the door swung open, Sara-san was standing there, a travel trunk in hand.
"W-Why are you here...?"
Sara-san met my stunned expression with a smile. She seemed to be in quite a hurry; she left her shoes scattered in the entrance—a rare sight for her—and dropped her trunk right there as she rushed into the room and pulled me into a hug.
My face was buried against her chest, enveloped in that familiar, favorite warmth and softness. My mind finally began to process that this was actually happening.
Why was she here? What about the party? What about Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san?
Every question that should have crossed my mind vanished, replaced by the overwhelming realization that "Sara-san came for me." The joy was so intense that I found myself hugging her back with equal strength.
Sara-san seemed to sense how honestly I was clinging to her, as a soft "Fufu..." escaped her lips. she shifted her arms to embrace me more deeply and began to stroke my head.
"Once again, I'm home."
Still held tight in her arms, she repeated her homecoming greeting. I realized that, in the sense of returning to this apartment, she hadn't officially greeted me yet.
"Welcome home, Sara-san."
"Yes! I'm back."
She referred to my house as "home." The fact that she viewed this place as somewhere she belonged made me incredibly happy.
"But, how...? I thought you were staying with your parents today..."
"I was kicked out."
"Kicked out?"
"Yes. My Mother told me the party was over and asked how long I planned to linger. She told me to return to where I belong... and the only place I belong is by Kazunari-san's side."
"I-I see."
It seemed Mayumi-san had orchestrated this. While I was incredibly grateful, it meant my earlier act of stoicism had been for nothing...
"Mother said that Kazunari-san must take responsibility for me being kicked out."
"Responsibility?"
"Yes. Therefore..."
As she spoke, Sara-san kept me in her embrace but leaned in, bringing her lips close to my ear.
"Will you... take responsibility?"
Being asked that in such a whispering, pampered tone made my face turn crimson in an instant.
"Y-Yes... Then, um, please stay over tonight."
"As you wish. Of course, you'll have to let me hold you like this until tomorrow morning, all right?"
"...The whole time?"
"The whole time. Today, I want you to just stay spoiled... please, let me spoil you... Kazunari-san."
The sweetness and the faint hint of yearning in her voice made my heart race. I understood then that Sara-san was fully committed to doting on me.
When she entered Older Sister Mode, she was relentless in her pampering. And that also signaled the beginning of my lonely battle—a struggle so filled with happiness that it was almost painful.
It seemed Sara-san had anticipated that I wouldn't have eaten dinner yet, as she had brought a full set of ingredients with her.
Thump, thump, thump...
The rhythmic sound of the knife against the cutting board was a melody I hadn't heard in a week. I watched her work in the kitchen, wondering if I was actually dreaming. Before I knew it, I had drifted closer to her side.
"Fufu... is something the matter?"
Her voice snapped me out of it, and I realized I was standing right next to her.
"Eh!? Oh, I just..."
"Here, Kazunari-san. Say 'ah'."
Sara-san pinched a piece of food between her fingers and held it up to my mouth. Reflexively, I opened up, and she slipped it inside. I was careful not to bite her fingers as I tasted what she had offered.
Munch, munch...
It was a piece of rolled omelet. It was slightly sweet, seasoned exactly to my preference. She knew my tastes perfectly.
It was delicious.
"How is it?"
"......It's perfect."
"I'm glad. It'll be finished in just a moment, okay?"
"............"
I was so captivated by her gentle smile that I froze up again.
"Kazunari-san?"
"..............."
Chu.
The sensation of her lips against my cheek brought me back to reality. She pulled back slightly, and seeing that I was back with her, she offered another radiant smile.
"Please be a good boy and wait just a little longer, okay?"
"Yes."
The response came out more easily than I expected, a soft word of surrender to her kindness.