The conversation kicked off with a burst of energy, led by Nishikawa-san’s initial scream. As we exchanged updates on our lives, the topic naturally shifted toward my part-time job.
Among those present, Todo-san had helped me the most during that period, meaning she was also the most informed about my work situation.
Todo: "To be honest, I really wanted you to quit that job already. You were always so tired and sleepy, and even though you’d hurt your right hand, you just refused to stop."
She wasn't necessarily angry, but it was rare to hear Todo-san speak in such a complaining tone. I knew it was only because she had been so worried, but being lectured like that made me feel a little awkward.
Natsumi: "Now, now, Todo-san. That’s just the cute side of a man's pride."
Nishikawa: "Indeed. It’s only natural for a man to want to please his partner, even if it requires a bit of recklessness. Personally, I believe it’s a woman’s duty to accept those feelings honestly and then heal him once the job is done."
Thanks to the support from Natsumi-senpai and Nishikawa-san, the conversation seemed to be heading toward a safe conclusion.
Natsumi: "Wait, Eririn, you actually understand that?"
Nishikawa: "And what is that supposed to mean?"
Actually, Natsumi-senpai’s unnecessary jab made Nishikawa-san bristle, and the conversation threatened to veer off in a whole new direction.
Meanwhile, my right hand was currently receiving much-needed treatment. I had told Sara-san that she could wait until after the party, but...
Sara: "I knew you were hurt, and yet I couldn't do anything for you... It was truly painful for me."
When she said that, looking as if she were on the verge of tears, I had no choice but to let her proceed.
Before starting the treatment, she carefully inspected my hand, her expression pained as her fingers gently traced the areas where the blisters had already burst. It was a little ticklish.
Sara: "To think you went this far for my sake... Kazunari-san, I will personally tend to this injury every day until it is completely healed, understood?"
Honestly, I’d figured I could just let it heal on its own once the inflammation went down, but if this was what it took to satisfy Sara-san, I suppose I should just let her do as she pleased.
Chu.
"!"
To my surprise, Sara-san leaned her face close to my right hand and pressed her lips against my palm. The unexpected sensation sent a shiver through me.
Nishikawa: "Sa-Sara?! What on earth are you doing?"
Sara: "Oh? Ah, no... I just thought that since this injury came about because Kazunari-san was thinking of me, it seemed... precious."
Sara-san looked startled for a moment, as if she’d done it unconsciously until Nishikawa-san pointed it out. For my part, knowing she felt that way made all the hard work worth it.
Natsumi: "Do you see now, Todo-san? These two will find a way to flirt no matter the excuse. There's no need to worry about them."
Todo: "Ahaha... well, as long as everything turned out okay. Wait! Is that pendant Takanashi-kun’s present? Satsukawa-senpai, I want to see it!"
Todo-san, who had been smiling wryly while watching Sara-san cradle my right hand protectively, seemed to have noticed the pendant.
Natsumi: "Oh, right! I was curious about that too. Sara, show us."
Hanako: "Ah, I want to see it too."
Tachikawa: "Me too, me too!"
Nishikawa: "In that case, I shall as well..."
Eventually, the entire group of female officers surrounded her, pleading for a look. Sara-san looked a bit troubled as she reached up and unfastened the chain from her neck. She spread her own handkerchief on the table first, then gently laid the pendant on top of it.
Sara: "If possible, please try not to touch it too much. This is my greatest treasure..."
Even without seeing her face, I could tell from her voice that she was reluctant to let anyone else handle it. Knowing she valued it that much made me feel so happy I couldn't help but smile.
Nishikawa: "For now, leave it to me."
Nishikawa-san pulled out a handkerchief of her own and used it to carefully wrap the pendant before picking it up.
I see... that way she wouldn't have to touch it directly. She handled it with such practiced ease that she must have been used to dealing with high-end items. She held it up to eye level so everyone could get a clear view.
Hanako: "Whoa... the engraving on this locket is so detailed. Is this... a gemstone?"
Tachikawa: "Takanashi-kun, was this completely custom-made?"
Me: "Yeah, it was."
Following Nishikawa-san’s lead, Hanako-san and Tachikawa-san pulled out their own handkerchiefs. Being careful not to make direct contact, they moved the pendant around to inspect it from every angle.
Nishikawa: "Pardon me, let me see it more closely... Ah, this is a sapphire. Since Sara's birthstone is... wait, a sapphire? Um, Takanashi-san, is there any other meaning behind this?"
Nishikawa-san’s face suddenly contorted. Another meaning? What was she talking about?
Me: "Another meaning?"
Nishikawa: "Ah, no, never mind. It’s nothing... (I’m surely overthinking things...)"
I was left puzzled. I’d seen the sapphire in the catalog and thought I knew the basics. It was the birthstone for September, Sara-san’s birth month, and the stone language was associated with romance. I thought it was a fitting gift. Was there something more to it?
Hanako: "Hey, what about the photo inside?"
The unavoidable question regarding the locket had finally arrived. Hanako-san seemed unusually interested in the details.
Nishikawa: "Oh, you're right. Sara, may I open it?"
"Yes, go ahead."
Everyone seemed curious about the contents. As Nishikawa-san clicked the lid open, they all leaned in at once. It wasn't like I had put anything strange in there, but it was still embarrassing. Then again, if it had just been a photo of me, I might have come across as an egomaniac... so maybe this was for the best.
Todo: "Oh, it's lovely! How romantic!"
Todo-san cried out, clearly moved. She had finally seen the inside.
Natsumi: "Wait, is this from that moment? I was so caught up in the emotion of it that I didn't even think to take a photo."
Hanako: "What moment?"
Natsumi: "This is from when Takanashi-kun confessed and Sara was crying her eyes out~~. Right, Sara?"
Sara: "Well... that was the happiest moment of my life."
Blushing, Sara-san stole a glance at me before burying her face against my arm. To be honest, the topic was making me pretty embarrassed too.
Nishikawa: "Still, a custom-made locket from a specialty store with a sapphire accent... Takanashi-san, you really went all out."
Natsumi: "He really did. He seemed absolutely desperate to make Sara happy."
Todo: "I can tell. And with a sapphire like this, Takanashi-kun, don't tell me you and Satsukawa-senpai are engag—"
Nishikawa: "Todo-san, stop right there!"
Nishikawa-san suddenly shouted, cutting her off. She had been concerned about something earlier as well. Was there really something I was missing? The two of them exchanged a mysterious look, seemingly communicating through eye contact alone before eventually nodding to one another.
What was that all about?
Tachikawa: "U-Um, Satsukawa-senpai... so, on today's date... you two actually did it, didn't you?"
Tachikawa-san had looked like she was dying to say something, and now she had finally pivoted to a topic that was incredibly difficult for me to handle. In a group full of maidens, I knew romantic gossip was bound to happen, but I wished they’d at least let me leave the room first.
But Sara-san wouldn't let go of me. Incidentally, Yuji and Hayato had already made a strategic retreat...
Sara: "That... yes."
Todo & Tachikawa: "Kyaaa!"
Hanako: "I knew it."
Tachikawa: "I'm so jealous..."
Natsumi: "Actually, I would have been more surprised if you hadn't yet."
Nishikawa: "............"
As Sara-san gave her shy reply, a dark aura began to radiate from Nishikawa-san, standing in stark contrast to the other girls' squeals of delight. I felt incredibly out of place... The atmosphere was stifling.
Natsumi: "Haa... just look at that happy face. You were always so clingy, and yet you hadn't even kissed him on the mouth yet. Were you waiting for this too?"
Sara: "Yes... I was waiting all this time... for Kazunari-san to take my first kiss."
Despite it being a question from Natsumi-san, Sara-san replied while staring intently at me. It was essentially like she was telling me directly.
Todo & Tachikawa: "KYAAAAA!"
Hanako: "Gufu... the sweetness is becoming lethal."
Natsumi: "She’s usually so terrifyingly aggressive, yet she waits for Takanashi-kun to take the lead on things like that..."
Sara: "That’s because... I wanted the first time to be from Kazunari-san. But next time, it will be my turn. Right, Kazunari-san?"
Me: "Eh?! W-Wait..."
Being told that with such a flushed, joyful face made my heart race...
Nishikawa: "AAAAAAAAHHH! I’ve reached my limit! Fine! You're happy! I'm jealous! Even Natsumi is acting suspicious! Why is it just me who has to deal with that scumbag?!!!"
Ah... Nishikawa-san has finally broken.