"…I see. So Sara-chan is…"
"Yeah. That’s how it is."
"I understand. Things might get difficult from here on out, but if anything happens, don’t hesitate to bring Sara-chan back here. We’ll handle persuading her parents after that."
I knew Mom would say that.
However, I had no intention of leaving it to them. This was something I had to handle myself, and besides, I was sure Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san would eventually understand. I felt that relying on my parents should be my absolute last resort.
"I won't tell you it’s too early. If you’ve decided this is necessary to be with Sara-chan, then age doesn't matter. So, steel yourself. It’s a world we don’t understand, but you’re diving into it regardless, right?"
"Yeah."
"…Don’t lose to people who would treat such a good girl like a pawn in their race for profit. Call me immediately if you need to. I’ll speak with her parents as well."
…That took care of my mother.
I hadn't actually intended to rely on my parents this time; I had mostly just called to give them a report.
"Oh right, I heard about Yuzuha-chan… We were at fault for that too. I noticed something was off, but I was too soft. I should have knocked the truth out of you even if I had to beat it out of you."
"Wait, what!?"
I panicked at the violent turn Mom’s words suddenly took.
Come to think of it, so much had happened that I’d forgotten to update my family home. If she knew about this story, then…
"She came here with her mother to apologize. Honestly, I was bewildered because Yuzuha-chan looked like an empty shell… Then they started talking about settlement money, and I didn't know what to think. I’ll set the money aside. I suppose you wouldn't want to use that for… betrothal money?"
"Betrothal money?"
I wondered what that was exactly…
"Anyway, for now, concentrate on Sara-chan. Don't you dare make her cry, you hear me? Go show them what a man you are!"
Side: Marina Todo
"Are we going to offer a prayer, Todo-san?"
After passing through the torii gate, the two of us gazed at the small shrine. I suppose we should do that. Even if it was just a prayer to the gods, I wanted to do whatever I could.
But that wasn't my real objective. It was no wonder Hayato found it strange, since he didn't know the truth.
This might be meddling… I might get scolded for it later.
It was frustrating, but we couldn't do anything about the situation at the company where Sara-senpai's father worked. We had no choice but to leave all of that to Nishikawa-san, but if there was anything else even I could do…
"Oh, Marina-chan, welcome. You aren't with Mio-chan today?"
"Hello, Yukie-san."
I wondered if Yukie-san knew what was happening. If she already knew, then I was just interfering. But if she didn't…
"My, my! You’ve brought a very handsome boy with you. I see, following in Sara-chan’s footsteps, Marina-chan has found herself a lover too?"
"Fueeeee!?"
L-Lover!?
Hayato!?
"N-No, Hayato-kun is……"
………Hayato-kun is what?
What was I about to say?
When I looked beside me, my eyes met Hayato-kun’s. He looked just as surprised as I was. I felt like his face was turning a bit red…
"Oh, is that so? I think you two look good together, though."
Yukie-san wore a beaming smile as she looked at me and Hayato-kun side-by-side.
Looking good together? Someone like me, with Hayato-kun?
"Um, nice to meet you. I am Hayato Yokokawa."
Regaining his composure, Hayato-kun offered a proper greeting.
But I was in no state for that.
What was Hayato-kun to me?
Just a friend? A best friend?
From Yukie-san's perspective, we looked like lovers, didn't we?
I had never actually stopped to think about that until now…
"Kazunari is my best friend."
"Takanashi-san is certainly blessed with friends… Oh, Marina-chan, are you okay?"
"Eh!?"
I snapped back to reality when my name was called.
This won't do; I came here to talk about something important.
I would put my thoughts about Hayato-kun on hold for now. First, I had to deal with Takanashi-kun and Sara-senpai…
"Yukie-san, I'm sorry if you already know this, but I have something to discuss…"
If I could be of even the slightest help…
"Kazunari-san, do you have any requests for tonight's dinner?"
While resting her hand on my arm, Sara-san suddenly asked me.
Ever since she started staying at my house, she seemed to have calmed down quite a bit. Looking at her like this, she seemed perfectly normal.
But……
"Hmm… that’s a difficult question."
"If it's what you wish for, Kazunari-san, I can even improvise something right now."
"No, everything you cook is delicious, Sara-san. That’s why it’s so hard to pick just one."
In fact, I’d never had any thought other than "delicious" regarding Sara-san's cooking.
Well, in truth, I could just pick my usual favorites like Hamburg steak, but Sara-san's cooking wasn't something that could be chosen so simply.
"You won't get any rewards for flattery, you know?"
"That’s a shame…… but it wasn't flattery."
"Oh, honestly, Kazunari-san…"
With a wry smile, Sara-san slid closer to me. Then, standing slightly on her tiptoes—
Chu…
I felt the light sensation of her lips brushing my cheek.
She then wrapped both of her arms around mine and looked up at me.
"Fufu… that is a thank-you for making me happy."
"Sara-san…"
"Well then, since you cannot decide, Kazunari-san, I shall decide for you. Let’s stop by the supermarket on the way home, shall we?"
……As I thought, things were still slightly off.
Even if she seemed the same as always at first glance, the physical intimacy—the physical contact—was constant. More precisely, whenever we were together, she was always touching my shoulder or arm, or staying close enough to be touching.
And the supermarket was the same way.
Normally, Sara-san never let me help with the housework. For shopping, she would usually take the lead and go alone unless I offered to help. It was rare for her to suggest stopping by on the way back herself.
In other words… I suspected she didn't want to leave my side. Normally, I should have been happy about that, but when I considered the reason, I couldn't be purely happy about it…
"…Hey, do those two realize this is the Student Council Room?"
"…Don't they think they're at home?"
"…Does that mean they're always like that at home?"
"…Man, it’s amazing how they can flirt while ignoring everyone around them."
"…She totally just kissed him, right? Sara-san's image has been shattered so much I don't even know what's what anymore…"
After turning off the lights and heading to the futon, Sara-san immediately reached out for me. While taking her hand, I sat down next to her, and when I lay down, she clung to me right away.
"Kazunari-san…"
When I hugged Sara-san as she whispered my name, she held onto me as if she would never let go.
Ever since she started staying at this house, it was always like this when we slept. I would stroke her head while holding her, continuing until Sara-san fell asleep peacefully so her anxiety would ease even a little.
"Tomorrow, it has been decided that Natsumi, Eri, and I shall go out."
"Please enjoy yourself. I think you need a change of pace once in a while."
Of course, this was according to plan. To be precise, Nishikawa-san wasn't originally supposed to be coming along, but that likely wasn't a problem.
"Kazunari-san… I am so sorry… I…"
She wanted to say something but couldn't bring herself to; it was painful to watch. Sara-san's state vividly told the story of her inner struggle.
That was why I gave her these words in return.
"Sara-san… you don't have to push yourself. I'll wait as long as it takes for you to be ready to talk."
This was nothing more than a postponement.
But from my perspective, this wasn't just a delay, but a way to buy time.
So that I could eventually tell her, "It’s okay now, please rest easy."
It was finally tomorrow…
The next day.
It seemed Nishikawa-san had brought a car, and she had come to pick Sara up along with Natsumi-senpai.
Since they were a bit earlier than scheduled, Sara-san was currently getting ready inside the house with Natsumi-senpai keeping her company. This was likely so that I and Nishikawa-san could speak privately.
"How is Sara’s condition?"
"I think she’s much calmer than at the beginning. However, I wasn't able to bring up the matter of the arranged marriage."
I knew she had been trying to tell me. However, I didn't want to force her to say it, either. I figured I just had to remove her worries for her… though I wasn't exactly brimming with confidence…
"I understand. Leave Sara to us for now. We’ll talk to her and try to help her return to her usual self."
"Thank you. But please don't push her too hard…"
"It’ll be fine. Takanashi-san, please focus on your talk with Sara’s father. Also…… just in case, regarding the matter at Sawa Electronics, I have a lead on some support."
!?
A lead on some support!?
To be honest, I thought that would be impossible, and I felt I shouldn't count on it. That was exactly why this report was such a welcome surprise.
"However, all of that depends on today’s discussion. Therefore…"
"I understand. Hearing that has fired me up even more. I’ll definitely get him to acknowledge us!"
Hearing my answer, Nishikawa-san gave a small nod with a smile.
Once everything is over, I’ll have to find a way to thank her…
"Sorry to keep you waiting. …Oh, Kazunari-san, did something happen? You look happy…"
Having finished her preparations and come out of the house, Sara-san seemed to have sensed my mood immediately. She was as sharp as ever.
"No, it’s nothing. Well then, have a safe trip."
"Yes. I shall be back by evening, so please do not worry about dinner. Well then…"
After we exchanged departures, she approached me with a natural movement and stood on her tiptoes.
Chu……
After giving me a light kiss that barely brushed my cheek, Sara-san whispered, "I'm off," and then pulled away.
"Haa… they look the same as always, don't they? What do you think, Eririn?"
"…………"
"Ah, this one's the same as always too…"
When I turned my gaze toward Natsumi-senpai's murmur, I saw the figure of "Dark Nishikawa-san," whose eye highlights had vanished—a sight I had been seeing often lately.
I watched the three of them get into the car and kept waving back until I could no longer see Sara-san waving…
Now, let’s start preparing for the decisive battle.
!?
When I left the house, a familiar face was suddenly standing right in front of me. It gave me a bit of a start…
"Are you leaving soon?"
"Eh, Hanako-san?"
Since I had only reported the rough schedule, she shouldn't have known the exact time.
Could it be that she had been waiting here the whole time after Sara-san and the others left?
"I'll walk with you part of the way."
Her words were brief, but I could tell she had come because she was worried.
I gratefully accepted her kindness.
"…Thanks. I appreciate it."
"It’s nothing… I’m your big sister, after all."
Her words were blunt as usual, but she gave me a radiant smile that I rarely got to see. Then, she began walking ahead as if to lead me.
"It’s okay. Today will definitely go well. There’s nothing to worry about. That goes for what's ahead, too… so don't overthink things."
Walking ahead, Hanako-san gave me words of encouragement without looking back.
What lay ahead… she probably meant beyond today. Perhaps she had heard something from Nishikawa-san.
When we reached the station front, I watched Hanako-san walking ahead of me while reviewing in my head what I should say today. Since I was deep in thought, I wasn't really paying attention to my surroundings. I didn't notice my best friend until he called out to me.
"Kazunari!"
"Yuji… why are you here?"
It went without saying that Yuji was here because of our situation, but I couldn't help but ask.
"Nah, I just got curious and came. Don't worry about me, just go give it your all. If you could overcome that thing with Yamasaki, this should be a breeze, right?"
With a smirk, he gave my back a heavy slap to fire me up.
He must have come all the way here because he was worried. I was truly grateful.
"You're right! Look forward to tonight's Group RAIN, because I'm going to report that I've become Sara-san's fiancé."
"You said it, right? I heard you. Alright, get going. If anything happens, make sure to contact me. I'll keep my phone on."
"? Ah, yeah, I get it. Well then, I'm off!"
Everyone was cheering me on. Mayumi-san was going to be there too. I felt that I had already broken the ice with Masaomi-san.
So it’ll be okay… I’m sure it’ll be okay.
"I'm stopping here too. I'm looking forward to the report. Lastly, lend me your ear."
"? Okay."
I wondered what it was at a time like this.
While feeling a bit puzzled, I bent my knees to bring my face to Hanako-san's level. Since there was a height difference, I had to lower myself quite a bit.
"I'll be on standby, so contact me if anything happens."
"U-Understood."
Yuji had said something similar, but I wondered if they actually intended to wait until the discussion was over.
"A good luck charm to make things go well."
Chu……
!?
Not on the right side where Sara-san always kissed me, but on the left side, I felt a soft and warm sensation…
"Good luck."
And then Hanako-san sent me off with that same radiant smile.
Side: Yuji Tachibana
It had been a while since I’d seen Kazunari with such a fired-up face.
Well, there was no way he wouldn't be fired up when he was doing it for his girlfriend and being cheered on by girls to this extent. I’d like to think my slap had some effect, but it seemed Hanako-san took all the credit. That was just unfair…
"Hanako-san… as I thought, do you feel that way about Kazunari?"
It was something I just had to know.
There was no way Kazunari and Sara-san would break up. If so, then it would be an unrequited love.
"No. It’s not such a simple story, so don't go making wild guesses."
Wiping away the atmosphere she had shown Kazunari until a moment ago, Hanako-san returned to her usual self. Between her and Sara-san, I wondered if Kazunari was just the type to be liked by these kinds of women.
"Tachibana, were you already here?"
"Hello, you two."
Voices called out from behind, and I knew who it was immediately.
We hadn't talked about the two of them coming here… it seemed they had come to see him off as well.
"Yeah. I thought I might run into Kazunari if I waited early, and it turns out things go well sometimes."
"The way you say that, it seems Kazunari has already left. We were a bit late, then."
"I and Hanako-san fired him up enough for your shares too."
"I see, thank you, Tachibana-kun."
"Hey, did you include my share in that?"
This was yet another unexpected voice.
Natsumi-san and Nishikawa-san were with Sara-san… what, did everyone end up gathering here after all?
"Yeah, I put plenty in for Tachikawa-san's share too."
"That’s good to hear. Now then, what should we do from here?"
Since I had intended to be alone, I’d planned to just wait around in some appropriate place.
And, if things became difficult, I had intended to barge into the Satsukawa residence and perform a dogeza or whatever it took to get them to listen to the story of those two from a friend's perspective. I didn't know if that would change their minds, but it was better than just sitting and waiting.
"Tachibana… no, Yuji. If you're barging in, I'm going with you."
Hayato conveyed that to me in a low voice. It seemed this guy was thinking the same thing.
"You're right, it might be interesting to have two guys doing a dogeza together. Back me up when the time comes, Hayato."
But I doubted it would come to that. After all, there shouldn't be any parent who wouldn't acknowledge those two who were so deeply in love with each other…