At that moment, I was gripped by a level of tension I’d never experienced before. When I had been about to confess to Sara-san, I thought that was the most nervous I would ever be, but the quality of this anxiety was entirely different.
As for why...
"No, no, the pleasure is all mine... Yes, thank you very much."
My Dad and Masaomi-san were currently talking on the phone!
Since there was a little time while Sara-san and the others were busy cooking, I had thought it best to at least check in with my parents. My Mom had already said she would respect my wishes, but I wouldn't know for sure how they really felt until we spoke. So, when I told Masaomi-san that I wanted to call my family home to update them, he mentioned he wanted to speak with them as well, even if only for a moment.
When I called my house, Dad was the one who answered. Apparently, Mom had forgotten her smartphone and gone out shopping. The saving grace was that the story had already been relayed to him, which spared me the trouble of explaining everything from scratch.
"If that girl is truly important to you, then don't you dare give up. I mean, I heard from your mother that she’s cute, has a great personality, and is even perfect at housework. To be honest, I find it hard to believe a son of mine caught a girl like that. But if it’s true, a miracle like that won't happen twice, so don't let the chance slip away," he’d said, followed by a laugh.
He was as lighthearted as always.
I really wished he had at least half of Masaomi-san's dignity or majesty... or just something to make him look like a proper father.
I swore then and there that once he actually met Sara-san, I was going to make him apologize to her.
After our brief chat, Dad was now in the middle of talking to Masaomi-san. Since I could hear an occasional laugh, I didn't think there were any major problems, but I couldn't imagine my dad saying anything particularly dignified. I stayed on edge, terrified he might say something incredibly awkward.
"I will contact you again regarding the schedule. I apologize for the suddenness of everything today. Now, I'll return the phone to Kazunari-kun."
It seemed the conversation was finally over. I was far too worried about whether it had actually gone well.
"Man, was I surprised," Dad said when I got back on the line. "To be honest, even hearing that they want to take you in as an adopted child, it doesn't quite feel real yet. But it's not like you'll stop being our son, and if that’s what it takes for you to be with her, then isn't it fine?"
"Well, I’m glad you feel that way. It helps a lot."
He was casual to the core... That said, I knew he wasn't just speaking without thinking. Even if his words were light, Dad was the kind of person who considered things carefully when they truly mattered.
"I only spoke with him for a bit, but he seems like a trustworthy man. We won't give a final answer until we meet in person, and I’ll have to talk it over with your mother, but based on our talk the other day, I think it'll be fine. Regardless, this is all very sudden, so I can't give an official answer right this second."
The talk of adoption was sudden, and for Dad, who hadn't been part of today's events, it must have been a total surprise. If anything, it was a relief that he hadn't rejected the idea immediately.
Once I finished the report and hung up, Masaomi-san turned to me with a look of relief.
"Thank you, I'm glad I could talk to your father. It was a short conversation, but he seems like a good man who truly cares for you. I'm looking forward to meeting him."
I didn't know exactly what they’d discussed, but judging by Masaomi-san's expression, there hadn't been any issues... or so I hoped.
"We’ll handle the details and the formal discussion when we meet next, but he said he has no intention of opposing the match. Honestly, I'm relieved. I was prepared to spend a long time persuading him, but if he had been negative from the start, negotiations would have been difficult."
Judging by his reaction, Dad had evidently spoken more properly than I’d expected.
I wasn't just Masaomi-san who felt a weight lifted off his shoulders; I did as well.
He has no intention of opposing it...
The centerpiece of the meal spread across the table was my favorite: Hamburg Steak. The menu had clearly been tailored specifically to my tastes. The fact that there were two half-sized steaks on the plate meant that they had each made one. I couldn't tell the difference just by looking, but as someone who had eaten both of their cooking before, I knew they would both be delicious.
However, and I meant no offense to her mother, but against Sara-san—who knew my preferences inside and out—this hardly seemed like a fair fight.
"Now, let's eat before it gets cold," Mayumi-san said.
My seat had been placed right next to Sara-san’s. She pulled out the chair for me, saying, "Please, Kazunari-san, sit here."
"Itadakimasu!" we all said in unison.
The meal began.
Even though I was just eating, the atmosphere made me feel as if every single one of my movements was being scrutinized.
"By the way, Kazunari-kun," Mayumi-san said, "please guess which Hamburg Steak was made by me and which was made by Sara-chan."
"Wait, what!?"
The hurdle had been raised at the very last second.
I absolutely could not afford to get this wrong. If I failed, I wouldn't be able to look Sara-san in the eye ever again.
"Fufu... If it's Kazunari-san, I know you'll be fine," Sara-san whispered.
I knew she was just trying to be supportive because she believed in me, but I don't think she realized that her faith was actually turning into an immense amount of pressure.
While I was sweating over the choice, Sara-san cut the first Hamburg Steak into a bite-sized piece and brought it to my lips with her practiced grace. Her left hand was placed naturally beneath it, a domestic gesture that always made me think of her as a perfect wife.
"Here, say ah-nn..."
I took the bite and chewed.
It was delicious! The cooking was perfect, and the meat was incredibly juicy... but.
"Next is this one. Here, open wide..."
I took the second bite.
"Aaaaah!! I wanted to be the one to give him an ah-nn for at least one of them! I'm his mother-in-law!" Mayumi-san wailed.
"Save the sleep-talking for when you're actually asleep, Mother," Sara-san countered. "This is my duty."
The fluffiness of the second steak was entirely different. It had the exact softness I preferred, and the sauce was slightly sweeter than usual—this was undoubtedly Sara-san's Hamburg Steak.
Seeing the look of realization on my face, Sara-san beamed.
"See? There's no way Kazunari-san would get it wrong!"
"Even though I was the one who taught her that recipe, why was it so obvious...?" Mayumi-san muttered.
I hadn't even said a word about the taste yet.
Despite her complaints, Mayumi-san—who had clearly known I would get it right—seemed to be enjoying herself rather than feeling actual frustration.
"Yeah, this one is much softer," Masaomi-san noted, trying a piece. "I wonder if she mixed something specific into the meat?"
He had also noticed the difference in texture.
"It is the Takanashi Family Method that I was taught by my mother-in-law previously," Sara-san explained proudly.
"Wait, that's cheating!" Mayumi-san cried.
"Fufu... That is why I told you that you could not beat me. Though, I wouldn't lose to you in anything else, either."
Sara-san looked incredibly triumphant, her chest puffed out slightly. Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san could only watch her with softened, indulgent expressions.
As for me, I just enjoyed the rest of the fantastic feast while watching Sara-san be her adorable self.
"Sorry, do you have a moment?"
Just as I was thinking about heading home, Masaomi-san called out to me. He wasn't just looking at me, though; his gaze included Sara-san. Apparently, he wanted to speak to both of us.
Once we were all seated on the sofa, including Mayumi-san, Masaomi-san spoke with a serious tone.
"Actually, I've been curious for a while, and the meal tonight almost confirmed it... Sara, do you usually prepare the meals at Takanashi-kun's House?"
Sara-san and I instinctively locked eyes.
Given the direction our lives were taking, it was probably better to be honest. There was nothing shameful about it, and we had nothing to hide... I hoped.
"Yes," Sara-san answered boldly, turning back to her father. "I am usually at Kazunari-san's House. I handle the meals, and I take care of the housework as well."
She was so dignified and unashamed that Masaomi-san actually recoiled slightly.
"Is there a problem with that?" she continued, her voice gaining a sharp edge. "Surely you don't intend to tell me to stop?"
"Ugh..." Masaomi-san winced.
Sara-san's eyes were growing increasingly fierce. They seemed to be screaming, If you tell me to stop, I’ll move out of this house right now.
"Masaomi-san, I was aware of the situation. I gave her my approval," Mayumi-san added, coming to Sara's defense.
"...I thought as much. You didn't seem surprised by Sara's attitude toward Takanashi-kun at all; in fact, you seemed so accustomed to it that it looked natural."
It appeared Masaomi-san wasn't trying to interrogate us, but was simply trying to verify the current status of our relationship.
"Um, Masaomi-san," I chimed in. "It's true that Sara-san comes over, but I swear we haven't done anything improper. It's a bit embarrassing to say this so confidently, but she really just handles the housework for me."
"...I see. No, of course I believe you. Mayumi trusted you both, which is why she allowed it. Still, if your relationship has progressed this far, it wouldn't be surprising even if you were closer than that."
He seemed surprisingly accepting of the news. I had been worried he might tell us to cut it out or forbid her from visiting, so I was relieved.
"Then Masaomi-san, there's no problem with it continuing, right?" Mayumi-san asked.
"Yeah. But I’d like you to keep it at the current level. Anything more should wait until after the engagement is official..."
Masaomi-san gave his tentative permission.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Permission had been granted for now. I just had to make sure I didn't betray his trust; I’d have to double my resolve to keep things chaste.
"I understand. Then I will continue exactly as I have been. We have a promise, then?" Sara-san asked firmly.
Masaomi-san nodded. "Yes, it’s a promise. As long as you stay within the bounds of what you’ve been doing until now, I’ll allow it."
"I have heard you clearly. Kazunari-san, since Father has given his formal permission, I will continue taking care of you exactly as I have been. Mother, you heard him too, right?"
It was a strange exchange. Sara-san had been the one to demand the promise, yet she was acting as if she were pinning him down to a contract.
Mayumi-san seemed to find the whole thing hilarious, giggling behind her hand. I wasn't quite sure what was so funny.
"S-So, in the end, who actually won the cooking contest?" Masaomi-san asked, clearly trying to change the subject after feeling awkward.
I realized I still hadn't given a definitive answer on whose Hamburg Steak was better.
"Kazunari-kun, your Mother-in-law's cooking was the best, wasn't it? You don't have to hold back for Sara-chan's sake. Be honest," Mayumi-san teased, clearly trying to get a rise out of her daughter.
"Kazunari-san, please ignore Mother's nonsense," Sara-san said.
Normally, Sara-san would have just ignored such obvious bait, but whenever it involved me, she became surprisingly competitive.
"But Kazunari-kun told me my Hamburg Steak was delicious when he ate it before, didn't he?" Mayumi-san added with a smirk.
"...Excuse me?"
The atmosphere shifted instantly. I could practically see Mayumi-san laughing while lighting the fuse on a bomb labeled "Danger."
"Since I'm your Mother-in-law, naturally, if Sara-chan is ever away, I'll provide meals and even handle the laundry in her place..."
"Wait just a moment. What are you talking about?"
The temperature in the room plummeted. It wasn't just cold; it was sub-zero.
Oh no, what do I do...?
Sara-san hadn't looked at me yet, and I was terrified to see her expression.
"Oh, right, from when I was doing the part-time job," Masaomi-san realized. "Now that I think about it, while Sara was away on her school trip, Takanashi-kun didn't have anyone to make dinner for him."
"Yes, so I made him dinner and his bento instead... Wait, Sara-chan?" Mayumi-san finally noticed the terrifying aura emanating from her daughter. She stopped talking, but it was far too late.
I knew I should have explained it to her sooner. Things had been so chaotic that I’d just kept pushing the conversation back, thinking it wasn't an emergency.
When Sara-san finally turned to face me, she had a smile on her face. A very, very forced smile.
"...Kazunari-san, I believe an explanation is in order."
"Y-Yes, ma'am..."
I had no choice but to confess everything. As I explained, I saw Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san looking increasingly awkward, and I felt a pang of guilt.
It's all my fault...
I confessed to the part-time job at the Satsukawa Family home and how Mayumi-san had looked after me during the school trip. Once I finished, it turned into a full-blown interrogation.
"So, while I was gone, Mother was making your dinner every night?"
"Yes..."
"And the bento was hers as well?"
"Yes..."
"Is there anything else?"
"Um... she did the laundry, and cleaned my room..."
"!!"
I figured it was better to be honest than to have her find out later. Sara-san’s fake smile vanished completely, replaced by pouting cheeks. I knew if I called her cute right now, she’d kill me, but she really did look adorable when she was fuming.
"...I see. So, Mother took advantage of my absence to snatch away my precious duties. Is that how it is?"
She was still pouting. Knowing how much she valued her role in my household, I felt terrible. She had every right to be upset.
"I'm sorry..."
"No, I understand that this happened because I was not there. It was a failure on my part. My absence allowed Mother to commit such outrages and caused you unnecessary hardship. Therefore, I will never allow such a mistake to happen again."
She seemed to have accepted it, though her logic was a little... intense.
"Kazunari-san, I have a request. Between my recent weakness and the blunder of allowing another person—even if it was Mother—to take care of you, I have failed in my duty. To ensure this never happens again, I want you to truly keep me by your side."
"Of course," I said without hesitation. "I want to be with you forever, too."
That was my honest feeling. It would never change.
"I'm so happy! In that case, starting today, I will be taking care of you at your house every single day!! If we live together, I can be by your side to look after you constantly. Problem solved!"
"What!?" Masaomi-san, Mayumi-san, and I all shouted at once.
Sara-san had made the declaration as if she were reciting a sacred vow.
Live together...? As in, moving in!?
"S-Sara!!" Masaomi-san stammered. "You just promised me that things would stay at the current level!"
"I am not breaking my promise, Father," she replied calmly. "I have been staying over at Kazunari-san's House frequently, so I am simply continuing to do so. Therefore, I am staying within the bounds of what we’ve done until now."
"Wh—!? You've been staying over!? Takanashi-kun, start talking! Give me the whole story!"
Masaomi-san's face was a mask of pure shock. Even a man of his stature fell apart when it came to his daughter.
"Well, you see..."
"There's nothing to explain," Sara-san cut in. "We discussed this just a moment ago."
"I never heard a word about staying over!"
"Masaomi-san, I swear, we haven't done anything improper!" I cried.
"Hmm," Mayumi-san mused. "It's true that she’s been doing that for a while. Sara-chan, I didn't know you’d become such a clever girl."
Technically, she was right. She had stayed over many times, and over the last few days, it had been every night. So, in a sense, she was just continuing her current routine.
"I am simply doing as I have been," Sara-san said, her tone final. "But let me be clear: if you intend to go back on your word, Father, then I shall simply act as I please."
"As you please!? What is that supposed to mean!?"
"Exactly what it sounds like."
"Hmm..." Mayumi-san whispered to her husband. "If you don't keep the promise, Sara-chan won't stop. But if you hold to the promise, the current baseline will at least be maintained... I think."
"Ugh..."
Masaomi-san froze, clearly defeated by that logic.
Ignoring him, Sara-san happily clung to my arm, leaning her weight against me.
"S-Sara-san, are you really sure about this?" I asked.
"Of course. But... if you truly dislike the idea, then I..."
She looked at me with such a sad, vulnerable expression that no man on earth could have said no. Besides, I was already head over heels for her.
"I could never dislike it! If I can be with you, then I..."
"I want to be by your side as well. So please, leave everything to me."
Seeing her smile so happily, I couldn't help but feel that this was the right choice. As they’d said, it wasn't technically changing anything we hadn't already done. And if it made us both happy, why worry?
"We'll be together forever now. I’ll make you the happiest man in the world, okay... D-a-r-l-i-n-g♪"
And so, my new life with a very meddlesome Goddess began.
"Takanashi-kun, I believe in you," Masaomi-san said, sounding a bit broken. "I really do. But... we're going to have a long talk after this, okay?"
Yeah... I definitely wasn't getting out of here without a lecture from Masaomi-san.