After the minor commotion—if you could even call it that—a report came in that dinner was ready, and everyone took their places at the table.
No specific seats had been assigned, so I initially tried to aim for a corner seat. However, Hanako-san silently took hold of me and led me toward the center of the table instead.
Sara-san immediately took the seat to my right, while Hanako-san, after guiding me there, sat down to my left.
Most of the group watched this sequence of events with wry smiles, but Yuji alone had a contemplative look on his face as he watched us—or more accurately, as he watched Hanako-san.
…………
The food was served as a multi-course meal. In the past, I might have struggled with the intricacies of table manners, but things were different now. I had the benefit of Sara-san’s very gentle guidance to thank for that.
Nishikawa: "Well then… to celebrate the engagement of Takanashi-san and Sara…"
Everyone: ""Cheeeeeers!!""
The high-pitched clinking of glasses echoed throughout the room. I leaned forward and tapped my glass against everyone else's in turn.
Naturally, our glasses were filled with juice or oolong tea.
Eventually, the appetizers were brought out, and the time finally came to show off the results of my studies with Sara-san. The proper way to use the napkin, the order of the cutlery…
Perhaps feeling a bit anxious, Sara-san would occasionally glance over to check on me. But since she didn't offer any corrections, I assumed I wasn't making any mistakes.
As I savored the elegant dishes—which had names just as sophisticated as their flavors—I couldn't help but feel that, somewhere deep down, Sara-san’s cooking was still the best. I suppose it was only natural; I had already discovered the ultimate meal for myself.
Nishikawa: "You seem quite accustomed to this now, Takanashi-san. It is wonderful to see that you have been learning well from Sara."
As the meal concluded and I was enjoying the dessert I’d been looking forward to, Nishikawa-san spoke up.
It seemed that not only Sara-san, but Nishikawa-san as well, had been observing my table manners.
Me: "It's because Sara-san taught me so thoroughly."
Nishikawa: "Once you become Sara’s fiancé, the chances of you attending parties and formal dinners will only increase. It won’t hurt to have these skills committed to memory."
Come to think of it, I remembered Nishikawa-san saying something similar when the topic of table manners had come up before. Back then, she had simply said, "If you're going to date Sara, you should learn them," but she must have already anticipated our current situation.
Sara: "It is quite alright. I am right by Kazunari-san’s side. I have been watching him for a while now, and it makes me so happy to see how well he has mastered it. I shall give him some 'there, there' as a reward later♪"
Me: "Y-Yes."
Todo: "T-There, there…?"
Tachikawa: "As I thought, Satsukawa-senpai really does love children!"
Hanako: "No, if you say that now, it makes things awkward for Takanashi-kun."
From the perspective of those around us, it probably looked like Sara-san was treating me like a child.
However, I knew that this was her own way of expressing affection. Because of that, I didn't feel like I was being treated like a child at all.
Sara: "I do this because it is something I wish to do for him. Of course, if Kazunari-san dislikes it, I shall stop… but you do like it, don't you, Kazunari-san?"
"Erm… yes."
Naturally, there was no way I was going to put on airs here. Even if the answer earned me cold stares from those around me, being lovey-dovey with Sara-san was my top priority.
I would never make Sara-san sad by giving a denial I didn't mean; if it came down to it, I’d rather just be the one to feel embarrassed.
Sara: "Hehe… naturally, I am well aware. That is why I want to do the things Kazunari-san likes. It will be 'there, there' for him later♪"
Natsumi: "Sigh. An affection-seeker like Takanashi-kun and a spoiler like Sara… you two really are perfect for each other."
Hayato: "When I see the usual Kazunari, he doesn't really give off that vibe, though."
Yuji: "As far as I know, I’ve never seen that side of him either. However… speaking as someone who saw Kazunari during that disgusting period of his life, I think this might be a reaction of sorts. That’s how bad things were back then."
That was an opinion unique to Yuji, the only one who truly knew me during that time.
To be honest, I hadn't thought about it that calmly myself. I had wondered if I had always been such an affection-seeker, but…
In the end, whenever Sara-san pulled me into a hug, all those thoughts would just fly out the window.
Hanako: "It would be pathetic if he were just acting spoiled, but Takanashi-kun is solid when it counts. I think he does what's necessary as a man. That’s likely why Satsukawa-san feels comfortable spoiling him."
Nishikawa: "To speak with such certainty… you really do watch Takanashi-san closely, almost as much as Sara does, don’t you?"
Hanako: "Not really… I just felt that way."
Natsumi: "Hanako-san is the same as always, huh?"
How many times had Hanako-san made such meaningful remarks now?
I had actually tried asking Sara-san about this before. The answer I got then was that she wanted me to wait until Hanako-san was ready to talk about it herself. So, I hadn't pressed any further.
And Hanako-san herself had told me she would tell me in the near future. While I was definitely curious, it was probably best not to ask right now.
Sara: "It is exactly as Hanako-san says. Besides, Kazunari-san is not an affection-seeker all the time."
As if agreeing with Hanako-san’s opinion, Sara-san also spoke up in my defense.
Tachikawa: "…An a-affection-seeker?"
Todo: "…Satsukawa-senpai’s word choices are so cute, aren't they?"
Natsumi: "…No, no, no. If you knew the Sara from just a little while ago, you’d be questioning your eyes and ears 120% right now."
Hanako: "Just for reference, what kind of times does Takanashi-kun act spoiled?"
Nishikawa: "H-Hanako-san!! Please do not ask unnecessary questions!!"
Nishikawa-san hurriedly tried to stop Hanako-san, seemingly flustered by something. And to be honest, it wasn't just Nishikawa-san; I was also afraid to hear where this conversation was going.
As far as I could remember, I didn't think I’d consciously tried to act spoiled that often. Though there were many times I’d been swept up in the moment and acted that way. So it should be fine… right?
Sara: "Let me see… for starters, when he first wakes up, Kazunari-san is a real affection-seeker. Even when it is time for me to get up, he is quite reluctant to leave my chest. But seeing him like that is truly adorable, so in the end, I cannot bring myself to let go either, and I end up giving him a hug until the very last second before we have to leave the futon…"
Me: "Eh!?"
Everyone: ""!!??""
When I wake up? I had no memory of that…… wait, I might have had a faint recollection… was that not a dream?!
Todo: "H-Hugging when you wake up!?"
Tachikawa: "E-E-Eh? Does that mean… already!?"
Natsumi: "W-Wait a minute! What do you mean by 'chest'?!"
Hayato: "No… this is…"
Yuji: "K-Kazunari, y-you, don't tell me…"
Me: "I haven't done anything!?"
Hanako: "Hey… I hope it’s not what I think, but… do you sleep in the same futon… every night?"
Sara: "Up until now, it was only during sleepovers, but from now on, we shall be together every day. Having Kazunari-san act so spoiled with me every morning makes me truly happy."
Silence fell over the room.
While Sara-san looked happy with her cheeks flushed red, those around her were in no state for such pleasantries.
It seemed the Time-stopping Ability had been activated once again, as everyone had completely frozen in place with whatever movement and expression they had at that moment. It was reminiscent of the reaction from the Student Council Member group the other day, which meant I could predict the reactions that would follow.
Even so…
Talking about her chest before we even mentioned living together might have been a bit of a blunder.
Me: "S-Sara-san. Regarding this matter, I should be the one to—"
Natsumi: "Hey… what do you mean by 'every day'? You aren't living together, are you?"
Sara: "We began living together a few days ago."
"………………"
Everyone: "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHH!!!!"
A deafening ring filled my ears.
It was undoubtedly the loudest collective scream I had ever heard in my life. It was so intense it felt like it was piercing my eardrums, and naturally, my ears began to ring. But my ears weren't the only things in trouble. Everyone else was going through something even more intense.
Nishikawa-san might have been having the hardest time of all, though…
Natsumi: "Living together? …Living together …LIVING TOGETHEEEEEEEEER?!"
Todo: "L-Living… l-living with a boy… fwahhhh!?"
Tachikawa: "Wa-wa-wa-wa… eh? Eh? C-C-Could it be… already!?"
Hayato: "No way, you finally reached that point. Kazunari is as bold as ever!"
Yuji: "Hey now, that’s cold. You should have reported something like that to us first."
Hanako: "Everyone, calm down. They’ve stayed over together plenty of times before, so that just became a daily thing, right? B-By the way, Takanashi-kun, look your big sister in the eye. Is there anything you want to say to me?"
Hanako-san seemed calm at first glance, but she was clearly shaken. She approached me faster than anyone else and slammed into me with enough force to push me back.
Todo: "…Sleeping together… the same futon… fuwawa, no, no, no, I’m an idiot, I’m such an idiot!!"
Tachikawa: "M-M-Marina, stop that, you mustn't think about it!!"
Hanako: "………"
Todo-san was waving her hands around as if trying to erase something from above her head. Tachikawa-san was waving her hands in sync with Todo-san.
Hanako-san remained at point-blank range, seemingly pleading for something with her eyes.
Natsumi: "H-Hey. Did Sara’s parents agree to you living together?"
Sara: "Yes. We have received permission to live together."
Natsumi: "Eeeeh… T-Takanashi-kun, I really don't want to say things like this, but… are you okay?"
Natsumi-senpai asked, clearly emphasizing the "are you okay?" part. I knew exactly what she really wanted to ask.
That’s why I had no choice but to answer in a way that would make them believe I was fine.
Me: "I’m fine. Mayumi-san gave me a firm talking-to before, and I made a promise to Masaomi-san, so please believe me. Even if no one told me to, I will absolutely cherish Sara-san for the rest of my life."
I chose my words carefully so as not to make Sara-san suspicious. I also made sure to appeal to Natsumi-senpai with my eyes, signaling that I understood the underlying meaning of her question.
Thanks to that, everyone—with a few exceptions—seemed to take my declaration of "cherishing her" at face value. Sara-san, in particular, was so happy that her eyes grew slightly misty with emotion.
Todo: "Takanashi-kun is amazing…… he really does cherish Satsukawa-senpai so much…"
Tachikawa: "I wonder what it feels like to be loved that strongly by the person you like?"
Sara: "Kazunari-san… I am so happy…"
Sara-san slowly approached me and gently hugged me from the front. Reflexively, I wrapped my arms around her, and she leaned her weight against me.
Hayato: "…Those three are so pure."
Yuji: "…No, it’s painful that Satsukawa-san doesn't understand… it’s slow torture for Kazunari…"
Natsumi: "Acting lovey-dovey every chance you get. Sigh. Well, if Masaomi-san and the others trust you, I guess there’s nothing more I can say… Takanashi-kun, I’ll believe in you too, okay?"
Seeing me nod firmly at those words, Natsumi-senpai seemed to reluctantly accept it for now.
It’s hard to believe that nothing would happen when a man and a woman live together. I’m sure I’d feel the same way if the positions were reversed.
That’s why I would have to prove it through my actions.
Hanako: "…Even so, to think you’ve finally started living together."
Todo: "I was surprised when I first heard it, but when you think about it, it doesn't really feel out of place, does it? It feels natural, actually…"
Tachikawa: "Right. Even if you told us you’d been living together all along, I’d probably just think, 'As expected.'"
Seeing these reactions made me realize how we were usually perceived.
My friends were not only starting to accept the fact of our cohabitation, but they were also regaining their composure surprisingly quickly. In other words, we were recognized as the type of couple where this sort of thing was only to be expected.
Had we really been overdoing it that much?
Hayato: "How should I put this… feel free to consult with us anytime… from a guy’s perspective."
Yuji: "Kazunari… normally speaking, this isn't just a little difficult. I don't know what we can do to help, but you should speak up sooner rather than later."
Me: "Y-Yeah, I know."
When it came to troubles as a man, my male friends surely understood better than anyone. I knew they were speaking out of concern, but I felt pathetic talking about this so seriously.
Sara: "Um, if you are ever troubled or having a hard time, please tell me right away, okay? I will do anything I can. Even if I cannot, I will do my absolute best."
Me: "T-Thank you very much."
A pure and innocent smile. I could tell those were words from the heart, without any ulterior motive. That was exactly why I felt so pathetic.
Faced with Sara-san’s killer phrase—so incredibly kind and yet so cruel—my two best friends threw sympathetic glances my way.
Nishikawa: "……………"
By the way… Nishikawa-san, whom I had completely forgotten about, seemed to have dazed off and traveled to another world entirely.