I savored Sara-san’s delicious dinner, and while enjoying a moment of post-meal tea, I looked for the right time to bring up what had happened earlier that day.
But just then, Sara-san suggested, "Let's take our baths first," which felt like the wind had been taken out of my sails.
It wasn't a conversation I needed to rush, so it wasn't a problem, but still...
Regarding the bath—naturally, we took turns.
I had let Sara-san wash my back a few times before, but we hadn't done anything like that since we started living together. If that happened every time, I wasn't sure my self-control would hold out—not that I wanted to dwell on it. That was why I’d firmly convinced her the other day that we should bathe separately. Of course, I hadn't mentioned the part about my self-control.
To be honest, the way I went about convincing her was so embarrassing I didn't even want to remember it.
…………
………
……
As was always the case, Sara-san carried a different "aura" when she emerged from the bath. I knew perfectly well that it was mostly just the lingering steam and the freshness of having just bathed, but my heart still raced every single time.
It felt a little dangerous to me. Consequently, I did my best to avoid looking at her directly.
Having finished her own preparations for bed, Sara-san came over and plopped down right beside me.
Was it okay to start the conversation now?
Just as the thought crossed my mind, Sara-san spoke first.
"Kazunari-san, what exactly did you talk about with Hanako-san?"
"Eh!? ...Um, well, I gave her a lap pillow."
I hesitated for a split second, but I decided to confess before she found out some other way. I was certain she’d see through me if she questioned me later, and there was always the chance Hanako-san had already reported it to her. It was better to be upfront from the start.
"Yes. I heard as much from Hanako-san. You managed to be honest with me, didn't you? There, there ♪"
It seemed that being honest had been the right move.
I was glad I hadn't tried to hide it...
Wearing a beaming smile, Sara-san slowly stroked my head. I realized that to an outsider, I probably looked like I was being treated like a child. However, I knew Sara-san didn't mean it that way.
After stroking my head for a while, Sara-san sat back properly and patted her thighs, making a lap pillow appeal.
She was telling me to continue the story while using her lap as a pillow.
I braced myself. Sara-san’s lap pillow right after a bath was dangerous in more ways than one. Since she never held back, I just had to do my best to endure it. I wasn't entirely sure what I was "enduring" when I was just lying on her lap, but...
The sensation of Sara-san's soft thighs, still warm from the bath, met my head. The heat was transmitted almost directly through her thin pajamas.
Aside from the incredible comfort, a certain "something" made me feel a surge of panic.
But as I gazed up at Sara-san’s happy smile, my heart slowly regained its composure.
My love for Sara-san and my desire to treasure her grew stronger by the second. As long as I had this feeling, I would be fine.
As my heart settled, an intense sense of comfort followed. Between the soft pillow and her stroking my hair, I felt like I was going to melt. I had to pull myself together again, or I’d become too spineless to finish the story.
………
Once I was calm, I explained everything in order.
I told her how Hanako-san had grown dependent on an imaginary younger brother as her emotional support. How that dependency had spiked after she was hurt by Yamasaki. How, upon meeting me, she had begun to project that ideal brother onto me...
And I explained why I believed becoming her brother today might have finally saved her heart.
"Salvation, is it...? I can understand that feeling. Before I met Kazunari-san, I was a truly dull person who only cared about myself and the evaluations of others, dressing myself up in them. I'm sure I was waiting for someone who would see the real me... no, I was waiting for Kazunari-san."
"It was the same for me. I feel like I was waiting to meet you too, Sara-san."
Though our circumstances differed, both Sara-san and I had been searching for someone to accept us exactly as we were. For me, that was Sara-san, and for her, it was me.
"In other words, we were waiting for each other. We met, and we saved one another. But it was different for Hanako-san. The brother who was supposed to save her was a fantasy."
"And then Kazunari-san appeared... a long-awaited existence who fit the image of the brother she needed. Hanako-san wanted you to save her all along... and today, she finally was."
"If that's the case, then as her friend, I'm happy for her."
Sara-san seemed to fully grasp my explanation, even the abstract parts. It helped that she had likely heard most of it from Hanako-san already.
"Please don't be so humble. It was Kazunari-san who saved her. Hanako-san has truly been rescued. Even through the phone, I could tell just by the sound of her voice. So... thank you for your hard work."
With that, my explanation was complete.
Sara-san gazed down at me, a satisfied smile on her lips. Between Hanako-san’s report and my story, all the pieces had finally clicked into place for her.
"I'm glad everything worked out. Though... to be honest, I was a little anxious. I was worried Hanako-san might seek Kazunari-san out as a woman."
"I didn't want to trouble you, Sara-san, so I made it clear to her. I told her it was impossible if she couldn't promise to strictly be my sister."
"Fufu... thank you. Haa... I can finally feel at ease."
Even if she hadn't shown it on her face, I knew Sara-san had been feeling anxious. To dispel that, I’d stood my ground on the things I couldn't compromise on. I didn't want her to feel unnecessary worry, so I’d told Hanako-san that I would continue to prioritize Sara-san above all else.
"So, what happens now? Will the two of you act like siblings?"
"No, I told her I can only see her as a best friend. Though it seems Hanako-san really wants to play the part of a big sister."
Actually, I wasn't entirely sure how that would play out. I’d told Hanako-san she was free to act how she liked, but I’d also promised Sara-san I wouldn't do anything she disliked...
Oh, right. I hadn't mentioned the nickname thing yet.
"Just so you know, she asked me to call her 'Big Sister' once in a while, so I decided to give in on that much."
"……Eh?"
"Hmm?"
Sara-san froze, her smile fixed in place. What was wrong? I thought I’d given a perfectly accurate report.
"Um... Big Sister... was it?"
"Y-Yes. She asked me to call her that every now and then..."
"!!??"
Suddenly, behind Sara-san’s smile, I felt like I could see a dark aura, much like Nishikawa-san’s. Her smile remained, but a strange pressure filled the air.
"...Um, didn't you hear about this from Hanako-san?"
"I did not... Big Sister..."
Apparently, Hanako-san had been uncharacteristically brief in her report, omitting the most important detail.
Looking at Sara-san now, I felt a sense of déjà vu.
I searched my memory...
Yes, it was like the time I used to call Sara-san "Senpai." She’d gotten jealous of the way I called Natsumi "Natsumi-senpai," which led to me calling her "Sara-senpai."
This was exactly like that.
"Are you going to call her Big Sister?"
"Well..."
"Are you going to call Hanako-san 'Big Sister'?"
"T-That’s what she asked me to do."
Puku—
Re-enacting that day perfectly, Sara-san’s cheeks puffed out adorably.
It was the same sight as back then. In other words, she was jealous... or rather, I had made her angry.
An offended Sara-san puffed out her cheeks, putting her full effort into signaling her displeasure. I thought she was incredibly cute like this, but I knew that saying so would only make it worse, so I kept my mouth shut.
Instead, I had to focus on the follow-up. Even if she looked cute, there was no doubt she was genuinely upset.
"S-Sara-san, look, Hanako-san is just acting as a sister—"
"I know that! But I still feel conflicted! When I imagine Kazunari-san looking all happy while calling someone else 'Big Sister', I find it quite unpleasant!!"
Puku—!!
Sara-san’s cheeks reached their limit. They were so full that I half-expected them to pop if I poked them. Irreverent as it was, I felt my own expression softening at her cuteness.
But she was truly angry... what should I do?
Looking back, it wasn't just the incident with Natsumi-senpai; we’d just had a similar struggle with names involving Mayumi-san.
And yet, I’d been so careless.
Knowing I had to apologize, I hurriedly sat up to face her, but she immediately turned her head away. She’d never reacted like this before, and I was at a total loss.
"S-Sara-san? It's not like I'm happy about calling her that or anything..."
"Then, was it a nuisance for you?"
"No... that's not it either..."
"…………"
She had completely gone into a sulk.
I hadn't expected her to get this upset.
But since I knew the reason, if Sara-san hated it, I had only one choice.
"Um, Sara-san. I told Hanako-san I wouldn't do anything you dislike. So, I’ll tell her I won't call her 'Big Sister' after all."
"………"
"I'm really sorry for making you feel bad..."
I never wanted to do anything she hated. I had sworn that to myself, and yet...
Feeling incompetent and guilty, I apologized from the bottom of my heart. I knew how much importance she placed on names, so I was angry at myself for being so flippant.
I really am a...
"Uu..."
Just then, Sara-san shifted. She looked troubled, her hand reaching out toward me before pulling back, over and over. Finally, she seemed to make up her mind. She wrapped her arms around my back and hugged me tight.
"……You're unfair. When you act like that, I can't stay angry at you, can I?"
"No, I didn't mean to—"
"I know. It's my fault for sulking like a child."
Hesitantly, Sara-san began to stroke my head. As she continued, her emotions seemed to settle. Before I knew it, the rhythm of her hand had returned to its usual gentle pace.
"Kazunari-san, if Hanako-san wants it, you can call her 'Big Sister' once in a while."
"No, if it makes you unhappy, I won't—"
"In that case, please listen to one request of mine. If you do, I’ll be fine with it."
It seemed she had found a point of compromise. Naturally, I was willing to do whatever she asked, and not just as a trade-off for the "Big Sister" thing. I wanted to do it because I’d do anything for her.
"Please call me 'Sara' without honorifics every now and then."
"!?"
"Don't worry. I’ve already decided that we’ll do that officially after we’re married. It doesn't have to be all the time. For now, when I call you 'Darling', will you call me 'Sara'?"
Dropping the honorifics...
To be honest, I wasn't mentally prepared for that.
We had called each other "Sara" and "Darling" once before, but back then, the sheer embarrassment had nearly made me lose my mind.
Still, if that was what it took to make her happy...
"I-I understand. If that works for you, Sara-san, I-I’ll do my best."
"Thank you! Now, don't forget, okay? If you forget... you’ll be in for a punishment."
Punishment... when Sara-san said it, the word took on a different, slightly irreverent nuance. It almost sounded like a reward.
"Darling?"
"S-Sara."
"Yes, again. Darling?"
"Sara."
"...Darling."
"......Sara."
My face was absolutely on fire. What kind of torture was this!?
"U-Um, Sara-san, I think that's enough alrea—mgh!?"
My speech was cut off as I was buried into two soft things. I could safely say this was Sara-san’s signature move by now. Of course, to me, it was the greatest reward imaginable.
Hugged tightly by the attacking Sara-san, I found myself unable to speak.
"…That’s your punishment ♪ From now on, call me Sara. Also, you need to change the way you speak to me. If you forget next time, I won't answer you."
"I-I got it... Sara."
She loosened her grip just enough for me to get the words out.
Her mood had clearly improved; I could hear it in her voice. I was relieved, but it seemed the first-name basis was here to stay.
And the casual speech too... Honestly, it was going to take some time to get used to.
"Fufu... make sure you get used to it quickly, Darling?"
"I'll do my b—I'll do my best, Sara."
Ah, between the embarrassment and the shyness, I felt like I was going to lose my mind all over again.
In contrast to my panic, Sara-san looked happier than ever.
As we climbed into the same futon as usual, Sara-san immediately pulled me close.
She reached for the remote on the headboard and turned off the lights.
We had two futons laid out, but because she always pulled me in like this, we always ended up sharing one.
Clinging to each other, we talked about nothing in particular while reflecting on the day, but Sara-san suddenly went quiet. For a moment, I thought she’d fallen asleep, but since she was still stroking my hair, that wasn't the case.
"Kazunari-san... let me say I'm sorry."
"? For what?"
I didn't think she had anything to apologize for, so I looked up to see her face. The only light in the room was the faint glow of the moon. Her expression looked troubled, almost dejected.
"Because I got angry at you so selfishly."
She had been a little upset, but it was my fault to begin with. There was no reason for her to apologize.
"Kazunari-san... I might get jealous like that again in the future. If you think I’ve gone too far, please don't hesitate to scold me. Please get angry."
I understood what she was saying, but honestly, that was impossible. No matter how jealous she got, I could never bring myself to be angry at her. If anything, her jealousy made me feel loved.
"It might sound strange, but I’m actually happy when you get jealous, Sara-san."
"Even so... please. Tell me when I’m wrong. And I’ll do the same. I might scold you too, and we might even end up in a fight because of it. But after that..."
Hoping she’d appreciate it, I decided to act a little spoiled. I leaned my face into her chest, and she immediately wrapped her arms around me, holding me even tighter.
"Let’s make up right away, just like this. Since we’re living together, we might fight sometimes. Unpleasant things might happen. But we’ll always be able to make up quickly. As long as we have this... we’ll be happy..."
I couldn't imagine ever truly fighting with her. But even if we did, I was sure we’d make up in an instant. As long as it was the two of us, we’d be fine.
"Then, for the finishing touch, the reconciliation kiss."
"Eh?"
"Kazunari-san, look at me..."
I turned toward her as she asked, but the room was so dark I could barely see her. As my eyes adjusted, I saw her looking at me with a soft, almost vulnerable expression. The sight of her like that sent a thrill through me.
As we gazed at each other, Sara-san slowly closed her eyes. I knew she was waiting for me to kiss her.
I tried to lean in, but our positions made it impossible to reach. I would have had to move away for a second to adjust, but since she was holding me so firmly, I couldn't move.
After a few moments, Sara-san opened one eye to see why I hadn't kissed her yet. She seemed to realize the problem.
"Fufu... my apologies. Then, allow me..."
Without letting go, Sara-san closed the distance herself.
Chu...
Perhaps because we’d both been trying to reach each other, the kiss felt a little different than usual—almost magical. Neither of us could look away even after it ended.
Finally, the moment broke when I gave in to my embarrassment and looked away first.
"Fufu... Kazunari-san, you're so cute."
Sara-san let out a soft, melodious laugh at my reaction.
"Uu... sorry."
"It's all right. It just means I get to see more of your cute side ♪"
The darkness and shadows from earlier were completely gone, replaced by her usual radiant smile.
The embarrassment was a small price to pay to have her back to normal.
"There, now we’ve officially made up. All that’s left is for you to act as spoiled as you like."
"Eh?"
"We’ve reconciled, so naturally, we have to be extra close afterward. So please, act spoiled with me. I’m going to pamper you with everything I have."
I wasn't sure about the logic behind it, but to Sara-san, this was the natural order of things.
I suppose there was no problem with that... right?
"Fufu... I’m going to dote on you until you fall asleep ♪"
In the end, until I finally drifted off, Sara-san pampered me relentlessly—literally letting me melt into her until I was fast asleep.