Hmm...
While I had expected Yuji to confess, I didn't think I would end up actually witnessing it from the shadows.
Seeing my friends in a scene like that made me realize for the first time how embarrassing it is to watch from the outside. It felt as though I finally understood how everyone who usually watched us must have felt.
"...Hehe... That's wonderful... Natsumi," Sara-san murmured, watching the scene with a joyful expression.
The atmosphere seemed stable, so we had stayed back to keep a quiet eye on them. I did feel a bit guilty for watching until the very end, but Sara-san had persuaded me with a single sentence: "We're even now, so it's fine."
"...Natsumi took care of me so much regarding my relationship with Kazunari-san, and she was always there to give me advice. I wanted to be here in case anything happened, but I'm glad it all worked out for the best."
"You're right. I'm happy for Yuji too."
"Is that so? Well... thanks for the support, okay?"
"?"
Wait. Whose voice was that?
I turned toward the source and found Natsumi-senpai standing there with her arms akimbo, her face twitching. It seemed we had been caught.
Yuji, meanwhile, was looking away, seemingly too embarrassed to meet our eyes.
"Oh, you noticed us?"
Sara-san began to respond as casually as ever, showing no sign of guilt. I felt bad, but since Natsumi-senpai was a bit intimidating at the moment, I decided to let Sara-san handle the talking.
"I could hear your voices clear as day... How long have you been there?"
Apparently, we had been compromised for a while. Then again, if we were close enough to hear them, it was only natural they could hear us. It wasn't exactly a mystery.
"Let's see... Was it around the time Natsumi started saying those meaningless things, like comparing herself to me?"
"Gugh... I'm sorry about that, okay?!"
Perhaps out of pure embarrassment, Natsumi-senpai gave an over-the-top reaction. In contrast, Sara-san's composed attitude only seemed to goad her further.
"Tachibana-san said he likes Natsumi just the way she is. There was no need to compare yourself to me... though I suppose that was just a way to hide your embarrassment. That inability to be honest is exactly what makes Natsumi—"
"Daaaaah! S-Stop trying to analyze me so calmly!!!"
The tables had completely turned. Natsumi-senpai, who used to be the one providing love consultations and teasing us, was now entirely on the defensive against Sara-san.
"Hehe... You should just honestly admit you're happy. I've known you were conscious of Tachibana-san for a long time. Like that Success in Love amu—mmph!"
"Waaaaah!!!"
Just as Natsumi-senpai let out a sudden shout, she closed the distance with startling speed and covered Sara-san's mouth with her right hand.
What was that speed?
I was left speechless by a movement that truly proved her status as the Tennis Club Ace. However, she was a moment too late. I had already heard "Success in Love," which meant she was talking about the amulet.
"Mmph, mmph!"
"Sa-Sara... y-you...!" Natsumi-senpai glared at her, her panic visible.
"Natsumi-san... A Success in Love Amulet...?"
Naturally, Yuji had heard it too. A grin of delight spread across his face as he questioned her point-blank. Was he going to force an explanation even though he knew the answer?
"T-T-That... That was just a moment of weakness! It's not like I picked it while thinking about Yuji specifically, okay?!"
It was a perfectly cliché, textbook response. Even for hiding embarrassment, it was... I couldn't help but smirk. It seemed even Natsumi-senpai showed a cute maidenly side when it came to her own love life.
"You picked a Success in Love Amulet even though it wasn't for me? Then what was the point? Don't tell me there's someone else..."
Yuji was being relentless. He clearly intended to make Natsumi-senpai admit the truth, and he wasn't letting up. I started to wonder—does Yuji have a bit of a sadistic side?
"Why don't you just tell him honestly? You both know how you feel now."
Sara-san had managed to escape Natsumi-senpai's "finishing move" while I wasn't looking. She spoke as if siding with Yuji—though Sara-san wasn't the type to tease someone maliciously. She was likely being completely sincere.
"So, how about it, Natsumi-san?"
Yuji had no intention of letting her escape, leaning in to look her in the face. This guy was definitely an S. Confirmed.
Still, to think the day would come when I'd see these two flirting with my own eyes...
"Uuuugh, fine! Aaaah, enough already! Yes!!! I thought of Yuji and picked it up before I knew it!!! Is that a crime!?!?"
Finally cornered, Natsumi-senpai exploded in a half-sulk. Her face was bright red, and it was the first time I had seen her look so genuinely adorable. Despite what she had said about lacking confidence, she was a maiden through and through.
"No, it makes me really happy."
Yuji's attitude was almost smug. Their dynamic had completely flipped; Yuji, who had always been the one led around by Natsumi-senpai, was now the one in control.
"Urgh... w-why am I... This is all Sara's fault, you hear me!!??"
"Hehe... It's your fault for not being honest, Natsumi. You should be more like me—"
"Oh, I see how it is! Right, speaking of which, that amulet reminded me of something! Hey, Takanashi-kun, Sara has an amulet too, you know. And get this—it's for safe childb—fgh!?"
Smack!
Sara-san's reaction was every bit as fast as Natsumi-senpai's had been. Closing the distance instantly, she covered Natsumi-senpai's mouth with such force it looked like she might lift her off her feet.
"T-T-That was just Natsumi tricking me!!! I didn't choose it myself, okay!!??"
It was a rare sight to see Sara-san so flustered. Since it was an amulet, I doubted it was anything bad, but her panic definitely made me curious.
"Um... Sara-san?"
When I spoke, Sara-san turned toward me and turned beet red in an instant. Was it really that embarrassing? I didn't want to force her to tell me if it was...
"Um... I will definitely tell you about this one day, so for now... could you please forget you heard that?"
When Sara-san pleaded with me like that, I couldn't exactly push the issue. I was incredibly curious, but if she said she'd tell me eventually, I'd just have to wait.
"Alright. I won't ask if you don't want me to."
Hearing my reply, Sara-san exhaled in relief. Was it really that big of a secret?
"It's not that I don't want you to know. It's just... I think it's still a bit early. Since, well, it's about our future."
Sara-san fidgeted, swaying slightly as she stole shy glances at me before looking down. Seeing her look so precious made me start to feel embarrassed as well...
"Pwah!? A-Are you trying to kill me!?!?"
Natsumi-senpai had finally escaped Sara-san's grip. I had completely forgotten her mouth was still being covered.
"Huff, puff... I thought I was a goner."
"You brought that on yourself. Natsumi, you chose yours. I was tricked by Natsumi. Is that... incorrect?"
Faced with a smile radiating immense pressure, Natsumi-senpai nodded regretfully. That was a harsh reality.
"I'm glad we've reached an understanding. Now then..."
With that, Sara-san's aura shifted instantly. She stepped forward and hugged Natsumi-senpai, a gentle, heartfelt smile on her face.
"Once again... Congratulations, Natsumi. I didn't realize that seeing my best friend find happiness could feel this wonderful."
"Ugh... it's embarrassing when you say it so seriously..."
Sara-san's voice was so tender it was clear her congratulations were sincere. Her best friend, who had always supported her, had now found happiness of her own. There was no way she wouldn't be overjoyed.
And I felt exactly the same way.
"Yuji... Congratulations. Since you guys weren't making any progress, I was actually thinking about planning a double date to push things along."
"It's a bit awkward being told that to my face. But let me say thanks too. After all, if it weren't for you guys, we never would have met."
Yuji seemed embarrassed as well, slightly averting his eyes. While it was true they met because Sara-san and Natsumi-senpai were best friends, it wasn't something he needed to thank us for.
"Natsumi, there's no reason to be embarrassed about love. You should be dignified, just like us."
"No, there's no way we can flirt as shamelessly as you two."
It seemed Natsumi-senpai had regained her composure, as her usual sharp retorts were back. Sara-san let out a chuckle, and Natsumi-senpai soon followed suit.
"Thanks, Sara."
"Congratulations, Natsumi."
The joy between them was palpable; a gentle warmth filled the air. Yuji and I watched them, both feeling an equal sense of happiness.
After leaving the rooftop, we resumed our shopping. Our goals were already set, so we picked out some tableware, and after deciding against the dresser and dressing table, we bought an oven at Sara-san's request. Finally, all that was left was the double-sized futon.
"It's a shame... This pattern was so cute..."
"Yeah... they don't have the size. It looks like it only comes in single."
As we browsed the displays, Sara-san found a design she liked, but unfortunately, it wasn't the right size.
"Then just get a single. It doesn't have to be a double," Natsumi-senpai pointed out.
"No. What if Kazunari-san catches a cold?"
As expected, Sara-san's logic revolved entirely around me. Apparently, the larger size was a requirement specifically to prevent me from getting sick.
"No, that's why I'm saying we should use separate futons..."
"That is also out of the question. We promised that when we started living together, we would always be cuddling while we slept at night."
"............Wow, that's a lovely promise, isn't it?"
Natsumi-senpai "gifted" me a deadpan stare and a monotone comment. She was clearly beyond exasperated.
We had indeed made several promises. Sleeping together was one of them, but it seemed Sara-san was truly determined to hold me every single night from here on out.
"Kazunari... well... good luck, man."
Yuji's lukewarm encouragement was laced with pity. But I just had to keep moving forward.
"Oh... this one looks good. If I make the futon cover myself..."
The set on the display bed was a store recommendation. It was from a famous brand and quite expensive, but it was incredibly soft and plush. It was within our budget.
"What do you think?"
"It looks like it would be very comfortable to sleep on."
"Yes. Let's snuggle up and stay warm together, okay?♪"
"...I could never stomach all this sweetness," Natsumi-senpai muttered.
"...Yeah, me neither," Yuji added.
Ignoring the two of them and their twitching expressions, I began the purchase paperwork with a clerk. Everything we had bought today would be delivered at a later date.
With our shopping successfully finished, we went to the cafe Natsumi-senpai wanted to visit for a break. We picked up our orders and found a table for four.
"Hah... it still hasn't really sunk in that I have a boyfriend."
"Saying that right in front of me is a bit depressing."
Even though they were now a couple, their outward dynamic didn't seem to have changed much. Of course, the content of their conversation was another story.
"Here, Kazunari-san, say 'ah'..."
Chomp... chew, chew.
Well, there was no point in overthinking it. They were them, and we were us. Without a second thought, we carried on with business as usual, performing our usual routine.
"Is it good?"
"Sara-san's cakes are better."
"Hehe... even if you flatter me, all you'll get is a 'there, there,' okay?"
"I'm not flattering you. I really mean it."
"...Kazunari-san. Please let me kiss you later, okay?"
"「............」"
I was well aware of the incredibly lukewarm stares being directed our way. But they could only look at us like that for now. They were lovers now too; they'd surely be flirting just like this eventually.
"Natsumi, is something the matter?"
Sara-san had naturally noticed the stares and tilted her head curiously.
"No... I just wondered how you can flirt that much. I couldn't manage even half of that."
"That's because Natsumi is still a beginner."
"No, no, if you're going to say that, you two were already doing way too much before you even started dating."
Thinking back to before we were officially a couple... yeah, maybe these two were being a bit too low-key. I thought they'd be more excited or physically affectionate now that they were finally together.
"Now that I have a boyfriend, I realize it all over again—you really are incredible."
"What is this so suddenly?"
"No, I just thought, no matter how much you love someone, it's amazing how much you're willing to do for him. And being able to be that open about your affection is just... wow."
The way Sara-san felt was definitely special. Even I understood that. But that was exactly why I found her so precious, and why I had decided to accept her affection even in public.
"Hehe... I think I am special too. If there were someone who could imitate me, I would be genuinely impressed."
"So you do realize you're not exactly normal?"
"That's not it. I simply believe the strength of my love for Kazunari-san is not something that can be imitated."
No one would feel anything other than happiness being loved this much. I was a truly fortunate man. The happiest person in the world.
"I'd love to see another woman as capable as you. So, Takanashi-kun, any thoughts on that?"
The conversation suddenly shifted to me. My thoughts... Sara-san had said so much for me. I wanted to return the sentiment.
"I know how special, important, and lucky I am to have everything Sara-san does for me. That's why I'll always accept her, and I love her from the bottom of my heart—"
Mwah.
A soft, warm sensation touched my cheek. It was, of course, a kiss from Sara-san.
"I couldn't wait until we got home..."
"Sara-san..."
"I don't like that... please call me Sara... Darling."
Sara-san's yearning expression held my gaze. The love overflowing within us was the same for both of us.
"I underst—I mean, I get it... Sara."
It was sudden, but I managed to say it. Seeing Sara's blissful expression made me feel just as happy.
"...D-Darling? Is there really no limit with these two?"
"...Man, the fact that we just naturally ignored them kissing in the middle of a shop is the really scary part..."
As long as I could see Sara smiling this happily, it didn't matter what the world thought of us. Because Sara's happiness was my happiness.