The announcement to my classmates—the part I expected to be the most difficult (and it certainly was)—was finally over, and I had managed to clear up the misunderstanding regarding Hanako-san as well.
Everything had happened so suddenly that I’d felt a fair bit of panic, but looking back, the results turned out for the best.
One thing I learned from this whole ordeal was that I had still been underestimating Sara-san’s popularity. I’d anticipated that going public with our relationship would cause some degree of commotion, but I never expected an uproar on this scale.
Furthermore, the sight of the boys witnessing reality with their own eyes yet still desperately clinging to denial was completely outside my expectations.
Given their behavior, they definitely wouldn't have believed a word of it if Sara-san hadn't been there in person...
I realized then, with painful clarity, that there was no other way to reduce the number of pests pursuing Sara-san than to confront them with the undeniable truth.
That realization gave even deeper meaning to my plan to do "that" at the Miss Contest.
While a part of me still wondered if it was really okay to go through with it, today’s events served as the perfect catalyst to reaffirm my resolve.
I would do it, no matter what.
All for Sara-san’s sake—no, for our sake.
Perhaps because the boys who had been making such a racket had all fled, the classroom was now filled with a silence deeper than usual.
Those who remained stood dazed... or rather, the "people" who remained.
That’s right... I had completely forgotten that we were in the middle of Parental Observation Day.
The mothers left in the classroom were staring blankly at us, looking as though they couldn't fathom what had just occurred. Kayo-san, in particular, seemed completely frozen with her eyes wide open.
It was only natural, considering her own daughter had been at the very center of such a massive scandal...
"Well then... now that the fools who didn't know their place are gone..."
The daughter in question, Hanako-san, didn't seem bothered by the previous commotion at all. She was acting exactly like her usual self, as if the rest of the world had nothing to do with her.
"Kazunari, I want to introduce myself to your mother. I’m sure my mother wants to say hello to her as well."
"Ah, alright."
"I... shall accompany you as well."
I was grateful for Sara-san’s suggestion.
In the first place, when it came to dealing with my Mom, the difference between having Sara-san there or not was like night and day, given the absolute trust Mom placed in her. Plus, Sara-san’s presence alone provided a level of credibility that would prevent any further misunderstandings.
Considering how my classmates had jumped to the wrong conclusions, I couldn't rule out the possibility that even my Mom might get the wrong idea.
"Wow... I saw something quite interesting today. I knew Sara-chan was popular, but this is beyond anything I imagined. Aren't you worried about being hated for monopolizing her?"
Mom started saying something ridiculous the moment we approached.
She was talking about people hating me... and since that wasn't exactly a far-fetched possibility, the fact that it wasn't a joke made it even more annoying.
"Don't say such ominous things."
"If anything happens to Kazunari-san, I will not be merciful."
I could tell.
Sara-san wasn't engaging in light banter or a joke; that was a dead-serious warning.
She wasn't the type to joke about things like that, which made the weight of her words even more obvious.
"My, Sara-chan... Kazunari certainly is loved, isn't he?"
"Of course. After all, I love Kazunari-san deeply."
"...(Hmm, Sara-chan is the type who’s perfectly fine being affectionate in public...)"
"...Wait... To say it so clearly in a place like this..."
"...Satsukawa-senpai's character has changed way too much..."
"...It's a bit late for this, but is this really okay?"
"...Satsukawa-senpai's devotees are going to drop dead at this rate..."
"...H-Hey, it's really not a dream, is it?"
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
As the conversation continued, Hanako-san arrived, bringing Kayo-san with her.
Looking somewhat nervous, Hanako-san faced my Mom head-on and bowed politely.
"Kazunari... kun's mother, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Riko Hanasaki. Um, Kazunari-kun is... always taking care of me..."
We were comrades-in-arms who had survived various chaotic situations together, but this was the first time I had ever seen Hanako-san this tense. Since she was usually the calm, cool type, it was a very rare sight.
Then again, given the delicate nature of our relationship, I suppose it was inevitable for her to be on edge.
"Uh, let's see..."
Addressed by Hanako-san, Mom seemed unsure of how to respond with Sara-san standing right there.
Just as I thought about stepping in to help, Sara-san moved faster than I could.
"Mother-in-law, I am aware of everything, so please rest assured."
"Is it really okay?"
"Yes. There are certain circumstances involved, but it is nothing like what you might be worried about, Mother-in-law."
"I see. Then it’s fine."
Having Sara-san come along was definitely the right move. The fact that Mom was convinced so easily was entirely thanks to Sara-san’s high standing in her eyes.
"I'm sorry. The same goes for us; thank you for taking care of my son. You can call Kazunari whatever you usually do. Honestly, to think that not just Sara-chan, but such a cute girl would be by his side... For a useless man, you're certainly getting cocky, aren't you?"
"Why do you have to turn it into that!?"
The moment she regained her composure, Mom started dissing me again.
Does she really need to use me as a punchline to keep a conversation going...?
"Um... Kazunari helped me. He helped me over and over again. That's why I want to do what I can for him in return. I want to continue being on good terms with him. I won't cause trouble for his wife... Satsukawa-san. Please..."
Though her tone was steady, Hanako-san’s desperation bled through her words.
The intensity of her desire to be accepted reached even me.
Personally, I had no intention of changing how I associated with her regardless of whether Mom approved. I had already decided to continue supporting her as her best friend to the best of my abilities.
But that was just my perspective; Hanako-san clearly felt a strong need for formal recognition from my family.
"...I see. I don't know the details of what happened, but... was Kazunari actually useful to you?"
"Kazunari accepted me. He acknowledged me. That's why... I..."
I didn't know exactly what Mom saw as she looked at Hanako-san.
However, her gaze was filled with deep compassion, and her voice was as gentle as when she spoke with Sara-san.
"I see. If Kazunari was a help to you, then I'm happy as well."
Since Mom didn't know the full story, she couldn't have truly understood the situation. But she must have sensed that Hanako-san had profound reasons for her request and decided to accept her as she was.
Then again... Mom usually doesn't think too deeply about things, so maybe she was just reading the room.
"If Sara-chan accepts it, then I have nothing to say. Please continue to get along with my stupid son."
"...Thank you very much. I look forward to it. Also, Kazunari isn't stupid..."
With formal permission granted, Hanako-san slowly raised her head.
She wore a radiant smile, expressing her joy at being recognized by my mother. She looked so happy that I almost felt like telling her "Good for you" out loud.
"I apologize, my greeting is late. I am Riko's mother, Kayo. My daughter is very much in the care of Kazunari-san."
With Hanako-san’s introduction finished, the parents began their own greetings.
Because Hanako-san was present, Kayo-san couldn't mention the specific "sibling" arrangement, so the conversation remained somewhat indirect. It was a relief that Mom had already guessed there were complicated circumstances. She handled the vague parts well and kept the conversation normal.
"...I finally got to talk to Kazunari's mother."
"That's great, Hanako-san."
"Yeah. Now I can be a big sister with a clear conscience. Kazunari, I look forward to it again."
"R-Right."
Hanako-san looked delighted, but I hesitated for a moment as to whether I should nod so easily in front of Sara-san. Since Sara-san had already called it a good thing, I figured it was fine, but...
"...Um, Satsukawa-senpai."
Noticing that our conversation had reached a lull, my classmates approached tentatively. I wondered why they looked so terrified, but the way they glanced at Sara-san was the answer. Even so, it seemed their curiosity had won out over their fear.
"...Yes. What is it?"
"Um... please listen without getting angry, okay?"
"A-Are you really... Takanashi-kun's fiancé... for real?"
Perhaps because the boy who had crowded Sara-san earlier had been absolutely demolished, the boys were desperately using the most polite language they could muster. It was almost funny.
"Yes. Or rather, why do you find it so difficult to believe?"
Sara-san tilted her head curiously.
Of course, their disbelief was a testament to how she was viewed as an untouchable idol, but she didn't seem to realize that... or rather, she was starting to look a little annoyed.
"Well, Satsukawa-senpai has shot down every famous guy in this school, so we thought you might be a man-hater..."
"My senior said that when he tried to talk to Satsukawa-senpai, she wouldn't even listen to him. He said he hadn't technically been rejected yet, so he was going to try again."
"Ah, my senior said the exact same thing."
Sara-san never told me about those kinds of stories, so I had no idea what the situation was really like. But based on what I just heard, it seemed highly likely that Sara-san’s way of turning people down was so cold that they didn't even register it as a conversation—or they were just delusional enough to think they still had a chance.
"I see. Honestly, I won't deny it if you call me a man-hater. No matter how many times they come, it's a waste of time."
"So it really is like that... Th-Then, does that mean Takanashi-kun really is special?"
"Rather than special, I simply have no interest in any man other than Kazunari-san. Since they are a nuisance to my future, I will reject them even more thoroughly from now on."
"She called them... a nuisance..."
"Wow... so it really is true."
"...Unbelievable... Even the Great Satsukawa-senpai goes this far for him..."
"...It's true. I have to believe it, but I still can't..."
"...Sara-san, if anyone says they don't believe you, feel free to use my name."
Even after hearing it directly, it seemed many still struggled to accept the reality.
Furthermore, those who would confess to Sara-san despite barely being acquaintances were likely overconfident idiots.
If they came my way after hearing my name, then I would...
"Fufu... Certainly. From now on, when I reject them, I will clearly state that it is a bother because I am engaged to Kazunari-san. So... please don't make that face."
Sara-san suddenly reached out and placed both hands on my cheeks, smiling gently. I hadn't realized it myself—what kind of expression had I been making?
I wasn't thinking about anything too complex; I was just focusing on how I wanted to handle anyone who made Sara-san feel uncomfortable.
But the fact that she noticed meant that my emotions must have been written all over my face.
Then again, Sara-san was the world's leading expert on reading my expressions.
"...Was I making a strange face?"
"It's alright. If we do this... Ei♪"
She lifted both hands, still cupping my cheeks, and forced the corners of my mouth upward into a smile. I was startled by the sudden move, but Sara-san’s cute exclamation made me chuckle.
"Pfft... Hahaha."
"Fufufu, see? Now you're back to normal. That's the face of the Kazunari-san I love so much♪"
"Haha, I didn't realize I looked like that."
"You might not have known, but I am the Kazunari-san Master, after all. This much is a piece of cake for me."
"...Wh-Wh-Wh-Why are they suddenly flirting in front of us..."
"...I was shocked, I thought they were going to kiss..."
"...N-No, surely even they wouldn't go that far..."
"...This... I can totally understand why the boys were screaming that this was a daydream..."
Sara-san’s cute, triumphant look completely drained away any of my lingering irritation.
Honestly, being unable to beat Sara-san even when it came to understanding myself... well, I had no complaints. In fact, it was exactly what I wanted.
"...I look forward to working with you in the future."
"...Yes, likewise."
In the meantime, the conversation between the parents seemed to have wrapped up. Kayo-san and Mom were in the middle of bowing to each other. Kayo-san had managed to avoid any delicate topics until the end, so I was relieved that everything had concluded without any awkward developments.
"Sara-chan, what happened to Mayumi-san?"
"Mother should be speaking with the Principal. Since she hasn't come here yet, I believe they are still in the middle of their talk."
"Sara-san, does Mayumi-san have a personal connection with the Principal?"
Come to think of it...
When she barged into the classroom observation, Mayumi-san had said she’d asked the Principal for permission.
I could understand asking the homeroom teacher or an acquaintance, but going straight to the very top was quite a leap.
"I don't know the details of their acquaintance... however, since Sawa is an investor in this school, I expect it’s related to that."
"Ah... I see. That kind of connection."
"Yes. Well, it is a reasonably large company, after all."
Reasonably... even though it was a massive corporation that represented the country...
"...Sawa? She means that Sawa, right?"
"...Must be. Talking to the Principal... does Satsukawa-senpai's mother have some sort of influence?"
Ding-dong...
"Attention, please. The Social Gathering will now begin..."
The announcement for the start of the gathering began to flow from the school speakers.
The people remaining in the classroom heard this, called out to their parents, and began to head out. We should probably make our way to the Student Council Room before we got in the way.
"Mom, I'll be in the Student Council Room, so let me know when you're done."
"Mother-in-law, we'll be waiting for you."
"Gotcha. I'll see you in a bit~"
Just as we were about to exit through the back door, we saw the teacher entering through the front door.
Good timing...
Clatter clatter
"Good work today."
"Good work~"
Even though there was no formal meeting scheduled, nearly all the Student Council officers were already in the room.
To be precise, Todo-san wasn't there yet, but the entire third-year group, including the former President Uesaka-san, was present.
Tea and sweets were already set out on the table, so they must have gathered just to hang out rather than work.
There was plenty to do for the school festival, but... well, we worked every day, so taking it easy for once was fine.
"I didn't think anyone would be here. I'm surprised to see you all."
"Everyone's just waiting for their parents. Same for you two, right?"
"Yes. Once the gathering is over, we're planning to go somewhere else to talk."
"Ah... does that mean Takanashi-kun's mother and Satsukawa-san's mother are having their first formal introduction?"
"Yes. A formal introduction of both families is being scheduled for a later date, though."
"Ah, right. You mentioned something about that on the phone the other day. About a kimono?"
"Yes. I've already spoken to my mother, but for some reason, my father is all fired up and says he's going to buy a new kimono for the occasion. And while he's at it, we decided to get a new yukata as well."
For Masaomi-san, who absolutely adored Sara-san, it was only natural that he would splurge on his daughter. I could easily picture his enthusiasm; it was actually quite endearing.
I definitely wanted to see Sara-san dressed up, so I’d have to remember to thank Masaomi-san later.
"Sara-san, you're getting a new yukata too?"
It wasn't a problem, but I was curious, so I asked.
"Yes. The old one... well, the size was getting a bit small..."
"The size?"
Sara-san looked a bit embarrassed as she whispered those words.
The size... thinking back to how she looked in it, it didn't feel small to me at all. Then again, you can force a yukata to work even if the fit isn't perfect, so maybe it was just my subjective opinion.
"Aaaaah, I seeee."
"I get it... Satsukawa-san has that kind of style, after all."
"I'm so jealous... Mine might have stopped growing altogether."
"Good for you, Takanashi-kun. You're happy about that, right?"
"........."
The female officers had clearly caught on to what Sara-san meant. They started smirking and glancing back and forth between us.
Judging by the "stopped growing" comment, I assumed they were talking about height... but that wouldn't explain why I should be "happy."
In that case, the only other possibility... yeah, there was only one thing.
And since even I had noticed, there was a chance the other men in the room had noticed too. Feeling a sense of dread, I looked around, but no one was staring at Sara-san.
"...What do you think you're doing?"
"N-Nothing at all, Ma'am!"
Subjected to a gaze filled with bloodthirst and a frigid, angry voice, the male officers had turned their entire bodies away and were practically vibrating with fear.
I felt relieved seeing that, but perhaps I let my guard down because of it...
My gaze inadvertently drifted toward the part of Sara-san that was supposedly "growing."
For the record, it wasn't intentional. It was just an instinctive male reaction—but by the time I realized it, Sara-san had already caught me.
Am I going to get scolded!?
"K-Kazunari-san... um, if you look at me like that... it's embarrassing..."
"I-I'm sorry!"
"No, um, please don't apologize. It's embarrassing, but... if it's Kazunari-san... I don't mind..."
Though she was blushing, Sara-san didn't shy away or try to hide herself.
I took that to mean that she would allow me to look...
Of course, I knew I shouldn't just stare, but it still took me a moment to look away.
"...K-Kazunari-san...... Me!..."
!?
With a beet-red face, Sara-san reached out and teasingly poked my forehead.
I’m sure my face was just as red as hers right now.
But I couldn't help it; that bashful "Me!" was way too unfair.
I desperately fought the urge to collapse from the sheer cuteness of it all.
Deciding it was dangerous to keep looking directly at her, I mustered my willpower and turned my gaze to the side.
But what awaited me there... were the female officers looking at us with cold, dead eyes, and Hanako-san, who was placing a hand on her own chest with a look of profound sadness.