Lunch was over, and we were enjoying a leisurely tea time.
"By the way, Takanashi-kun, what was the point of your visit earlier?"
"Ah... well..."
I’d had a faint inkling this would come up, and sure enough, Natsumi-senpai asked about the break time matter. Even if she asked why I’d gone there... if I had to be honest, the only thing I could say was that I simply couldn't wait another moment to see Sara-san.
Of course, if I actually said that, she’d likely just look at me with those cold, judging eyes again.
"Natsumi, that is something for me to hear from Kazunari-san. Now, Kazunari-san, let us continue where we left off. Please, come here."
The time had finally come.
Sara-san gazed into my eyes, a blissful smile spreading across her face. She spread her arms wide toward me, waiting in that posture for me to come to her. As we had discussed during the break, Sara-san was going to give me a hug right now.
"Wife, what exactly are you doing?"
"Ehhh, are you two seriously going through with this?"
"Wh-what? What’s happening?"
Natsumi-senpai, who was the only one privy to the circumstances, let out an overtly disgusted groan. The others didn't understand the situation, so they simply tilted their heads in confusion. Given how sudden it was, their reactions were only natural.
This was something I had personally requested from Sara-san, and to be honest, I had a burning desire to just let myself be spoiled. The only thing holding me back was the realization that we weren't at home—we were at school.
On top of that, everyone was watching us.
If we had been alone at the Annex, I wouldn't have hesitated, but in this situation, it was difficult to just dive in.
"Hehe... I understand. Allow me, then."
Softly...
Without me saying a word, Sara-san took charge. Seeing me hesitate, she slowly leaned her body toward me. She wrapped her extended arms around my back, hugging me gently so as not to make it painful, yet firmly as if she were enveloping my entire being.
Finally, she placed a hand on the back of my head, applying just enough pressure to pull me toward her. When she did that, my face inevitably ended up buried in her softest parts.
Pat, pat...
Once my face settled into its fixed position, Sara-san began to stroke my head.
Hah... This is heaven...
"Being like this really calms my heart. If it’s alright with you, Kazunari-san, I would like to do this every single day at school."
"Sara-san..."
I felt the same way; being held like this was incredibly soothing. If I could have this done every day, I would honestly be overjoyed. But if we actually did that, Natsumi-senpai and Hanako-san certainly wouldn't stay quiet. Natsumi-senpai would be furious, and as for Hanako-san, there was a high probability she’d demand that I let her do the same to me.
Pat, pat...
Even while I was worrying about such things, Sara-san continued to stroke my head. She gently rubbed my back as well, letting me act like an affection-seeker. Sara-san's warmth and kindness seemed to seep into the very core of my body. The comfort was so overwhelming that I could feel the strength draining out of my limbs.
Worries about being in front of everyone, or whether this was "manly," or how pathetic I might look... all of those concerns shriveled away. I was so glad Sara-san was doing this for me, so happy, so truly happy, that I...
"Hehe... Such a good boy... Come even closer."
Sara-san noticed that I had finally let my guard down and allowed myself to be spoiled. She whispered happily into my ear and pulled me even closer. Since all the strength had left my body, my posture collapsed. I ended up in a position where I was completely entrusting my entire weight to her.
At this point, it wasn't even a hug anymore—I was being cradled like a child.
Pat, pat...
"...Sara-san."
"Kazunari-san, you're so cute♪"
"...Good grief, I can't believe you two can pull this off right in front of us..."
"...It's too late to point out that the wife only has eyes for Kazunari. But they're getting too carried away today. It looks a bit dangerous."
"...Is it... is it actually dangerous? Can you really tell?"
"...You can tell just by looking at the wife's face."
"...Ahaha, well, Satsukawa-senpai certainly does look incredibly happy..."
This might be getting out of hand.
The problem was that we still had afternoon classes ahead of us. If this continued, I might be completely demoralized for the rest of the day. That was how much Sara-san was trying to pamper me right now. I was dangerously close to forgetting my initial intent and just surrendering to her affection for the rest of the hour.
...No, I had to hold it together.
At the very least, I had to apologize—even if it was just one word—or my conscience wouldn't be clear. I didn't care about the embarrassment of being seen or how pathetic it looked. Every single thing I did was because I found Sara-san so precious; it might be unsightly, but it wasn't something to be ashamed of. Let them think I was pathetic or laugh at me; I didn't care.
Show some integrity, me.
"Sara-san, about the break time matter."
"Yes?"
Forcing my melting willpower back into gear, I managed to speak. If I could just say this, I could at least feel like I’d carried out my original goal.
"Please, let me apologize first."
"But, Kazunari-san, you haven't done anything wrong, have you?"
Pat, pat...
Even while we were talking, Sara-san continued to stroke my head. Over and over, she smoothed my hair with such care and tenderness that my resolve threatened to dissolve again.
"I barged all the way to Sara-san's classroom. I didn't intend to cause such a scene..."
"You had business with me, didn't you?"
"Yes. But it wasn't really 'business'... to be honest, I intended to just get one glimpse of you and then head back."
I had no intention of making excuses about being dragged there by seniors. Since Sara-san had given me this chance to speak, I wanted to convey my feelings directly. I couldn't mention the specifics regarding Hanako-san and Yamakawa, but I could still communicate the heart of the matter.
"...Hey, what exactly is Kazunari apologizing for?"
"...Ah... pretty much the same thing that's happening now."
"...I see. But doing that in a classroom... they're as bold as ever..."
"...Ye-Yeah. They really are something else..."
"I'm sorry... I can't explain the direct cause. But seeing what I saw made me realize there was a possibility that I might never have become your lover, Sara-san. I started imagining what I would have been like then. I became anxious. But precisely because of that, I realized all over again how happy I am to be with you... And then, I just had to see you—mgh."
Mwah...
!?
I couldn't finish my sentence. Sara-san pulled back just an inch before leaning in and blocking my mouth with a kiss.
"...Wha!!???"
"...Hah... I knew she'd do that."
"...Wait, i-in a place like this!!??"
"...Wawawawawa, she-she's kissing him right here!!??"
"Mnh..."
A second? Five seconds? Ten?
Sara-san slowly pulled away. My sense of time was too blurred to be sure, but it certainly hadn't been long. It seemed she had used it as a way to silence my self-reproach.
"......Hehe."
Even after the kiss ended, Sara-san stared into my eyes from point-blank range. I was mortified, and I could feel my face burning a deep crimson. Sara-san smiled at my reaction and placed her hand on my head once more, guiding me back to the fixed position against her chest.
Pat, pat...
"I am certain that our meeting was destiny, Kazunari-san. But if we are speaking only of possibilities, then yes, perhaps our paths might have diverged if a single button had been misplaced. However, even if that had happened, we would have surely met. I would have searched the world to find you. And then, I would have fallen in love with you all over again."
"I feel the same way. I would have found you too, Sara-san. But that wasn't exactly what I wanted to say. Possibilities aside, as a matter of reality, I met you. We became lovers. To call it destiny is one thing, but because I caught a glimpse of a different possible future, I reconfirmed just how precious and beloved you are to me. I couldn't hold it back, and that's why I went to Sara-san's classroom..."
Even if our meeting was destiny, our own wills created the possibilities. I had overcome every possibility that led to a different future to be with the Sara-san I loved today. We became lovers and got engaged. Even if it was inevitable, I had realized just what a miracle it was.
Squeeze...
Sara-san hugged me with renewed strength. It wasn't painful, but she had only held me this tightly a handful of times before.
"I have truly heard your feelings, Kazunari-san. I feel nothing but joy right now. So please, do not apologize..."
Sara-san didn't loosen her hold. With a voice full of tenderness, she laid her heart bare. I knew perfectly well that she didn't find my visit a nuisance. I knew that my apologies only troubled her.
But this was about integrity... or perhaps just self-satisfaction. Either way, I couldn't forgive myself if I didn't say it.
"I knew you'd say that, Sara-san. But in that classroom, I..."
"Kazunari-san, I told you that I would hold you whenever you wished. Therefore, whether it is here or in the classroom, it makes no difference to me. I held you because I wanted to hold you. I kissed you just now because I wanted to kiss you. This is entirely based on my own will, and there is absolutely no reason for you to feel guilty."
I understood what she was saying, of course. If our positions were reversed, I would have thought and said the exact same thing. I realized that arguing further would only make things harder for her.
All that was left was to thank her and end the conversation.
"Thank you. I knew that suddenly apologizing would just trouble you, Sara-san, but even so..."
"...Yes. I have received your feelings. So, let us leave it at that."
In the end, I’d managed to bundle the apology and the reason together. I had spoken my mind and satisfied my sense of integrity. With that, my piece was said.
And that also meant Sara-san’s hug would be coming to an end. It was a bit of a shame, but...
Pat, pat...
Um...
"Sara-san, uh, that was all I wanted to say..."
"Yes. I am aware, you know?"
"No, I mean..."
The talk was over, but Sara-san showed no sign of letting go. I was happy, truly, but if we stayed like this for no reason, I was just being a spoiled brat...
"...It is your fault, Kazunari-san."
"Eh?"
Her voice sounded somewhat sulky, almost pained. The strength of her hug intensified yet again.
"I am so happy... to be loved this much by you... Your feelings bring me such joy. When I feel like this, I cannot possibly let you go... So, this is your fault, you know?"
"No..."
Sara-san’s emotions were clearly running high. But for that matter, I didn't want to leave her side either. Whether I was called an affection-seeker or anything else, I wanted to savor this happiness for as long as possible.
"Kazunari-san... I adore you... I love you... only you..."
"Sara... san..."
"Call me Sara... Darling."
Sara-san's embrace grew tighter and tighter. Hearing her speak like that, I felt my own emotions reaching a fever pitch. Truly, I...
"...Wait, wait, wait!! The atmosphere is getting way too intense!?"
"...That's why I said it was dangerous."
"...This isn't the time to be saying that so calmly!?"
"...Auhhh, wh-wh-what’s going to happen to them!?"
"For heaven's sake, give it a rest!! How long are you two going to keep flirting right in front of us?!"
!!??
Natsumi-senpai's shout, a mix of panic and anger, pierced the air. My consciousness snapped back to reality instantly.
Th-that was close... I wasn't sure exactly what was about to happen, but I felt like we were on the verge of something reckless. I’d started out so conscious of the others, yet I’d completely forgotten they existed.
"M-my apologies... In my excessive joy, I unintentionally..."
Sara-san apologized bashfully. But she was apologizing to me, not to Natsumi-senpai. We had both been so swept up that we’d nearly spiraled out of control.
"No, I also lost myself for a moment..."
Now that I could think clearly again, the reality of my situation hit me. I had messed up again. This time felt particularly egregious. I felt terrible for the others.
"I stayed quiet because it seemed serious, but now you're just flirting. It's awkward for us, so knock it off."
"I understand the feeling this time, but it’s still frustrating, so no. Let go of him."
I knew I deserved the scolding. My feelings for Sara-san had surged to a level that surprised even me. Maybe I should have saved this talk for when we were home...
Anyway, I had to get her to let go.
"Sara-san, it’s about time."
"Yes... sadly."
Suppressing my own lingering attachment, I spoke up. Sara-san slowly released me. The look of genuine sadness on her face as we separated made my heart skip a beat yet again.
Looking around, I saw Natsumi-senpai and Hanako-san looking at us with utter exasperation. Hayato was wearing a wry smile, and Todo-san was... well, I felt incredibly guilty about her.
"Auhhh... hauhhh..."
Todo-san was bright red. She was covering her face with her hands, but in the classic "peeking" pose where her eyes were perfectly visible between her fingers.
"D-did you two forget we were even here!?"
"S-sorry..."
I realized I’d gone way too far. All I could do was apologize sincerely.
"I am sorry. I am reflecting on my behavior as well," Sara-san said, sounding properly chastened by Natsumi-senpai’s glare.
"Well, it's partly my fault this time, so take it easy on them," Hanako-san interjected unexpectedly. I didn't think for a second that this was her fault, though.
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. I was the one who egged him on to go to the wife's classroom."
"Now that you mention it... I'm curious what happened in the first place."
"It's nothing major. I'll tell you some other time. If I say it here, they'll just spiral out of control again."
I wanted to protest that we’d be fine, but I knew I had absolutely no credibility right now. It was best to stay quiet.
"I am sorry. I was just so happy that I..."
"Hah... You're alone together at the Annex anyway, so save that for when you're home. No one will complain there, and you could have finished what you started."
Hanako-san's logic was airtight, but the thought of "finishing it" sent a different kind of chill down my spine. If I felt like that all the time at home, cracks might start appearing in my resolve—a resolve I liked to think was harder than Orichalcum.
"That is true. Kazunari-san, let us get along plenty tonight as well until we get sleepy, okay?"
"Y-yes..."
Just as I was worrying about my self-control, Sara-san issued a lovey-dovey declaration. It looked like another battle I couldn't afford to lose was starting tonight... a lonely battle to remain a gentleman.
"...Uu, just listening to this is embarrassing..."
Ah... right. I definitely needed to apologize to Todo-san separately later. I’m so sorry, Todo-san...
"Kazunari-san, are you cold?"
"I'm fine. It's actually very warm."
As usual, we were wrapped in the same futon, and I was held against Sara-san's chest. I felt like I had spent half the day being held by her. Actually, looking back, I definitely had. While it was a blissful feeling, I couldn't help but reflect on how much I’d let myself be spoiled.
"Sara-san, about tomorrow's cooking class."
Before I got too comfortable and my brain turned to mush, I needed to talk about the important stuff.
"Yes?"
"I intend to learn properly, so please treat me just like any other student in the class."
I didn't actually expect her to be able to do that perfectly. But I wanted to learn the cooking properly. I could hardly participate in our own class attraction, so I couldn't afford to slack off on this. I would feel like a traitor to my classmates if I didn't at least put in the effort here.
"...I understand. I have no confidence in my restraint, but I will not let your resolve go to waste, Kazunari-san. I will do my best."
She didn't even ask why. She simply agreed, which meant she probably saw right through me as usual. She was dangerously sharp. I wouldn't be surprised if she could actually read my mind.
"Please."
"I will. However, even if you become a proficient cook..."
"I know. I'll leave all the meals at home to you, Sara-san."
"In that case, I have no problem at all."
This was Sara-san’s non-negotiable territory, and I had no intention of invading it. If the chance ever arose... well, maybe. But if it made her sad, there was no reason to push it. I’d just keep it in the back of my mind as a "maybe someday."
............
Pat, pat...
"Kazunari-san... thank you for today. I was very happy."
After drifting through some idle talk until the air felt heavy with drowsiness, Sara-san changed the subject. Regarding this afternoon, I was the one who should be thanking her. And apologizing...
"I'm the one who should thank you. I was happy to have you hold me like that all day. But about making a scene, I'm sor—"
"Kazunari-san, no."
Squeeze...
"Mgh."
I’d slipped up. We’d already agreed I wouldn't apologize anymore, but it had come out naturally. Of course, she wasn't actually angry, but she used her special move to block my mouth anyway.
"F-fowwy..."
"Hyan... th-that tickles..."
I should have waited until she let go to speak, but I’d talked while my face was still pressed firmly against her.
"Ahem... Kazunari-san, we promised not to apologize for the lunch matter anymore, didn't we?"
Nod, nod...
Since speaking was dangerous, I just nodded.
"Then, you promise not to apologize again? The next time you do, there will be a punishment."
Nod, nod...
I was very curious what that punishment might entail, but I couldn't do anything to upset her. I’d really stop apologizing for today.
"Yes, good boy. My apologies, was that too tight?"
She loosened her grip so I could pull away... but I didn't want to.
"Kazunari-san?"
She noticed my lack of movement and called out in wonder.
"Hehe... Kazunari-san has turned into quite the affection-seeker♪"
Squeeze...
Her voice didn't sound troubled at all as she whispered. She held my head gently once more, cradling me against her.
"In that case, shall we go to sleep just like this?"
"Sara-san..."
"Tell me if it becomes difficult to breathe, alright?"
"I'm okay."
She held me with a perfect, gentle pressure. It was so comfortable I felt like I could drift off instantly.
Pat, pat...
Thump... thump... thump...
While stroking my head, Sara-san began to gently pat my back in a steady, rhythmic pulse. When she did this, a profound sense of security washed over me, and drowsiness claimed me almost immediately. She knew exactly what it did to me, so she always did it right before we fell asleep.
"Kazunari-san, let's work hard tomorrow."
"...Yes. I'll do my best..."
Pat, pat...
Thump... thump... thump...
"...Sara... san..."
The sleepiness I’d been fighting became an irresistible tide. Wrapped in her warmth, I...
"Good night, Kazunari-san. Sweet dreams..."
Mwah...
I thought I felt something soft against my forehead... but I was already too far gone to be sure.