Sunday.
Today was finally the day we were going to buy "that." To be precise, it would be an "order," since just going to pick it up wouldn't be a major event. That meant that for me personally, today would mark A Special Anniversary.
Sara-san was scheduled to go shopping with Mayumi-san, so the two of them were currently in the middle of getting ready. When I thought about it, it felt like it had been quite a while since Sara-san and I had spent time apart.
Even though it was only for half a day, I wondered why I felt this subtle sense of loneliness—an indescribable sort of restlessness. It was probably because being with Sara-san had become such a natural, constant part of my life.
Well... I'd never say something so pathetic out loud, not for the life of me.
"Kazunari-san, is something the matter?"
"Eh? No, I just thought it had been a while since we had separate plans, Sara-san."
Had it shown on my face?
Sara-san spoke to me with such exquisite timing that I panicked just a little. I didn't think she'd seen through me, but since she usually managed to "read" my mind, I couldn't afford to be optimistic.
"...That is true. I, too, am so happy whenever I am by your side that I had come to take our time together for granted. It is only for half a day, but the thought of acting separately makes me feel a little lonely."
"Sara-san..."
"I am saying such pathetic things. However..."
"That's not true. I feel the same way."
Sara-san was saying exactly what I had been thinking. That was why I understood her feelings so well. Even if it felt pathetic to admit it, since I shared that sentiment, it felt perfectly natural to me.
"Fufu... I am happy you said that. However, I must learn to get used to it..."
Ding-dong.
As if to cut off Sara-san's words, the sound of our doorbell echoed through the house.
I couldn't help but think it had been such a nice atmosphere, but there was nothing to be done about it. I wasn't expecting any visitors, and though it was a bit early, there was a chance Mayumi-san had come to pick her up. I hurried to the door and opened it.
"Morning, Kazunari. I've come to pick you up."
"Hayato?"
Standing at the entrance was the Refreshing Handsome Guy, Hayato. It had been a while since I'd seen him in casual clothes. He was as high-spec as ever... wait, that wasn't the point. It was a bit unexpected, or rather, unplanned. Did something happen?
"What's up, Hayato?"
"Well, I have to pass your place to get to the Station Front from my house anyway. I figured we might as well go together."
"I see."
That made sense. We were meeting at the Station Front today, and if he was passing by, I would have done the same. It was perfectly logical.
"Yokokawa-san, hello."
"Ah, hello, Satsukawa-senpai."
"Thank you for coming to fetch Kazunari-san."
"N-No, it was nothing worthy of thanks!!"
Hayato replied frantically, as if he were flustered rather than just humble. I didn't think anything in that exchange warranted such a reaction... well, I'd ask him about it later.
"Kazunari-san, since Yokokawa-san has arrived, will you be heading out now?"
"I suppose so..."
Since our objective was already decided, there was no reason to keep Hayato waiting here. It was still a bit early, but we could just go and wait there. I had planned to leave after seeing Sara-san off, but there was no guarantee Mayumi-san would arrive exactly at her departure time.
"Sorry, I'll head out then."
"Yes. If it turns out you won't need dinner..."
"I'll definitely be back. I want to eat your cooking, Sara-san."
"Ah... fufu, understood. Then I shall pull out all the stops to prepare dinner tonight♪"
Hearing my answer, Sara-san beamed with a radiant smile. I hadn't said it with any particular intent, but it felt like a good answer, even to me.
From behind me, I heard Hayato's low murmur. "As expected of you, Kazunari."
I wasn't trying to show off, okay?
"Hayato, shall we go?"
"Right. Well then, Satsukawa-senpai, I'll be borrowing Kazunari."
"Sara-san, I'm off."
"Ah, Kazunari-san, wait. You've forgotten something."
"Eh?"
Forgotten something?
I checked my items. I had my wallet and my smartphone; there was a handkerchief in my pocket and a pack of tissues in my bag... I touched each item one by one to confirm, and before I knew it, Sara-san had stepped right up to me.
But I really didn't think I'd missed anything.
"Sara-san, I..."
Mwah.
!?
A gentle sensation touched my cheek. Just as I realized how close her face was, she kissed me.
I was happy, but what was this so suddenly!?
"Fufu, have a safe trip... Darling."
Sara-san waved her hand slightly, seeing me off with a smile that was practically overflowing with affection.
This was almost certainly what they called a "Have a Safe Trip" Kiss. So that was what she meant by "forgotten something."
"Ugh... I-I'm off."
She kissed my cheek fairly often, but in this specific situation... it was a bit embarrassing.
We left the house and started walking toward the Station Front. I was silent, of course, but Hayato hadn't uttered a single word either. When I stole a glance at him, however, I saw him staring at me with a massive smirk.
"W-What is it?"
"No, no, it's just... you guys are consistent, I'll give you that. You really are incredibly close."
"Well, I won't deny that."
"Hey, Kazunari. Is it possible that you just haven't announced it yet, but you're actually already married to Satsukawa-senpai...?"
"Not yet!!"
To be honest, I'd also thought we looked like a newlywed couple back there. But thinking about it just made it more embarrassing, so I'd forced myself to look away in the moment.
"Haha, well, considering what we're going to buy now, I know that's not the case. But from an outsider's perspective, Satsukawa-senpai looks like nothing but your wife, Kazunari."
"......"
"It's even more striking because I knew her before she met you. Don't get mad, okay? I've said this before, but honestly, even after seeing it with my own eyes, part of me still can't believe it. If even I feel that way, then it's no wonder the other guys say it's unbelievable."
"Yeah, I guess so. It just goes to show how much she's changed."
"Exactly. To be precise, the usual Satsukawa-senpai probably hasn't changed that much. It's just that the Sara-san who is with you is too different."
That was something I understood and felt on a daily basis without Hayato needing to point it out. I'd heard whispers that she had softened lately, but her attitude toward other boys remained as consistent as ever. That was exactly why her treatment of me stood out, leading everyone to think it was impossible.
"But well, I guess it's finally checkmate. Once they see that right in front of them, they'll be forced to realize they have no choice but to accept it."
"Well, there'd be no point in setting it up there otherwise."
"True. I don't think it's the kind of thing a high school student would normally do, but that's probably why it'll be so effective. Besides, the rumors are already spreading, so it's a perfect setup. Though adults who don't know the situation might just see it as a joke or kids playing around."
"I don't care what adults think. The primary goal is to make everyone at school recognize the reality of my relationship with Sara-san. If it causes a stir, that's fine—it'll help achieve the goal of crushing the Miss Contest, killing two birds with one stone."
"Right. My prediction is that more than half of the male audience will be gone before the Miss Contest even finishes."
"Me too."
We wouldn't know for sure until it happened, but based on past patterns, I expected at least "Hayato's prediction plus a massive uproar" to occur. If things became uncontrollable, the votes and everything else would become meaningless. It might even lead to the Miss Contest itself being scrapped.
As a guy, I could understand the desire to get excited over an event like that. But I couldn't forgive a contest that used methods to force Sara-san into something she hated.
I didn't care about tradition or custom; I was going to take advantage of the situation and stir things up.
We arrived at the Station Front, but we were still a little early. Yuji was coming by train, and since his arrival was tied to the timetable, there was no chance of him being early. There wasn't quite enough time to duck into a cafe, so while I was chatting with Hayato...
"Oh, did she arrive before Yuji?"
Hayato looked toward the Station Front Rotary. A single car—a luxury vehicle that stood out clearly from its surroundings—pulled in gracefully.
It was recognizable instantly. Come to think of it, was that her private car?
The car stopped in a temporary parking space, and a driver hurried out from the front. He opened the rear door, and the person who stepped out was, naturally...
"Man... she really looks out of place here."
"Well, she is a genuine young lady. Though on the inside, she's a bit po—"
"Takanashi-san, what were you about to say just now?"
The young lady who cut in with a retort before even saying hello... or rather, the bit of hellishness herself... Nishikawa-san. We were still some distance away; her hearing was incredible.
Well, setting that aside, it had been a while since we'd met in person, and she seemed to be the same as ever.
"No, I was just about to say that even though you're a genuine young lady, you're quite easy to talk to."
I definitely wasn't lying. If she were a textbook young lady like that stuck-up woman, she'd be impossible to get along with. So, she was "easy to talk to."
"...I'm not sure if that was a compliment, but fine. The order is a bit backwards, but it has been a while, Takanashi-san. Yokokawa-san. I am glad to see you are both well."
Though her tone was frank, her refined movements were exactly what one would expect from a high-class young lady. She was natural and lacked any sense of spite, making her completely different from that fake one. Actually, I wasn't even sure if that other girl was actually a young lady or not.
"It's been a while."
"Long time no see, Nishikawa-san. Thank you again for everything regarding my engagement to Sara-san. I really appreciate it."
I had already thanked her at our debriefing session, but that was a separate matter. She had been a massive help back then, and the fact that I could still spend my days with Sara-san was thanks to her intervention. I wanted to express my gratitude as many times as necessary.
"No, no, I've already heard enough thanks for that. Besides, I was the one you helped first."
"It was mostly for my own sake, so I wouldn't go so far as to say I helped you..."
"Regardless, my father is also grateful to you, Takanashi-san. He says he is looking forward to meeting you at the end of the year."
"The end of the year? ...Ah, the Sawa Party?"
"Yes. Haven't you heard yet?"
"Masa—Sara-san's father did tell me he wanted me to attend. I haven't heard the specifics yet, though."
When I'd agreed to cooperate with various things upon my engagement to Sara-san, that was supposed to be included. I remembered him saying he wanted the two of us to attend together. Come to think of it, there might have been a similar message from Nishikawa-san's father as well.
"Well, it's essentially a year-end party. My father is invited every year, and I've attended two or three times myself in the past."
"I see. To be honest, I was worried about going to a place as out of my element as a company party. Not only would I not know anyone, but everyone there will be an adult. If you're going to be there too, Nishikawa-san, that's a huge relief."
"Fufu... it doesn't feel bad to be relied upon, but you'll have to get used to it soon, Takanashi-san. You might think of it as a different world, but you are Sara's fiancé. In the future, you'll be diving headfirst into that world."
"That's true... employees also participate in the party, right?"
That was right; I'd be working at Sawa in the future, which meant I'd naturally be attending company parties. And as in this case, I'd likely be accompanying Masaomi-san.
"Well... for now, that is fine. Anyway, if you get used to it gradually starting now, you won't have to panic in the future."
?
I felt like Nishikawa-san had faltered slightly in her speech just now... well, regardless, she was right. If such opportunities were going to happen, it was better to get used to them early, both for my own sake and to ensure I didn't embarrass Sara-san. Being able to gain experience now was actually lucky.
"You're right. As expected of Nishikawa-san, your advice is helpful."
"Fufu, you won't get anything out of me by praising me, you know? However... yes, to help you get used to it sooner, perhaps I should have you escort me at the party?"
"Eh? Escort... you?"
"Just... kidding. It was a joke. If I did that, Sara would kill me."
Nishikawa-san let out a laugh, looking mischievous. I knew it was a joke, but honestly, I didn't quite know what "escort" actually meant... if it was a joke, it didn't matter.
"Oh, Yokokawa-san, what's wrong?"
At Nishikawa-san's voice, I turned and saw Hayato staring at us with a look of pure shock. It was rare to see him make a face like that.
"Hayato?"
"No, it's just... listening to you two talk normally... I mean, it's natural for Nishikawa-san, but I really felt like you've entered that kind of world, Kazunari."
"I haven't 'entered' it; I'm just participating this time for a specific reason. Though I'll definitely have those opportunities once I'm employed there."
"Eh... employment? Ah, r-right. Yeah, a company like that would definitely have plenty of those events."
"A-Ah, I agree."
?
Just like Nishikawa-san a moment ago, Hayato had also faltered... and I felt like he'd glanced at her for a second. Was I the only one saying something completely off the mark?
"Sorry Kazunari, kept you waiting."
"Yuji?"
I turned at the voice and saw that Yuji had arrived. I'd been so absorbed in the conversation that I hadn't realized the time had passed.
"Hey Yuji, good to see you."
"Hello, Tachibana-san. It has been a while."
"Long time no see, Nishikawa-san. Hayato, good to see you too."
After the round of greetings, everyone's gaze shifted to Nishikawa-san. None of us knew where we were going next. We had decided to go to a place she recommended, but we hadn't been told the location yet.
This shopping trip was originally supposed to be just the three of us guys. However, since the item was what it was, I'd consulted Nishikawa-san—who seemed like she'd be knowledgeable about such things—and she'd said, "I have an errand to run as well, so would you like to go together?"
When I told Yuji and Hayato, they both agreed "for their future education," resulting in this rare group of three guys plus Nishikawa-san.
"Well then, let us move. It's not a distance we can walk, so everyone, please get in the car."
Since that car had been waiting in the rotary, I'd expected as much. It looked like I was going to be taking care of her even more than I'd anticipated.
"Nishikawa-san, is it far from here?"
"Let's see... about twenty minutes, I think."
"Um, this is a bit late to ask, but is it really okay for me to go there? I don't want to sound like this, but if the shop is too high-end..."
Since it was a recommendation from Nishikawa-san, I trusted her completely and assumed it would be a shop where I could shop with peace of mind. My only concern was that it would likely be an extremely high-end establishment. Which meant the prices would be... well, Nishikawa-san was a young lady, and I'd seen her different sense of money many times. I was a bit worried about that.
"It will be fine. I've confirmed everything on my end, so please rest assured. Of course, it is a shop that can handle things properly when the time comes, as well."
"I see, that's a relief."
I wondered what she meant by "when the time comes."
"Yes. By the way, did you confirm the ring size properly?"
"Yeah. I asked Mayumi-san to measure it exactly... though for some reason, she sent me her own size as well."
It was a total mystery why she'd sent her own size in addition to Sara-san's. Setting aside a normal present, there was no way I'd be sending a ring to Mayumi-san... well, it was probably just her usual teasing. Still, I figured I should think of some kind of gift for her eventually as thanks for everything.
"Fufufu, is that so. But it seems you are quite a favorite of Mayumi-san's, Takanashi-san. That is wonderful."
"Yeah, honestly, I'm grateful for it. Though the fact that she's so fond of mischief is a bit of a flaw."
"Heh... is that so? That's unexpected. I usually see Mayumi-san in her professional life, and I don't have that image of her at all."
"Eh?"
"In my position, I usually meet her for company business. How should I put it... her aura is incredible. Her mere presence makes everyone around her realize the difference in their standing."
I both understood and didn't understand what she meant, but at the very least, it didn't match the image of Mayumi-san I had in my head at all. Sure, she could be strict with Sara-san sometimes, but I thought that was just natural for any parent.
"I can't explain it well, either. You will likely understand what I mean at the year-end party."
"I-I see..."
"Yes. But you should be fine, Takanashi-san. The fact that she is that comfortable with you means she truly trusts you. She probably thinks of you like a real son."
Like a real son...
Well, she was always telling me to call her "Mother-in-law." If she thought of me fondly, I was happy about it. Even if she had a side like that, to me, Mayumi-san was just Mayumi-san. That hadn't changed and wouldn't change.
Still, I felt like maybe I should occasionally call her Mother-in-law even in normal times, if only as a gesture of appreciation.