I was at a loss. I needed to find a way to get back into Mayumi-san's good graces.
Just as the thought crossed my mind, I remembered the item tucked away in my bag.
That’s right. If I gave her this... but...
There was no actual problem with giving it to her now. I had originally planned to wait until our next meal gathering, but there was no real reason to be stubborn about the timing. Giving it to her now just meant moving the schedule up.
The real issue was that I hadn't given the main gift to Sara-san yet.
I wanted to give Sara-san her present before anyone else. I wanted to prioritize her above all others.
But under the circumstances, I couldn't think of an alternative, and I certainly didn't have the luxury of time. If I just stood by and watched, Sara-san would undoubtedly lose her temper. In the worst-case scenario, it might even escalate into a full-blown mother-daughter feud.
I suppose I just have to accept this as necessary... I’ll make sure to give Sara-san plenty of extra attention later to make up for it.
"Um, Ma... Mother-in-law, here."
I reached into my bag and pulled out a small object wrapped in paper. Its shape was a bit lumpy and irregular.
I had tried my best to wrap it carefully while following the instructions, but looking at it again, it really was an awkward-looking package. However, I’d put my heart into making the item inside, so it shouldn't be too bad... I hoped.
"...Eh?"
Mayumi-san stared at the object I held out, her expression stunned. She blinked rapidly, her gaze darting back and forth between my face and the gift.
I had never seen her react quite like this before; she seemed genuinely caught off guard. It was actually a little charming.
"Is this... for me?"
"...Yes. Please, accept it."
Mayumi-san still looked like she couldn't believe it, but she tentatively reached out for the offering. Once it was in her hand, she looked up at me again.
"Kazunari-kun, may I open it?"
"Yes."
After I nodded, she began to carefully peel back the tape with a nervous look on her face. She unwrapped the paper with great care, and finally, the brooch was revealed.
"A brooch?"
"I'm sorry... I'm not very good at crafts, so it might not be very pretty."
"Wait... Kazunari-kun, you made this yourself!?"
"Yes, I did."
It was a clumsy, somewhat unbalanced brooch. Mayumi-san lifted it with both hands as if she were handling a fragile antique. She held it up to eye level, inspecting it intensely. Having her look at it so closely made me worry that all the flaws were becoming obvious.
"It’s really just a simple thing, but..."
"Can I put it on right now?"
"Ah, please do."
Mayumi-san hurriedly pinned the brooch to the left side of her top.
It was a basic piece made of simple beads. Yet, perhaps because Mayumi-san was the one wearing it, it managed to look like a decent accessory despite its humble materials. Or maybe that was just my own wishful thinking.
"Fufu... fufufu... n fufufu..."
She let out a delighted giggle while looking down at the brooch now adorning her chest. A radiant smile spread across her face as she traced the beads over and over with her fingertips.
I was glad she liked it. Her mood seemed to have done a complete 180. I could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
"Hey, Kazunari-kun, does it look good? Does it suit me?"
"Yes, it does. I just wish I could have made it a bit more neatly."
"That’s where you’re wrong! This brooch you made for me is a highest-quality product in my eyes!"
She was practically beaming, completely swept up in her excitement. Seeing her this happy made me feel a lingering regret that I hadn't been able to provide something more professional. Since budget and time hadn't allowed for it today, I made a mental note to try for a proper "rematch" on her birthday or Mother's Day.
"But why the sudden present?"
"You're always taking care of me. I wanted to say... thank you, Mother-in-law."
I decided not to mention that she had been the one to send me her ring size and practically demand a gift. If she hadn't done that, I might not have thought to prepare a gift like this in the first place, so in the end, it worked out.
"Kazunari-kun... Kazunari-kun..."
She looked so moved that I feared she might launch herself at me. In fact, was she already edging closer? This was getting a bit dangerous.
"Hey, Sara-chan, look! Isn't Kazunari-kun's present just darling!?"
Carried away by her own joy, Mayumi-san suddenly turned to Sara-san to brag.
"......I see. That’s nice for you, Mother. I'm glad you received a present from Kazunari-san."
"N fufu~, it really is... Oh? What’s the matter, Sara-chan?"
"Nothing is the matter. To receive a homemade present from Kazunari-san... you must be so happy, Mother. Are you glad? You must be absolutely thrilled, right?"
Oh no. Sara-san was even more upset than I’d feared.
She was visibly displeased, her cheeks puffed out in a way that was undeniably cute. It had been a while since I'd seen her make that face. I knew it was inappropriate given the tension, but I couldn't help it—Sara-san was adorable!
Wait, that wasn't the point!
"Oh, Sara-chan. Don't be like that. There's no need to pout..."
Despite her words of comfort, Mayumi-san couldn't stop grinning. Seeing that, Sara-san’s mood plummeted even further.
"I am not pouting! And I certainly don't want to hear that from you, Mother, considering you were doing the exact same thing a moment ago! Is your mood fixed already? How very convenient for you!"
Sara-san’s cheeks puffed out even further when Mayumi-san pointed out her pouting. It was getting harder and harder to resist the urge to poke them. I really wanted to tell her how cute she was being.
"Now, now, Sara-chan. There's no way Kazunari-kun would forget your gift, right?"
Mayumi-san glanced at me, her eyes clearly saying, Right, Kazunari-kun?
Of course I hadn't forgotten, but whose fault was it that the order of delivery got scrambled?
"Of course not. Actually, I had intended to give Sara-san her gift first..."
"...Eh?"
"Sara-san, you didn't seriously think I wouldn't have something for you, did you? I'm actually a little hurt if you did..."
"N-no, that’s not it! It’s just... hearing that it was handmade, I also..."
Her voice grew smaller and smaller. I wanted to stop teasing her and give it to her quickly, but seeing her like this made a mischievous side of me wake up. Just a little more.
"Did you think I was so lacking in character that I would only prepare a gift for Mother-in-law?"
"N-no! I know very well that you treasure me more than anyone, Kazunari-san..."
"Then you should have known I’d have your part ready..."
"...That’s one thing, but this is... uuu, Kazunari-san, you’re being mean..."
She was too cute. It was unbearable. If I kept looking at her like this, I was going to lose it. I decided to wrap this up for her sake.
"Sara-san."
I reached into my bag and pulled out another brooch. This one was a special version, with a ribbon tied around the wrapping paper. The contents were special, too.
"Ka-Kazunari-san?"
"I worked hard to make this for you."
It felt a bit arrogant to say I "worked hard" myself, but I let it slide. Sara-san had clearly been holding her breath in anticipation. Her lips were trembling as she tried to maintain her composure.
"Th-thank you. May I open it?"
I nodded, and she began to unwrap it with even more reverence than her mother had shown. She unfolded the paper slowly, and when she finally saw the brooch, her face lit up with a dazzling smile.
"Fufu... Kazunari-san made this brooch just for me! Fufu... fufufu!"
She looked like she was about to start dancing, swaying her body happily as she stared at the brooch. Seeing her joy made my own heart swell.
"N fufu, look at you, Sara-chan~"
"W-what about me?"
"It’s no use trying to hide it. Your face has completely melted."
"U... b-but it’s handmade by Kazunari-san. How could I not be happy? Fufu... fufufu!"
She tried to pull herself together, but her joy kept bubbling over, making her smile widen again. I wished I could give her the ring right now, but I had to wait. It was frustrating.
"Oh, does Sara-chan’s brooch have something extra on it?"
"Yes. It’s different from yours, Mother."
I might have imagined it, but it sounded like Sara-san put a lot of emphasis on the word "different." Mayumi-san responded with a dry chuckle.
That "different" part was the special version aspect of Sara-san's brooch.
"That’s an emerald. It’s just a simple one meant for accessories, so it isn't worth much."
"An emerald?"
"Yes. Since it's May..."
"It’s Kazunari-san’s birthstone!"
"Yeah, that’s right."
As she noted, emerald was the birthstone for May, my birth month. It was a modest stone, but it meant something. I had used Sara-san’s birthstone, sapphire, for the locket I gave her previously, so I wanted to use mine this time.
I had also double-checked the stone language with Nishikawa-san. It stood for things like good luck, happiness, and success in love, so I figured it was perfect.
"N fufu~, is that your way of marking your territory? Telling everyone that Sara-chan is yours?"
"Eh!? No, I wasn't being that arrogant..."
"Even if that were the case, I wouldn't have a problem with it at all. Besides... fufufu!"
"Sara-san?"
She seemed even more delighted now. Was she really that happy to have my birthstone?
"Hey, Kazunari-kun, did you choose the emerald because of the stone language?"
"Yes. I looked it up before I decided."
"Oh my. Then it really is meant only for Sara-chan. How wonderful for you, Sara-chan."
"Yes. This is something only I, as Kazunari-san’s wife, should be allowed to wear."
"Wait... what?"
Only for her because she was my wife? I didn't remember a meaning like that. It had plenty of good meanings, but nothing that specific.
"That’s true, but Sara-chan, you’re getting ahead of yourself. Still, I suppose if Kazunari-kun is going to make a couple appeal about conjugal love..."
"Fwah!?"
"Oh, is something wrong, Kazunari-kun?"
"Kazunari-san?"
"N-n-no, it's nothing!"
Conjugal love!? I hadn't heard anything about that meaning!
So that was why she was so ecstatic. If the stone carried that meaning, it made sense why she’d claim it was for her eyes only. I hadn't intended to be quite so forward, but... well, the meaning itself was fine by me!
"Fufu... how do I look?"
She had already pinned the brooch to her chest and was standing tall with pride. Unlike Mayumi-san's, the emerald gave it a bit of a sparkle, though I suspected it looked good mostly because Sara-san was the one wearing it.
"It suits you perfectly. I just wish it weren't such a clumsy, unbalanced brooch. I should have gotten you something better..."
"Kazunari-san, no."
She stepped closer with a smile and gave my forehead a light flick. Before I could move, she reached out and pulled me into a firm hug.
"This brooch you made for me is already an irreplaceable treasure. Don't you dare call it 'clumsy.' I won't have you saying such mean things about my gift. You're being a bad boy."
"Sara-san..."
"This will be my lifelong treasure, along with the locket. And as for the stone language... please don't worry about it."
"Ah..."
I really couldn't hide anything from her. She had realized I didn't know about the "conjugal love" meaning. I felt a bit bad about the misunderstanding, despite her joy.
But even if I hadn't known, I knew now that the meaning fit. It was a fitting gift for her.
"I'm sorry... but hearing that only confirms that I gave you the right thing. Please consider the conjugal love meaning as part of the gift. Marriage is still a while away, but I..."
"Fufu... I understand. Then I shall accept this emerald as an appeal from you to me."
"Yes, exactly... mgh."
Squeeze.
Sara-san tightened her hug. I might have stumbled over the stone language, but she was happy, and that was all that mattered. I leaned into her, letting myself be the affection-seeker for a moment.
"Kazunari-san... thank you so much."
"Don't mention it. I want you to feel free to use this brooch whenever you like. That’s why I made it myself, even if it's a bit cheap."
"But it’s so precious to me..."
"No. If it represents our conjugal love, I want you to have it with you at all times."
"Yes. I understand."
When I stood my ground, she gave in. Sara-san usually prioritized my wishes unless I was clearly wrong. Since I really wanted her to use it every day, I had to be a bit firm.
"I'll use it with great care."
"I'd like that."
"Yes... Kazunari-san... fufu."
She let out a soft, happy sound and began to stroke my hair. She pressed her head against mine, rubbing her cheek against me.
"Kazunari-san..."
"Yes!?"
"...Please, look up at me."
As requested, I shifted my head from its fixed position and looked up. Being that close to her gentle eyes, I found I couldn't look away.
"..."
"..."
In the silence, Sara-san’s eyes slowly fluttered shut. Before I knew it, she leaned in and pressed her lips against mine.
Chu.
The soft sensation sent my heart racing. It felt like it might jump right out of my chest. After spending the day thinking about her while making the brooch and picking out a ring, my longing for her had reached a peak. The kiss felt even more wonderful than usual.
"Kazunari-san..."
She pulled back just far enough to look me in the eyes with that same tender gaze. Her eyes were deep enough to drown in.
"I love you... now, and forever."
"...I love you too."
"Kazunari-san... once more... nn."
Chu.
The second kiss was sudden, catching me with my eyes still open. I saw her face at point-blank range—eyes closed, beautiful, and so precious. As she slowly pulled away, I was left dazed.
"Fufu... Kazunari-san, what is it? Your face..."
"Uuu... Sara-san..."
"You're so cute, Kazunari-san..."
"Stop calling me cute..."
"...So cute... I love you... nn."
Chu.
"Mgh."
She looked at me with a yearning expression before claiming a third kiss. This one wasn't fast; it was deep and filled with emotion. This was getting dangerous for my composure.
Chu.
The third kiss lasted longer than the first two combined. She had her arms wrapped around my head, holding me in place. I couldn't move, even if I’d wanted to. I was entirely at her mercy. By the time she finally broke the kiss, I felt like I was melting. My legs felt like jelly.
"Sa-Sa-Sara-san..."
"Kazunari-san, your face is bright red!"
"Well, whose fault is that...?"
"Fufu... come here."
She seemed satisfied for now and guided my head back to its resting place against her. I was grateful to hide my embarrassed face.
"I'm sorry. You were just so adorable... and that was a little payback for being mean earlier."
"......Uuu."
So that was it. I learned my lesson: I couldn't afford to be mischievous with her anymore if this was the consequence.
"Fufu... stay here and be a good boy until you calm down. Truth be told... I'm a little embarrassed myself..."
"Sara-san."
Her whisper, a mix of sweetness and shy vulnerability, made my heart skip again. I wasn't strong enough to ignore a tone like that. She was playing dirty.
Pat, pat.
Stroke, stroke.
She continued to soothe me, trying to settle both our hearts. To an outsider, it probably looked like she was coddling a child, but this was her way of showing love. I didn't mind being coddled if it was her doing it. I pressed my face a bit closer to her.
"Nn... Kazunari-san."
"Sara-san."
"Fufu... such an affection-seeker."
She sounded genuinely happy that I was leaning on her. I wouldn't act this clingy if I thought she found it pathetic, but I knew she loved it, so I let myself be spoiled.
Pat, pat.
Stroke, stroke.
"Kazunari-san, about the brooch."
"Yes?"
"I’m afraid I can’t wear it on my school uniform. Would it be alright if I attached it to my bag when I go to school instead?"
"Of course. I’d be happy with that."
I didn't know the specific school rules, but wearing a non-regulation brooch was probably against them. The fact that she wanted to take it to school at all was enough for me.
"Fufu... if people ask me about it at school, may I tell them it’s a conjugal love brooch I received from my husband?"
"Eeeh!?"
"...Is that not okay?"
"No, it's... it's not that it's not okay."
She looked so sad that I couldn't say no. I was just shocked. And "husband"... it was a different kind of embarrassing than being called "Darling."
"......I also... soon..."
"Sara-san?"
"Fufu... it’s nothing. I will cherish this brooch. I’ve certainly received your couple appeal."
"U... yeah..."
It was embarrassing to have her call it that, but if she was happy, I was happy. All that remained was the ring... at the Miss Contest.
............
"Sniff, sniff... you two are so cruel... you completely forgot I was even here..."
"No, wait, Ma— Mother-in-law..."
"Haa... honestly... give me a break..."
And so, we were back to square one.
"Sniff... ignoring me to flirt and flirt and flirt..."
"Ugh... I-I'm sorry."
"Sob... in that case, let me hug Kazunari-kun, too—"
"Keep your delusions for when you're back at your own house!"
"Sara-chan, you meanie!"
Just as I thought... we were right back where we started. Now, what was I going to do about this?