After that, our homeroom teacher returned and explained that everything was fine now.
It was hard to say exactly what he meant by "fine," but either way, the morning's incident had apparently reached its conclusion.
Well, I knew that even if I had tried to talk to those guys myself, I might have been able to suppress them, but I never could have made them understand. In that sense, I suppose it was a decent enough resolution.
However, Sara-san had declared then and there that she wouldn't forgive them, and I felt exactly the same way.
That’s why it’s my job to take action the next time something happens.
As a man and as her fiancé, I will protect Sara-san.
This much... this feeling alone is absolute for me, a sentiment I will never yield.
Lunch break.
As usual, we finished our meal by the flowerbed, and the conversation naturally turned to the morning's events.
While giving a brief explanation to Hayato and Todo-san, who were hearing about it for the first time, I also reported the final outcome to Sara-san and the others.
"Since the teacher said it’s fine, it must mean they won't be approaching Kazunari-san anymore. That part is acceptable, but if they repeat their behavior, I will simply crush them for good next time."
"Listen, Sara. I understand how you feel, but your choice of words is a bit disturbing."
"From my perspective, idiots who cause trouble for Kazunari-san shouldn't even be allowed to exist. That is why I said I would crush them."
Even though she appeared calm on the surface, Sara-san's anger clearly hadn't faded yet.
While I was happy that she was getting angry for my sake, I honestly wanted her to just hurry up and forget about those idiots. I wanted Sara-san to be able to relax.
"Sara-san..."
With that in mind, I reached out and began to stroke Sara-san’s head.
Stroking slowly and gently, I put my feelings into it, trying to convey that I was okay now so she would calm down.
"Fufu... that tickles♪"
Sara-san broke into a soft smile and happily snuggled closer to me. She narrowed her eyes as if it felt wonderful and comfortably leaned her weight against me.
Sara-san is so cute when she’s being spoiled... I think I'll keep stroking her head a bit longer.
"...Fufu, Satsukawa-senpai is so cute."
"...This is a bit of a rare sight. It shows just how much she trusts Kazunari, though."
"...Well... if it fixes Sara's mood, I guess I can't complain."
"...Once in a while, having Kazunari start it... is fine in its own way."
"I'm happy you're angry for my sake. But I really want you to be smiling, Sara-san. For that, I..."
So please, go back to your usual self...
Swallowing the rest of those words, I carefully and tenderly stroked Sara-san’s head over and over again.
"...Kazunari-san, may I ask for just one selfish request then?"
"Of course. Anything I can do."
"Yes. Then, please let me hold you."
"Eh? Er... if that's all it takes—mgh."
Since it was something we did normally, I didn't think she even needed to ask... but before I could finish my reply, Sara-san pulled me close and easily gathered me into her embrace.
"Having you stroke my head makes me truly happy, but my heart finds the most peace when I'm holding you like this, Kazunari-san. It calms my feelings—it makes my heart and body feel so warm."
I understood that feeling well.
I also felt the most settled and at peace when I was being held by Sara-san like this.
Enveloped in security, comfort, and every possible kind of happiness, this was literally heaven for me.
"Sara-san..."
And if by doing this, Sara-san would feel happy, then there was no reason for me to hold back. I hugged her back slightly and took the leap to be a bit spoiled myself.
"Fufu... Kazunari-san, please, come even closer."
Sara-san laughed with a joyful voice, pulling me even tighter against her and strengthening her hold.
I surrendered myself to her, ending up in a position where I was completely leaning my weight onto Sara-san.
"...Haa... here they go again. I'm honestly impressed you two can be so lovey-dovey all the time... seriously."
"The start was different, but the punchline is the same. They just made up a reason to flirt."
"But Satsukawa-senpai's mood seems to have improved, so isn't it fine?"
"Yeah. Seeing the two of them look so happy makes me feel happy too."
Stroke, stroke...
"...Fua."
"Fufu... are you a sleepyhead?"
"Ah, no, it's not that, it just sort of slipped out."
It wasn't that I'd become sleepy, but rather that the tension had pleasantly drained out of me. A sound of pure relief had escaped because I was so relaxed.
In short, being treated like this by Sara-san was just that soothing.
"Hey, if that's your relaxation method, that's fine, but more importantly, what are you going to do from now on?"
"You're right... or rather, it is truly an eyesore that mere nobodies interfere in our affairs one after another. Should I just go to the broadcasting room at noon and borrow the microphone?"
"And do what?"
"I'll tell them exactly what I just said."
"I understand how you feel, but you should stop. If you go that far, it'll affect your position as Student Council President. And to the people who aren't involved, it'll just provoke a backlash. They'll wonder who you think you are."
What Hanako-san was saying was exactly the same possibility I had considered at the start.
It might be effective against those who had feelings for Sara-san or idiots like the ones from today, but it might have the opposite effect on everyone else.
We weren't celebrities; if a single student were to go out of their way to declare to the entire student body, "We're dating, so don't meddle in our business," it's highly likely people would see it as arrogant. Especially for someone who already had a bad impression of Sara-san, like that stuck-up woman from the other day, it would be giving them a perfect target for resentment.
That's why I had given up on that method and was waiting for an opportunity that wouldn't invite a backlash.
Waiting for a moment where people would gather naturally, and then making a proposal on the spot instead of a simple declaration—that was my goal for the Miss Contest. I wanted to reveal our relationship while minimizing the pushback.
"I know. Indeed, that possibility is quite plausible. I don't care what people think of me, but I absolutely cannot overlook anything that would have a negative impact on Kazunari-san."
"Yeah. That's why, until the truth about the two of you sinks in, we have no choice but to handle things as they come, even if it's a pain. I'll follow up on the areas where the wife's eyes don't reach."
"That's right... as much as I dislike it, it's a small price to pay for Kazunari-san's safety. I apologize for the trouble, Hanako-san... honestly..."
Squeeze...
Stroke, stroke...
Perhaps to calm the indignation that was starting to flare up again, Sara-san tightened her hug before she began stroking my head.
Honestly, I wanted to say "I'll handle it," but...
Just a little more... just a little longer. I just had to endure until then.
"...Soon... just a little longer..."
"...Sara-san?"
Mwah...
Just as I thought I heard Sara-san mutter something, I felt a soft and gentle sensation on my forehead.
It was, of course, a kiss from Sara-san.
But why so suddenly?
"Fufu... it's nothing. I just felt a little irritated at the nobodies who keep interfering with us..."
"I see. If I can help you calm down, feel free to use me as you like."
"Honestly... saying you're for me to 'use,' Kazunari-san... you're being naughty, you know?"
I felt a poke on my forehead, this time from her finger.
It wasn't that she was truly angry, she was just cautioning me, but my phrasing might have indeed been a bit poor.
"Sorry, I worded that wrong. I just wanted to say that if being with me like this makes you feel at ease, then you can do whatever you want, Sara-san."
"Fufu... thank you. In that case, I'll take you up on your offer, okay?"
Mwah...
This time, on the exact spot she had just poked with her finger, I felt the sensation of her lips again.
It was a bit ticklish, and I involuntarily shivered.
"Is something the matter?"
"Eh? No, it just tickled a bit."
"Fufu... was that it? Mmn..."
Mwah...
Letting out a small laugh, Sara-san kissed my forehead once more.
It was still a bit ticklish, but the feeling of happiness was far stronger.
"...Kazunari-san?"
"...Ah."
When Sara-san spoke my name, I realized I had been hugging her more tightly than I intended.
Oops, I did it instinctively because I was so happy...
"S-Sorry, I did it without thinking."
"Fufu... Kazunari-san, you're so cute..."
Mwah... mwah...
"Nn..."
Mwah... mwah...
Over and over, as if I were the most precious thing in the world, Sara-san showered a rain of kisses on my forehead.
The short, pecking kisses were ticklish and made me want to squirm, but Sara-san strengthened her hug as if to hold me still.
"...Hey, it's getting heated again!! Shouldn't you stop about now!?"
"...Agreed. This isn't even about calming down anymore; the wife is just obsessed because Kazunari is being cute."
"...Y-Yeah. As usual, Satsukawa-senpai's expression of affection is incredible... I'm surprised Kazunari can endure being treated like that..."
"Fuaa... Sa-Satsukawa-senpai... is amazing... doing that to a boy..."
"Kazunari-san..."
"Sara-san..."
"...Hey!! That's enough, you stupid couple. How long are you going to keep this up!?"
"Ah!?"
Hit with Natsumi-senpai's grumpy shout from point-blank range, I finally snapped back to my senses.
Er... could it be... again?
I've been having a lot of déjà vu lately...
"Honestly... how long do you plan to be in heat? Your feelings must have settled down ages ago, right?"
"Please don't say such scandalous things like 'in heat.' This is my pure expression of affection."
Yeah, I understand that perfectly... or rather, she just reconfirmed it with those words.
The fact that Sara-san said those words so boldly and without hesitation meant that was her true heartfelt conviction.
All of this was her "pure expression of affection" toward me, and there were no other ulterior motives... at least, not for now.
"That's right, Natsumi-senpai. Don't say such scandalous things."
That's why what's required of me are also "pure" feelings, and making sure I don't go on a rampage is the mission assigned to me.
I think the day will eventually come when I realize everything... but even so, I will cherish Sara-san.
That much is my vow, and it will never waver.
"I see, sorry, sorry, I said something weird."
As she looked at my face, Natsumi-senpai gave a somewhat complicated, wry smile.
Just so you know... this isn't me just putting on a brave face!!
...............
"By the way... I was curious this morning too, but what's with that brooch on Sara's bag?"
"I was curious as well. I thought the wife's policy was to never bring things that aren't related to school."
As Hanako-san said, Sara-san basically never brought extra things to school. That might be why it was so easy to notice... or rather, since it wasn't pointed out this morning, I thought they hadn't noticed yet.
"It's not particularly like that... anyway, setting that aside, you mean this brooch?"
Even though Sara-san knew they were asking about the brooch, she put on a bit of an air of importance. That rare behavior was charming, but it was practically giving away the answer.
"I see, you got it from Takanashi-kun."
"How did you know?"
"How could I not? Besides, you'd usually answer right away."
"Also, you were smirking. It was way too obvious."
"I-I see..."
Sara-san hadn't realized her own state, so she smiled bashfully when they hit the nail on the head. But knowing that she was that happy made me glad I gave her the present.
"I see... a brooch, huh... wait, eh? This is a bit asymmetrical... ah!"
"!? N-No way... Kazunari's handmade!?"
"Fufu... that's right. This is the world's only private brooch that Kazunari-san made for me."
"Heh... after the locket, it's a handmade brooch. As usual, you're good at hitting Sara's sweet spots, Takanashi-kun."
"No, that way of putting it is a bit..."
I'd like her to stop saying that, as it made it sound like I was intentionally exploiting Sara-san's weaknesses.
I just wanted Sara-san to be happy, with much purer intentions...
"Ahaha, sorry, sorry. Takanashi-kun hits Sara's sweet spots naturally, so it's not like he's planning it."
"Well, I suppose..."
What is this... even though she corrected herself, I still couldn't quite nod in agreement.
Something about it felt slightly off.
"Kazunari's handmade... Kazunari's... Kazunari's..."
And Hanako-san was muttering something, looking dazed as if she were in shock.
I could understand if she were envious, but why the shock?
"Heh... it's Takanashi-kun's handmade. What a cute brooch!"
"True. But isn't 'Sara's private' a weird way to put it? Since it's a present from Takanashi-kun, it's Sara's either way."
"Fufu... this is an appeal from Kazunari-san to me♪ Right? Kazunari-san."
"E-Eh. That's right."
While showing everyone the brooch, Sara-san looked just as excited as she had yesterday. Seeing her like that, happiness welled up inside me too. It made me feel so joyful.
"An appeal?"
"An appeal? Could it be this... hey Takanashi-kun, what is this stone?"
Looking at the emerald part of the brooch, Todo-san tilted her head cutely.
I wasn't sure about Natsumi-senpai, but I had the feeling that Todo-san would be well-versed in stone language.
"That's an emerald."
"Ah, I see, it's Takanashi-kun's birthstone."
To immediately connect emerald with my birthstone... as expected of Todo-san.
She wasn't called a maidenly angel for nothing.
"Heh... it's Takanashi-kun's birthstone? That's quite a calculated move, but what do you mean by 'Sara's private'—"
"Could you at least find a better way to say it..."
"Let's see... ah!? Could it be..."
Todo-san looked greatly surprised as if she'd realized something, then looked at me with a playful smile. The fact that she didn't smirk was very like her—or rather, it was why she was an angel. If it were Natsumi-senpai, it definitely wouldn't be like this.
"What, what? From my perspective, I'm guessing it has something to do with the stone language."
"Well, you see, emerald's main stone language meanings are good luck and success in love, but..."
"Really? But for these two, it's already beyond success in love..."
"Yes. But, it's not just love... it also has the meaning of conjugal love!!"
"Conjugal!?"
"Love!?"
Man... Hanako-san and Natsumi-senpai really are in sync.
It was within expectations that the two would be surprised, but I was a bit scared of what kind of reaction they'd show after learning this.
Thinking normally, it was way too early to talk about being a married couple, and I was worried about what they would say.
"Heh... I see... heh..."
Natsumi-senpai looked at me with an unmistakably cold, flat expression.
Ouch, I knew it would happen, but those eyes are painful!!
"Natsumi... if you have something you want to say, I'll listen, okay?"
But the eyes of Sara-san as she spoke to Natsumi-senpai with a smile... were not laughing at all.
There was none of the joking vibe from this morning's episode. Her tone was dangerously low.
Natsumi-senpai also seemed to notice Sara-san's state, as her face cramped up significantly.
By the way, as for what Hanako-san was doing... for some reason, she took out her smartphone and started typing with incredible speed.
...What is she doing?
"...Siblings... stone language... relationship..."
Wait, surely not... right?
"I-I get it, I get it, it was my bad. Honestly, I thought it was way too soon, but considering your relationship, I also thought it wasn't strange at all."
"Yes, I think so too. It means Takanashi-kun is seriously thinking about marrying Satsukawa-senpai in the future, so in that case, the meaning of it being only for Satsukawa-senpai is perfect!!"
With the follow-up from Todo-san (though she probably didn't intend it that way), Sara-san's scary smile seemed to return to normal.
But with her being moved like this, I might not be able to admit that "conjugal love" was actually an afterthought...
"Thank you. That is why I have accepted this as an appeal from Kazunari-san to me. I have also received permission to explain its meaning if anyone asks."
Sara-san continued her commentary joyfully, making it clear just how much she loved this brooch.
It seemed everyone else felt it too, as Natsumi-senpai looked on with a wry smile, Todo-san looked happy, and Hayato, while a bit surprised, watched Sara-san with a warm gaze.
"Relationship to siblings... related to... there isn't one."
And Hanako-san...
Yeah... I should probably give her gift to her sooner rather than later.