"Speaking of which, what do you plan to do once the people you're meeting gather? I assume you’ve already decided on a schedule."
Uesaka-san looked back and forth between me and Nishikawa-san as he suddenly posed the question.
Come to think of it, I hadn't really told him about the details of our plans.
"Yes," Eri replied. "Until Takanashi-san and Sara have their lunch break, I thought I’d walk around the festival for a bit with everyone who’s joined us."
"I-I see. And, uh, have you decided on lunch yet? Will you be eating at one of the stalls, or buying something and... ah, you’re more than welcome to use the Student Council Room... and, well..."
I wasn't really in a position to judge, but Uesaka-san’s desire to eat lunch with Nishikawa-san was written all over his face in bold letters.
I didn't fail to understand that feeling, but we were all looking forward to our lunch plans... so I couldn't exactly just hand her over to him.
"Thank you, but we’ve already decided on lunch, so we’ll be fine. Right, Takanashi-san?"
"Y-Yeah. We’re all supposed to bring our own bentos and eat together."
With a pleasant smile on her face, Nishikawa-san shifted the conversation back to me. I knew she didn't have any ulterior motives or ill will, but saying it like that was bound to make Uesaka-san misunderstand again...
"Bentos... does that include you too, Takanashi-kun?"
"Yes... though in my case, Sara-san won't even let me set foot in the kitchen. By the way, Nishikawa-san, your bento..."
As we were talking, I realized that Nishikawa-san was only carrying a single, dainty pouch. She didn't seem to have anything else on her... right?
"Eh? Oh, yes. I made one properly. I’ve arranged for someone to bring it over later, so I just don't have it on hand at the moment."
"Oh, I see. By any chance... Nishikawa-san, can you cook...?"
I had a vague impression that Nishikawa-san was capable of doing just about anything. I figured she was the multi-talented type, not unlike Sara-san.
"I can cook, you know. Even if I don’t quite reach Sara’s level, I’m confident I’m better than Natsumi."
"Is that so? I’m looking forward to it then!"
"Yes. Takanashi-san, I know it will be a lot for you to handle with Sara and Hanako-san’s bentos, but please make sure to eat a little of mine too, okay? This is the first time I've ever had a man eat my cooking, so I worked a bit harder than usual on today’s bento."
"Underst—"
"T-The first time!?"
Uesaka-san showed an abnormal level of interest in Nishikawa-san’s casual explanation... but putting that aside for a moment.
Even if it was true that balancing Sara-san and Hanako-san’s bentos would be a challenge, I was already prepared for that much. It wasn't an issue. Besides, Sara-san had even reduced my portion sizes more than usual, anticipating that I would be sampled from other bentos...
"!?"
While I was lost in thought, my vision suddenly went pitch black.
Of course, night hadn't fallen, nor was there anything wrong with my eyes. Someone had simply covered them from behind. I had noticed Nishikawa-san and the others glancing strangely toward me—or more accurately, behind me—for a short while now.
So, that was what it was.
"Fufu... guess who?"
From directly behind me, I heard a cute voice that carried a slightly more mischievous tone than usual. Of course, there was no way I could mistake it.
"Sara-san."
"Fufu, correct! ♪"
I considered pretending to be puzzled for a second, but I was so delighted by Sara-san’s playful prank that I answered immediately. Even if it had been planned from the start, we had been separated right at the beginning of the long-awaited school festival... and to be honest, I had been feeling lonely.
"Welcome home, Sara-san."
"Yes, I’ve returned. But before that... a reward for Kazunari-san for getting the answer right. ♪ Mwah..."
Chu...
Before I knew it, Sara-san leaned her face in and pressed a soft, blissful sensation against my cheek. Even if it was just a light touch, a gentle kiss from Sara-san made me unbearably happy.
"Thank you, Sara-san."
The kiss ended quickly, but I felt a lingering desire to stay in contact with her...
I instinctively started to reach out my hand, but then I suddenly became aware of the gazes from our surroundings. When I looked around, I saw members of the Newspaper Club and various others watching us from a distance...
But more than that, Nishikawa-san’s cold, dark gaze was becoming particularly intense. This was getting a bit awkward.
"Wait...!? W-What... just... happened...!?"
"Ha... haha, no, it's just a hallucination... it has to be, otherwise we're in trouble... haha, I'm in trouble!!"
"W-W-W-What was that just now...?"
"No way, that’s absolutely a lie... it’s got to be a lie..."
"Kyaaa! Did you see that!? Did you see it!?"
"I saw it!! What’s going on!? Was that really Satsukawa-san!?"
"Kyaaaa!! Those rumors about her dating the Vice President were actually true!?"
"You idiot, the legendary Satsukawa-san just kissed someone in public!?"
"Sara!? Do you realize where you are!?"
"Welcome, Eri. You're early. Now, as for where we are... was it? We're at the Headquarters Tent. Is there an issue?"
"'Is there an issue?' My foot!!! We are in front of people, you know!? It would be one thing if it were just us, but in such... such a public place... and besides, wouldn't Takanashi-san be troubled by this!?"
"Huh?"
I understood Nishikawa-san’s point, but I didn't feel inconvenienced or troubled in the slightest. All I felt was genuine happiness and a deep affection for Sara-san.
"Ah... I see, I see. Takanashi-san is exactly the same as Sara. Yes, yes, of course you are, you Stupid Couple..."
Nishikawa-san’s completely exasperated gaze pierced through me. I hadn't even said anything yet...
I really couldn't fathom how my thoughts were read so accurately every single time. At this point, it felt less like I was simple and more like everyone else was just frighteningly sharp.
"Eri, I don’t care what you say about me, but I will absolutely not tolerate you speaking about Kazunari-san as if to mock him."
And then, Sara-san—who lost every ounce of her sense of humor the moment it concerned me—immediately snapped back at Nishikawa-san.
"Hey, Sara... are you saying that seriously?"
"Of course. I do not make jokes when it comes to Kazunari-san."
"Oh, I see... After all, a woman's friendship is worth nothing once a man is involved..."
"That is one thing, and this is another. However, as the one who will become Kazunari-san's wife, isn't it only natural that I prioritize my husband?"
"Guh... you damn normie."
It felt a bit strange being called a normie by Nishikawa-san. Even in terms of romantic relationships, there was a high-spec guy right in front of her who had feelings for her, though she hadn't noticed at all.
"Um... sorry to interrupt your conversation. Do you have a moment?"
Suddenly called out to from another direction, I noticed for the first time that a visitor had come to the reception table.
Crap... I was so distracted by the exchange between Sara-san and Nishikawa-san that I had completely neglected my duties—
...Eeeehh!?
W-Why are you here!?
"Ah, sorry. My apologies... is there something you need help with?"
Uesaka-san immediately put on a refreshing smile and began to respond, but I was in no state for that. It wasn't that anything was wrong, exactly... but the suddenness of it was a shock.
"Um, Kazunari-san, what’s the mat—"
"Ah, I knew it! It really is Kazunari-kun! It’s been a while. Have you been doing well?"
"“"Kazunari-kun?"”"
The person who called me "Kazunari-kun."
She had a boisterous smile that somehow reminded me of my Mom. She had a slightly plump build, and her trademark fabric headband—as large as a hat—stood out even from a distance. Her appearance was as unmistakable as ever.
"Wait, could she be Mother-in-law's...?"
Sara-san seemed to have noticed the resemblance as well. Anyone who knew my mother would see the similarities in their aura.
"Aunt, it’s been a long time."
"“"Aunt!?"”"
"It really has been a while, Kazunari-kun. Though I say that, I just haven't faced you; I've actually been coming to check on you since around May."
"What!? You were coming here!?"
That was news to me. Did she know about the time Sara-san was coming over to my house!?
"Ahaha, I didn't go to your home. I was just occasionally checking on how you looked on your way back from school. But since Kazunari-kun wouldn't get in touch, I was prepared to barge in if it came to that."
"On the way home... I didn't notice at all."
"I was being discreet. But once Fuyumi started going to see you herself, I naturally held back... but, hey..."
Saying that, my Aunt gave a somewhat meaningful smile...
It was a perfect match for the face my Mom made when she was up to no good or plotting something that wouldn't end well for me. Which meant... I had a very bad feeling about this.
"Mom, don't just disappear on me. What are you doing... oh?"
"Ah, Shinya-san! Long time no see!"
"Issei! It’s been ages."
The man who appeared behind my Aunt was Shinya-san... my Aunt’s son and my cousin. Since he was a university student and lived away from home, it had been a long time since I’d seen him.
"Shinya-san, you're back home?"
"Yeah. A few things happened. I heard Issei was at this school, and since I’m an alumnus here too, I tagged along with Mom. Man, it really has been a while."
"Yeah. I'm glad to see you’re doing well."
"Same here. I was worried since I heard Issei was in a bit of a spot, but you look like you’re doing fine."
"Yeah. Sorry for making you worry. I’m all right now."
"I can see that. That’s good. So, what is Issei do...ing... her...e...?"
While talking to me, Shinya-san’s gaze drifted around the tent before coming to a screeching halt at one specific spot.
A very bad feeling... no, it was a certainty now. Which one was it? I could only think of two possibilities. Wait, don't tell me it was both!?
"............"
Shinya-san stared blankly at one spot as if he couldn't look away. If it had been Nishikawa-san, that would be one thing, but if it was Sara-san... that gaze was far too dangerous.
Shinya-san was my cousin, after all, and considering our future relationship as family, I didn't want things to be awkward between him and Sara-san. I decided to make the first move and introduce them.
"Um, Aunt, Shinya-san, there’s someone I want to introduce first..."
"Oh right, that’s what I wanted to ask. I heard a bit from Fuyumi—that thanks to a wonderful person appearing for Kazunari-kun, you were able to recover. She’s a girl from this school, right? I’d love to be introduced if you don’t mind."
"W-What, Issei, you already have a girlfriend? I see... well, I’ve been concentrating on my university studies, so I haven't had that kind of leeway until now, but I’m thinking I’d like a girlfriend soon too."
While casting glances behind me, Shinya-san emphasized certain parts of his words for some reason. Before things got messy, I decided to just introduce her.
"Sara-san."
"Yes!"
When I called her name, Sara-san gave a joyful reply as if she had been waiting for the signal. She stepped up right beside me and gave an extremely polite, deep bow.
Seeing that, my Aunt’s expression became one of utter bewilderment, and Shinya-san froze with a strained smile on his face.
So he had been looking at Sara-san...
"It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Sara Satsukawa."
"O-Oh, how very polite... I am Kazumi Mizutani."
It was the first time I had ever seen my Aunt speak so formally. She looked unusually stiff; she was likely being swept along by Sara-san’s overwhelming composure.
"I apologize for the delay in my greeting. I am dating Kazunari-san with marriage in mind. I look forward to your continued acquaintance."
"“"Huh?"”"
Hearing Sara-san’s polite greeting, the two of them froze with dumbfounded expressions. They continued to stare blankly at Sara-san’s face, looking completely shell-shocked.
"“"Ma..."”"
"“"Ma... ma..."”"
"“"MARRIAGE!!??"”"
"“"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!?????"”"
W-What the hell!?
Layered over my Aunt and Shinya-san’s shock was a massive, chorus-like scream. When I looked, a crowd had somehow gathered around the tent. When did they even get there...?
"M-M-M-M-Marriage!?"
"No way, no way, no way!!"
"But would the Satsukawa-san ever lie about something like that!?"
"Shut up! If it’s a lie, it’s a lie!!"
"Uwooooooohhh! And I hadn't even confessed yet!!!"
"Damn it all!!!!!!!!"
"Wait, wait, wait, wait a minute, Issei!! 'With marriage in mind'? You guys are still high school students!!"
"D-Does Fuyumi and the others know about this!? And what about this young lady’s parents!?"
"Marriage isn't something you just talk about so lightly!!"
Both inside and outside the tent, the commotion had devolved into a state of total panic. The crowd outside was shouting over whether to believe it, while my Aunt and Shinya-san were firing questions at me in a frenzy. Their intensity was so great that I couldn't even find an opening to speak—
"We are officially engaged. My parents have approved of this, and Kazunari-san’s parents have also given their blessing. We are also planning a formal introduction soon!"
"“"“"“"!?"”"“"“"
Sara-san cut into the chaos at the perfect moment, stating her point with an authority that commanded everyone to listen. She had provided the necessary context, and both the crowd and my relatives fell silent. It seemed they had at least processed the information.
"K-Kazunari-kun... really?"
"Did you really... engage... to this person...?"
"Yes. Sara-san is my fiancée. Wait, didn't you hear anything from Mom?"
"I-I didn't hear that much... Fuyumi, why would she keep such an important thing a secret..."
"Uwooooh, for real... I'm so jealous..."
While the shock lingered, they seemed to have properly understood Sara-san’s words. Although, Shinya-san’s exaggeratedly slumped shoulders were a bit much.
"“"“"“"AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"”"“"“"
And then, the boys who had been slumping just like Shinya-san suddenly let out intense wails and ran off all at once—and all in the exact same direction. Was there something over there?
"Uesaka-san... those two seem unusually accustomed to this kind of commotion... by any chance..."
"Yes," Uesaka-san replied to Eri. "It’s a regular occurrence."
"Haa... what on earth are they doing at school..."
"Well, they’re just getting along 'as usual.' It’s everyone else who makes a fuss."
"I see... so this is 'as usual' then... honestly."
On their side, it seemed they were able to have a normal conversation using us as a catalyst. Uesaka-san looked strangely happy, probably because he realized that. Actually, he was grinning way too much.
..................
"Kazunari-kun, girls as good as her are hard to find, you hear me?"
"Yes. I know that."
After finishing the general explanation (minus the cohabitation), the last thing my Aunt said was that classic cliché I’d heard many times before. Rather than saying she was hard to find, I didn't think another woman like Sara-san even existed... and even if one did, it wouldn't matter to me because I have Sara.
"No way... there’s no way there’s another woman who’s a super beauty, perfect at housework, has the best personality, and is completely devoted... Issei, you’re too lucky..."
On the other hand, Shinya-san had been wearing a pained smile for a while now, muttering something under his breath. For some reason, I couldn't help but feel like I saw a dark aura flickering around him, not unlike Nishikawa-san’s.
"Well then... I’ve achieved my main goal, and I shouldn't keep interfering with your work, so I’ll be going now."
My Aunt suddenly announced that after glancing around. Perhaps she was reading the room, but honestly, it was a relief for me too. I couldn't exactly ask them to leave.
No sooner had she said it than my Aunt started dragging Shinya-san—who was still muttering to himself—half-by-force as they headed toward the entrance. What’s more, for some reason, she started putting her smartphone to her ear...
I had a very bad feeling about that.
As I watched them leave, the other Student Council members started appearing at the entrance one after another. It looked like everyone was back. I could see Hanako-san and Todo-san among them as well; had Hanako-san gone to help out somewhere?
"Kyaaaa! Nishikawa-san, it’s been so long!!"
"Yes, it has."
"Whoa, Nishikawa-san, did you get even more beautiful?"
"Ahaha, I don't think I’ve changed that much."
While watching Nishikawa-san have a lively reunion with the seniors, we began our reports on our end. Then, the characteristic squeal of a mic being turned on echoed through the speakers, which meant...
"Yaho~! Is everyone having fun? It’s time for... Recommended Information from Minamin!!"
"“"Mee-naa-mee-n!!!"”"
The usual "Minamin Call" erupted from within the school building. As always, the students were really into it. The visitors were laughing, though...
"Ah! Yoko and Tachibana-kun are here!!"
Following Todo-san’s unusually loud exclamation, I saw Tachikawa-san jogging toward us while waving, with Yuji walking at his usual pace behind her. It seemed they had arrived together.
"Sorry to keep you waiting~!!"
"Welcome, Yoko!!"
Slap!
Tachikawa-san, who reached the tent a step ahead of Yuji, exchanged a high-five with Todo-san before heading straight for me. Was I next?
"Takanashi-kun, long time no see!"
"Hey, Tachikawa-san, welcome!"
Slap!
Along with our brief greetings, a crisp sound echoed between us. Tachikawa-san seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood today, and she went on to exchange high-fives with Hanako-san, Nishikawa-san, and Sara-san in order. By the time they finished, Yuji had also arrived.
"Good work, Yuji."
"Sorry, did I keep you waiting?"
"Come on, Tachibana-kun, don't just stand there looking cool—high-five~!"
Tachikawa-san happily raised her hands toward both of us. She really was in high spirits.
"Fufu, it’s getting quite lively."
"Yeah. I’m starting to get excited too."
"Me too."
Both Sara-san and Hanako-san had happy smiles on their faces, and seeing them made me feel even more energized. It felt like the school festival was finally starting in earnest, and the excitement was overwhelming!
"Now, an administrative announcement from the Broadcasting Club. We’ve just received reports of multiple boys behaving strangely, and we’ve gotten several tips about the suspected cause. I won't say who it is, but... to that Stupid Couple near the gate!! You two have too much influence, so restrain yourselves!! ...That is all~!!"
Click.
Um...
Along with the sound of the mic cutting off, the lively atmosphere around us fell dead silent. And for some reason, everyone’s eyes gathered on me and Sara-san all at once.
That couldn't possibly have been... about us, right?
"Since she said 'couple,' she must mean lovers, but it’s not right to cause trouble for those around you," Sara-san mused. "Well, that is a story completely unrelated to me and Kazunari-san. ...By the way, why is everyone looking at us?"
"“"“"“"............"”"“"“"
This wasn't a joke from Sara-san, nor was she waiting for a punchline. And yet, everyone’s white-eyed stares seemed to be pleading with us for something.
But we didn't intend to cause trouble for anyone; we were just getting along well. So, I was sure Minamin’s announcement wasn't about us. Everyone was probably just looking at us because of a misunderstanding... surely. Probably... right?