"Sigh... seeing Satsukawa-san and Nishikawa-san standing side-by-side like that is really something else."
"Well, they are two of the school's Three Princesses, after all."
"Man, what a feast for the eyes... seriously."
"If we posted this on RAIN, I bet people would abandon their class exhibitions just to come take a look."
The Student Council officers appeared to know Nishikawa-san through their official duties; they were currently engrossed in a lively chat, catching up on each other's lives. Meanwhile, the guys were mostly just staring at the pair, looking completely lovestruck.
"But I have to say, the fact that Nishikawa-san and Takanashi-kun are best friends is a huge surprise."
"Right? I mean, I still have trouble wrapping my head around the fact that he's Satsukawa-san’s love... I mean, fiancé, but to have captivated even Nishikawa-san..."
"Um... saying I 'captivated' them sounds a bit scandalous, don't you think?"
It was probably unavoidable since I couldn't tell them the most crucial parts of the story, but being called a "captivator" made me sound like some kind of womanizer. It gave people the wrong idea.
"Well... I actually think Takanashi-san does have the qualities of a natural charmer, you know? He's so head-over-heels for Sara that there’s no room for misunderstanding, so he's generally safe, though."
A natural charmer... that really didn't ring a bell. But if being devoted to Sara-san was a fact recognized by everyone, including myself, then I suppose that wasn't a bad thing.
"Kazunari has an unconscious purity and a kindness without any ulterior motives... perhaps he becomes a 'charmer' to anyone those qualities resonate with?"
"Certainly... that expression hits the mark. As expected of Hanako-san, your analysis is sharp."
"I am his big sister, after all, so I have a firm grasp of Kazunari’s good points."
Hanako-san puffed out her chest as if to say "Ahem," which was a little cute... but...
"Uh, let's leave it at that for now..."
I was happy that Hanako-san praised me with such confidence, and hearing her call me pure and kind was nice, but if they didn't stop soon, I wouldn't be able to handle it. The lukewarm gazes from the people around us, combined with the attention filled with various complex emotions, were starting to feel a bit painful.
"Fufu... I am happy as well that everyone understands Kazunari-san’s wonderful qualities."
And Sara-san... she was rejoicing over the praise I was receiving as if it were directed at her. She was currently in the middle of gently stroking my head.
"Sara-san..."
"There, there, Kazunari-san♪"
"..."
The lukewarm eyes of the bystanders seemed to be gradually turning into cold, disaffected stares. But even if that were the case, this was the one thing from Sara-san that I couldn't stop—and didn't want to stop. It made me happy, too, so I figured it couldn't be helped.
"Good work~!!"
"Good job, everyone."
As we continued our small talk, Natsumi-senpai and Hayato, who had been running late, came jogging over to the tent. It seemed things had finally settled down with the tennis club.
With their arrival, the whole group was finally assembled. This was actually the first time we had all gathered together since we reported the engagement. It had been quite a while, though we communicated so frequently on Group RAIN that it didn't really feel that way.
"Now everyone is here."
"By the way, Eririn, when did you get here?"
"If you mean Nishikawa-san, she's been here for about an hour since the gates opened."
"That's way too early. Well, putting that aside, don't you look quite happy... eh, Daichi?"
Natsumi-senpai's meaningful, over-the-top smirk said it all. That was definitely the face of someone who had noticed something. Well, since they were childhood friends, it wasn't particularly strange for her to be in the know.
"H-Hey... I know everyone's here, but what kind of group is this, exactly?"
"Yeah, I was curious too. Having the Gathering of the Three Princesses with Satsukawa-san, Natsumi-chan, and Nishikawa-san is incredible enough... but what's with this lineup?"
The Three Princesses... what was that? I’d never heard that term before.
"Ahaha... it's been a while since I heard that title."
"No, the students in their second-year and above still use it normally. Actually, it's becoming a huge uproar on the Class RAIN Group right now. People are going crazy over the 'Gathering of the Three Princesses.'"
"Same here. The boys are especially intense. I wonder when everyone noticed?"
"Well, the boys are already coming to take a look... see for yourself."
When everyone's gaze followed where the senpai pointed, we saw a dense crowd of guys staring over at us. Just how many of them were there? It was actually a little scary.
"Actually, I'm getting RAIN messages too..."
"Me too... they're asking me to introduce them."
"Seriously, stop it, okay?"
"You know what will happen if you do that, right?"
"No... I don't want to die yet."
"Ditto."
The power balance in our Student Council leaned overwhelmingly toward the women. If the guys did anything unnecessary, they could easily be branded as enemies of women, potentially leading to a very uncomfortable Student Council life. Sara-san especially disliked that sort of thing, and for that reason, I wouldn't forgive them either.
"Hey, Nishikawa-san, what kind of connection does this group have?"
"If you ask me what kind... well, if I had to say..."
"This group is centered around Kazunari-san. Everyone gathered here naturally because they have some kind of connection with him for various reasons."
Taking over for Nishikawa-san, Sara-san gave a simple explanation. Hearing just that made it sound like a surprisingly simple relationship, but when I thought about everything that had happened and the connections we shared...
I felt truly happy that we could proudly say we had a special connection. As I looked around at everyone, they were all looking at each other happily, gentle smiles on their faces.
"That's right. We are a connection that started from Takanashi-san, and we have the solidarity of having overcome hardships together..."
"Yeah. For me, the unified solidarity of this group feels comfortable. Everything we do is fun, and it feels like we can definitely overcome any trouble that comes our way."
"This is the first time I've ever felt that gathering with a group of friends like this could be so much fun."
"Yes. I feel a very special connection in this group that's different from ordinary friends. I completely understand the meaning of the word 'solidarity' that Nishikawa-san and Natsumi-senpai are using."
"Me too! I'm just so happy, or rather, blessed to be a member of such an amazing group."
"It's a blessing to have friends with whom you can be your unreserved, true self. Besides, I think a group that naturally becomes one in the face of hardship without anyone having to say anything is truly precious."
"True. Considering the origins of this group, it's no wonder that aspect developed naturally... but that's exactly why I think it's an important connection."
Everyone expressed their feelings in their own words. Normally it would be too embarrassing to say such things to each other's faces, but right now...
"I definitely think meeting Sara-san was destiny, but I think meeting all of you was destiny as well. Otherwise, we wouldn't have such a relationship that I can honestly think is wonderful..."
"You're right. If meeting Kazunari-san was destiny for each of us, then this group is composed of people called by Kazunari-san's destiny. The nuance might be slightly different, but wouldn't it be appropriate to call this a Shared Destiny?"
"A Shared Destiny..."
It might have been a bit of an exaggeration, but to be honest, I felt a connection that strong in this group. Hearing it put that way felt right, and I could accept it wholeheartedly.
"...No, your solidarity is so incredible that I can't even tease you for being melodramatic..."
"Yeah. If I heard this anywhere else, I'd probably laugh and say it was cheesy or an exaggeration... but somehow... this kind of relationship is nice. I'm honestly a bit jealous."
"True. Everyone really looks like they're having fun... but I'm curious about what happened to create such an amazing connection."
That matter wasn't something to brag about, and I felt it wasn't something to be told lightly to people who had nothing to do with it. Everyone probably felt the same, which was why nobody said anything about it, as if we had a tacit agreement.
"So, from what I've heard so far, does that mean the leader of this group is Takanashi-kun?"
"Eh? No, there isn't really a leader or anything."
Even if we were a group, we were just a gathering of friends—best friends—so I didn't think we needed a leader. We just brought together things we wanted to do and decided on them together.
"Well... in the first place, Takanashi-san is at our center, so in that sense, I think he can be called the leader."
"Right! I think I've felt that way for a while too."
When Nishikawa-san and Tachikawa-san gave their concurring opinions, everyone else started nodding in succession. I tried to protest, thinking we didn't need a leader for a group of friends.
"Isn't it fine? I think things will be decided more smoothly if the central figure is in that position. I think Kazunari is perfect for the role."
"True. In the first place, Kazunari was the one taking the lead and moving at the start, so I don't think it feels out of place at all."
"Yeah! I think Takanashi-kun should be the leader too!"
"No, wait, everyone..."
I was already feeling a bit embarrassed by the conversation, so why was everyone only saying things that built me up?
"Oh, Takanashi-kun, are you blushing?"
"!? No, I mean, don't say stuff like..."
Tachikawa-san peered into my face with a mischievous grin. Having it pointed out like that just made me even more embarrassed. I wanted to protest loudly, but...
"Kazunari is shy, so it can't be helped. That's why Big Sister will..."
Just as a strangely happy Hanako-san started to slowly approach me... before she could, another hand was placed on my head, and I was half-forcibly pulled in.
The moment I felt the sensation of Soft Heaven, I was enveloped in blissful comfort.
"Fufu... if Kazunari-san is the leader, then it is my important role to support him like this. And so... let's stay like this for a while until our shy boy settles down, shall we?"
"Muu... then at the very least, as the leader's big sister, I'll do this much."
Since my vision was zero in Sara-san's embrace, I didn't know what Hanako-san was planning to do. But I soon felt another hand stroking my head—it was clearly smaller.
"Kazunari-san is so cute..."
"There, there..."
If the hand stroking the top of my head was Sara-san's, that meant the small hand stroking the back of my head belonged to Hanako-san. I was happy, but I was very curious about what this scene looked like to the others.
"Hey... is this also a daily occurrence for this group?"
"Uh..."
"I-I wonder?"
"If you call it business as usual... I guess so?"
"W-W-W-What do you think you're doing!!"
An obviously exasperated voice was followed by a scream from Nishikawa-san that carried a hint of darkness. But the fact that I also thought these interactions were normal since I was told it was "business as usual" meant I was pretty far gone myself. It was too late now.
Because we had been talking all morning, the whole group ended up staying at the tent through the start of the lunch break. If everyone was fine with that, I didn't have any objections.
Keen...
The characteristic noise of a microphone being turned on echoed from the school broadcast speakers. Timing-wise, it was the usual hour for the lunchtime broadcast.
"Yah-hoo, is everyone having fun? ...Hmm, I can't hear you~"
This time, Minamin's broadcast started with a tone like a children's show host. She really managed to come up with new patterns every single time. I was impressed in a way.
"Well, it's lunch break. Takanashi-kun and the others will be moving on from here, right?"
"Yes. Once lunch is over, we'll go on patrol."
"...Hey, moving around with this lineup will cause more of a stir than just Takanashi-kun and Satsukawa-san being alone, won't it?"
"...I think so. Especially the second and third-years might be problematic."
"Got it. In that case, the next ones in charge of reception will be..."
"Ah, that's us. We'll stay here and keep an eye on things while eating our bento."
"Uesaka-san, please go and have your lunch break too."
I realized that would mean Uesaka-san would be having his lunch alone.
"Daichi, what are you going to do now?"
"It's a bit late to go back to my class now, so I'll just find somewhere suitable..."
"I see... hey everyone, for lunch, would it be okay if this guy came along?"
Judging by her voice, it was her usual light tone. But looking at Natsumi-senpai's face, I could tell she definitely wasn't joking. I could guess why she suddenly suggested it.
"Isn't it fine? Having a former Student Council President join us sounds interesting... and besides, it seems like we might hear some 'interesting' things."
The first one to accept Natsumi-senpai's suggestion was, as expected, Yuji. Hayato was giving a wry smile at the way Yuji emphasized the word "interesting," and seeing that, Natsumi-senpai's twitchy smile was something else.
"Uh, I don't mind personally."
"I'm fine with it too."
"If Kazunari-san is okay with it, I have no intention of objecting further."
"Same here."
"That means Takanashi-san effectively holds the decision-making power. What will you do?"
Including Nishikawa-san, everyone seemed generally okay with it, and all eyes turned to me. By the way, in my mind, the biggest deciding factor was whether Sara-san was okay with it. In other words, the real decision-making power rested with her.
And regarding this matter, Sara-san was also okay with it.
"What will you do, Uesaka-san? We're fine with it, but the rest depends on what you want to do."
I deliberately used a phrasing that carried a double meaning. If Uesaka-san truly sought a connection with Nishikawa-san... if he was really thinking about it seriously... then I thought I could give him this much support. Conversely, if it wasn't that serious, or if Nishikawa-san felt it was a nuisance, then I wanted him to give up cleanly. This was a tacit rule for us.
"Right..."
The smile vanished from Uesaka-san's face as he looked into my eyes. Whether he had picked up on my intent or just sensed the atmosphere, I didn't know. But...
"If it's not a bother... I'd appreciate it."
For just an invitation to have lunch together, Uesaka-san's bow was far too formal and deep. But precisely because of that, his sincerity was evident.
"Understood! Then let's go together. Is that okay with you, Nishikawa-san?"
"Eh? Yes, I'm fine with it. Besides, I made a bit too much anyway."
Nishikawa-san herself gave a reaction that was more than normal. She probably wasn't conscious of his feelings at all.
"Wow... it's been so long... ah, there are so many more kinds of flowers!?"
As soon as we reached the flowerbed, Nishikawa-san started running around it excitedly. Seeing her acting a bit childlike—which was different from her usual image—made me smile.
"The flowers around there are seedlings that Sara-san and I bought and planted together."
"Is that so? Honestly, showing off how close you are even in a place like this... well, regardless, I'm really glad this flowerbed has stayed so beautiful."
"We've been taking care of it lately too!"
When Todo-san ran up to Nishikawa-san, the two of them started talking happily together. They looked like close sisters. Maybe that was why Hayato and Uesaka-san looked so heartwarming.
"Heh... so this is 'that' flowerbed."
"What do you mean by 'that'..."
"No, I was just thinking that Takanashi-kun and Satsukawa-senpai's Great Romance started here and was nurtured here."
"That's right. I still remember clearly that day when I first spoke with Kazunari-san here."
"Me too."
That being said, I had ended up running away because of the embarrassment of being seen by Sara-san during that incident on the rooftop. In other words, it was a shameful past for me.
"Kazunari-san..."
For some reason, Sara-san, with a slightly pained expression, suddenly reached her arm toward my head and pulled me close.
"Sara-san?"
"I'm sorry for being so sudden. I just... felt like I wanted to be like this..."
It was sudden, but I felt like I could somewhat understand her feelings. Usually, even when I was here, I didn't think about it that deeply. But having Tachikawa-san say that made me remember the day I first met Sara-san and the moment we first exchanged words.
"Me too."
"I'm happy... please let me stay like this for a while... Kazunari-san..."
I answered her request with action instead of words. I pressed my face into her, and a very soft sensation welcomed me. Sara-san immediately held my head firmly with both arms, giving me a squeeze.
"...W-W-Why so suddenly..."
"...Hey, did someone feed the stupid couple?"
"...Uugh, I'm sorry~"
"...I-It's okay, Yoko. I've done it before too."
"..."
"...Former President, what's wrong?"
"...No, I've seen a fair amount of it in the Student Council... but is it always like this?"
"Business as usual."
"...I-I see..."
"...Yuji, what are you guys usually like?"
"...There's no way we're like those two..."
"...By the way, my assessment is that Natsumi-senpai is surprisingly the type to act spoiled, you know?"
"...Well, I mean... that is..."
As always, Sara-san carefully stroked my head, letting me act spoiled with infinite kindness. I used to think that was pathetic, but now... if this was the way Sara-san wanted things, I could honestly think it was fine like this. After that, occasionally... even just once in a while, as long as Sara-san would rely on me when it counted, that would be enough.
"Kazunari-san... turn your face toward me..."
"Sara-san..."
Drawn by her pained, spoiled voice, I pulled my face away from her chest. She gently tilted my face up, and we gazed at each other. Then, Sara-san's eyes slowly closed...
"Give it a rest, you stupid couple!!! Seriously, every single time, you're flirting at every opportunity!!! I mean, quit trying to naturally kiss in front of us!!!!"
"!? "
Startled by Natsumi-senpai's angry voice, I reflexively looked around. The scene was the usual. Tachikawa-san was staring at us with a bright red face, and Todo-san was hiding her face with both hands, peeking through the gaps in her wide-open fingers.
And Nishikawa-san was... dark. Just pure black.
"H-Hanasaki-san, N-Nishikawa-san looks..."
"It's fine."
"No, clearly it's not!?"
"Business as usual."
"...Eh?"
"Business as usual."
"..."
Hanako-san, who was calming down Uesaka-san like that... she really was business as usual, wasn't she. I didn't even know what I was saying myself anymore.