The Fan Club, looking as though their excitement had yet to cool, drifted away like a receding tide the moment the two of them headed for the infirmary. I thought I overheard something about a "review meeting," or perhaps they were relocating to some "suitable location"... well, it didn't really matter.
"Takanashi-kun, what should we do now? Should we head to the infirmary too?"
"No, no, Marina. Leaving them alone is the compassionate thing to do... hehehe."
"Eh? But the teacher is in the infirmary, right? I don't think they can really be alone..."
"Well, that was more of a figure of speech..."
Since the two of them had gone, there was no reason for us to linger. I was certainly worried about Natsumi-senpai’s injury, but Yuji had worked so hard that my gut told me we should give them space instead of following.
"Let’s leave Natsumi-senpai to Yuji. Right, Kazunari?"
"Yeah. I’ll send Yuji a RAIN message. Shall we head out?"
"I agree," Sara-san said. "It’s a bit of an awkward time to start anything else... so even if it’s a little early, why don’t we move to the flowerbed?"
I checked the time. We were about thirty minutes ahead of our planned lunch break. Since that schedule had been set with the afternoon events in mind, I didn't want to shift it. In that case, going anywhere else would indeed be too awkward.
"I’m for it~. I shouted way too much while cheering, so I’m ready for a drink," Tachikawa-san chirped.
"True. Me too..."
"Did you get worn out from cheering for that handsome guy, Marina?" Hanako teased.
"N-No! Honestly, Hanako-san, you’re so mean!"
Todo-san puffed out her cheeks with a cute, crimson flush. It was such a heartwarming sight that I found myself relaxing, though she’d probably be mad if I told her that. But I was sure everyone felt the same way... especially Hayato.
"If we’re taking a break, we might as well relax at the flowerbed. I’ll send word to have it prepared," Nishikawa-san said.
She pulled her smartphone from her pouch and sent a quick message—likely to the people who had set up the tents and tables yesterday. In that case, we could just enjoy a long, slow break.
I decided to message Yuji and let him know we were waiting at the flowerbed. Now, I just hoped Natsumi-senpai’s injury wasn't too bad...
Welcoming us at the flowerbed was the same sight as yesterday: tarp tents, tables, and everything else already prepared. Portable audio speakers were set up on the table, playing elegant classical music. It was an extraordinary scene, unimaginable for the usual flowerbed, but I found myself simply accepting it just because Nishikawa-san was here.
I headed to the same seat as yesterday, and the others followed suit. Once everyone was seated, men in suits appeared from nowhere and began setting out teacups and the like. As I watched in silence, sweets were lined up on the table, and in no time at all, it looked just like a formal tea time. The fact that not a single person questioned this... well, it seemed everyone had gotten used to it.
"Well then, everyone, good work this morning," Nishikawa-san said.
"""Good work!"""
When tea time began, the conversation naturally turned to the tennis matches. First, everyone offered words of celebration for Hayato’s hard work and victory, and Hayato returned the thanks bashfully. However, the fact that no one brought up the first-name basis between him and Todo-san... there was an unspoken agreement of sorts, and nobody touched on it. They could talk about that when they had time alone; I felt it might only trouble Todo-san otherwise.
Once the topic of Hayato ended, it naturally moved to Natsumi-senpai. Since she wasn't here yet, we began discussing our impressions of the match, when—
"Ah, she's back!"
At Tachikawa-san’s voice, everyone turned to see Natsumi-senpai walking toward us, leaning on Yuji’s shoulder and looking a bit uncomfortable. Noticing us, she waved with a wry smile.
"Good work, you two. Natsumi, how are you feeling?" Nishikawa-san asked as she sat right next to them.
Considering Natsumi had walked this far, even with Yuji’s help, I didn't think it was too severe.
"It’s probably not broken, but it’s definitely a sprain," Yuji explained. "Also, there’s a possibility of a hairline fracture, so they told her to get it checked out."
"I see... in that case, do you want to head to the hospital now? I can call for a ride..."
"Absolutely not!" Natsumi snapped. "It doesn't hurt that much if I don't overdo it, and I'm not going home until the school festival is over."
I had a feeling she’d say that. I glanced at Yuji, and he nodded with a wry smile. That meant they had already settled that discussion.
"Besides, there’s no way I’m going home without seeing the main event of the day," she added mischievously.
"If you can joke like that, it seems there won't be a problem," Sara-san replied coolly. But the corners of her mouth were turned up... she had been worried too, so she probably felt a bit relieved.
"If I judge it to be impossible, I’ll take her home by force if necessary," Yuji declared.
"Yes, I’ll leave that to you, Tachibana-san. That's good, isn't it, Natsumi?"
"...What is?"
"Hehe... nothing at all."
"Ggggh, you’re so annoying..."
As Natsumi-senpai groaned with a face that poorly hid her embarrassment, Sara-san smiled with composed satisfaction. It seemed the settlement between the two was reached, and since it was about time, we should have lunch... but first.
"Natsumi-senpai. Good work again. And, congratulations."
"Fueh!?"
"Yuzuki-senpai, congratulations!!"
"You were so cool!!"
"Indeed. But your fans have probably increased again after that, haven't they?"
"That last drive volley gave me shivers."
"E-Eh, eeeeih!?"
Being praised directly by us, Natsumi-senpai turned bright red. Seeing her like that, Yuji especially was watching her happily... it felt like these two were gradually acting "like that" as well.
"That was the power of love," Hanako deadpanned.
"I see, Tachibana-san’s feelings reached Natsumi..." Sara-san added seriously.
"Stop, stop, stop!! Don't say things like that!!!"
And then Hanako-san, as usual, went in to break the mood.
"There’s no need to be shy, is there?" Sara-san said. "One grows stronger for the sake of the one they love. One can become strong because of the feelings of the one they love. There is nothing strange about that at all. After all, that is exactly how it is for me."
Saying so, Sara-san turned her gaze toward me with a gentle smile. Of course, it was the same for me... I’ve always felt that way from the bottom of my heart.
"Ah— yeah, yeah. I get that you two have a heart-to-heart connection," Natsumi grumbled.
"Natsumi is not being honest. Didn't you feel it during the match just now?"
"No comment! Besides, we could never be like you."
"Goodness... well, let’s leave it at that for now."
Just as Sara-san said, Natsumi-senpai surely knew it herself... but she remained dishonest with her feelings. Being extremely shy about romantic matters was simply part of who she was.
"...You can become strong for the sake of the one you love... like before..." Marina whispered to herself.
"What’s wrong, Marina-san?" Hayato asked.
"Eh!? N-No, it’s nothing!"
Todo-san had been listening to Sara-san and the others with a serious expression. Suddenly addressed by Hayato, she shook her head hurriedly. There were parts of these two—especially Todo-san’s psychological state—that I couldn't quite grasp. Perhaps she had some thoughts about the conversation just now.
"Yuzuki-senpai!! Please give us your impressions of the princess carry!!" Tachikawa-san chirped.
"No comment!!"
"Natsumi-senpai, were you happy?"
"I said no comment, didn't I!?"
"Natsumi, how did it feel?"
"Daaaaaah!! I said no comm... e-Eririn, are you okay? You’re scary."
"Hehe... Natsumi, you say the funniest things. I’m perfectly normal, you know?"
"Eh?"
"I’m normal, right? I am normal..."
"E-Eririn has broken..."
Even though it looked like a normal conversation, I could see it... the shroud of darkness enveloping Nishikawa-san that I’d seen before. Because I’d seen her looking reliable so often lately, it had been a while since I’d seen her fall into darkness like this. I guess that thing with Natsumi-senpai really was a shock to her.
Since the two of them had joined us and Nishikawa-san had "returned to normal," we moved on to lunch. Just like yesterday, a variety of hand-made bentos were lined up on the table. Though, since us males couldn't cook at all, only the females had brought them.
Natsumi-senpai’s chopsticks focused on Nishikawa-san’s luxurious bento, and Hayato’s main focus was naturally Todo-san’s bento. And Yuji had Natsumi-senpai’s. And I, of course...
"Here, Kazunari-san, say 'ahh'♪"
Chomp... munch munch...
Phew... it was perfectly delicious today too.
"Hehe... seeing you so happy makes me happy too♪"
Watching my face as I ate, Sara-san smiled blissfully. But seeing Sara-san like that was my happiness... and the bento made me happy, so that meant I was double-happy!
"Kazunari, this one next. Say 'ahh'..."
Chomp... munch munch...
Hanako-san’s croquette had some slightly burnt parts and a bit of a unique shape. But that was proof she had made it by hand... and her feelings made me glad.
"Haaa... if I ate Satsukawa-senpai’s cooking every day, I’d definitely overeat and get fat... it’s too delicious," Tachikawa-san said.
"Un, that’s true. But I’m jealous... I wish I could at least reach the feet of Satsukawa-senpai’s cooking skills," Marina added.
While reaching for the bento Sara-san had made for everyone, the two of them let out voices of admiration. Since I ate it every day and was impressed every day, I understood their feelings all too well.
"As for this, there’s no choice but to repeat training and practice. I’ve been doing it since I was little, so if someone could get good at it so easily, I wouldn't know where to stand."
Sara-san’s excellence was entirely a result of her efforts. Of course, she had talent, but she grew because she worked hard.
"Come to think of it, Satsukawa-senpai’s mother is also amazing, right?"
"Yes. Unfortunately, if we’re talking about doing housework under normal conditions, I still haven't caught up to her. Here, 'ahh'..."
Chomp... munch munch...
"Normal conditions...?"
"Does that mean if it’s not normal... ah, I see what you mean," Tachikawa-san said. She momentarily looked at me with an "as expected" expression. She was probably correct.
"In other words, you wouldn't lose if it’s housework specifically for Takanashi-kun, right?"
"Ah! That’s what you meant..."
"Yes. When it comes to things for Kazunari-san, I will absolutely not lose. Not even to my mother or grandmother. However, Mother-in-law is an exception..."
"No, I feel awkward saying this, but Sara-san is overwhelmingly better, you know?" I interjected.
I felt a bit bad for my mom, but as a matter of fact, there was a significant gap in housework ability between Sara-san and my mom. Especially regarding cooking, there was a clear difference, and since my mom herself admitted it, it couldn't be helped. However, just to save my mom’s honor, her cooking wasn't bad—Sara-san was just too amazing.
"How should I put it, hearing you talk, Satsukawa-senpai really feels like a 'wife'!"
"Ahaha, true. Oh, but Takanashi-kun is going to be the son-in-law..."
"No, I don't mind that," I said. "In fact, it’s true that the image of her being a 'wife' is stronger within me anyway."
I've never really cared about the formalities of who was marrying into whose family. As long as I could be with Sara-san, either was fine.
"So, for today’s Miss Con, do you intend to show off that femininity... wife power?" Natsumi asked.
"No, I’ll just get it over with. Here, 'ahh'."
Chomp... munch munch...
"I see. But if it’s Satsukawa-senpai, it seems like you could win easily by showing even half your strength... it feels like a bit of a waste," Todo-san noted.
"Actually, I think it’ll be more interesting this way," Natsumi said. "Since everyone knows Sara would win if she were serious... if she wins against that woman while taking it easy, it’ll be a total laugh. I’ll laugh my head off."
"Haaa... Natsumi is as consistent as ever."
"Well, obviously! Eririn, you hate that woman too, don't you?"
"Well... at least, I can't think of her favorably," Nishikawa-san replied.
In fact, if there was someone who could think of Rena favorably, I’d like to see them. Most people likely dealt with her for calculating reasons or out of necessity.
"Come to think of it, what should we do about the Miss Con? Since Satsukawa-senpai isn't keen on it, should we not cheer for her?" Tachikawa-san asked.
"I don't mind either way. But even if you cheer for me, I won't be doing anything especially strenuous."
"Gotcha. I’ll read the room at the venue and decide."
"I would still like to cheer for you!" Marina insisted.
"I understand a wife’s feelings, so I’ll stay hands-off. Here, Kazunari... 'ahh'."
Chomp... munch munch...
The policies of the first-year group were all different. Their personalities came through perfectly. But as Tachikawa-san pointed out, I realized I hadn't decided what I would do during the event either. Since I was only thinking about intruding at the end... Should I cheer? Just watch over her?
"...Hey, Yuji. Don't you think it’s about time to call them out?" Hayato whispered.
"...I get how you feel, but the female officers seem to be ignoring it, so just leave it be."
"...True. Kazunari doesn't seem to mind at all either... he’s amazing at that level."
"...Once you’re at that level, you have nothing left to fear..."
I could hear them perfectly well. It wasn't that I didn't mind, it was just a matter of priorities. Now, no matter if people called us a stupid couple or whatever, as long as Sara-san was happy and I was happy, there was no room for doubt! None at all!!
"Hehe... Kazunari-san, you have some food on your face again."
"Bento?"
"Don't move, okay...?"
Saying so, Sara-san leaned her face in with a mischievous expression. I did as I was told and watched her without moving... and Sara-san didn't stop, getting closer and closer.
Kiss...
In the end, Sara-san’s face didn't stop until she reached her destination, and I felt the sensation of her soft lips on the corner of my mouth. It was the same as before... so "bento" meant that. But I thought for sure she might give me a normal kiss since she came this far... no, I'm not saying I felt disappointed! It’s true!
"There, I got it."
"I-I see, thank you very much."
"Hehe... oh, Kazunari-san... mmn..."
Kiss...
"Ngh!?"
Before I could relax, Sara-san suddenly leaned in again and sealed my lips. Though I was surprised, my happiness was stronger, and I just let her have her way. For a few seconds, I surrendered myself to her... eventually, Sara-san slowly pulled away and gave me another gentle smile.
"Sara-san..."
"Hehe... if it is what you wish, Kazunari-san, I am always available."
"No... that’s..."
"Kazunari-san... you’re so cute♪"
I was aware that my face was bright red. When I was at a loss for words, Sara-san smiled even more happily and reached her arms toward my head. She then held me and, as always, pulled me into heaven. My entire face was welcomed by Sara-san’s soft and comfortable heaven... yes, I was truly happy.
"...Hey, don't you think it would be hilarious if we made them do this on the Miss Con stage?" Natsumi whispered.
"...It certainly might be interesting," Yuji agreed.
"...Eeeh!? It would cause an uproar!?" Marina squeaked.
"...Oh, Marina, that’s exactly what’s funny... Nishikawa-san, please don't look this way with those eyes, it’s terrifying."
"Kazunari-san... as long as you are by my side, I need nothing else..."
Sara-san’s voice whispering into my ear felt somewhat different than usual. Or perhaps she was also nervous in her own way just before the Miss Con... since I was also nervous before the big moment.
"Sara-san..."
"Kazunari-san?"
"It’s okay, we’re always together. I will always be by your side, Sara-san."
"Yes... I’m happy."
I conveyed my feelings so that she would feel even a little relieved. Truthfully, I felt like telling her everything, but I had to hold back just a bit longer. Finally, the Miss Con was about to begin. It was okay; there was only one thing to do. To convey my feelings and my love to Sara-san. That was the only thing I needed to do.
Side: Miss Contest Preparatory Committee
"How is it?"
"Hmm... it’s difficult. It’s hard to find anyone who can rival Satsukawa-san."
"True... I guess it has to be Nishikawa-san after all..."
With The Aloof Goddess... Satsukawa-san participating, this Miss Con was practically a success already. The area around the venue had been overflowing with people since morning, all aiming for a spot. It was the first time I'd seen such a sight in the past ten years.
This Miss Con would be something that would leave its name in the history of the Rinka Festival. And that went for me as the Chief Executive as well!!
But that was why I wanted one more thing. Even if we held the Miss Con like this, since Satsukawa-san’s victory was decided from the start, it would be a complete predetermined victory. I felt bad for Kusuhara-san, who won last year, but the level of talent was simply too different. It was as clear as day that Satsukawa-san would win in a landslide.
Of course, it would be exciting just because she was there, but the meaning as a contest would be thinned out. That was why I wondered if it was too much to ask for a rival.
At present, if there was anyone who could rival Satsukawa-san, it would have to be another of the Three Princesses. But Yuzuki-san, unfortunately, didn't have the kind of popularity suited for the Miss Con; she was popular among the girls. In that case, in terms of appearance and specs, the only one who didn't fall behind Satsukawa-san would be Nishikawa-san.
When I heard Nishikawa-san was here yesterday, I went to see her, and seeing her lined up with Satsukawa-san was truly shocking. She could definitely be a rival. The only bottleneck was her lack of recognition among the first-years... but even so, with those looks.
The problem was that despite trying to contact her since yesterday, I still hadn't been able to get in touch. I sent several people, but none of them could make contact... apparently, when they tried to approach her forcefully, they were surrounded by scary-looking adults. What was going on?
"President!! I’ve received a report from the separate unit!!"
"What is it, did something happen?"
"Yes! Actually..."
"!? Is it true!?"
"Here..."
"Ooh!?"
Hehehe...
It seems the Goddess of Luck has smiled upon me at the very last moment. Now then, let’s head for the final preparations... it’s finally, finally time.
Side: Stuck-up Woman
Has the time finally come...?
The time for me to defeat that annoying Sara Satsukawa and seize a perfect victory so complete that there will be no room for complaints!!
"Rena, how are you feeling?"
"I’m in top form, Onii-sama!"
"I see, you seem quite cheerful... did something happen?"
"No, no, I just realized my victory is certain."
"That's only natural. It’s a contest not even worth doing... but excitement is important, after all."
Yes, excitement is important. Build up the excitement as much as possible, and when the audience’s attention is at its peak... that woman will fall into the abyss.
But she brought this on herself. Her guard was too loose... with a scandal this major, it won't just be her popularity falling. Along with that Takanashi who made a fool of me... I hope they don't get expelled at least?
Ah, I have absolutely nothing to do with this matter. After all, if someone I have no connection with suddenly causes some kind of ruckus on their own... that has nothing to do with me, you see.
Now, I must get ready. Ah, I must also think of my victory comment. Haaa... I’m looking forward to it... so many things.