“Sara-chaaaaaaan!!!!”
“Goddesssssssss!!!!”
“Mayumi-chaaaaaaaan!!!!!”
“Mayu-mama, keep it up!!!!!!”
The announcement of the Cooking Judging results ended without a hitch, and the long-running Miss Contest finally reached its final stages.
Next, the judges’ scores for the overall ranking were to be announced, revealing the current standing of the contestants. However, to keep the excitement high for the Audience Voting, the actual point values were being kept secret. Apparently, they wanted to create a sense of suspense, making the crowd feel like the ranking could flip entirely depending on their votes.
“In terms of popularity with the crowd, Sara is undoubtedly at the top. But since the judges have more points to award, if the gap between her and Mayumi-san is already large at this stage...”
“Then a close race is far more likely. Which means there’s a very real chance for my Wife to win.”
“But that’s not really the issue here, is it?”
“You’re right... I wonder what’s happening with the battle between Satsukawa-senpai and Mayumi-san...”
“There’s that, but there’s also Kazunari to consider.”
“What are you actually going to do? If the outcome of the battle with Mayumi-san isn’t clear, the atmosphere might not feel quite right for it...”
“True, Mayumi-san’s participation was irregular, but I don’t intend to change the plan, you know?”
“Are you sure about this, Takanashi-kun?”
“If it’s Sara-san, she’ll be perfectly fine. That’s why I’m going to carry it out exactly as planned.”
That was right... If our life together was on the line in this battle, then Sara-san would win even if her opponent was Mayumi-san. That much was already a given. Why? Because just as I could become infinitely strong for Sara-san’s sake, Sara-san was a woman who could become the strongest—the absolute best—for me, and for our future together.
I wasn’t saying this out of conceit.
“Honestly... I really envy Sara. To have such absolute trust and confidence from her fiancé... she must be the luckiest girl in the world.”
“N-No, I think this is pretty normal for a couple...”
“No, even if you say that, you’re talking about an ideal. In practice, reaching that level of absolute certainty is difficult. But looking into Takanashi-san’s eyes, I can tell you truly believe it from the bottom of your heart... You must have a tangible sense of it, don’t you? That’s why you’re so sure.”
“Eh!?”
Nishikawa-san was sharp... Though I obviously couldn’t say something that embarrassing out loud, so I kept my true feelings to myself.
“Fufu... You’re as easy to read as ever. I suppose I’ll stop prying for now.”
“Ugh... P-Please do.”
Nishikawa-san stared into my eyes with a mischievous expression I didn’t see often. It was the same with Sara-san, but I was well aware that I was vulnerable to that “mature composure” vibe... I always found myself at a loss for how to react.
“Ahaha... As I thought, Takanashi-kun really does like older women, doesn't he?”
“Heh!? W-Why!?”
“I mean, you’re practically an open book... Wait? If you’re like that, then why toward me...”
“Ah, Natsumi-senpai is safe.”
Even if they were both older than me, Natsumi-senpai felt more casual... I felt more like she was a friend. She didn’t have that overwhelming “older sister” aura that Sara-san and the others possessed. Ah, I meant that in a good way, of course!
“Whaaaat!! Are you saying I have no charm as an older woman!?”
“Eeeeh!? N-No, I definitely didn’t mean it like that!! I meant you’re approachable and friendly, that’s all!!”
“Takanashi-san... Does that imply that I am unapproachable?”
“Ueh!? N-No, that's not what I meant either...”
W-Wait a minute, how did the conversation turn into this!? What were we even talking about... oh, right, the reason I was sure Sara-san would win!! How did it—and for the record, it’s not that I specifically like older women, it’s just that I like “Sara-san”!! It just so happened that the person I fell for was older than me. I didn’t have any other motives!
“...Fufufu... Takanashi-san, you seem to be the type who is naturally loved by older women.”
“...Kazumi-san, you can tell too?”
“...Just a hunch. Takanashi-san seems to have a personality that triggers the maternal instinct. You appeal to a very specific type of older woman.”
“...I-Is that so?”
“...Yes. By the way, who is it that Marina-chan likes...?”
“...Fueeeee!?”
“...Fufu, this one is easy to read, too.”
“Sooooorry to keep you waiting!!! It looks like the judges have finally finished their scoring, so let’s move right along to the announcement!!!”
Oooooooooooooooo!!!
Minamin’s hype talk resumed at the perfect time, and a massive cheer erupted from the audience. Satisfied with the scene, Minamin raised her right hand energetically as grand BGM blared from the speakers. The words “Judging Results Announcement” appeared in massive text on the screen.
Jyan!!!!
The short, flashy BGM came to an end, and the screen switched over. The results displayed on the monitor were... The results were!!??
1st Place: Sara Satsukawa 2nd Place: Mayu 3rd Place: Rena Kusuhara · · ·
Sara-san was in 1st place!
“Yesssssssssss!!! I can see Satsukawa-san’s victory from here!!!”
“Of course she is!!! Like the Goddess would ever lose!!!!”
“Sara-chaaaaaaaaan!!!”
“Goddesssssss!!!!”
“Please, go out with meeeeeeeee!!!”
“Screw off!!! Why would she go out with a guy like you!!!”
“Mayu-saaaaaan, there’s still a chance left!!!!”
“Mayumi-chaaaaaaaan!!!”
The excitement in the audience reached a fever pitch as the results were revealed. Voices calling for Sara-san, Mayumi-san, and other favorites filled the air. On the other hand, the cheers for the Stuck-up Woman had completely vanished... She likely realized that herself, but it was her own fault, so there was no helping it.
“Hoh, Sara is at the top. It’s reasonable, but I actually thought Mayumi-san might have taken first.”
“I thought so too, but I suppose the results of the second screening carried a lot of weight.”
“Eririn?”
“The biggest skill gap between Sara and Mayumi-san was in the second screening. But that atmosphere only shifted because of the backup from the children and Takanashi-san...”
“If that had stayed a simple Singing Ability Match, my Wife wouldn’t have stood a chance. If the other rounds were close, then the karaoke was the practical turning point. In other words, these results weren’t won by my Wife alone, but by the three of them—Kazunari and... Mio-chan.”
“...Well, I suppose that’s the long and short of it.”
Regarding that second screening... I’d just sort of gotten swept up in the moment. But I also felt that if Mio-chan hadn’t been there, I never could have sung like that. So, just as Hanako-san said, it wasn’t an exaggeration to say we owed this result to Mio-chan.
“Then that makes Mio-chan the MVP of the day!”
“Yes. We really should find a way to thank her properly...”
“No, please leave that to me and Sara-san.”
Since this was a matter involving me and Sara-san, it was our responsibility to thank Mio-chan. The two of us should do something...
“Kazumi-san, is there anything in particular that would make Mio-chan happy?”
“Oh, please don’t worry about it. Mio was already so happy, and that’s plenty for her.”
“Kazunari, remember your promise to Mio-chan.”
“The promise... Ah!”
That was right. Earlier, Mio-chan said she wanted to eat Sara-san’s cooking... In that case, I could make some time and set up a Meal Gathering! I’d have to talk to Sara-san first, but I was sure she’d be thrilled to do it.
“Kazumi-san, I need to talk to Sara-san first, so this isn't official yet... but if the timing works out, I’d love for you to come over for a meal with Mio-chan.”
“Takanashi-san, I’m truly grateful for the offer, but that’s really too much...”
“Kazumi-san, it’s not just Takanashi-san. I would also very much like to be there, so please don't hesitate.”
“Whoops, Eririn. Isn't that a bit cold of you?”
“If there’s a party, I won’t let you be with Mio-chan while leaving me out.”
“That’s right! Are you planning to snub me from something that sounds so fun?”
“Kazumi-san, I want to participate too, and I’m sure Mio-chan would be happy to have us all!”
“The Female Officers in this group won’t give up once they’ve set their minds on it.”
“Yuji, if you’re going to follow up, try to be a bit smoother... Ah, but of course, I want to participate too.”
At everyone’s collective push, Kazumi-san let out a wry smile. With this much persuasion, I figured she would eventually give in. Besides, I had the ulterior motive that creating an opportunity to eat with Mio-chan would surely make Sara-san happy as well.
“...Are you really sure it’s alright?”
“Yes. Sara-san will definitely be happy, so we’d love to have you.”
Finally making up her mind after my final push, Kazumi-san gave a small nod with a smile. Everyone else broke into happy grins at the sight... Good, now I could thank Mio-chan properly. Moreover, I could fulfill the promise and make Sara-san happy at the same time—it was a perfect plan that killed three birds with one stone. I was looking forward to it myself, and having everyone together would be best.
“That’s great, Takanashi-kun! Ah, leave the coordination and contact info to me?”
“Thanks, Todo-san.”
I decided to take her up on that and leave the logistics to Todo-san, who was also a relative. After that, I just had to talk to Sara-san... though I didn’t think I even needed to ask her permission for the event itself. We’d just need to talk about the date. Alright... that was one more thing to look forward to.
…………… ……… …
“Wow, I don’t know if I should say this was as expected or not... well, Minamin is the MC, so she’ll be keeping her opinions to herself...... But, but, what about all of you!!!???”
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!
In response to Minamin’s question, the crowd roared. The high-energy atmosphere remained, and even after seeing those results, there was no sign of backlash or booing. In other words, while individuals had their own favorites, the result of Sara-san being in first place was generally accepted. On a side note, the only problem was that the fan calls for Sara-san were so intense that my own irritation was starting to build up just from listening to them.
“By the way... according to Minamin Information, there’s still a chance for the ranking to flip!!! Everything could change depending on your votes, so the responsibility is huge!!!!!”
Oooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!
“Nooooow then, before the Audience Voting... First, let’s have the Question Corner!!! Anyone who has something they want to ask...”
“““Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere!!!!!!”””
Before Minamin could even finish the sentence, hands shot up all over the audience. Right hands, left hands, both hands—some guy even put his hands under his underarms and lifted them high. Others were jumping up and down, trying to stand out as much as possible. The energy was incredible. It looked exactly like a scene from a children’s stage show... Wait, did that mean...
“They’re children.”
“Hanako-san, you shouldn't say that...”
“I understand the feeling, though.”
“Let’s see... I’ve decided on our first questioner... that man over there!!! Staff, get a mic to him... yes, him!!! Your real name... might be embarrassing, so just give a nickname, tell us who your question is for, and go ahead!!!!!”
“I’m Amu!!! My question is for Satsukawa-san!!!”
I couldn't see him from here, but the voice definitely belonged to a guy. And specifying Sara-san right off the bat was exactly as expected. I just hoped the question would be somewhat sensible... though I was feeling a heavy sense of dread.
“Straight to the point: is a Yakiniku Date okay!?”
“Well then, Satsukawa-san, if you please.”
“I do not understand why you would limit the condition to yakiniku. Since it is a meal, one should simply go, should they not? In fact, I fail to see any reason why it would be an issue.”
Honestly, I didn’t quite get why the guy specified a yakiniku date either... but at least Sara-san wasn't the type to be picky about such things. Whether it was yakiniku or okonomiyaki, she’d normally go if I invited her... probably. Well, in reality, I was so satisfied with Sara-san’s home cooking that we hadn’t actually gone out for yakiniku... but if I invited her (important), it would be fine!!!
“Ooooh, she’s surprisingly frank!!!”
“No way, if you’re going out with the Goddess, it has to be a high-end restaurant...”
“If it were me, I’d push my budget to the limit for a top-tier place!!!”
“Alright, thank you, Muho-san! Since Satsukawa-san gave such a proper answer, Minamin was a bit surprised... No, never mind!!!”
Glared at by Sara-san, Minamin instantly retracted her comment. But it was true—the old Sara-san undoubtedly would have shut him down without a second thought... so I could understand why Minamin was shocked.
“Alright, next person~”
““Here here here here here here here here here here here here here here!!!!””
“Wait, the energy is way too high!!!??”
As if a dam had burst, a chorus of “Me! Me!” and “Over here!” erupted. It had passed the point of being noisy and was now a full-blown riot. I knew most of them were aiming for Sara-san, but even so, it was a complicated thing to witness...
“Kazunari, be patient.”
“I know...”
“Then, next is... that person over there!!! Staff, right there... yes! First, tell us your name!!!!”
“I’m the Middle-aged Man who Likes Weirdos.”
“W-Weirdos? Is that your name... Ah, never mind. Who is your question for...?”
“Satsukawa-san.”
“Satsukawa-sa~n, the Middle-aged Man who Likes Weirdos is calling for you~”
Minamin handed the mic to Sara-san with a monotone voice, sounding like a tavern keeper calling for a patron. Sara-san accepted it with a look of distaste—likely because of the name—but she seemed willing to listen and waited silently for him to continue.
“If you were to go on a Honeymoon, where would you want to go?”
“...A Honeymoon?”
“Yes, specifically, please!!!”
“Let me see... I have never given much thought to where would be good... Besides, even if I were to go on a honeymoon, that is still a long way off.”
While saying that, Sara-san’s gaze was fixed clearly on me. Hey, even I haven't thought that far ahead yet!? Of course, when the day comes, I’ll want to take her somewhere that makes her happy... But for now, my priority is making the Proposal after this a success.
“However... I would like to go on a Trip to Visit Memorable Places someday. Because I am sure... many precious memories will be born between now and when I get married.”
“A trip to visit memorable places?”
“Yes. A journey to revisit the memories created along the way, just the two of us with that special person. I think that would be a wonderful thing.”
A trip to visit memorable places... huh. If that was Sara-san’s wish, then my course of action was already decided. Leading up to that day, I’d take Sara-san to so many places that choosing where to revisit would be a challenge. It could be just the two of us, or with our best friends... and occasionally with Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san, or even my Dad and Mom if Sara-san wanted... Yeah, just imagining it made me feel excited. I’d have to work even harder at my part-time job!!
“Haaa... As expected of the Goddess, her words are just too perfect...”
“Her likeability rating is through the roof!!!!”
“Just you watch, one day I’ll make Satsukawa-san...”
“Shut up, it’s never gonna be you!!”
“I’ve gotta find a way to get close to her...”
“Ahaha... Satsukawa-senpai is staring right at Takanashi-kun.”
“That’s just Sara for you. She only answered that question because she was thinking about Takanashi-kun... And with that smile, she’s gone and increased the number of idiots who’ll misunderstand.”
“Tracing the memories of two people on a trip... that’s lovely... so romantic.”
“That’s what she says, Handsome Guy?”
“Ugh...”
“Fufu... That is such a Sara-like answer. I understand the sentiment, though.”
“Aaaaaalright, thank you very much!!! Also, Satsukawa-san, please stop right there... Ahem, never mind!!!! Now, next...”
Before Minamin could finish her sentence, the hands shot up again. With things this intense, I felt for the staff trying to pinpoint people in the crowd.
“Let’s see... how about the one... no, not there, the person next to them... the one behind them... yes, you!!!! Name, please~!!”
“Akio-kun, if you please!!”
“Heeere we go, Akio-kun-san!!”
“The ‘-san’ isn’t necessary...”
“Ahaha, just kidding, just kidding!! So, who is the question for...?”
“Satsukawa-san, please.”
“Yes, yes, Satsukawa-san, thanks for all the hard work~”
Unsurprisingly, it was another guy... and the third consecutive pick for Sara-san. At this rate, the entire Question Corner was going to run out of time with only Sara-san getting nominated. Also, there was one person still glaring at Sara-san with a very unhappy expression...
“What is it about a guy that makes you like him, Satsukawa-san? On the flip side, what kind of person do you dislike or find unforgivable?”
“What do I like? You mean, what kind of man I find desirable or undesirable... is that correct?”
“Yes!”
The question that was bound to come eventually had finally arrived. It was a standard query, but in a way, a dangerous one. Depending on the answer, Sara-san might accidentally drop my name, so I figured I’d better brace myself.
“The traits I find undesirable are simple. I dislike overly familiar people. It is unpleasant to be spoken to so lightly. Furthermore, those shallow individuals who try to easily confess to me despite knowing absolutely nothing about who I am... I wish they would simply vanish from my sight.”
Sara-san’s voice carried a distinct chill, making no effort to hide her displeasure. The idiots who had been shouting “Go out with me” just a moment ago suddenly fell silent. Yep... that felt pretty good.
“People who put on an act for me, or those who cannot show their own will or take action when it truly matters, are out of the question. Furthermore, deciding on a partner based solely on outward appearance is simply beyond the pale...”
Though she spoke quietly and calmly, her voice carried a clear sense of authority and pressure. It felt like she was admonishing the entire crowd, and the rowdy voices continued to dwindle. Then, Sara-san turned her gaze back to me, her face softening into that same gentle smile...
“There are many other things, but listing them all would be a waste of time, so I shall leave it at that. As for my ideal man, he would be the opposite of those I mentioned. Someone who does not fall for me because of my appearance, someone who does not put on an act, someone who is single-mindedly devoted to his goals, someone who possesses decisive action, and a reliable person who can lead me.”
Staring intently at me again, Sara-san began to speak with a look of pure joy... Wait, wait a minute, is she talking about me!? That has to be an exaggeration, right!? Just listening to her description, she was talking about some kind of perfect superhuman!?
“Hmm... That’s not really Sara’s ideal; she’s just describing Takanashi-kun.”
“Sa-Sara-san... p-please stop... I’m not such a grand man...”
“You don’t have to be modest. What my Wife is saying isn't that far off.”
“That’s true. I have that kind of image of Takanashi-san too, you know?”
“Yeah. I think that describes Kazunari pretty well.”
“Wait!?”
Why was everyone saying that!? And since none of them sounded like they were joking, it was even more awkward!
“H-Hey... isn’t what Satsukawa-san is saying strangely specific?”
“No, isn’t it just that she’s passionate because it’s her ideal?”
“But a guy who doesn't like Satsukawa-san for her looks... there’s no way a guy like that exists.”
“Right! And not putting on an act in front of her? That’s impossible.”
“From what she said, it means you can’t try to appeal to her if you want her to like you!?”
“That hurdle is way too high!!”
“A man who is kind to children, and who possesses a broadness of heart to accept even my selfishness with a smile... one whose embarrassed face is so adorable, and whose figure when he pampers me is truly dear to me...”
“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!! Satsukawa-san, stop, stoooooop!!!!!! Akio-kun, are you satisfied with the answer to your question!!!???”
“H-Huh!? Thank you very much?”
“Alright!!!! Then this question is over, over and dooooone!!!”
Phew... It seemed we’d managed to avoid disaster by the narrowest of margins. If Sara-san had actually said my name, I was prepared to storm the stage right then and there... But the Question Corner wasn’t over yet. I couldn't afford to let my guard down.