Side: Yutaka Kusuhara
"…That concludes my report."
The atmosphere in the room was tense—twenty percent sharper than usual, perhaps even fifty percent. In that prickly air, I finished my explanation of the events.
The President listened in silence. He wore a grim expression, a look he rarely displayed.
"I know you aren't directly responsible for this," he said eventually, "but could you truly not have stopped her?"
"I apologize. Under those circumstances, there was nothing I could do…"
"…I see. Well, there's no point in lamenting what’s already done. Right now, our priority is deciding how to proceed."
"Yes. At this point, it is highly likely that Satsukawa Senior Managing Director will demand a detailed account."
Judging by the Senior Managing Director's demeanor at the festival, the chances of him actually requesting one were probably fifty-fifty. Regardless, considering the future of this company, it seemed wiser to take the initiative.
"In that case, I suppose we must discipline her, if only for the sake of appearances."
"Yes. However, rather than disciplining Rena unilaterally, we should have her explain her reasons first. It will help our response to the Senior Managing Director, but also, judging by her behavior that day, she seemed to be acting in a state that could only be described as abnormal."
At the very least, Rena's behavior that day had been a far cry from the person I knew. Setting aside her blatant malice toward others, I found it hard to believe that someone with even her limited social experience would take such a defiant stance against a superior—especially one so clearly above her station.
"True. But the situation is dire. Of all people, she had to snap at the Young Lady right in front of Satsukawa Senior Managing Director and his wife… and after I warned her repeatedly not to cause any trouble."
"…Honestly, I still find it hard to believe. But the facts are the facts."
"What a massive headache. If we are blacklisted by the Next President of the Group and the founding family, it could threaten the very existence of our firm. And now, on top of all that, a fiancé for the Young Lady has appeared?"
"Yes. I was skeptical of that as well, but the Senior Managing Director explicitly acknowledged it. It’s undoubtedly true. He mentioned they would announce it formally at the Year-end Party."
"…To think that Young Lady, famous for her disdain for others, would find a fiancé so easily. And it wasn't a forced arrangement by her parents?"
"No. It was clearly a love match… an engagement born of genuine affection. In fact, the Young Lady was remarkably proactive about it. From what I saw, she seemed ready to push for a student marriage if the opportunity arose…"
It was an utterly unbelievable development. The famous man-hater had fallen so deeply for a boy that she’d rushed straight into an engagement.
Perhaps her parents had hurried the process because they didn't want to lose the person their daughter had finally come to love… No, knowing Satsukawa Senior Managing Director, that was impossible. He understood perfectly what kind of position his daughter’s husband would hold in the future.
"…She’s that invested in him? Honestly, I had hoped you would be the one to win her over…"
"I apologize. However…"
"I know. If they’re going as far as to announce it at the party, the man must have some kind of weight to him—or at least the potential for it. I cannot imagine that Satsukawa Senior Managing Director would allow some upstart of unknown origin to date his beloved daughter. And if the wife is welcoming him with open arms, then…"
"Yes. I haven't heard of an officer named Takanashi, so I suspect he might be the son of someone with significant external connections. Alternatively, he could be related to the Nishikawa Group."
It went without saying that the Young Lady’s husband would become a leading candidate for the Next-but-one Group President. If he were merely a lover, the other officers—especially those who had been plotting to marry their own sons into the family—would never accept it. From a corporate perspective, the resistance would be even fiercer.
But the Senior Managing Director surely understood that.
"I see. Either way, we must repair our relationship as soon as possible. The problem is that approaching the Young Lady directly carries too much risk."
"Yes. Any direct contact from us would likely only invite further anger. Furthermore, the Young Lady showed an almost excessive protectiveness over her fiancé. If we do anything careless toward the boy…"
"…We might invite an irreversible catastrophe. And the Satsukawa couple would find out immediately. We’d be branded as fools plotting some wicked scheme and pursued accordingly… is that the gist of it?"
"Precisely. Therefore, I suggest we observe the fiancé for a while and then provide significant support if he ever encounters trouble. Fortunately, very few people know the truth of the situation yet. There will undoubtedly be some friction at the party. If we become his 'first and foremost' allies in that moment…"
"Then the Senior Managing Director, his wife, the Young Lady, and the future President will all think well of us. That’s the plan?"
"Yes. It’s common knowledge that approaching the Young Lady is high-risk, but likely no one has realized yet that approaching the fiancé is even more dangerous. As a result, many simple-minded people will move to curry favor with him immediately."
In her heart, the Young Lady likely viewed her fiancé as her superior. Thus, any ulterior motives or malice directed at him would incur a much more intense wrath than if it were directed at her.
Given that he had the public endorsement of the Satsukawa couple, our response to the boy had to be of the highest grade, handled with extreme caution. A frivolous approach would lead to immediate ruin.
"Hmm… this incident was a major setback, but if we handle the follow-up with the fiancé correctly, we might actually turn this into a net positive."
"Yes. We are fortunate to have determined our stance so early. If we had tried to approach him blindly, we would have invited total disaster."
"Agreed. Then, as for our policy moving forward…"
"First, regarding the fiancé, we will maintain our distance until the party. On the day of, we’ll stay close enough to act but far enough not to look suspicious. Until an opportunity arises, we’ll limit contact to mere greetings. After that…"
"Rena… right?"
"Yes. Even if she is unwilling, we must force her to apologize directly to the Young Lady and her fiancé. It is an absolute requirement. Without that, I won’t have the opening I need to initiate a conversation with them at the party."
If the perpetrator hadn't apologized, there was no weight to our corporate apology. Using her apology as a bridge would allow me to speak to them without appearing overly suspicious.
"I understand. Then, let's hear the details from her as soon as possible."
"Leave her to me first, President. If I can't break through, then I will ask for your intervention."
"Very well. But do not ruin this by rushing. The very fate of this company may rest on how this matter turns out."
"I am fully aware. Well then…"
Despite my confident words, I wondered if things would truly go that smoothly.
Specifically, regarding Rena… there was something about the way she looked that felt deeper than expected. A sense that there was one more mountain left to climb.
I hoped it was just my imagination.
"Morning."
"Morning."
"Good morning."
When I reached the convenience store where we met every day, Hanako-san was the only one there. I remembered Natsumi-senpai saying she’d be busy with club activities for a while.
"It's fine. I just got here, so I wasn't waiting long."
"Oh, that’s good."
She saw through my momentary worry instantly. I shouldn’t be surprised by now, but as expected of a Big Sister, she was as sharp as ever.
"It’s a waste of time to just stand around. Let’s go. We can talk while we walk."
"You're right. Let's head out."
"Yes. Let us proceed."
With the three of us today, we moved along the school route in a triangle, with Hanako-san leading the way.
Naturally, I took the roadside. I wasn't trying to look cool; it was just a principle I wouldn't budge on.
But more than that…
"I feel like… people are watching us even more than usual today?"
I’d noticed it on the way here, but the stares were becoming overt. Especially at the convenience store intersection, where the school routes merged; the number of students—and thus the number of eyes—was increasing rapidly.
"Of course. Until now, people thought we were just friends, or that Kazunari and his Wife were just together for Student Council business."
"But now that they know we're fiancé and fiancée, the nature of their attention has changed… is that it?"
"Exactly. So, Wife, stop that scowling."
"My apologies. I didn't mean to…"
Sara-san wasn't exactly glaring at people, but she was visibly displeased.
With this much noise right at the start of the day, I was starting to dread arriving at school. Entering the classroom might actually be a challenge.
"Wife… I’m sure you know this, but even if people ask you questions in the classroom…"
"You don't have to tell me; I know. I have no intention of discussing our private lives. I mean, why would I ever do that?"
"……"
"What is it?"
"…A clueless natural is truly the most troublesome kind."
"…?"
Hanako-san gave an exasperated look to Sara-san, who simply tilted her head in confusion.
Then, Hanako-san glanced at me as if she wanted to say something. I understood her point, but that "cluelessness" was part of Sara-san's charm.
"…Stupid couple."
"Wait, what!?"
"I don’t know how you reached that conclusion, but our relationship is as excellent as ever, you know?"
"…Sigh."
Hanako-san let out a theatrical sigh and gave me another meaningful look. It was the look of someone saying, "Don’t come crying to me when it all goes south."
It was true that Sara-san had exposed some embarrassing stories at the Miss Con, but the most critical secrets—like the bath—remained safe. Besides, there was a reliable "stopper" in Sara-san’s class.
It would be fine. Probably.
As we neared the school, the stares of curiosity and shock grew more intense. There were even a few jealous glares directed at me, but those were snuffed out instantly by the combined "killing intent" of Sara-san and Hanako-san. Once we passed through the school gates, the atmosphere became even more volatile, with gazes piercing us from every direction.
"…Hah… I still can’t believe those two are actually engaged."
"…Hey, look at Satsukawa-san's left hand! She’s really wearing a ring!!"
"…Ugh, what a blow… I wanted to believe Sunday was just a hallucination…"
"…So this is reality… Damn it!!"
"…Man… Satsukawa-san being engaged… I still don't want to believe it."
"…Sigh…"
"…What’s wrong?"
"…If that wasn't a dream, then the stuff with Hayato-kun isn't a dream either."
"…Oh, right, that part."
Sara-san and Hanako-san completely ignored the gallery of students whispering around us, but I was finding it hard to remain indifferent.
"Kazunari, there's no end to it if you worry about every single person."
"Kazunari-san, if it is unpleasant, I shall eliminate the source for you…"
"N-No, I’m fine. Let’s just get inside."
I caught a dangerous glint in Sara-san’s eyes. She wasn't joking, so the best move was definitely to keep walking.
The crowd at the entrance was even larger than usual. Curiously, they weren't gathered around us, but rather clustered in front of the bulletin board.
Mounted there was a massive sheet of paper—the school newspaper. It was so large it spilled off the board and onto the wall. Even from a distance, the headline was impossible to miss.
The headline… was what?!
"THE ALOOF GODDESS’S SUDDEN ENGAGEMENT REVEALED!!!!! HER PARTNER IS VICE PRESIDENT KAZUNARI TAKANASHI!!!!!"
……Wh-What the—!
"Aaaahhh!!! Satsukawa-san is here!!!!"
"Whoa, it’s the couple themselves!!"
"Congratulations, Satsukawa-san!!!"
"Best of luck to you both!!!!"
"Hey, hey, are you really engaged to Takanashi-kun!? Are you actually getting married!?"
"T-T-Takanashi!!! You lucky bastard, I’m so jealous!!!"
"Damn it, give our Goddess back!!!!"
"Noooo, Satsukawa-san!!!"
The predictable uproar began, and we were surrounded in seconds. The human wall was so thick I couldn't even see the way to the classroom.
Seriously, again?!
"Hey, Satsukawa-san, what’s the story!!??"
"Even if you ask for 'the story,' the fact is that I am engaged to Kazunari-san. Marriage is still a bit further off, but of course, I intend to marry him when the time comes."
""Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!""
""Gwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!""
And there it was—the familiar mix of high-pitched squeals and agonizing bellows.
I understood it was a testament to Sara-san’s popularity, but I was already starting to feel weary of the repetition.
"Wife, if you keep indulging them, it’ll only get worse. It’s too much trouble, so…"
"Wife!!??"
"Did she just call her 'Wife' because Satsukawa-san is Takanashi-kun’s wife!!??"
"Kyaaaaaaa, that nickname is so cute!!??"
Aaaahhh… it was spiraling out of control again.
"What is this commotion!!! Everyone, get to your classrooms immediately!!!"
Suddenly, a booming voice cut through the noise, and the crowd scattered like baby spiders.
As the air cleared, I saw a teacher standing there. I recognized his face, though I didn't actually know his name.
"Thank you, Yamada-sensei."
"Don't thank me. Just get moving. If you stay here, you’ll just be swallowed by the next wave."
"You're right. Please excuse us."
"Thank you very much."
I bowed alongside Sara-san, and Yamada(?)-sensei gave a slightly awkward nod before turning away. He had definitely just saved us.
"Now then, let us head to our classrooms."
"If we get caught again, it'll be a disaster. Kazunari, hurry."
"Right."
The day had barely begun and we’d already had a riot. Keeping the peace today was going to be an uphill battle. The next hurdle would be the classroom, but at least those guys already knew the situation. Hopefully, it would be fine.
I split up with Sara-san at our usual spot and headed for my room. But halfway there, Hanako-san suddenly tugged on my sleeve and pulled me toward a secluded area.
We ended up at our usual hideout—the landing of a rarely used staircase.
"Hanako-san?" I asked, wondering what was up.
"We still have a few minutes. I'm going to give you a lecture while I have the chance."
"A-A lecture?"
"I told you I had something to say about your speech at the Miss Con."
"Ah…"
Right. I remembered her mentioning that. I wanted to tell her that those were feelings from the past and I didn't think that way anymore, but I knew she wouldn't let it slide that easily.
"I know you said those things for Marina’s sake. But it's absolutely not okay. Promise me you will never belittle yourself like that ever again."
"…You’re right. I’m sorry. I won’t do it again."
"Good. Reflect on it."
Hanako-san tugged on my sleeve, looking up at me insistently. Given her words and actions, I knew what was coming.
"I’m sorry," I said, bowing my head obediently.
As if she’d been waiting for that, she immediately began stroking my head. Her small hand slid gently over my hair again and again. It was a ticklish sensation, both physically and emotionally.
"When Kazunari says sad things, his Wife isn't the only one who hurts. I… and everyone else feels sad too. I understand it was necessary this time, but please, never say things like that again."
"I know. I promise."
I never wanted to see Sara-san wear that pained expression again. Even if it was for the sake of those two, I truly did regret having to go that far.
"Mm… as long as you understand, that’s fine. There, there, Kazunari. Good boy."
"I’m not really in a position to be praised here…"
"Hehe… there, there."
Pat, pat…
Hanako-san wrapped her arms around my head, embracing me while she continued her gentle strokes. I wasn't being pinned down, but I felt like I couldn't pull away. I knew she was holding me with the genuine warmth of a sister.
"…I know it’s not easy to ignore the voices around you. And I don’t intend to tell you to have confidence for no reason. But please remember this: the people around you aren't here for appearances. His Wife loves everything about Kazunari from the bottom of her heart. And I, as your sister, find everything about you precious. This isn't flattery; it’s the truth."
She tightened her embrace slightly.
I could feel the weight of her words and the depth of her affection through her touch.
"Kazunari has his Wife. He has me. He has everyone. It doesn't matter what those other fools say. So…"
"…It’s okay. I said this at the Miss Con, too, but I really don't care anymore. I used to let it get to me, but now I have Sara-san… and everyone else."
I’d told Sara-san the same thing, and it was the honest truth. Back when I first started spending more time with her, I had tried to convince myself I didn't care about the whispers, but deep down, I did.
Now, though? It didn't matter. I was doing this for my own sake. I was reaching for my own ideals. That was enough.
"Mm. Don't you ever forget that."
"I won't. I'm really okay now. Besides…"
"Besides?"
"…I have a very reliable Big Sister on my side."
"Kazunari…… mm."
Pat, pat… pat, pat…
She held my head firmly and continued to stroke my hair with her small, gentle hands. I could sense a trace of happiness in her touch.
"If you ever feel anxious or sad, tell your Wife immediately. She’ll be much happier knowing the truth than seeing you push yourself in silence. But… if it’s something you truly can't tell her…"
She squeezed my head a little harder, her strokes becoming even more deliberate.
"Then you can always come to me. I will listen to anything my cute younger brother has to say."
"Hanako-san… thank you."
I really was a lucky man. To be loved by a woman like Sara-san and to be cared for by a sister like Hanako-san.
"I’m finished with my talk. Well then…"
"Yeah, we should get to class…"
"Since we have a few minutes left, I’m going to dote on my brother until the very last second."
"…Eh?"
"We've been so busy lately… I’m suffering from a lack of physical intimacy with my brother. Big Sister is dissatisfied."
With a firm grip, she held my head in place with strength I wouldn't have expected from her small hands. She had no intention of letting me go. Unless I used actual force to break away, I was stuck.
"…U-Um, Hanako-san?"
"It’s fine. We have ten minutes."
"That’s not the problem…"
"Don’t worry. If you’re embarrassed, just distract yourself by counting the patterns on the floor…"
"Wait!? A girl should not be saying things like that!!"
Wait, what was about to happen to me?!
"H-Hanako-san? I have Sara-san! My heart is set on—!"
"Kazunari… you’re so cute."
"Wait, stop—!?"
After that, I was thoroughly… (Omitted).
Well, she just gave me a very intense "there, there" session. That was all. Really.