I relished the exquisite dinner that Sara-san and Mayumi-san had prepared for me, savoring every bite.
Throughout the meal, the atmosphere remained harmonious and warm. Despite a slight sense of panic that I was eating far more than usual, I made steady progress through the courses.
By the time Mayumi-san's "Refill Offensive" finally began to peak, I reached my limit and offered a grateful "Gochisousama" to signal I was finished.
All that remained was tea time. Of course, Mayumi-san's Special Shortcake was destined for my "dessert stomach"... naturally.
"Hehe... Kazunari-san, here, say ahh..."
"Aahm..."
Chomp...
Chew, chew... Mmm, it was delicious!
"Say ahh?! Sara-chan, that’s cheating! Even though I was the one who baked the cake!"
"I wouldn't know anything about that. If you want to do that, Mother, please do it with Father."
"Oh, fine then. Here, Masaomi-san, say ahh."
Though she claimed to have no choice, Mayumi-san looked quite happy as she brought a forkful of cake to Masaomi-san’s lips. In response, Masaomi-san glanced over at us with a look of slight bewilderment, but then bashfully opened his mouth...
"Ahm."
And so, for better or worse, he accepted it obediently.
As always, they were a perfectly happy couple, which was a relief to see.
"N-Now then, Mayumi. Kazunari-kun and the others are right here..."
"Kazunari-san, say ahh♪"
Chomp... chew, chew...
"Hehe, Masaomi-san, you’re the only one who cares about that."
"I-Is that so... Is it just me? I see..."
I’m sorry, Masaomi-san.
It wasn't that I didn't care, but since Sara-san was my top priority, things naturally ended up this way.
So for now, please just quietly go with the flow... or something like that.
………………
………
…
The "Say Ahh Battle (?)" between the two camps finally settled down. As we received refills of black tea, the conversation naturally shifted to the main topic of the day—the day of the Miss Contest.
It seemed that the interrogation of Mayumi-san had already concluded. Not only Mayumi-san herself but also Masaomi-san apologized for the incident, and they provided a formal explanation of sorts.
That said, the details weren't much different from what had been stated during the declaration of war on stage. Essentially, she simply wanted to see Sara-san’s growth. Specifically, she wanted to see her daughter's presence in front of an audience rather than just her persona here at home. She had judged the Miss Contest to be the perfect opportunity for that.
Since this reason was mostly within the scope of my imagination, it wasn't a particularly shocking revelation. However, it appeared that Sara-san's actual behavior had been far more unexpected than Mayumi-san had anticipated, which had left her quite surprised.
But because of that, she said she was able to give a passing grade without any hesitation.
In other words... everything turned out for the best.
With Mayumi-san’s story finished, the focus naturally turned toward us.
"Between the commotion at the venue and the crowd that swarmed the stage... I clearly understood that Sara’s popularity far exceeded my imagination, but..."
"Such a thing is nothing but a nuisance. I am not even slightly pleased to be told I am popular. As long as Kazunari-san is by my side, that is all I need."
"I-I see. Well, I expected you to say as much, so it’s not a particularly surprising answer..."
"Hehe, Sara-chan is as straightforward as ever."
While wearing wry smiles at Sara-san’s overly direct response, the two of them cast gentle, affectionate gazes our way.
Of course, I was beyond happy to hear her say that, but I was also a little embarrassed.
"Even so... for Sara to have taken such determined action. I do feel that I would have liked you to at least consult me first."
"If I had judged that I could not handle it myself, I would have considered consulting you. However, things proceeded largely according to plan, so I decided there was no need. Besides, I did not want excessive interference regarding matters within the school..."
Interference regarding matters within the school, huh.
Honestly, I could understand that sentiment.
If one decides they can't handle a situation, they should obviously look into consulting someone, but Sara-san had been able to create the exact situation she wanted by her own strength.
In my case, it had certainly been a massive amount of trouble, but in the end, things had settled into a state of mutual "non-interference." Thanks to that, I felt like I had finally moved past the drama, and it had even given me the drive to devote myself to my studies.
"Well, Sara-chan would say that. But it seems the fact that her plan resulted in such an extreme situation was indeed unexpected..."
"That is true. Even I never imagined I would be given idol treatment."
"Because Sara-san kept everyone at a distance, the image of her being a 'high-altitude flower'—an untouchable beauty—just kept growing. On top of that, people’s selfish idealization reached a point where any rumors that didn't fit their image were dismissed as false reports."
That was why the rumors about me that had surfaced in some circles had vanished in an instant, and why phrases like "Student Council connection" or "unbelievable" had come out in droves.
People really did see only what they wanted to see.
"I see... and so, that led into Kazunari-kun’s bold action, I assume?"
"...To be honest, I was pissed off at the guys who kept hitting on Sara-san even though she was clearly bothered. Plus, there were so many people who wouldn't believe it even if they were told... so I figured I'd make it so they had no choice but to believe it."
"Well, certainly, if a proposal comes out of nowhere at a place with that many spectators—and not just a simple confession..."
"The impact would be so great that the story would spread throughout the school in an instant. Plus, if Sara-chan is wearing an engagement ring, they have to admit it’s real, whether they like it or not."
"Yes. That is why that ring also serves as a charm."
It was proof of our engagement, and at the same time, it was a pest repellent in the form of a man repellent. It had a triple meaning: to make the fools who refused to see reality finally understand. It was a special ring with far more significance than a standard engagement ring.
...Wait, I was calling it an engagement ring too, but it was actually meant to be one step before that—a proposal ring.
"I see... if those were actions taken after thinking that far ahead, then I have nothing more to say..."
"Oh, Masaomi-san? Regardless of the reason, Kazunari-kun gave Sara-chan a formal proposal. Did you actually intend to object to it?"
"Eh?! N-No, I wasn't thinking that far ahead! But as a father, after witnessing such a scene, I naturally have one or two things I’d like to ask..."
"Hehe... to have been shown such a wonderful proposal, we are truly happy as parents, aren't we?♪"
"Guh... t-that may be true, but was there a need to go that far..."
Mayumi-san was clearly enjoying herself, while Masaomi-san wore a subtle, strained smile.
That’s right—I had almost forgotten.
I had gone and proposed right in front of Masaomi-san and the others!
"When you say 'that far,' what do you mean?"
"N-No... the need to k-k-kiss in front of everyone... and for that long..."
I knew it!
I knew they’d seen it, but hearing it confirmed made it so much worse!
What a disaster...
"A-Um, Masaomi-san, I-I’m sorry. About that... I probably went too far."
"N-No, I don’t mean to be that harsh... but you two are still students, and Kazunari-kun should keep that in mind... Whoa!?"
For a moment, Masaomi-san glanced toward the side and looked shocked, as if he had seen something terrifying. His expression froze instantly.
I had a vague idea of what had happened, but I checked beside me just in case. There sat Sara-san, her expression almost blank as she pierced Masaomi-san with an intensely freezing glare.
And right next to Masaomi-san, Mayumi-san had a pleasant smile on her face, yet she was radiating a "something" so powerful I couldn't help but shiver... was this the presence of a predator?!
"S-Sorry!! I was just surprised, so Kazunari-kun, please don't worry about it!"
"That’s right. Kazunari-kun just gave Sara-chan the world’s most wonderful surprise for her sake... surely you wouldn't do something as petty as voice a complaint, would you, Masaomi-san?"
"Y-Yes... of course not..."
Under Mayumi-san’s overwhelming pressure (masked by a smile) and the silent intensity from Sara-san, Masaomi-san was completely defeated.
But...
To be honest, I might have been saved.
"A... r-right. More importantly, would you mind showing me the ring?"
"......"
At Masaomi-san’s abrupt request, Sara-san wore a slightly displeased expression. She cast a brief, inquiring glance my way to check if it was okay.
When I nodded immediately, Sara-san gave a small nod and offered her left hand over the table.
Mayumi-san gently took it with both hands and peered at it with great interest... wait, I thought Masaomi-san was the one asking?!
"Hehe, sorry about that. I hadn't had a chance to look at it closely yet. Here, Masaomi-san."
"A-Ah. Let’s see..."
Mayumi-san seemed satisfied for now, as she immediately moved Sara-san’s hand into a position where Masaomi-san could see it. He peered at the ring with a look of deep curiosity.
I had done my absolute best to prepare that ring, but being inspected like that still made me incredibly nervous.
"...Kazunari-kun, can I ask how you obtained this ring?"
"Honestly, asking it like that is going to lead to a misunderstanding, isn't it? Listen, Kazunari-kun, this ring is much more high-end than we had imagined..."
"Y-Yes. Well..."
"That is to say, how did you purchase such a ring... wait, surely."
As if realizing something, Masaomi-san’s eyes suddenly widened as he stared intently at me.
It seemed he was curious about the source of the funds. Since they both knew I hadn't worked a part-time job since then, only one answer would come to mind.
Though, I suppose there was a possibility I had received an allowance from my parents.
"...Did you buy this with the money from your part-time job back then?"
"Yes."
"No, but quite some time has passed since then. And no matter how much you were working multiple jobs, you prepared a substantial birthday present for Sara, didn't you? Even so, for there to be enough for this..."
"Don't tell me, Kazunari-kun..."
"...I saved all of it. Thanks to that, I was barely able to afford it."
"All of it... then, t-then, even though you worked so hard at that job, what about your own needs? Did you buy anything for yourself?"
"Um, nothing in particular..."
The two of them showed expressions of absolute shock, as if they had heard something impossible.
Sara-san, who had never asked about the funds for the ring until now, seemed to have suspected as much. She looked down, appearing somewhat apologetic.
"...When I think back to my own self at that age, there were plenty of things I wanted, you know? But since I never had enough money, I naturally did simple part-time jobs, and even then, I’d spend it all right away."
"E-Eh. Well, I understand that."
In the past, I also had various things I wanted—manga, games, snacks. Running out of pocket money was a regular occurrence.
But ever since that incident last year, I’d lost interest in those things. Since I didn't really have any hobbies other than games and manga to begin with...
"Kazunari-kun, you’re still a high school student, so it wouldn't be strange at all to have things you want. Sara-chan too—she has a weakness for cute things and used to buy all sorts of things at general goods stores... and yet."
"B-But, I did use it for what I wanted. If Sara-san is happy, that's enough for me."
It wasn't that I had absolutely nothing I wanted, but if I thought about it in terms of priority—say, buying a game—the difference was like heaven and earth.
To the current me, there was nothing more valuable than Sara-san’s happiness.
"Are you serious?"
"Aaaah... goodness, why are you such a good boy! I’m giving you pocket money today, so next time, you absolutely must buy something for yourself! Sara-chan, make sure Kazunari-kun goes shopping for himself on your next date! You absolutely must not let him buy things for you, okay?!"
"I understand."
"Eeeeh!?"
Hearing her say that with a smile mixed with a wry laugh, Sara-san took it entirely to heart, nodding with a look of serious determination.
But I had just been given a lump sum for the furniture purchase the other day. I couldn't possibly accept personal pocket money on top of that...
"A-Um, Mayumi-san, that’s really too much..."
"No. Listen, Kazunari-kun, the fact that you cherish Sara-chan this much makes us incredibly happy. And we understand that you aren't forcing yourself. But... if you always neglect yourself like that, Sara-chan won’t be able to be happy from the bottom of her heart, you know?"
"That is..."
At those words, the apologetic expression Sara-san had shown earlier flashed through my mind. I was forced to recognize that Mayumi-san was absolutely right.
I never intended to make her feel that way...
"Mother, please stop. If you say any more..."
"Sara-san, it’s okay. Mayumi-san, I’m sorry too. I..."
"No apologizing! Kazunari-kun, you haven't done a single thing wrong, okay?"
"That’s right. Rather, we should be the ones thanking you. Thank you for cherishing Sara this much."
Gazing into Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san’s kind eyes, and finally understanding the weight of Mayumi-san’s words, I realized I should gratefully accept their kindness.
To be honest, I felt guilty... but.
"...I should be the one thanking you. I'm truly happy."
I conveyed my heartfelt gratitude to Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san. Knowing they cared about me this much was a wonderful feeling.
"Hehe, that’s how it should be♪ Kazunari-kun, while you can be pampered, you have to let yourself be pampered to your heart's content. Right, Masaomi-san?"
"I suppose so. However, even though he cherishes Sara this much, to scold him for it feels wrong..."
"It really does. I never thought I’d be scolding someone for a reason like this either. But in that case... maybe we should have him try being really pampered by his mother-in-law for a change..."
"Please go back to sleep if you're going to talk in your sleep. Kazunari-san’s place to be pampered is with me; it has absolutely nothing to do with you, Mother."
"...Sa-Sara?! What on earth is that supposed to mean... wait, no! Even if that’s the case, at least show a little more restraint."
"I don't quite understand what you are trying to say, Father."
"I mean, that kiss on stage the other day, k-k-k..."
Ah, I thought we had finally moved past that!
You were still worried about it after all, Masaomi-san...
I never dreamed that I would end up kissing her like that right in front of her parents...
"I was convinced by the reason for the proposal, but even so, was there a need to go that far..."
"Hehe, Sara-chan is bold as always, isn't she?♪"
"T-That’s not the issue! They are still students..."
"We kiss every day. Since it is an important expression of my affection, there is no reason for me to be reproached for it."
"E-E-Every day?!"
"Wait?! S-Sara-san!!"
It was the usual Sara-san Style—exposing the truth simply, clearly, and decisively.
But saying that to Masaomi-san was bad. Very bad... for me, anyway!
"Ka-Kazunari-kun, is that true...?"
"Wha?! I-I mean, you see..."
"Now, now, let’s set aside such boorish talk. While we’re at it, let’s hear more about everything. I want to hear the story behind the proposal in detail!♪"
"W-Wait a minute! This isn't the kind of story that can be brushed off as 'boorish'!"
"You are being noisy, Father."
"You're being noisy, Masaomi-san."
"Noisy?!"
In the end...
The discussion never quite settled down.
I was grilled by Mayumi-san for every detail of the proposal, and I had to explain about the ring all over again.
I also made sure to explain that the ring was, strictly speaking, a proposal ring, and that I wanted to give her a proper engagement ring in the future. But regarding that...
"No, this is undoubtedly an engagement ring. Even if it was originally a proposal ring, the moment I accepted it, it became the symbol of our engagement. That makes it an engagement ring in every way that matters. Moreover, this ring is filled with so many of your thoughts, Kazunari-san... knowing that, I will never need another engagement ring in my life."
That was her stance.
By the way, Mayumi-san whispered to me later, "In that case, you can just do your best with the wedding ring next time."
Then, the fun time passed in an instant. As I was leaving...
"Sara-chan, I’m counting on you."
"Yes. This will all be used for Kazunari-san’s shopping."
Since the pocket money from Mayumi-san had been entrusted to Sara-san as promised, I could no longer refuse. And since I wasn't even sure of the exact amount, I could only pray it was a reasonable sum.
"Kazunari-kun."
While I was watching Sara-san and Mayumi-san, Masaomi-san walked up to me and forced something into my hand—a thin, small envelope. Wait, could this be?!
"Wait, Masaomi-san, this is..."
"It’s fine. This is something personal from me, and it has nothing to do with Mayumi’s gift. Just accept it."
"B-But..."
"Haha... to borrow Mayumi’s logic, let me act like a father for once."
"Ugh..."
That was playing dirty. If he put it like that, I couldn't exactly turn him down.
"I won't tell you how to spend this. Use it as you like. Of course, you can use it as Date Funds for when you go out with Sara. How about taking a trip somewhere?"
"Masaomi-san..."
"Go and enjoy yourselves, just the two of you. However... make it a day trip, understood?"
"I... I swear..."
Th-That’s strange... what was with that sudden, overwhelming pressure?
Well, anyway, since things had come to this, I would accept it gratefully.
I had been feeling bad that we haven't had many proper dates lately, so this was a great opportunity.
Now, as for where to go... that was the question.