We’d weathered several chaotic days, and before I knew it, the weekend had arrived.
While things in the classroom had mostly returned to normal, we still drew plenty of stares in the hallways or whenever we moved between rooms. Well, considering the massive uproar we had caused, I suppose that was only to be expected.
"See ya!"
"Bye-baaaay!"
"Let’s hit up karaoke!"
"Sorry, I’ve got a prior engagement today."
Since it was Saturday, school ended after a half-day. My classmates were making a huge fuss as they savored the moment, splitting off into those heading straight home, those going to club activities, and those making stops along the way.
And then…
"Hanasaki-san!"
"Come on, time is limited!"
"Sigh… fine, I get it."
Hanasaki-san stood up slowly, clutching her bag and radiating an air of reluctance. I had the distinct feeling she was silently pleading with me to save her, but unfortunately, I had plans of my own.
"Kazunari, Big Sister is heading out."
"Sure thing. It’s a rare opportunity, so try to enjoy yourself at least a little."
"I’ll do my best. For now."
Apparently, Hanako-san was being escorted—or rather, hauled away—to a JK-frequented Karaoke Parlor near the station. She was to attend an Important Meeting (Girls' Party) hosted by the female officers of the class. For the record, I had already confirmed it was strictly a girls' party and not a mixer.
"If you're curious, Takanashi-kun, you should come too!"
"Yeah, yeah! We’d totally welcome you, Takanashi-kun! Hehehe…"
"I will respectfully decline."
If I—the sacrifice—were to foolishly wander into a venue that had turned into a den of Love Maidens, I knew exactly what would happen. I wasn't eccentric enough to jump into that trap of my own volition.
"Well then, I’ll—"
"Issei-san, I have come to pick you up."
Just as I stood, a voice called out. Appearing at the open classroom door was the person I was supposed to meet at the main gate.
"Sara-san?"
She wore a goddess-like smile that captivated everyone who saw her, regardless of gender. Directing that radiance only at me while ignoring everyone else, she walked straight toward my desk. It was rare for Sara-san to visit this classroom; I wondered what had prompted it.
"S-Satsukawa-senpai is here!"
"Hey, her left hand! Look at her left hand!"
"Ooooh, she really is wearing a ring!"
"Is that the engagement ring Takanashi-kun gave her?"
"Ugh… seeing it for real makes it sink in…"
"Marrying Satsukawa-senpai… that’s beyond being a winner at life."
"A transcendental beauty like that devoted to him every day? Takanashi could die happy right now."
"S-Sara-san, what’s the matter?"
Flustered by the sudden spike in volume within the classroom, I steeled my resolve and spoke to her. Even that simple interaction caused the clamor to grow even louder.
"Fufu… I don't have a particular reason. I just felt like coming to meet you, Issei-san. Was I a nuisance?"
"No, not at all."
The idea that I would ever find Sara-san’s presence a nuisance was an impossibility, even if the world turned upside down.
"Wife… you shouldn’t come here recklessly," Hanako-san interjected.
"And why is that?"
"Setting aside our class, the others haven’t calmed down yet. The hallway…"
"The hallway?"
Following Hanako-san’s finger, I checked the entrance. A mysterious crowd had already swarmed near the classroom door. Since when?!
"…I see. Perhaps I was a bit thoughtless."
"The biggest topic in this school right now is definitely Kazunari and Wife. Especially when Wife moves, she draws a crowd," Hanako-san noted.
"Phew… I suppose so."
Sara-san let out a small sigh and gently picked up my bag from the desk. Even that casual action drew intense, hungry stares.
"H-Hey, that girl is talking casually to Satsukawa-senpai."
"She’s been calling her 'Wife' for a while now…"
"'Wife'… does she mean she’s actually his wife?!"
"Whaaat?! And Satsukawa-senpai is just answering normally?!"
"That ring… the one from the rumors?!"
"Dammit all!"
"The ring finger on her left hand… that means exactly what we think it means."
I sighed. We needed to leave before the commotion grew any larger. Sara-san, in particular, was starting to radiate an aura of distinct displeasure.
"Sara-san, shall we go?"
"Yes. Well then, Hanako-san."
"Bye-bye."
I took the bag from Sara-san, said goodbye to Hanako-san, and began our charge toward the exit—and the wall of people blocking it. Dealing with them one by one would be a pain, so I decided we should just push through.
"Do you have some business with us?"
"Eh?!"
"I-In, no…"
"Well…"
Before I could move, Sara-san stepped out in front of me and addressed the crowd. Her tone was polite, but her voice carried a heavy sense of authority. The people in the front row looked at each other in a panic.
"If you have no business, could you please move? You are blocking the way."
"Y-Yes, ma'am!"
"Sorry!"
"Forgive us!"
Overwhelmed by Sara-san’s undeniable pressure, the students dispersed like baby spiders. Honestly, I couldn't believe how many people had gathered. Just how much free time did they have?
"Now then, Issei-san, shall we?"
"Right."
Staying here any longer would only invite more trouble. It was best to leave immediately.
After running the gauntlet of stares across campus, we made our way to the shrine. We didn't have any urgent errands, but Sara-san wanted to officially report the recent events to Yukie-san—the formal proposal and the engagement ring.
To be honest, making another formal report felt a bit excessive to me, and I was more than a little embarrassed. But since Yukie-san was Sara-san’s grandmother—and would eventually be my grandmother-in-law—I agreed it was important. Mostly, I did it because Sara-san looked so happy about it.
"One, two, three…"
As we climbed the stairs to the shrine grounds, we heard children's voices from above. A boy in a baseball cap appeared, looked around restlessly, and ducked into the bushes. He was playing hide-and-seek.
"Fufu… he’s going to be found immediately."
"Yeah. That’s a classic spot."
There was a small natural tunnel in the bushes there. It was a perfect hiding spot for a small child, but because it was so well-known, it was the first place any seeker would check.
"Shall we go?"
"Yeah."
As we passed, I locked eyes with the boy in the bushes. He flashed a meaningful grin and put a finger to his lips, signaling me to be quiet. I’d keep his secret, but he was so close to the edge that he’d be caught in no time.
Reaching the top, we passed a boy running vigorously—the seeker—and spotted a familiar group near the main building. It wasn't strange to see them here, but it was rare to find all three together.
"Ahhh! It’s Big Brother and Sara Onee-chan!"
Mio-chan spotted us first. She charged toward Sara-san like a bullet, but at the last second, she swerved and lunged at me instead. I’d let my guard down for a split second.
"Guh!"
"Issei-san?!"
"Kyahahaha!"
Mio-chan delivered a powerful tackle to my stomach and clung to me. I managed to regain my balance and held her firmly so she wouldn't fall. Whew… not bad, Mio-chan. Nice tackle.
"Takanashi-san, are you alright?!"
"Wah-wah, Takanashi-kun, are you okay?!"
"I-I'm fine."
Todo-san and Kazumi-san rushed over in a panic. Beside me, Sara-san was gently stroking my stomach right where Mio-chan’s head had struck.
U-Um… having her stroke me there outdoors was a little… visually risky.
"Mio! That’s dangerous! I’m so sorry, Takanashi-kun, as always…"
"Ahaha… it’s fine. Also, Sara-san, I’m okay now."
I tried to subtly signal that she could stop. If she kept it up, Todo-san looked like she might short-circuit.
"H-Hauuu…"
Todo-san was peeking through the gaps in her fingers, staring intently. I wanted to tell her it was a perfectly innocent, healthy interaction, but I didn't think she'd believe me.
"Big Brother, I’m sorry…"
"It’s okay. Mio-chan is a good girl for saying sorry. I’m fine, see?"
I spoke gently to the dejected girl and patted her head. Mio-chan looked up, her eyes narrowing with comfort as she rubbed her head against my hand. The kitten-like gesture was far too cute.
"Ehehe, Big Brother, I love you~"
"Honestly… Mio, really."
"Fufu… Mio-chan, you have to be careful or you’ll get hurt, okay?"
"Okay!"
Mio-chan gave Sara-san an energetic reply. As a reward, both Sara-san and I gave her head a big pat, which made her giggle delightedly.
"A-Ahaha… just like Yoko says, you two really do look like a married couple…"
"Hmm? Did you say something, Todo-san?"
"N-No, nothing! More importantly, Takanashi-kun…"
"My, my, I thought I heard voices. Quite the interesting group we have today."
A new voice called out. We turned to see Yukie-san peeking through the sliding doors on the veranda, smiling at us.
"Hello, Yukie-san."
"Grandmother, hello."
"Grandmother, hellooo!"
"Yes, yes, hello. Ufufu… seeing you like that, you look just like a young couple with their child♪"
Yukie-san let out a rhythmic laugh. Someone had said the exact same thing during the Miss Contest.
"Hey, hey, Grandmother! When Sara Onee-chan becomes a mama, Mio is going to play with the baby!"
"Oh, is that so? That would be such a help to Sara-chan. I’m looking forward to the day I can see my great-grandchild—"
"G-Grandmother! That kind of talk is… well… I mean…"
Sara-san cut in hurriedly, her face flushing a deep red. She kept glancing at me, but I didn't know what to say either!
"Ufufu, it makes me so happy to see you’re as close as ever. So, what brings you here today?"
"Hey, hey, Grandmother! Mio wants to meet Santa-san!"
"Mio-chan?"
I felt a warm glow at the adorable declaration, though I didn't see the connection yet. Kazumi-san stepped in to explain.
"Apparently, a friend at kindergarten was talking about a Christmas party they had last year… and how Santa-san came to visit. Ever since Mio heard that…"
"Mio wants to meet Santa-san too! That’s why I came to ask God to let me meet him!"
It was an adorable request, but a difficult one. Since Mio-chan didn't have a father at home, there was no one to play the part of Santa.
"Fufu… so Mio-chan wants to meet Santa-san?"
"Uh-huh! Sakura-chan said he came to her house party because she was a good girl. But Mio is a good girl too…"
"…I see. You are a very good girl, Mio-chan, so I’m sure Santa-san is watching."
"Uh-huh!"
Sara-san seemed to be thinking deeply as she spoke. Todo-san and Kazumi-san also looked troubled.
"Kazumi-san, what about the Christmas party itself?" I asked.
"To be honest, it’s hard for us to host something like a real party. It’s just the two of us, and our place is small."
I didn't want to pry into their private circumstances, but it was clear that a "party" was out of reach for them.
"Hmm… if it’s just the location, you’re welcome to use the meeting hall here," Yukie-san offered.
"Thank you, but even so…"
"Uuuu…"
Sensing the conversation wasn't going well, Mio-chan clung to me, looking like she was about to cry. I wanted to help her, but I hesitated. This Christmas was supposed to be the first one Sara-san and I spent together as a couple.
"Issei-san…"
Sara-san looked pained as well. If we did nothing, we’d both end up spending our Christmas with this lingering sadness in the back of our minds. That wasn't the way to start our tradition. The answer was clear, and I didn't want Sara-san to have to be the one to suggest it.
"…Sara-san."
"Fufu… as you wish."
She read my mind and agreed instantly. That was all I needed.
"Yukie-san, please reserve the meeting hall for us."
"Takanashi-kun?!"
"Takanashi-kun! But on Christmas, you and Satsukawa-senpai were supposed to…"
"That’s the same for you, Todo-san, isn't it?"
"Ugh… b-but…"
Todo-san trailed off, looking at Sara-san. Sara-san gave her a brilliant smile and a firm nod.
"Mio-chan, shall we all have a party together this Christmas?"
"Sara Onee-chan… you’re coming?"
"Yes. Issei-san will be there too."
"…Big Brother too?"
"Yeah. Let’s have a big Christmas party together."
"Yayyyyy!"
Mio-chan’s sadness vanished instantly. She bounced in my arms and then reached out to cling to Sara-san’s arm as well, pampering herself with both of us at once.
"Party! Christmas party!"
"Ahaha…"
"Fufu…"
"Hey, hey, Big Brother! If we have a party, Santa-san will definitely come, right?!"
"That’s right. I’m sure he’ll come."
"Uh-huh!"
Mio-chan’s joy was infectious. I felt a slight twinge of apology toward Sara-san for giving up our private time, but seeing this made it worth it.
"Ufufu… as expected of the boy Sara-chan chose," Yukie-san said.
"Yes. Issei-san is the most wonderful man in the world♪"
"My, my, thanks for the treat♪"
"Eh, no…"
The direct praise from both of them was enough to make me want to hide.
"Takanashi-san, Satsukawa-san, are you really sure? I know you two must have plans…" Kazumi-san said.
"We’ll be fine, so please don't worry about that." I spoke firmly to ensure she wouldn't feel guilty. I didn't want any regrets. "Besides, I'm sure I'll still have time for a date with Sara-san. And Todo-san, you should bring Hayato—"
"Wawawawa! Takanashi-kun, you can't say that!"
"Oh? Marina-chan? What was that about Hayato…?"
"Auuu…"
"Ah… sorry, Todo-san."
I’d forgotten that her relationship with Hayato was still a secret from the adults. My bad.
"Thank you, Takanashi-kun, Satsukawa-san. Truly, I don't know how to thank you…"
"No, we’re looking forward to it as well. Besides…" Sara-san smiled.
"Besides?"
"This is just the kind of person my husband is♪"
"My, ufufu… what a treat♪"
"Sara-chan has certainly grown bold," Yukie-san teased.
Everyone was looking at me with warm, albeit slightly teasing, eyes. Sara-san’s gaze was particularly intense—she looked so proud and happy that it made me even more self-conscious.
"U-Um, can we move on to the main point?"
"Fufu… he’s even shyer than I heard," Yukie-san laughed.
"Grandmother, please leave it at that. Admiring Issei-san’s adorable side is my exclusive privilege."
"My, my. Does that boldness have something to do with that ring?"
"Eh?"
Yukie-san had already noticed. Kazumi-san and Mio-chan also turned their curious eyes toward the band on Sara-san’s ring finger. It was time for the actual reason we had come.
"Ah! Sara Onee-chan is wearing a ring!"
"Sara-chan, is that…?"
"Yes. Issei-san formally proposed to me the other day. This is the engagement ring he gave me."
"A proposal?!"
"Oh my! That’s wonderful, Sara-chan! Congratulations!"
"Fufu… thank you."
Sara-san glanced at me and then proudly held out her left hand so the others could see. Mio-chan stared at it intently while still clinging to me.
"A high school boy bought this…?" Kazumi-san whispered in shock.
"Ufufu… receiving such a magnificent ring, I can see why you’d want to show it off," Yukie-san added.
"Yes! It is my lifelong treasure♪"
Sara-san was practically beaming. Seeing her so happy made every bit of effort I’d put into getting that ring worthwhile.
"Takanashi-kun… let me thank you as well," Yukie-san said. "Thank you for bringing Sara-chan so much happiness, and for being part of her life. I’m so glad you’re the one she chose."
"I should be thanking you. I’m sure I only became this close with Sara-san because of my connection to you, Yukie-san. So, thank you. And… I look forward to your continued support."
"Yes, likewise. You know, you’re welcome to call me 'Grandmother' whenever you like."
"Ahaha… well, I’ll get there eventually."
Grandmother, huh? It had been a long time since I’d used that word.
"Ufufu… seeing that ring really makes it feel real. I suppose I’ll have to start getting serious about planning for the future!"
"G-Grandmother, don't get too carried away, okay?"
"Impossible! There’s a mountain of things to discuss about your future together. I can’t afford to retire yet. Besides, the face of a great-grandchild—"
"G-GRANDMOTHER!"
"Ufufu, sorry, sorry. I suppose that’s a bit much for high schoolers. I just got excited…"
"T-That’s for sure… ahaha…"
For a second, I thought I saw a vision of Mayumi-san standing behind Yukie-san. Or was it the other way around? Was this bold personality a family trait? Either way, I really wanted to avoid the sensitive topics for now.
"A-Anyway, let’s talk more about the Christmas party."
"Right. It’s only a month away. We should decide on a few things while we’re all here. Kazumi-san, do you still have time?"
"Yes, we’re fine. Thank you so much…"
"Don't mention it. Let’s head inside and talk over some tea."
"Mio wants sweets!"
"Ufufu, I have plenty of sweets."
"Yayyy!"
"That’s good, isn't it, Mio-chan?" Sara-san smiled.
"Uh-huh! Sara Onee-chan, Big Brother, Marina Onee-chan, Mama, and Grandmother—let’s all eat together!"
"Of course."
"Sounds good."
"Yeah."
"Honestly, Mio…" Kazumi-san sighed, but she was smiling.
Mio-chan looked up at me with a perfect, radiant grin. She looked so genuinely happy.
Alright. Now that the plan was in motion, I was going to make this the best Christmas party ever—one that Mio-chan, and all of us, would never forget. I’d have to follow up with Hayato, too… actually, maybe I should just invite him. And Hanako-san would definitely want to see Mio-chan.
It might be fun to invite the whole group.