They say bad premonitions have a way of coming true, or perhaps this was just as expected.
Even at the Super-large General Goods Store, which was our primary destination today, I was unfortunately unable to find anything for myself. On the other hand, because we both enjoy browsing such shops, there were plenty of items that caught Sara-san’s eye or little trinkets she wanted to decorate the house with.
However, since I was specifically looking for something "hobby-related" that I actually wanted, searching blindly like this was proving to be a challenge.
"Ah... this series is..."
Muttering softly, Sara-san gently picked up a fairy figurine that looked familiar. The detailed paintwork, the slightly realistic facial features, and the distinct design adorned with plants...
"That figurine... I’m pretty sure there were similar ones at your family home, weren't there, Sara-san?"
I remembered them vividly because they were the first things that caught my eye on top of the shoe locker in the entrance when I visited the Satsukawa home for the first time.
"Yes. Those were items I purchased when I came here with my mother before. But the packaging is different, so it seems a new series has been released."
"I see. What do you think? Since we’re here, do you want to buy some?"
"No, I will simply report it to my mother for now. Personally, it is not something I particularly want right this moment."
"Understood. Still, collecting cute figurines like this or finding stylish furniture is fun, isn't it?"
"Yes♪ It isn't exactly a grand dream, but I’d love to gather many adorable trinkets and furniture to decorate our house one day..."
Sara-san spoke happily as she held an animal figurine. I understood exactly how she felt.
"That sounds great! I’ve vaguely imagined it too. For example, in the garden... things like these."
I pointed to the dwarf-like figurines sitting on the floor beneath the shelves—the kind that appear in fairy tales—and a white angel statue holding a water jar. I started imagining decorating a garden with those, having water flow from the jar to create a small fountain... it was actually pretty exciting.
"Fufu... that would be lovely. Just imagining it is wonderful."
"Right? A long time ago, I mentioned something like this to the guys in my class, and they teased me for being 'maidenly' despite being a guy..."
This was back before everything started. I had gone to the local mall with my classmates and spoke excitedly about garden decor in a general goods store, only for them to be completely put off. It was a bitter memory.
"That just means the people around you were childish. It is a waste of breath to speak to those who lack the emotional depth to appreciate atmosphere or elegance."
"I-is that so? It’s not weird, then?"
"Yes. I think it is very wonderful."
Sara-san gave me a beaming smile, fully validating my interests. What a relief... since this was a secret preference of mine, I was truly happy she understood.
"Actually, a similar discussion came up at my home once. In the end, it was never realized because we decided to build my father’s annex instead."
"Ah... true, with a garden that large, there’s plenty of room for that kind of playfulness."
"Yes. We also had ideas like building a simple gazebo to serve as a place of relaxation... though personally, I really wanted a Western-style garden."
"Ah, I get that. I’m also more of a fan of the Western-style garden over the Japanese-style. Though, actually pulling that off requires a massive amount of space."
It might be possible at the Satsukawa estate, but it was out of the question for my family home. To realize the image in my head, a typical residential garden just wouldn't cut it. Then again, it just goes to show how huge the Satsukawa property really is.
"Fufu... there is no end to it if we talk about ideals. Still, it would be fun to have a playful space like that, even if it’s just one small section."
"Definitely. Let’s make that one of our future goals, then! ...Wait, am I looking too far ahead?"
I didn't mean to make such a grand boast; I was just thinking out loud. Talking about things that far in the future probably seemed a bit childish.
"No, while it is certainly a story for the distant future, having clear dreams and goals is never a bad thing. They serve as an important driving force for oneself. Besides..."
"Besides?"
Sara-san’s cheeks flushed slightly with embarrassment, but she kept her eyes fixed straight on mine.
"Since we are not merely lovers but fiancés... isn't it only natural to discuss our future goals and our outlook for life after marriage?"
"Ah... y-yeah. Put that way, I guess it is..."
"Yes. And... well, I also find myself thinking about life after marriage... it may be early, but when I see myself wearing this formal engagement ring, it makes everything feel so real..."
Looking bashful, Sara-san lovingly stroked the ring shining on her left hand. To be honest, I couldn't quite wrap my head around things that far off yet, but I still had vague hopes and ideals for the future.
"Um... just for reference, what kind of things do you think about for after we’re married, Sara-san?"
"Eh!? T-that... well..."
I asked out of pure curiosity and a desire to fulfill her wishes if possible, but for some reason, her face turned a deep shade of crimson. Did I ask something too sensitive?
"Ah, if it’s hard to say, you don't have to—"
"N-no, it isn't that I can't say it... but there are things I'm vaguely considering, and a wish I absolutely want to fulfill one day, and... well, quite a few things."
"Oh? Then, that absolute wish is..."
"I-I'm very sorry. Regarding that... for now, it's still, well..."
Sara-san’s voice trailed off, and her face grew even redder. Seeing her react like that made me incredibly curious, but I didn't want to force the issue. If I pushed, she’d probably tell me, but I had promised myself not to do that without a very good reason.
"U-understood. I won't ask for now. But someday..."
"Y-yes. I will definitely tell you someday, so please don't think too much about it right now, okay?"
"Roger that."
It would be wrong to keep pressing her, so I decided to drop it. If it was about life after marriage, I was sure she’d tell me when the time was right.
"...Ugh, I’m so embarrassed."
"S-Sara-san?"
Suddenly, Sara-san clung tightly to my right arm, burying her face against me to hide it. That reaction was a foul play in itself, but the sensation of her being pressed against me was also a total violation of my self-control.
"Kazunari-san, you dummy..."
"Why!?"
And to top it off, that completely unreasonable remark... combined with her adorable behavior, it was nothing but a reward to me.
"L-let’s keep moving, shall we?"
"Yes..."
Still a bit bewildered by the situation, I led the pampered Sara-san out of the store.
Whether out of habit or because she had something on her mind, Sara-san stayed unusually close, her arm linked tightly with mine as we walked. On a typical date, we’d hold hands, but we rarely walked this pressed together. Now, she was the one being proactive about the physical contact.
I’d often seen "normie" couples walking proudly like this, but I never imagined the day would come when I’d be doing it myself—especially not with someone like Sara-san. It still felt more like a dream than reality. I was just too happy.
"Ah..."
"Sara-san?"
She suddenly noticed something and turned her gaze toward it. It was something she had been waiting for all day.
"Haha, want to stop by?"
"Ugh... w-would that be okay?"
"Of course. Actually, even if you said no, I’d probably drag you in myself."
I had intended to stop here anyway, and I knew she secretly wanted to. There was no reason for her to hold back. Besides, for me, stopping here was a reward in its own right.
"Fufu... thank you. Then..."
"Whoa, slow down, they aren't going anywhere."
Modest as always, she pulled on my arm, her eyes sparkling with excitement as we entered. And of course, waiting for her inside the Pet Shop were...
"Yip yip!!"
"Nyee~ nyee~"
"Haaah... so cute..."
Drawn by the chorus of puppies and kittens, Sara-san arrived at a specific cage. A single cat was reaching out with its tiny paws, batting at the glass as if pleading for attention. With its folded ears, short legs, and round face, the Munchkin kitten was unfairly adorable. It was so tiny it probably hadn't been long since it was born.
"Nyee~ nyee~"
Instead of a proper "meow," it let out high-pitched, thin cries. Its waddling gait was enough to melt even my heart, so there was no way a cat-lover like Sara-san could resist.
"So cute... fufu, meow-meow♪"
Sara-san was already in a complete daze, conversing with the kitten in Meow-meow Language. The gap between this and her usual self was incredible—an absolute foul play that deserved a hundred red cards. In fact, half the reason I brought her here was to see this (the other half was because she enjoys it).
"Welcome. Do you like cats?"
"Yes. I like dogs too, but I’m definitely more of a cat person," I answered for her when the shop clerk predictably approached us. Most pet shop staff don't push the sales too hard, so it was easy to chat with her.
"Ah, if you’d like, would you like to hold that little one?"
"Is that allowed?"
"Yes, of cour—!?"
When Sara-san finally turned around, the clerk’s eyes went wide, and she froze mid-sentence. I’d seen this reaction so many times now that I knew what was coming.
"...W-wow... so beautiful..."
"Um?"
"Hah!? M-my apologies! It’s no problem at all! Please wait just a moment."
Sara-san was the kind of beauty that made even other women stop and stare. Once the clerk snapped out of it, she hurriedly resumed her professional duties—another standard pattern.
"Customer, please sanitize your hands here first and take a seat on that bench."
"Y-yes."
Following the instructions, Sara-san used the alcohol spray on the table and sat on the bench with a nervous expression. I sanitized my hands as well. A moment later, the clerk returned with the kitten from the cage... and man, it was tiny!
"Nyee~ nyee~"
"Yes, here you go."
"Th-thank you! Well then..."
When Sara-san gently offered her right hand, the kitten sniffed it curiously. It must have taken an immediate liking to her, because it started rubbing its head against her hand on its own.
"Oh my, I’ve never seen that little one take to someone so quickly."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Animals are very sensitive to whether someone truly likes them... I’m sure your girlfriend’s love for cats reached the little one."
"Heh..."
Whether that was true or just some clever sales talk, it still felt good to hear her praised. And Sara-san herself...
"Ufufu... that tickles, meow-meow♪"
We’d visited many pet shops, but we rarely got the chance to actually hold the kittens. I absolutely had to capture this rare sight of my Goddess playing with a kitten on my smartphone!
"Still... your girlfriend is incredibly beautiful, isn't she?"
"Eh?"
"Is she a model or an idol, by any chance...?"
"No, nothing like that."
"My mistake. But with a girlfriend that beautiful, she must really stand out, right?"
"E-eight. Yeah, she does."
"Just as you say that... look."
The clerk glanced behind me. I turned to see a crowd of new customers gathering, and their interest wasn't exactly on the animals.
"Whoa... so pretty... who is she?"
"Wait, is this a photoshoot!?"
"Damn... does a girl that beautiful actually exist!?"
"Whoa, that’s better than a painting!!"
"Wh-when did all these people..."
"She’s been standing out since the moment she started talking to the kitten. There were even people watching from outside the store window."
"Since then?"
To be honest, I’d only been looking at Sara-san myself, so I hadn't noticed. But "Sara-san playing with a kitten" was such an incredible visual that it was no wonder a crowd formed. It would have been stranger if it hadn't.
"H-hey... isn't she wearing a ring on her ring finger?"
"Eh... what!? Seriously!?"
"N-no, maybe it’s a fake to keep guys away..."
"Fufu... a clever pest repellent. Was that your idea, Boyfriend?"
"It’s not really an idea... that’s not a fashion ring."
"Oh, I see... wait, what!?"
"Fufu... do you like that spot? Here... tickle tickle tickle..."
"Nyee~ nyee~"
Oblivious to the noise around her, Sara-san tickled the kitten under its chin and slowly stroked its belly. It looked like the kitten was the one being mesmerized. In fact, the little guy seemed to be in full spoiled mode. I hope it isn't a male... wait, why am I even thinking that?
"Fufu... Kazunari-san, would you like to join us?"
"Sure, I’ll take you up on that."
"Yes."
The moment Sara-san spoke to me, a stir went through the crowd—mostly the guys. But that was a daily occurrence with her, so I ignored it.
"Let’s see..."
Following her lead, I didn't reach for its head right away. I let it sniff my finger first. Apparently, this thins a cat’s natural wariness.
"Nyee~"
Once it finished sniffing, I tried petting its head. It worked like a charm; the kitten accepted me immediately, even rubbing its face against my hand.
Whoa... this is great.
"Nyee~"
"Haha, there, there."
When I scratched its throat, it started to purr. Now I was the one who couldn't handle it. This kitten was too cute!
"Fufu... it’s acting spoiled with you, Kazunari-san."
"Well, it won't leave your side, so I think it’s definitely more attached to you, Sara-san."
"Fufu... that’s not true. I think it actually loves you. Right, meow-meow♪"
"Nyee~♪"
Sara-san lifted the kitten’s front paws, making it move like a beckoning cat. The kitten played along, crying out happily. But more than that, Sara-san’s behavior was just too adorable to bear!
"...Wait, she’s too cute..."
"...That’s cheating. A beauty like that with that personality is a foul play."
"...Damn, that guy is so lucky it hurts..."
"...That ring isn't real, right?"
"...But that guy looks like he’s only in high school."
"...Honestly, a beautiful girl and a kitten make quite the picture."
"...Did you suggest they hold it specifically for the crowd?"
"...Hehe, the customer-draw is amazing, isn't it? But are those two really...?"
"Fufu... little kitten, that tickles."
"Nyee~"
In Sara-san’s lap, the kitten rubbed its cheeks against her with everything it had. It even licked her finger, showing its affection. Watching her look down at it with such gentle eyes... I felt a little bit envious. Then I wondered if the way she pampered me usually looked like this from the outside.
"Fufu... honestly, Kazunari-san."
"Eh?"
"You don't have to make that face. When we get home, I’ll pamper you as much as you want, okay?"
"N-no, I didn't mean it like that..."
"Is that truly alright?"
"Ugh..."
She gave me a mischievous look, teasing me with that question. If I nodded honestly, she’d think I was actually jealous of a kitten (which I definitely am not!). My pride... my pride was on the line!
"Kazunari-san?"
"...I look forward to it."
"Yes. Certainly♪"
Fine, laugh if you want! Sara-san’s smile is worth more than my tiny pride!
"Fufu... well then, little kitten, my cute husband is going to get jealous, so we have to say bye-bye now."
"Nyee~"
It was as if the kitten understood her. It moved back into the clerk’s hands surprisingly smoothly. As a small apology, I gave it one last farewell pet with Sara-san, and it cried out twice toward us. It felt like a "bye-bye" from the kitten to us.
And for the record, I wasn't jealous.
"Thank you very much for letting us hold it."
"No problem at all! Still, you two really are close, aren't you? You look more like a happily married couple than just lovers."
"Fufu... I'm glad to hear that. We aren't married yet, but we are fiancés."
"Oh, is that so... wait, what!? Fiancés!?"
"B-but, aren't you two still students?"
"Yes. We are students, but we are the formal fiancés recognized by both our families."
"E-eeeeeeeh!?"
""No wayyyyyyyyyy!?""
The clerk and the rest of the onlookers all shouted in shock at her straightforward declaration. I knew people would be surprised, but did she have to say it so loudly in a crowded mall? Everyone was staring now.
"Sara-san, let’s go."
"Yes. Well then, thank you very much."
Sara-san gave a polite bow, and we hurried out of the store. I felt a little bad that we couldn't spend more time with the kitten, but I wanted to clear up the misunderstanding—I definitely wasn't jealous.
"Fufu... that kitten was so cute."
"Yeah. Do you want to keep one someday?"
"I do feel that way, but..."
"But?"
"I already have someone who is the world’s cutest person, and I want him to act spoiled with me all the time♪"
Seeing her give me that world-class smile, I knew she wasn't just trying to make me feel better. She truly meant it.
But that was just how Sara-san was.