"Fufu... Kazunari-san♪"
"S-Sara-san..."
Sara-san hooked her arm through mine, pressing herself close with an uncharacteristically direct display of affection. Usually, she was careful to maintain a modest distance—sometimes even walking a step behind me if I wasn't paying attention—so having her cling to me like this was a rare treat.
Well, it was clear she was in a wonderful mood, which was a good thing, but having her this close was still a little embarrassing.
"I am sorry. But when I think about how the two of us are finally walking through the festival night alone together, well..."
"...I know what you mean. It’s deeply moving for me too, being able to walk with you like this again. I’m honestly just happy."
"Yes. Even though my mind was already made up back then, we were not yet joined in the truest sense of the word..."
"True. In that sense, today is our first festival as a couple... although, come to think of it, we’ve already jumped right past the 'lover' stage."
"Fufu... it is true that we bypassed the experience of attending a festival as mere lovers."
We had become lovers, overcome the shadows of our pasts, and finally cleared the stagnation in our hearts. Just when I thought our life as a couple was finally beginning in earnest, we had been catapulted straight into an engagement by that arranged marriage fiasco. Our romance really was like a rollercoaster.
In the first place, the actual number of dates we’d been on was probably far lower than that of an average couple...
"However, I do not mind at all. While my official position has shifted from lover to fiancée, I fall in love with Kazunari-san every single day. Because of that, I have a firm sense of being both your lover and your fiancée simultaneously."
"Haha, I feel the same way. Honestly, it still feels more like we're just a couple than a betrothed pair. But I do have a solid awareness that I'm your fiancé, too."
Thoughts of Sara-san, my future path, the life ahead of us...
The reason I had begun to think seriously about the far future and take steps toward it was undoubtedly because the awareness of being "Sara-san's fiancé" had taken root within me. But when we were just enjoying each other's company like this, the feeling of being simple lovers was still stronger.
Then again, if a high school first-year like me could suddenly grasp the full reality and weight of engagement and marriage, that would probably be even more surprising...
"Even so... fufu."
"What is it all of a sudden?"
"No, it is just that Kazunari-san was truly so dignified and wonderful earlier... I realized that I have fallen in love with you all over again."
"Ah, no, well..."
Sara-san hugged my arm even tighter and looked up at me with those eyes, saying such wonderful things.
Honestly, I suspected Sara-san was the only person who truly, sincerely thought I was cool or dignified—well, maybe Hanako-san did too—but as long as Sara-san felt that way, all my hard work was worth it.
"Ah, but please do not misunderstand, okay? I cannot express it perfectly, but it is not as if I find the usual Kazunari-san..."
"It’s okay. I understand."
"Fufu... I am glad. I reaffirm almost every day that Kazunari-san is the most wonderful, reliable, and dignified gentleman in the world."
"Haha, if you're going to say that, I also sincerely believe every day that Sara-san is the most wonderful, most beautiful, and most amazing woman in the wor— mgh!?"
"Nn..."
Chu...
Before I could react, Sara-san’s beautiful face suddenly closed the distance, and my lips were stolen in an instant.
I was too stunned to process the situation for a second, but by the time I realized I was being kissed, Sara-san was already slowly pulling away.
"Honestly... it is Kazunari-san's fault, you know? You should not say things that make me so happy..."
"Ah... uugh..."
"Fufu... Kazunari-san, your face is bright red♪"
"T-That's your fault, Sara-san..."
"Ah... such a bad mouth needs another punishment..."
"I-I understand!! It was my fault!!"
"Yes. Good boy♪"
I had no idea what I’d done wrong, or if I’d even done anything bad at all... but if it meant seeing this smile on Sara-san's face, I would gladly play the villain, no matter how unreasonable the charge.
So, well... it was fine.
"Sara-san, what should we do now?"
"Let us see... since we are finally alone together..."
"Though we don't have that much time left."
This separate time was a period of Free Action Time that Nishikawa-san had hastily arranged for the three couples: me and Sara-san, Yuji and Natsumi-senpai, and Hayato and Todo-san.
There wasn't much time before the fireworks festival—the grand finale—but we had accepted her kindness. Nishikawa-san had repeatedly emphasized that her reason was absolutely not because she "couldn't stand watching us flirt in front of her anymore," so I made sure to recognize this as a gesture of pure generosity. Yes.
"For now, shall we go and offer a prayer since we're here?"
"Fufu... that sounds lovely. It is not as if there is a particularly scenic location nearby for us to enjoy."
"Haha, you're right. It's not exactly a place for a 'mood.'"
The festival connection made me remember the moving night view I'd seen before, but today’s venue was just in the middle of a residential area. Since it was right near the school, it wasn't exactly what you’d call a romantic atmosphere.
If we could get into the school, it might have a different feel... ah, but that seemed like it would be scary, so never mind.
"What kind of blessings does this shrine offer, anyway?"
"I believe it is known for academic matters..."
"Oh, really? Then I guess we should just play it safe and pray for Success in Academics."
"Yes. And for us, Success in Academics eventually circles back to Success in Love... or perhaps Marital Harmony... though that may be slightly premature."
"Ah, true. If we think of it as Success in Academics for the sake of our future marriage... then for us, that might not be entirely wrong."
If I viewed "academics" as a necessary hurdle to clear for our future together, then Sara-san’s logic—that Success in Academics eventually connected to the romance side of things—had a point. Or two.
"Indeed. Therefore..."
"In that case, let's pray... though for things concerning you, Sara-san, I want to overcome them through my own strength rather than relying on prayers."
"Kazunari-san... honestly, why must you say things that make me so happy?"
"No, it’s just my resolve... I feel like no matter how much I pray, it would end up feeling like I left it to someone else..."
It was just a feeling, but if my grades improved in the future, I didn't want to leave any room to say it was because I "relied on prayers."
It might seem like a strange obsession, but I wanted to grasp everything regarding Sara-san and our future with my own hands, to the absolute limit of my power.
"I know it sounds like a weird obsession, even as I’m saying it."
"No. I cannot explain it perfectly either, but I understand that feeling well. You do not wish to leave any room for other powers—even conceptual ones—to interfere with your resolve to make me the happiest woman in the world..."
"Ah, exactly. That’s it. Even if I pray, I know it’s my own effort that improves my academic ability... but that’s why I don't want any extra factors involved. Especially when it comes to you, I want to do it absolutely on my own."
If it were an unpredictable event beyond my control, I wouldn't be so obsessed with self-reliance. But if it was something I could manage with my own strength, I wanted to overcome it through 100% merit. Especially if it involved our future... and Sara-san!!
"Truly, I am a fortunate woman to be loved this much by Kazunari-san..."
"No, I’m the one who’s..."
"Fufu... please take responsibility for making me feel this happy, okay?"
"Eh?"
"Tonight, until my heart settles... I will dote on Kazunari-san with everything I have♪"
"...Wh-Wha?"
Wh-What was that...
Looking at Sara-san's incredibly joyful smile, I felt a confusing mix of anxiety, danger, happiness, and various other things all at once.
What was going to happen to me tonight!?
What was she going to do to me in the futon!?
"Kazunari-san, I love you... nn."
Chu...
I felt the soft, warm touch of her lips on my cheek for the several-th time today.
Happily, joyfully, blissfully...
As Sara-san gazed at me with that radiant, perfect smile, I felt a deep sense of happiness, even as I braced for another lonely battle... no, a fierce battle.
But even if it cost me my peace of mind... no, my dignity as a man, I would endure anything for the sake of that smile!!
"Fufu... let us get into the futon early tonight♪"
That said, as a man, my anxiety was never-ending... so please, be as gentle as possible!!
……………… ………… ……
"Is it almost time?"
"Yes, I suppose there are about five minutes left."
The Free Action Time had ended, and after reuniting as planned, we moved to a nearby park to watch the fireworks that would mark the end of the festival.
The fireworks themselves were being launched from a distant mountain, but since utility poles, power lines, and tall buildings blocked the view in most of the town, people naturally gathered in open spaces like this.
Of course, that meant securing a spot was usually a nightmare... but when we arrived, we found a perfectly spacious area waiting for us. It was a prime position with no obstacles in sight, held for us by a group of men whose appearances seemed both familiar and yet not.
Truly, thank you for your hard work... I have nothing but gratitude.
"I couldn't go to any fireworks festivals at all this year, so this is actually my first time seeing them."
"I haven't had the chance either, so this is the first for me as well."
"Oh, really? D— I mean, with your school friends or colleagues, I had an image that Nishikawa-san would have plenty of opportunities for that."
"It is true that those opportunities exist, but for now, this is the first one this year."
D— cough... I meant, given Nishikawa-san's high social standing, it wouldn't be strange if she had many such engagements. But since this was the first for us too, we couldn't exactly talk.
"Takanashi-kun and his group seem like they'd be more active about that sort of thing," Nishikawa-san remarked.
"No, this is only our second time, you know?"
"Eh, really!? Since you two are probably going on dates every single week, I thought for sure you'd already conquered all the nearby fireworks festivals..."
"Hey now... well, I feel truly bad for Sara-san, but our actual date count is pretty low to begin with."
"Eeeehh!?"
"Wait, really!? You two, the Walking Diabetes Manufacturers, have a low date count..."
"Natsumi, that is quite rude."
Walking Diabetes Manufacturers... well, regardless of the nickname, I guess it was a surprise.
But the truth was, so much had been happening in our lives that we really hadn't had the time for a quiet, normal date.
"Th-Then, what do you guys actually do on normal weekends?"
"Let us see... we handle the chores we cannot do during the week, or we enjoy window shopping while buying daily necessities and groceries..."
"And we get called to Sara-san's family home to relax, help out with things around the house, and have meals together... that’s about it, I think?"
I didn't mention things like my intensive review sessions or helping Masaomi-san with work that doubled as my part-time job.
"Umm..."
"How should I put it..."
"Ah..."
What was this? Everyone’s eyes were suddenly lukewarm. I had expected them to mock me for lacking a man’s resourcefulness, but this reaction was far beyond my expectations.
"Well, it can't be helped. The fact that these two are already a married couple rather than lovers is old news," Natsumi-senpai sighed.
"True. That is not the weekend pattern of an ordinary high school couple at all."
"But since they're living together, maybe they don't feel the need for that kind of special time?"
"Indeed... in fact, I do not have a problem even without a specific 'date' set aside... though, of course, being able to go out with Kazunari-san makes me very happy."
"Sara-san..."
"Fufu... I am more than happy just to share a life with Kazunari-san and take care of his everyday needs."
I knew that Sara-san's gentle smile wasn't a brave front; those were her pure, heartfelt feelings. But even so, I knew for a fact that she would be especially happy if we actually went on a date...
The fact that I hadn't been able to give her that kind of time was something I truly regretted...
"Kazunari-san... no-no, okay?"
"Ah..."
Sara-san lightly tapped her index finger against my forehead as I fell into thought. She wore a soft smile full of affection and comfort.
Even though it was technically a warning, it was overflowing with such kindness that I didn't feel reprimanded at all.
"I fully understand that our circumstances have made it difficult to find that kind of time. This is by no means Kazunari-san's fault, and I have never felt any dissatisfaction or negativity because of it. Not even for a moment. Therefore..."
"...Yeah. I know you truly feel that way, Sara-san."
"Yes. So please stop blaming yourself. As for dates, we can simply visit many different places together from now on, can we not?"
"Understood. To make up for everything so far, I'll do as much as I can..."
"Fufu... I am looking forward to it. But if you wish to make it up to me, perhaps you could do so in another way..."
"Eh?"
"In exchange, I would like Kazunari-san to let me spoil him to my heart’s content... for example, in the fu—"
"Wait!?"
BOOM!!
RUMBLE!!
Just as Sara-san was about to say something extremely dangerous and I moved to stop her, the autumn night sky was set ablaze. These weren't the murky ones from before, but real, brilliant fireworks. Several launched at once, drawing grand circles in the sky before trailing off like falling stars with a massive roar.
The crowd, the group, and the two of us were all captivated by the gorgeous sight. As if to drown out Sara-san's comment, the fireworks continued to launch one after another.
"Taaamayaaaaaaaa!!"
"N-Natsumi-san!! Please, keep the volume down a bit..."
"Hey, hey, Hayato-kun!! Did you see what shape that firework was?"
"Yeah. That was..."
"Fufu... it is truly beautiful."
"It really is... if only we had a special someone by our side..."
"Wait!? Why are you suddenly talking about that!?"
"Kazunari, what was your wife talking about just now..."
"Wh-Wha!? Hanako-san, look at the fireworks..."
"Staaaare..."
Hanako-san gave me a mysterious scornful look... but then she grabbed my sleeve again and looked up at the sky with a satisfied smile.
On my right, Sara-san was also staring at the sky, seemingly moved. She suddenly turned toward me, and when our eyes met...
"...It’s beautiful, truly."
"It is... but..."
"But?"
"N-No, never mind..."
Looking at Sara-san now, a cheesy, embarrassing line like "Sara-san, you're more beautiful" almost slipped out of my mouth. I knew it would be cringey, and comparing her to fireworks felt a bit cliché anyway.
"Kazunari-san, please say it."
"Eh, no, well..."
"He was probably just going to say a cheesy line about how his wife is more beautiful than the fireworks," Hanako-san cut in.
"H-How did you know!? Ah..."
Oops.
I couldn't believe I’d just walked right into a classic manga trope. And Hanako-san hadn't even looked like she was reading my expression yet, so how...
"Even without reading your expression, I can easily tell from your psychological pattern, Kazunari."
"Hey!?"
Hanako-san puffed out her chest with a smug, knowing grin. Her insight was as terrifying as ever. She didn't even have to try to read my thoughts... wait, that wasn't the point!!
"S-Sara-san, that was, well..."
"Kazunari-san, no secrets... okay?"
"N-No, it’s not exactly a secret, it’s just..."
"Kazunari-san?"
"Y-Yes... I'm sorry..."
There I was, bowing my head in deep apology against the backdrop of a grand firework display. When I thought about it, what kind of situation was this?
"Hmm... I can see the future clearly. He can't stand up to his sister or his wife, and he'll be henpecked for the rest of his life," Eri remarked.
"That's old news. Besides, they look happy, so isn't it fine? In fact, Takanashi-kun seems to almost want it that way."
"True... so even though we're still in high school, we're already being forced to witness a middle-aged married couple's life?"
"Hey now..."
If I didn't say anything, those two would just keep blabbing whatever they wanted. And Yuji, don't just stand there with a wry smile—control your partner’s free-spiritedness a little! Please!
"Fufu... well then, once more."
"Eh?"
"Now, Kazunari-san, please go ahead without reservation?"
"No... you already know what I was going to say, right?"
"No, no, that is a different matter♪ I wish to hear it directly from Kazunari-san's lovely mouth."
"Ugh..."
Once again, there was no way I could resist Sara-san's smile, which was full of affection and kindness(?). I realized there was no path left for me other than to brace myself for the cold stares of the crowd and say that incredibly cheesy line. I resolved myself.
"...You are."
"Kazunari-san?"
"Sara-san, you're much more beautiful than the fireworks. More than anything else in the world."
"...Yes. Thank you. Having Kazunari-san say that to me makes me so truly..."
"Sara-san..."
Even though it was a total manga cliché, Sara-san looked incredibly happy. She wore a radiant smile and clung tightly to my right arm.
"Please... let me stay like this until the fireworks are over..."
"Don't say it like that. I’m always..."
"Kazunari-san, I love you... with all my heart."
"I love you too, Sara-san."
Sara-san leaned her weight against my right arm, smiling blissfully as she gazed up at the fireworks. Her shimmering, beautiful eyes and that dazzling smile... I truly believed they were the most beautiful things in the world, more than any firework or any gem. I was certain of it.
"Kazunari... next year, too."
"Yeah, you're right."
"Mhm... promise."
And on my left, Hanako-san’s smile was... truly wonderful and dazzling, far more than any firework. Suddenly, her hand let go of my sleeve and, this time, her small hand firmly clasped my left hand.
"Next summer vacation, it might be fun to go to a big fireworks festival and stay overnight somewhere," someone suggested.
"I’m in!! If it's just for a night, adjusting the schedule won't be that hard!!"
"Yeah, I agree."
"Whoa, if we’re doing that, I’ve got to start saving up my pocket money!"
"Right! I have to work hard starting now, too..."
"I wish we could work part-time jobs at a time like this..."
"Fufu... if we use the hotels or inns of the Nishikawa Group, you will be treated as special guests, so you do not have to worry about the cost," Eri offered.
"Eh!? R-Really!?"
"As expected of Eririn!! So reliable!!"
"Honestly... Natsumi, you're only enthusiastic when it's something like this."
"Ehehe..."
The sudden talk of next year’s plans made me just as excited as the others. Above all, the fact that we could all enjoy something together like this made me feel incredibly lucky.
"Fufu... now we have another thing to look forward to."
"Yeah. There’s the winter vacation trip, too..."
"My wallet's going to be screaming, but it’s a happy scream."
Sara-san and the others seemed just as excited. Hanako-san, in particular, was practically radiating anticipation, which was heartwarming.
"Well then, enough talk about next year for now..."
"Right! Right now..."
"Let’s ignore the Stupid Couple flirting at every opportunity and enjoy the fireworks in front of us!"
"Natsumi, what on earth do you mean by—"
BOOM!!
A massive explosion of light drowned out Sara-san's protest. I couldn't help but let out a wry smile, and Sara-san looked up at me with one of her own.
"Fufu... let us watch the fireworks together like this again."
"Yeah. Both with everyone, and of course, just the two of us..."
"Yes... it is a promise, Darling?"
"It’s a promise, Sara-san..."
The grand, brilliant fireworks continued to burst into the cloudless autumn sky. Still, I couldn't stop thinking that Sara-san's smile was the best thing in the world. I stared at her side profile, lost in that thought.
"Kazunari-san, no-no, okay?"
"Eh!?"
"I am happy that you are gazing at me, but let us watch the fireworks together for now, shall we? In exchange, once we return home, I will let you be as spoiled as you like."
"N-No, I wasn't exactly..."
"Do you dislike the idea?"
"...I'll be in your care, then."
"Fufu... good boy♪"
"You guys!!! Stop flirting already!!!"
""W-We're sorry...""
And so, we were scolded by Natsumi-senpai—the usual conclusion to our night.