"Good job today, Kazunari-san."
"You too, Sara-san. And... thank you."
The meal gathering had been a total whirlwind. It started with seeing off my Dad and the others, then stopping by the Satsukawa family home so Sara-san could change. In the meantime, I somehow managed to survive Mayumi-san's fierce attack(?) and barely mediated a "battle without honor" between mother and daughter that was on the verge of breaking out again. By the time we finally headed home, I was exhausted.
We barely had a moment to breathe after returning. Since it was already quite late, we went straight to the bath, finished our preparations for tomorrow, and crawled into our futon. In the end, it had been a turbulent day from start to finish.
"Fufu... I don't recall doing anything that warrants such gratitude, you know?"
"No, there are so many things I need to thank you for, Sara-san... Just thinking about it for a second, I can count a dozen things."
She gave me courage when I had to tell that story to my Dad and the others. she encouraged me, and she watched over me. She threw me a lifeline during the explanation and even followed up with my parents afterward...
And I suppose rescuing me from Mayumi-san(?) counts too. Anyway, even a brief thought brought so many instances to mind.
"Even if you say that, for me, it was all only natural. You could say that being of use to you, Kazunari-san, is my greatest desire—and my joy."
"Well... it’s a bit troubling for me if you consider all that to be just 'natural'..."
The fact that she wasn't joking or exaggerating—that she genuinely felt this way—was so typical of Sara-san. But that was exactly why I felt I must never take her kindness for granted or forget to be grateful.
"Fufu... Regardless, I am currently receiving a wonderful reward, so please do not worry about it♪"
As she spoke, Sara-san lovingly and carefully stroked my head as it was cradled in her own personal heaven(?). No matter how I looked at it, this felt like a reward for me rather than her... but I suppose it was too late to argue that point.
And so, as you can see, we were currently snuggled up in the futon, engaging in physical intimacy to soothe the day's fatigue... Wait, who exactly am I explaining this to?
"Kazunari-san... mm."
Chu... Without warning, a gentle kiss brushed my forehead. I didn't even need to look to know it was Sara-san. I was certainly happy about it, but why the suddenness?
"Sara-san?"
"Kazunari-san... with this, we have become fiancés in the true sense of the word, haven't we?"
"Eh...?"
Fiancés in the true sense? We had been for a while, but... ah, I see what she means.
"...That's right. Because Masaomi-san and the others had a formal discussion with my Dad and reached a full agreement."
Until now, it had been something of a verbal promise—we called ourselves fiancés on the premise that both sets of parents acknowledged us separately. But today, through a formal introduction and a meeting between both families, we were recognized under a complete, unified agreement. That meant...
"Fufu... today is an anniversary♪ Now that we have a genuine seal of approval from both houses, we have become formal fiancés in the true sense."
"Haha... I guess so. Though in my mind, I already thought of us that way."
"I felt the same, but having both families formally agree together gives it a completely different weight. It feels... official."
"Yeah, you're right. In that sense, we’ve become 'more formal' fiancés."
For those of us who aren't yet at the age where we can marry, perhaps it is only when the parents of both families agree and recognize the union that we can truly be called "fiancés." Thinking of it that way, today really was special.
"Um... Kazunari-san?"
"Yes?"
"Well, since today has become such a special day for the two of us..."
"Y-yes?"
"Just for today—just for tonight would be fine..."
"Yes?"
"Until the very moment we fall asleep... may I call you... Darling?"
"...!?"
Sara-san's sweet voice and her adorable pleading made my heart race instantly.
Of course, the answer was an immediate yes... but the problem was that being called "Darling" by Sara-san was still intensely embarrassing. Having her do that all night long... I was slightly afraid that "something" I was trying to suppress might break free.
Even so...
"Kazunari-san... is it... not allowed?"
When Sara-san acted spoiled like this, there was no need to even consider my answer. I had to brace myself. A man's battle that I could not afford to lose was starting again...
"I understa... I understand, Sara."
"I am so happy... Darling♪"
Sara-san sounded truly blissful as she spoke, and she slightly tightened her hold as she hugged my head. Seeing her this happy made my own embarrassment well worth the struggle.
"Darling, shall we talk like this for just a little longer?"
"Um... s-sure."
"Thank you... fufu♪"
She seemed unusually giddy, perhaps because of how happy she was with the situation. Not only that, her embrace felt a little different too... more intense, somehow.
"Then, once again... you really did your best today, Darling."
"Eh? Ah, well... I wouldn't say I did my best, exactly..."
"No, I know that speaking about those events must have been a heavier burden for you than anything else."
"...It was. But I couldn't let this opportunity pass. If important things were decided while I left that story unsaid..."
In establishing our future—the engagement and my eventual status as an adopted child—telling that story was my way of settling my accounts. It was the final ritual for a true break from the past, the final step in overcoming it.
It was also a way to show gratitude and apology to my Dad and Mom, who had supported me back then... and a show of sincerity to Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san, who were becoming my new parents.
"Yes. And I was there to witness it. Now, no matter what anyone says, you..."
"Yeah. With this, I’ve completely settled my past. I don't have any lingering regrets—"
"Darling... that's a no-no, isn't it?"
Tap... her finger touched my forehead lightly. This time it wasn't a kiss, but her fingertip. Immediately after, she began to stroke my hair again, as if smoothing over my words.
"S-Sara?"
"You promised me that you wouldn't keep secrets, remember?"
"Ugh..."
There was no mistaking what she was implying.
"D-did you notice? I mean... you knew?"
"Fufu... of course. Knowing how kind you are, I didn't even have to guess."
"Ugh... I'm sorry."
She didn't say the name, but she was definitely talking about Yuzuha. I hadn't intended to let it show, but I really couldn't keep anything from Sara-san.
"...I know in my head that there’s nothing more I can do for her. And after everything she did to me..."
"Even so, a part of your heart still wonders, still worries. I think that is only natural. No matter the circumstances, you are a kind soul."
"...Sorry."
"Please don't apologize. It is because you are that kind of person that I feel proud to be with you. You don't bend your principles, you don't lose your identity, and you never forget your kindness. That is what makes you Kazunari-san. It is why you are my favorite, the world's most wonderful husband."
"S-Sara-san..."
"Even if another woman remains in a corner of your heart... I am not so narrow-minded that it would upset me. I know it is just your natural kindness and a heart that cares for an old friend. There is no romantic affection there; I know that all of your love is directed toward me."
"...Of course it is. My love belongs to you alone, Sara. I can say that with absolute certainty."
I really was no match for her. Not only did she realize I was thinking about Yuzuha, but she also saw through my guilt—the fact that I felt bad for holding a place in my heart for another woman, even if it was purely as a childhood friend. And Sara-san accepted all of it as part of who I am.
"Fufu... then I have nothing to worry about. It was a needless concern."
"You're right. I'm sorr—"
"However... if I may say just one more thing."
"Eh?"
She tightened her embrace, pressing her face closer to mine. She didn't kiss me this time, but simply buried her face against me, holding me as deeply and strongly as she could.
"To be loved so much by you makes me a truly happy woman. Not just your words, but even deep within your heart... you are always putting me first and treasuring me. Being loved by you, I am truly..."
"...It’s only natural. I only look at you, Sara. I don't want to look at anyone else. As long as I have you by my side..."
"It is the same for me. As long as you are with me... I need nothing else..."
"Sara-san..."
Her voice was thick with emotion, sounding almost pained with longing. She shifted her arms and face repeatedly, trying to pull me even closer. I pressed my body against hers, giving in to the moment.
"Darling... I love you..."
Her voice was a blend of every kind of sweetness imaginable, wrapped in a layer of ultimate tenderness. It was so sugary it felt like my entire being was melting just by hearing it. She pulled back just enough so we could see each other’s faces, her eyes locked onto mine.
"Sara... san..."
"...No. Call me Sara, Darling."
"S-sorry. Sara."
I realized I had slipped back into formal speech without thinking. But my focus was entirely stolen by the longing shimmering in Sara's eyes. I couldn't stop the affection overflowing from within me.
"I love you. From the bottom of my heart, I adore you..."
"Me too... Sara. I really, truly do..."
"I'm so happy..."
She whispered her feelings as if she could no longer contain them. She was so incredibly precious to me. I had to use every ounce of self-restraint to keep my "brakes" on... but at the very least, I could give her this.
"Sara..."
"Darling..."
As if drawn by an invisible force, I leaned toward Sara as she gently closed her eyes.
And there, for the first time since we became "true fiancés"...
We shared a kiss.