Side: Sara
It felt as though my heart were being torn from my chest as I left Kazunari-san's side. We were moving on to our next objective: selecting gifts for the present exchange scheduled for the party. This had been the plan from the beginning, and I had no intention of complaining at this late stage, but I couldn't help but wonder if it was truly necessary for us to act separately.
Still, now that it had come to this, I decided to focus my efforts on finding something that would truly delight Mio-chan and the other children.
As for Kazunari-san's gift? There was no need to worry. He was my absolute priority, a fact so fundamental it required no further confirmation.
"What do you think? Should we split up for a bit here?"
"Hmm... normally that would be for the best, but leaving Sara to wander on her own is a bit concerning."
Natsumi voiced her reluctance at Tachikawa-san's suggestion, studying my face with a pensive expression.
Admittedly, based on past experience—or rather, considering our current circumstances—her concern wasn't exactly misplaced. Many would argue she wasn't overthinking it at all. Sigh.
"Ah, that's true. Ever since we stepped away from Takanashi-kun and the others, I've noticed several groups looking like they're about to pounce and strike up a conversation... If Satsukawa-senpai were alone, it would definitely turn into a disaster."
"Y-Yeah. That's right. And even Nishikawa-san..."
"Oh, Eririn will be fine. She has several people lurking around her in the shadows anyway."
"My, you've grown quite observant, haven't you, Natsumi?"
"How could I not be?"
Leaving aside our juniors, who rarely had the chance to go out with Eri, this was common knowledge to Natsumi and me. Even if they weren't visible at a glance, whenever we went out with Eri, she was invariably surrounded by a security detail.
"Ah, come to think of it, during the Autumn Festival too..."
"Exactly. Eririn basically always has someone trailing her from the wings. Her family says it would be a catastrophe if she got into trouble, even by accident."
"Hah... I suppose that's the reality of being a young lady in her position."
"I personally find it to be a massive exaggeration, but Father is quite fussy about it."
"Eri has it rough too..."
Given Eri's status, I could certainly understand the logic of exercising extreme caution. However, if one's private life was essentially being monitored, it was nothing short of a prison to the person involved.
"You say that like it's someone else's problem, but in terms of status, aren't you in a similar boat, Sara?"
"Even if I am, I absolutely refuse to let anyone interfere with my time with Kazunari-san."
"I understand how you feel, but both you and Takanashi-san are already treated as VIPs whenever you step into public, you know? Especially once it's officially announced at the upcoming party that Takanashi-san is your fiancé..."
"I am well aware of that without being reminded."
At the Sawa Party next weekend, it would be publicly declared that Kazunari-san was my fiancé—and that he would marry me in the future to become the adopted son-in-law of the Satsukawa family.
I had been told that "for now," no further details would be shared, but one didn't need to think hard to realize the immense weight Kazunari-san's position as the future adopted son-in-law would carry.
"Hmm... how should I put it? It all feels like a story from another world."
"Well, both Eririn and Sara belong to management families of super-giant enterprises. The environment surrounding them is just fundamentally different from us commoners."
"I don't intend to be a 'special person' as much as you suggest, though."
"I'm not even conscious of it myself. As long as I have time with Kazunari-san, I don't need anything else."
Though I could not choose the circumstances of my birth, and regardless of the role expected of me, the most important thing in my life—the one I would always prioritize above all else—was my beloved Kazunari-san, and him alone.
"Ahaha... As expected of Satsukawa-senpai. You haven't wavered an inch, as usual."
"I think Takanashi-kun is truly the luckiest man in the world to be loved that much by you, Satsukawa-senpai!"
"Fufu... to me, it is simply the most natural way to think."
My current feelings and my devotion were my everything; they would never falter. There was nothing "special" about it to me.
"Whoa?! S-Satsukawa-senpai?!"
"Heh? ...Wait, are you serious?!"
"H-Hey, who is that?!"
"Uooooh, she's a total goddess..."
"Wait, look at the others too..."
"H-Hanasaki-san..."
Suddenly, a group of boys approached us, raising rude, boisterous voices. It was a group of about ten, and looking closely, I thought I recognized a few faces, though I couldn't be sure. Regardless, they were clearly students from our school.
"S-Satsukawa-senpai, hello!"
"H-Hey! Um..."
"Good afternoon."
I felt a prickle of irritation at the two in front of me who couldn't even manage a proper greeting to someone they were essentially meeting for the first time. However, correcting their manners seemed more tedious than it was worth, so I offered a perfunctory response.
"Ooooh, I actually talked to Satsukawa-senpai for the first time!"
"Man, I'm so moved!"
"Hey, don't just keep her to yourselves, introduce me too!"
"Yeah! Unlike you guys, we don't even get to see her at school!"
It seemed the other two were students from another school and knew little about me. While that didn't matter in itself, it looked as though this was heading toward my least favorite kind of interaction. To be blunt, this was becoming a nuisance.
"Knock it off, you guys. You're being disrespectful to the senpai."
"What's your deal, Kawamura? Don't act like you're the only cool one here."
"I'm not trying to act cool. I'm telling you this for your own sake."
"Huh?"
One boy stepped in to restrain the four of them. His demeanor and behavior seemed a cut above the other boys. Furthermore, I felt as though I had seen him somewhere before.
"My apologies, Satsukawa-senpai. These guys are being far too noisy."
"I don't believe it is something you need to apologize for?"
"Haha... even so, if I just stood by and watched this, I feel like Takanashi would have my head later."
"Kazunari-san? ...Ah, I remember now."
That was right. He was the one in Issei's class who was close with him—and I believed he had visited my home once before.
"H-Hanasaki-san, those clothes look amazing on you! So cute..."
"Ah, right. Thanks."
"Again with the cold shoulder! You're way too blunt!"
Looking over, I saw another boy being soundly rejected by Hanako-san. He was also from the Autumn Festival... well, that was hardly important now.
"Are you acting separately from Takanashi today?"
"We are only apart temporarily. We intend to rejoin him later."
"I see. In any case, sorry for the disturbance."
"Wait, Kawamura?! Why are you stealing a march and talking to her so normally?!"
"That's not fair! If you're acquaintances, introduce us!"
"You're bothering everyone around us, so shut up. More importantly, Satsukawa-senpai is my friend's girlfriend. There is no reason or meaning in introducing her to you."
"Wait, what?"
Kawamura-san(?) silenced the group for shouting in such a public place, then looked back at me and gave a small, respectful bow.
As I had sensed, he was clearly a sensible person, unlike his companions. Of course, one could argue that was only to be expected if he claimed to be Kazunari-san's friend.
"Girlfriend... you mean this goddess is your buddy's girlfriend?!"
"Yeah. And for your information, they're already engaged."
"En... gaged... Engaged?!"
"What?! No way, they're still in high school, aren't they?!"
"You can get engaged in high school, can't you? Here, look at the senpai's left hand."
"Left hand?"
Kawamura-san pointed toward my left hand—specifically, the ring finger of my left hand, which bore my lifelong treasure. I decided it was only right to make it visible. Above all, displaying the ring in such circumstances was Kazunari-san's explicit wish.
"Wait... a ring on her ring finger? Is that an engagement ring?"
"Yeah. It's a genuine engagement ring. My friend proposed to her at the school festival and gave it to her in front of the entire school."
"That was something else... the whole school was in an absolute uproar over it."
"In my class, there were guys who actually took to their beds for days."
"Whoa, seriously... that guy is winning at life way too hard."
"But man, isn't a proposal at our age a bit heavy? Like, that guy's way too obsessed, or maybe he's just delusional... honestly, it's pretty cri—hic!?"
The boy who had begun to spout the most intolerable nonsense suddenly choked on his words, letting out a small squeal as he looked at me. There was no need to wonder why. I was fully aware of the distinct, sharp rage boiling within me.
"Y-You idiot?! You—"
"Wait, w-what...?!"
"Uooh... I haven't seen this side of Satsukawa-senpai in a long time..."
"What was that... about Kazunari-san?"
"Eh!?"
A voice that was low and utterly devoid of emotion, even to my own ears, escaped my lips.
Even if this person knew nothing of our circumstances or the path we had walked to get here, I would not, under any circumstances, overlook a statement that mocked Kazunari-san's actions. I would absolutely never forgive it.
"The Kazunari-san who proposed to me... exactly what were you about to say about him?"
"N-No..."
"Do not remain silent; answer me. Or do you perhaps struggle to understand Japanese? I am telling you to explain right now what you intended to say about Kazunari-san."
"A-Ah... ugh... that is..."
"For a complete stranger who knows nothing of our situation, you certainly have a lot to say, don't you? What exactly do you think you know about him? Even as a joke, that wasn't the least bit funny."
I projected the maximum amount of contempt into my voice, yet remained perfectly composed as I directed my fury at him. I did not scream; I spoke with a lethal, icy precision, thoroughly cornering my prey.
…………………… …………… ……
Side: Yoko Tachikawa
"Ah man. Now they've gone and made Sara angry."
Yuzuki-senpai muttered the casual observation as she watched Satsukawa-senpai corner her opponent. It wasn't a wild, fiery explosion of temper; it was a calm, frigid anger—an absolute, chilling frost that seemed to paralyze him. Even Hanako-san let out a grand, exaggerated sigh next to her.
"A second of carelessness, a lifetime of idiocy. That kind of stupidity isn't cured until you die."
"Hanako-san, you're being quite harsh too."
"It's the truth, so it can't be helped."
"Wait, you two..."
They were having such a caref—or rather, a tone-deaf conversation. Satsukawa-senpai was legitimately furious! Is it really okay to just stand here?!
"I-I'm sorry, Satsukawa-senpai! I'll make sure to lecture him thoroughly, so please, let it go for now!"
In the middle of that suffocating atmosphere, one boy bravely stepped in. He was likely the only one who truly understood the situation. He was Takanashi-kun's classmate... his friend? He bowed his head so many times it was almost pitiful. I was honestly shocked he could even find the courage to speak to Satsukawa-senpai in "that state" at all!
"...Very well. I suppose I shall let it go just this once."
To my surprise, Satsukawa-senpai, though appearing reluctant, actually withdrew her sword of anger!
Wait, uh...?
"Oho, that's rare."
"Kawamura is the one who's closest to Kazunari in our class."
"So she's doing him a favor?"
"You could say that."
"You two are being noisy."
I see. It made sense that Satsukawa-senpai, with her Takanashi-kun first principle, would show that kind of consideration for his friend.
Still, though...
"Um... I-I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry too..."
"That is enough. However, you would do well to stop making assumptions about things based on your own narrow perceptions from now on."
""Yes... we're sorry.""
The two apologized with solemn expressions, looking like they'd truly learned their lesson—or at least felt terrible for their friend who had apologized in their stead.
Well, I guess that means the crisis is over? Good grief...
"Alright then, now that this is settled, let's get going. We're wasting time."
"Right. Thanks to Sara being mature, I was spared the trouble of having to follow up."
"I-I was on pins and needles, I tell you..."
"Hanasaki-san, those guys were in the wrong."
"My wife already said what I wanted to say. Just don't ever get involved with us again, and we're even."
"Guh... S-Sorry."
It seemed Hanako-san's side of the conversation was also finished. The boy who had been dominated from start to finish slumped his shoulders in defeat. He hadn't stood out much because of Satsukawa-senpai's overwhelming presence, but Hanako-san is absolutely merciless when it comes to Takanashi-kun too. I was just glad everything had calmed down.
"Um..."
"Huh?"
The boy who had been talking to Satsukawa-senpai earlier suddenly called out to me.
"...Me?"
"Y-Yes. Um..."
Maybe because we were meeting for the first time, or maybe for some other reason, he looked a bit hesitant... embarrassed, even?
U-Um?
"W-What is it?"
"Well, we caused a lot of trouble, so I wanted to at least offer a word of apology to you as well."
"Eh? To me?"
"Yes. Well, Yuzuki-senpai and her friend seem busy dealing with Satsukawa-senpai..."
"T-That's true."
"And as for Hanasaki-san, I feel like if I talk to her unnecessarily, it'll just make her mood even worse..."
"U-Uh-huh?"
Which means...
"Ah—"
He looked incredibly awkward now.
Yeah, I knew it. I knew it, okay?
I knew exactly why he'd skipped over the others to talk to me.
He just talked to me because I was the only one left after the process of elimination!
It's fine! I'm not making any misunderstandings here!
"I-I see. But I'm fine, really! I don't mind at all."
"Is that so? I'm truly sorry... for everything."
"Ahaha..."
Instead of accepting his apology, seeing him look so genuinely regretful and even concerned for me made me feel a bit apologetic myself.
It was true that the atmosphere had turned sour because they'd made Satsukawa-senpai angry, but once we rejoined Takanashi-kun, her mood would be fixed in an instant.
"Um..."
"Ah, I'm a fellow student, so you don't have to use polite speech."
"...Eh? R-Really? I mean... is that so?"
"Yeah. You're Takanashi-kun's classmate, right? That means I'm the same age too."
"I-Is that right? I thought for sure you were older..."
"...Heh?"
This time, it wasn't my imagination; he actually looked bashful. He probably felt awkward about getting my age wrong, but... he thought I was older? Me? Did I look as old as Satsukawa-senpai and the others?
"Ahaha, there's no way I could pass for being the same age as Satsukawa-senpai and the rest, right?"
"Well, Satsukawa-senpai and her friends are in a league of their own. Comparing anyone to them is kind of pointless..."
"Ah, that's true."
This wasn't just about me. If you were compared to those three, even a university student would have a hard time.
"Anyway, I'm sorry again for today. Including those idiots."
"Yeah, I get it. Well, nothing happened to me, and you were the one who stopped Satsukawa-senpai... speaking of which, you were really brave to talk to her in that state."
If he was Takanashi-kun's friend, he must have known that Satsukawa-senpai had a reputation as an extreme man-hater. It didn't take a genius to guess what usually happened when a boy other than Takanashi-kun spoke to her when she was in a frigid anger.
"Haha... well, to be honest, I was terrified, but if I hadn't stopped her then, I wouldn't have been able to look Takanashi in the eye."
"...I see."
"Besides, it was trouble caused by my group, so that made it even worse."
"You're very considerate of your friends, aren't you?"
"Give me a break. Those guys are just a bad habit. I'm only hanging out with them today because they were persistent and I felt a sense of obligation."
He scratched his cheek, looking a bit bashful. That expression, combined with the gap from his somewhat tough impression, was actually kind of cute—not that I'd ever tell him that.
"But whatever the reason, I think it's amazing that you found the courage to bow your head for your friends."
"Today was special because of Takanashi. Besides, I knew I had to go that far for it to actually reach Satsukawa-senpai."
"...That's true."
Since Satsukawa-senpai is basically merciless to any boy other than Takanashi-kun, his assessment was probably spot on.
"A-Anyway, that's the story."
"I understand. Since you went so far as to bow your head for your friends, I'll put in a good word with the others on my end too."
"No, like I said, those guys... sigh, fine, whatever."
"Ahaha. Don't be so shy, boy."
"Who are you calling a boy?! Honestly... you really throw me off my rhythm."
He looked a bit sour at my reaction, but it quickly turned into a wry smile. I found his reaction quite amusing, and I couldn't help but laugh as well.
I wonder why... it's been a long time since I've felt this comfortable talking with a boy outside of Takanashi-kun's group.
"Well then, we'll get out of your way."
"Yeah. I'll follow up with Takanashi-kun too, so don't worry."
"Thanks. I'll apologize directly the next time I see him, but please tell him I'm really sorry about today."
"Got it."
"See ya."
With those blunt words—likely to hide his embarrassment—the boy left the area at a brisk pace. I wasn't entirely sure what that was all about, but the fact that he was so easy to talk to despite looking difficult made for an interesting character.
And come to think of it... I promised to follow up for him, but I forgot to ask for his name.
Well, I'm sure someone knows who he is. It'll be fine.