"Whoaaa!"
"Big Brother, Big Brother! Mio wants to eat potatoes!"
"I'm so excited!"
Mio-chan, Sakura-chan, and Yuki-chan stood before the array of dishes spread across the table, their eyes sparkling with wonder.
At that moment, they were fixated on the arrival of the Christmas staple: Roast Chicken (Sara-san's Special). As Sakura-chan’s mother carried it over, the sight of the girls watching its every move was incredibly adorable and heartwarming. It really was the best kind of scene.
"Thank you so much for your help," Sara-san said.
"Oh, please, think nothing of it..." one mother replied.
"She’s right. We feel terrible leaving every single thing to you. We're truly sorry..."
"We really apologize, Satsukawa-san."
The mothers bowed their heads in deep humility, clearly feeling awkward about receiving thanks from Sara-san, the person most responsible for tonight's banquet.
From our side, however, we had originally intended for them to simply wait with the children until the preparations were complete. But they had earnestly pleaded to help in some way, so we eventually asked them to assist with setting the table.
"Whoa, this is incredible!"
"Ehehe. It really is something else when it’s all laid out like this, isn't it?"
"Whew... I can't believe all of this was finished in just half a day. Honestly."
"Agreed. Is the daughter of the Satsukawa family a monster?"
"I've heard that phrasing somewhere before, haven't I?"
"No, this is just flat-out too impressive."
"As always, Sara’s cooking skills are terrifyingly high. It's almost frustrating. I’d swap her for our family’s cook in a heartbeat if I could..."
"I have no intention of going to such lengths for anyone other than Kazunari-san, you know?"
"I know that without you telling me."
With this much food on display, it seemed no one could contain their excitement. Without naming names, I could vividly feel some people already narrowing down their targets. Then again, even as someone who ate Sara-san's cooking daily, I had to admit this spread was nothing short of spectacular.
Seriously... Sara-san's cooking skills are bottomless.
"Wait, did you really make all of this yourself, young lady!?"
"Not entirely... I did have a bit of help."
"A 'bit' of help, she says..."
"Wow..."
The mothers looked on in shock at Sara-san’s nonchalant reply. Kazumi-san turned to me as if seeking confirmation, and when I gave her a simple nod, the mothers all raised their voices in surprise once more.
"My goodness... it's truly incredible. And she’s only a high school student."
"No, 'incredible' doesn't do it justice. To think she made such elaborate dishes..."
"Now that you mention it, Satsukawa-san handled the cooking with amazing skill during that recent Miss Contest too, didn't she?"
"Satsukawa-senpai is great at cooking, sewing, and any kind of housework!" Tachikawa-san announced with a strangely proud look.
"She really is wonderful... I admire her so much," Todo-san added with a heartfelt sigh of praise.
Seeing the mothers' amazement and hearing the girls' compliments, Sara-san wore a slightly bashful smile and stole a quick glance at me.
She looks a bit embarrassed... She's so cute!
"Oh, speaking of the Miss Contest, what happened in the end?"
"Right, right. We had to leave right after, so we never heard the final results."
"Fufufu, for Satsukawa-senpai, of course she won the championship!"
"The championship!?"
"She really is something else. To be this good at cooking, a master of housework, and on top of that..."
Sakura-chan's mother trailed off as she stared at Sara-san—mostly at her face, but then her gaze swept from head to toe. For some reason, Yuki-chan's mother and Kazumi-san did the same. Finally, they all let out a synchronized, deep sigh.
"Haa... Whoever marries this young lady in the future will be the luckiest person in the world."
"Truly. I’d almost like to trade places with her myself."
"Fufu... That’s what they say, Kazunari-kun?"
Suddenly interjecting was Yukie-san, who had been watching the mothers' reactions with amusement. She wore a mischievous expression that reminded me of a certain someone, and when I looked closer, even Sara-san was turning an expectant gaze my way. In other words, this was the moment.
"Um... Y-Yeah. I think I realize that better than anyone."
""Huh?""
When I answered honestly, Sakura-chan's and Yuki-chan's mothers—who were likely unaware of our situation—widened their eyes in shock.
As for Sara-san... well, as always, she gave me a smile so perfect it felt unfair how easily she captured my heart.
"Fufu... Takanashi-san and Satsukawa-san are actually engaged, you know. Look at Satsukawa-san's left hand..."
Kazumi-san softly provided the explanation for us, pointing toward the ring shining on Sara-san's finger. The two mothers followed her gesture, and when they confirmed the existence of the ring, their expressions shifted back to total shock.
Lately, that ring has been more useful in signaling our relationship than I ever expected. It really was worth giving it to her.
"What!?"
"Wait, is that an engagement ring!? Even though you’re still in high school?"
"U-Um, well, there are various circumstances involved."
"I suppose it isn't our place to pry, but I'm surprised your parents allowed it. Especially for the young lady’s parents, since she’s their daughter."
"Actually, my parents were quite enthusiastic about it, so there wasn't any real opposition. My mother in particular was overjoyed at the idea of Kazunari-san becoming her son-in-law..."
"Oh, r-really? That’s quite something..."
From an adult’s perspective, I’m sure it was natural to find the situation odd or have certain opinions about it. But since they didn't voice them, I figured they were either kind-hearted or at least knew how to read the room.
"Ah, then was that talk from earlier true? About not doing anything for anyone except the Vice President..."
"Yes. I have promised that I will support Kazunari-san in both his public and private life as Kazunari-san's wife in the future."
"Public and private? ...Ah, I see. So that’s part of the 'circumstances'?"
"I don't want you to misunderstand; that's merely one of the reasons we formalized our status as fiancé and fiancée early. Our relationship is completely pure, and I can say with pride that I love Kazunari-san from the bottom of my heart."
"I feel the same way," I added. "It might be hard to understand just by hearing it, but to me, Sara-san is 'the one.' That’s why I have no hesitation. I plan to be with her for the rest of my life."
I was fully aware that to some, this probably sounded like the idealistic dreaming of a naive kid. But no matter what anyone said, we were going to keep moving straight forward, regardless of who might judge us.
"Fufu... I was surprised when I first heard about the engagement too, but seeing the two of them together, it just makes sense," Kazumi-san said.
"Takanashi-kun and Satsukawa-senpai are such a perfect match that it's almost weird they aren't married yet!" Todo-san followed up with a bashful giggle.
Everyone else nodded in agreement, wearing warm smiles. Seeing this, the mothers' expressions softened into similar smiles.
"Fufu... That’s lovely. This kind of bond between friends is wonderful."
"It really is. It makes me quite envious."
"I spent some time with them during the Rinka Festival, and I felt a connection between them that was far deeper than anything I experienced in my own high school days..."
Kazumi-san looked at each of us in turn, her gaze full of warmth and perhaps a hint of nostalgia.
"I know, I know! When Sara Onee-chan becomes a Mama, Mio will play with the baby!"
"Eh? A-A baby?"
Suddenly, Mio-chan's voice cut through the air with a bombshell that drew everyone’s attention.
I-I’m pretty sure we’ve had this conversation before...
"Yep! Mio is a big sister, so I promised I'd play with the baby! Right, Sara Onee-chan?"
"E-Eh, um... w-well..."
Faced with Mio-chan's innocent question—one completely devoid of malice—Sara-san's eyes darted around in panic... and then she looked at me!
And if she looked at me, then naturally...
"Hey, hey, Big Brother! Mio gets to play with the baby, right!?"
"No, I mean!?"
Quick to catch the reaction, Mio-chan immediately turned the interrogation on me!
Look, I knew. I fully understood that there was no hidden meaning or bad intent behind Mio-chan's words. I knew that!
But when this topic came up right after talking about engagement and marriage, it could easily lead to the massive misunderstanding that we had already made such specific, intimate plans for the future...
"...What’s wrong, Big Brother? Sara Onee-chan?"
"M-Mio-chan, you see..."
"E-Eeeh..."
Mio-chan, of course, didn't understand the nuance of the situation. She looked at us curiously, her expression turning slightly anxious because we weren't giving her a straight answer. We really didn't want to make her feel that way, but this topic was incredibly sensitive!
Moreover...
"Kuku... Now, now, how will the two of them respond?"
"Natsumi, stop being so inconsiderate."
"Are those two already talking about that kind of thing?"
"No, no, I'm sure it just happened to come up in conversation, right?"
"Actually, it wouldn't surprise me at all if those two had already discussed their plans that far ahead..."
"Honestly, Yoko!"
"Mio-chan is an angel."
The biggest problem was that our friends were watching the whole thing with absolute amusement! If I said the wrong thing now, I’d never hear the end of it later.
"Big Brother, Big Brother, Sakura will play with the baby too!"
"Yuki too! Yuki too!"
"No! Mio is the one who's going to play with the baby!"
With Sakura-chan and Yuki-chan joining the fray, Mio-chan's pout reached critical levels. This was spinning out of control.
"But Sakura is the oldest big sister, so Sakura will be better at playing with babies, you know?"
"Muuuuuu."
At the precocious Sakura-chan's verbal jab, Mio-chan puffed out her cheeks. She lunged at Sara-san, clinging to her and silently protesting with her entire body.
I wanted to back her up, but I had no idea what I was supposed to say!
"Big Brother, Sara Onee-chan... The one who plays with the baby... is Mio, right?"
"Mio-chan..."
Hearing Mio-chan murmur so sadly, Sara-san and I locked eyes. Without needing words, I reached out and gently patted Mio-chan's head. Sara-san smiled at my reaction, then leaned down and whispered something into the ear of the girl she was holding.
"...so... okay?"
"...Yeah! Ehehe!"
Mio-chan nodded vigorously with a bright smile. I had no idea what Sara-san said, but Mio-chan now looked at Sakura-chan and the others with a newfound sense of composure.
As for Sara-san... for some reason, her face was slightly flushed. When our eyes met, she looked down bashfully.
Wait. What?
What was that reaction about? Now I’m really curious.
"Sakura-chan and Yuki-chan can play with the baby too, okay?"
"Yeah! Yuki will play a lot!"
"Hmph! Sakura will be the best at it, though!"
Whatever Sara-san had told her seemed to have satisfied Mio-chan. Still, between Sara-san's reaction and Mio-chan's sudden confidence, I was dying to know what that secret was... though I also felt like it might be safer if I never found out.
"Ehehe, I'm so excited to play with the baby~"
"Yeah. Me too~"
"I wonder what kind of games we should play."
Anyway, Mio-chan’s mood was restored, and the conversation seemed to be winding down. I decided not to press the issue and just tell myself, "As expected of Sara-san..."
"Hey, hey, Big Brother, how do you make a baby? Mio wants to play with the baby soon."
"Huh?"
"Eh?"
...I thought it was over, but here came the flow of conversation that gave me nothing but a sense of impending doom.
"H-Hey, Mio! You shouldn't say things like..."
"Hmph, you don't even know that, Mio-chan? Babies happen when people love each other!"
"Love each other?"
Sakura-chan declared this triumphantly, acting like the expert. Mio-chan and Yuki-chan tilted their heads curiously. This was that classic moment you always see in anime and manga. If I didn't stop this now, I knew exactly where it was going...
"Big Brother, what does 'loving each other' mean?"
There it was! I knew she was going to ask!
And Sakura-chan was standing there looking all smug, but I knew she didn't actually understand what she was saying!
"When Big Brother and Sara Onee-chan love each other, does Sara Onee-chan become a Mama?"
"..."
"W-Well..."
This was bad. Very bad.
What made it so bad was that even though she clearly didn't understand the biological meaning, she was contextually correct, which made it ten times more dangerous!
And you mothers! This is exactly when the adults are supposed to take over! Why are you all just looking at each other awkwardly!?
"Sakura-chan, what does 'loving each other' mean?"
"It means you hug them, kiss them, and then you sleep together!"
"Eh? But Takashi-kun and Aya-chan do that too..."
"That’s no good because they aren't adults! That’s just child's play."
"Oh, I see! Sakura-chan, you’re so smart!"
"Wow, so that’s how it works!"
"He-he-he. Sakura is a big sister, so of course I know."
Praised by Mio-chan and Yuki-chan, Sakura-chan puffed out her chest with even more pride (despite still not actually knowing what she was talking about).
There were plenty of things I could have nitpicked—like who these Takashi and Aya kids were—but if it satisfied the girls, I supposed it was a win for us.
"Now, Sakura, stop acting like a know-it-all and come over here."
"Yuki-chan, you come here too, okay?"
"Okay!"
The mothers finally stepped in, calling Sakura-chan and Yuki-chan to their sides. Mio-chan's mother came to get her as well, but Mio dodged her and lunged at me instead, hugging me tight. It looked like I’d be the one helping her during the meal.
"W-Well then, let’s eat before the food gets cold!"
"Yeah! Mio wants to eat now!"
"Fufu... I made lots of things you like, Mio-chan, so make sure you eat plenty, okay?"
"I will!"
Still being held by me, Mio-chan let out a cheerful shout, her eyes fixed on the feast. The atmosphere in the room finally shifted toward meal time.
"Hey, Big Brother?"
"Hm? What is it?"
Mio-chan looked up at me with an innocent smile.
"Make Sara Onee-chan a Mama soon, okay?"
"Pffft!"
She had just detonated the day's super-oversized sensitive bomb. She gave me a very mischievous "He-he-he" grin... though maybe I was just imagining the mischievous part. There was no way a kid her age meant it like that... right?
"Heh-heh-heh. You heard her, Sara."
"I-I don't know anything about that!"
"Eh? You don't want to?"
"O-Of course that’s not it! It’s just that it’s way too early for us to be... wait, what are you making me say!?"
"Kyaaaa! Satsukawa-senpai’s bombshell statement is here!" Tachikawa-san squealed in excitement.
"S-Satsukawa-senpai, how bold..." Todo-san whispered, hiding her red face.
Sara-san, cornered and desperate, looked my way. "K-Kazunari-san?"
"S-Sara-san!?"
Todo-san was bright red and hiding behind her hands (though her eyes were visible through the gaps, as usual). Hanako-san, usually the one to save us with a sharp retort, was just watching with a deep sigh and a scornful look. Natsumi-senpai, the root of all evil, was grinning wickedly. Yuji was watching her with a look of resignation, while Hayato offered me a sympathetic, wry smile. And the last person...
Ererin was standing there with a startlingly expressionless face, radiating an aura darker than darkness itself... No, that wasn't it! She just looked terrifying!
"K-Kazunari-san, please don't misunderstand! I only mean that it's too early for now, but of course eventually... ah, b-but if possible, I'd like to spend some time with just the two of us for a while after we're married..."
"Wait, Sara-san! Don't keep going!"
If she kept talking like that, the situation—and especially Nishikawa-san—was going to explode!
"Hey, Big Brother, I'm hungry~"
But Mio-chan, the catalyst for the whole mess, was already over it. she shook my arm, urging me to get her some food.
Well.
For now, let's just eat. Please.