The lively dinner, which had eventually turned into a bit of an uproar, finally wound down, leading into our usual relaxing post-meal tea time.
The talk about school had hit a lull and it was nearly time for me to head home when Masaomi-san changed the subject as if suddenly remembering something.
"Ah, that’s right. Regarding the formal introduction with your parents, Kazunari-kun. It looks like we’ll be able to set it for the Sunday after next. How does your schedule look?"
"Um, I’m free then. As for Sara-san..."
I see, so the schedule for the formal introduction had finally been decided.
It felt like it was finally happening, but since we had essentially already made our decision regarding one another, I suppose there wasn't much left to be said. It was really just a matter of formal greetings... I probably didn't need to be so nervous, right?
"I am fine as well. Fufu... I will finally be able to formally greet your father and meet your mother, so I am already looking forward to it."
"I’ve only spoken with her over the phone," Masaomi-san added. "I’m a bit nervous myself, but more than that, I’m truly looking forward to meeting the people who raised you."
"No, they’re just an ordinary Dad and Mom you could find anywhere, you know?"
They didn't hold a high-ranking position like Masaomi-san, nor was my mother a beauty who made everyone turn their heads like Mayumi-san. They really were just extremely ordinary parents.
"Haha, in that sense, we are the same. But seeing you, Kazunari-kun... it makes me genuinely want to meet them."
"I-I see."
"Mmm-hmm," Mayumi-san chimed in. "It means that since Kazunari-kun is such a good boy, his parents must be wonderful people, too."
"N-No, calling me a good boy is..."
I knew the meaning was different from when Sara-san—or Hanako-san—called me a "good boy," but I wasn't used to hearing that from others, so it was a bit much. I also felt like they were strangely beautifying my parents.
"I spoke with Fuyumi-san during the Parental Observation Day, and she was a very lovely mother," Mayumi-san said. "She was quite fond of Sara-chan as well."
"Ah, Mom really does adore Sara-san."
"Fufu... I love Mother-in-law very much as well," Sara-san said with a smile. "I want to hear more stories about Kazunari-san, and I would also like her to teach me how to cook."
Sara-san seemed to view my mom as someone special, and Mom really did like Sara-san. Of course, that was a great thing, but I was still surprised that my mom had that side to her.
"Darling," Mayumi-san said, looking at her husband. "Don't go getting any strange ideas like you did with Kazunari-kun before. This is a truly important meeting."
"I-I know. I’ve already expressed how sorry I am for what happened back then."
"If you cause any trouble for Kazunari-san, I will absolutely not forgive you," Sara-san added.
"S-Sara, you could at least trust me that much..."
Not even a trace of a joke lingered in Sara-san’s expression. This was a 100% serious warning. To be honest, however, I felt Masaomi-san was already doing his best even without her stern warnings.
"Sara-san, it’s okay. Masaomi-san truly acknowledges us now."
"...Kazunari-san?"
"So even if you don't worry, I know he’ll support us. Besides, my parents aren't the type to fret over small details."
Perhaps because of our conversation earlier, I felt a stronger desire to back Masaomi-san up than ever before. The words slipped out of my mouth before I even realized it.
"Kazunari-kun..."
Masaomi-san looked genuinely touched... but even more than that, Mayumi-san was... Mayumi-san?!
"Kazunari-kun!! Oh, why must you say such adorable things?!"
Mayumi-san lunged toward me as if she were about to pounce!
But Sara-san was faster. She cut in front of me, hugging me tightly and pulling me away from her mother.
"Honestly... I can’t take my eyes off you for a single second."
"Oh, come now, Sara-chan..."
"Hahaha, I can understand Mayumi's feelings, but Kazunari-kun is Sara's fiancé. Leave it at that," Masaomi-san laughed.
"...Darling?" Sara-san asked, blinking.
"...Father?"
This was... As I thought, was Masaomi-san feeling the same way I was because of our talk? If that was the case... no, it definitely was. That made me happy.
"Sorry about that, Kazunari-kun. Anyway, please rest assured regarding the formal introduction. I will make sure to give my proper greetings so as not to embarrass you."
"Yes, thank you. I’ll leave the explanations to my parents in your hands, Father-in-law."
"Kazunari-san..."
"Kazunari-kun...?"
It might have been inappropriate to think so, but I couldn't help but feel that Sara-san’s late older siblings might have given me a present today—a chance to bridge the distance between Masaomi-san and me.
Night.
The long day finally came to a close, and it was time for bed. As usual, Sara-san got into the futon first, and I followed. She immediately pulled me into her arms and began gently stroking my hair.
"Kazunari-san, thank you for your hard work today."
"You too, Sara-san. A lot really happened."
"Yes. It was quite an eventful day. However, I don't intend to let what happened this morning pass as just one of many events."
"You’re right. I hope something like that never happens again."
In truth, I had only received a brief report from my Homeroom Teacher saying the troublemakers had been handled. I didn't know the specifics of their punishment, but I had to trust the school's judgment. Besides, I remembered the teacher saying something about looking out for us.
"The teacher seems to have taken action for now, so we shall see how things go. If they ever stand in your way again, Kazunari-san, I will show them no mercy."
"Sara-san, if that happens, I’ll handle it. Please don't put yourself in danger by standing at the forefront. That kind of thing is... a man's job."
It might not have been very persuasive coming from me, given how often she’d protected me, but in a situation like this, things could get ugly. I didn't want her in the line of fire. Besides, I felt like things would be settled soon anyway.
"Kazunari-san, I appreciate the sentiment, but I also..."
"Then at least stay behind me. Support me from there. That’s all I need."
I knew I was being a bit cheesy, but if it made her agree, I’d say it. If our positions were reversed, I wouldn't be able to just step aside either.
"I understand. Then, as my life's purpose, I shall support you from behind. But for now..."
Sara-san tightened her embrace. I wasn't quite sure what she meant by "life's purpose," but as long as she was satisfied, I wouldn't press her. With her at my back, I knew I wouldn't lose.
"By the way, Kazunari-san... did something happen with my father today?"
"Eh!?"
"I see. Something did happen. The atmosphere between you two was clearly different from the usual."
Dammit... She’d hit the bullseye, and I’d overreacted. She was definitely going to push for the details now. Maybe I could convince her it was just about the present? I absolutely couldn't tell her the real secret yet.
"Was it really that different?"
"Yes. Even taking the brooch into account, it felt as though the distance between you had vanished in an instant. Of course, I am happy that you have opened up to him, so it is not a problem, but..."
Even to Sara-san, the change in our bond was obvious. I was glad it showed, but I suppose it was a stretch to claim a single gift had done all that.
"Well... I feel that way too. It makes me happy, honestly."
"If you don't mind, may I ask what transpired?"
I figured as much. If I told her it was a secret, she wouldn't force me to speak. But since we were here, maybe I could tell her at least one thing—that Masaomi-san truly cherished her. If it came from me, she might actually listen.
"When I gave Masaomi-san the brooch, he was truly moved. We talked a lot during our meeting about the part-time job. Things like... how he felt when you were born, and what he thought of me."
"When I was born? You spoke of such things?"
Sara-san was genuinely surprised. I’m an open book, so trying to be too clever would only backfire. I decided to tell her the parts I could, straight from the heart.
"Yeah. He talked about how happy they were when you were born, and how he’d always wanted a daughter."
"Father said that? I... I see. It’s a bit embarrassing. I’m not quite sure what to say..."
Anyone would be embarrassed hearing about their own birth like that. I knew I would be if Sara-san talked to my parents. I had to move on before I let the real secret slip.
"And... he told me that because I was the one you chose, he intended to acknowledge me no matter what. He said that regardless of what he said out loud, his answer had been decided from the very beginning."
"He said... that...?"
"Yes. Because you chose me, he knew there was no mistake. He trusted your judgment. He said he’d planned to accept us all along."
Sara-san fell silent. I didn't know exactly what was going through her mind, but I hoped she understood just how much her father treasured her.
"Because of today, Masaomi-san told me he realized I wasn't just 'like' a son to him, but that he viewed me as his true son. It made me so happy. I felt like I had finally become a member of the Satsukawa family in every sense of the word."
"Kazunari-san..."
"So, I think the change you noticed was just our feelings becoming closer. Masaomi-san called me his son, and I told him that he and Mayumi-san were like a second father and mother to me. I finally felt like we were truly family."
I had always liked them, but today, that "like" had turned into something real. That was the shift Sara-san had sensed.
"I see... Father... said that... That man actually said that..."
She seemed stunned, though not in a bad way. She was processing the weight of his words.
"Yeah. That’s why I feel so much closer to him now. I can call him Father-in-law without any hesitation."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. So, Sara-san, please try to trust him just a little more. The arranged marriage was just because he didn't know about me yet. He was ready to accept me unconditionally because he trusts you. He believed in me because he treasures you."
Sara-san squeezed me tighter, as if pouring all her emotions into the embrace. I could tell my words had reached her. She understood his heart.
"Thank you, Kazunari-san. I never realized he thought so deeply of me... No, I believe I simply refused to face him. I was..."
"Sara-san..."
"I will try to face him properly. Above all, because my precious Kazunari-san has said this much for him... though I cannot promise to make it unconditional on my part just yet. Fufu."
"Haha, that’s more than enough. Having the family get along is what matters most."
I was relieved. If she was even a little more positive, that was a win. She was even more willing to face him than I’d expected. All that was left was for their relationship to mend.
"Yes. Thank you... truly. But..."
Sara-san pulled my head into her chest, burying my face in that soft, heavenly place. She held me deeply, her hands tenderly stroking my hair.
"Really... Kazunari-san... just how many times are you going to make me fall for you? How many times must I fall in love with you, and how many times must I yearn to be yours?"
"S-Sara-san?"
"I love you. I love you from the bottom of my heart. I feel that I was born just to be joined with you. No, I am certain of it. And thinking that... it makes me feel a sense of gratitude toward my parents for bringing me into this world. Even toward my father."
Sara-san really was unwavering. Even her gratitude toward her father was rooted in her love for me. But if it gave her the catalyst she needed to face him, I was honored to be the reason.
"I feel the same way. I want to give Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san my greatest thanks for bringing you into this world."
"Fufu... but the same applies to you, Kazunari-san."
"Eh?"
"Kazunari-san... I want to visit your family home. It might sound exaggerated, but I want to see your hometown."
"...Mine?"
"Yes. Therefore... I want you to talk properly with your own Father-in-law and Mother-in-law. You hardly ever speak of your home, you do not contact them, and you have never once returned there..."
My heart skipped a beat. So she had noticed. Just as she was facing Masaomi-san, she was telling me to do the same.
"The formal introduction is the perfect opportunity. I didn't expect our conversation to go this way today, but it gave me the courage to tell you this. I have decided to face my father for your sake, Kazunari-san. So... if you need a reason, I want you to face your parents for mine."
It was an eye-opening revelation. She was right. I had already planned to use the brooches as an excuse to talk to them, but it was scary to bring up the past. But if I was doing it for her...
I wasn't afraid.
If I was grateful to them for bringing her into the world, then I should be grateful to my own parents for bringing me here to meet her. Masaomi-san’s joy at her birth... maybe my parents had felt that way, too. For the first time, I felt I could face them with a different perspective.
"Thank you, Sara-san!"
"Kazunari-san?"
"I was already planning to talk to them during the introduction. I wasn't sure how much I could say, but now I have the confidence to face them properly. Because I’m doing it for you."
I pulled my face away from her chest to look her in the eye. I wanted her to see my resolve. Sara-san didn't look away, her own eyes filled with warmth and kindness.
"I promise to take you to my hometown soon, Sara-san. I want you to see the house where I was born, the streets where I grew up, and all my favorite places. I want you to know everything. That’s why I..."
I couldn't finish. Sara-san stole my lips in a sudden kiss. She looked so overwhelmed with emotion that she’d moved before I could finish my sentence. But I’d said enough.
"...Kazunari-san, you’re so unfair. Hearing such wonderful things, I... I... Kazunari-san, once more..."
She kissed me again. Her emotions showed no sign of cooling down, and since she was holding my head, I was completely at her mercy.
"Kazunari-san... I am truly looking forward to it. But please, do not feel rushed."
"I promise. I won't."
"I am so happy. I love you... I adore you from the bottom of my heart... Darling."
"I love you too... Sara."
She kissed me a third time. It was a gentle, blissful kiss—one that made me feel as though our hearts had truly moved one step closer together.
~ A Present for Big Sister ~
After school, on the way to the Student Council Room.
I had come to school with the emerald brooch today to give to Hanako-san. I’d been waiting for the right moment all day, but finding that moment was harder than I’d thought. If I didn't do it now, I’d lose my chance for the day. I didn't want to do it in front of Sara-san, as that seemed insensitive. This was my only window.
"Kazunari... what’s wrong? You’ve been acting strange."
"Eh!?"
"You’re so restless. If there’s something on your mind, you can always talk to your Big Sister."
Hanako-san tilted her head cutely, looking at me with concern. I knew I was being suspicious, and her calling me "restless" was probably her being kind. It wasn't like I was confessing my love or anything, so why was I so nervous?
"Hanako-san, could you come with me for a second? It won't take long."
"Right now?"
"Yeah. Just for a minute."
"Understood. If it’s your request, Big Sister will happily comply. I’m even okay with a hug or a kiss."
"No... that’s a bit much."
She was joking, right? She said it so naturally. But knowing her, if I actually asked, she probably would do it.
"Fufu... if you ask, Big Sister will do it right away."
I had to be careful what I said. I led her away before things got any weirder.
We headed to our usual landing near the Student Council Room. It had become our little secret spot for things like this.
"Kazunari, what exactly do you want your Big Sister to do for you in a secluded place like this?"
"Watch your phrasing!"
"Sorry. But what’s this about?"
I didn't want any more misunderstandings, so I quickly pulled the clumsily wrapped brooch out of my bag.
"Kazunari?"
"Hanako-san, this is for you."
She blinked, looking at the small package with a blank expression. She didn't seem to realize what was happening at first, but as she took it, her face filled with a mix of confusion and budding joy.
"Is this... for me?"
"Yeah. Just a way to say thanks for always being there, Big Sister."
That seemed to confirm it for her. She took it in both hands, a wide, excited smile spreading across her face.
"Th-thank you. I’m so happy... so, so happy."
She cradled the package as if it were incredibly fragile, thanking me before she’d even seen what was inside. She clearly wanted to open it, so I gave her a nudge.
"We don't have much time, so you should open it now."
"Eh... r-right! I’m opening it!"
Her hands were a little shaky as she carefully peeled back the wrapping paper. When the brooch was finally revealed, she froze.
It wasn't as extravagant as Sara-san’s special brooch, as I wanted to keep that one unique to my fiancée, but I had put a lot of thought into this one. It was a cluster of small, delicate flowers—a piece that had been quite difficult to assemble.
"A brooch..."
"I tried to choose something that fit your image, Hanako-san. I made it myself, so..."
"I'm... so happy..."
Tears pricked the corners of her eyes as she stared at it.
"I’m so happy... Kazunari... a present from you... I’m truly happy. You made this for me... you thought of me... Kazunari’s brooch..."
"Hanako-san."
She looked at the jewelry with such pure bliss that it made my own heart swell.
"This is my treasure. My first precious treasure from my little brother... from Kazunari. I will cherish it forever... for my entire life."
She clutched the brooch to her chest, a radiant smile on her face even as she wiped away a stray tear.
"Thank you."
"Why are you thanking me, Kazunari? That’s my line."
"I’m just glad you liked it that much."
It was an imperfect, handmade brooch, yet everyone—Sara-san, Mayumi-san, Masaomi-san, and now Hanako-san—had been so genuinely happy to receive one. Thinking about how lucky I was to have people like them in my life made the thanks come naturally.
"Kazunari."
Hanako-san gave my sleeve a tiny tug—the silent signal for me to lower my head so she could reach it. I leaned down, and she began to gently pat my hair.
"Kazunari... thank you. Truly. I will treasure this forever."
"I'm glad. But please, feel free to actually wear it."
"I will. But I’ll be careful about when I use it. It’s too precious."
"Alright. Well... thanks again for everything, Big Sister."
"One more time."
"Hanako-san?"
"Call me 'Big Sister' one more time?"
She whispered it softly. It was a bit embarrassing to be asked like that, but I figured I could indulge her just this once.
"Thanks for everything... Big Sister."
"Mhm. Thank you, Kazunari. I love you!"
Then, she leaned in and gave me a tiny, sweet kiss on the cheek.