Episode 39: The Undecided Present

「Takanashi-san, how about this one?」

What Senpai brought over was, as expected, a cute bento box.

It was decorated with stylized animal illustrations, and no matter how you looked at it, it wasn’t a guy’s item.

It’s not like I’m not embarrassed, but more than anything, I’m just happy Senpai chose it for me.

In that case, I’ll just accept it.

「Thank you. It… has a really cute feel to it, doesn’t it?」

「Yes! But… um, is it a bit childish?」

「Since you’re the one who decided on it, Senpai, that alone makes me happy, so it’s fine.」

I meant it, too.

I need to make sure I tell her properly.

「So, as long as it’s okay with you, Senpai, let’s buy it.」

「Yes.」

So that’s the bento box settled.

I can just give it to her on the way back, so I’ll hold onto it for now.

There’s no way I could let Senpai carry the bags…

Now, what should we do next?

The options are… an early lunch, resting at a cafe, or just heading straight to the variety store to find a present for Senpai.

I guess I’ll just ask her.

「Sara-senpai, what would you like to do? We could take a little break, or maybe have an early lunch…」

「Let me see… I don’t think I’m quite at the point of needing a break yet…」

「In that case, would it be okay if we headed to another shop?」

「Yes, please take me wherever you like.」

For now, let’s check out some variety stores.

Hmm, I thought about a general direction last night, but I couldn’t really decide on anything.

I already rejected the easy choice of accessories, since it feels a bit light.

Though it would be a different story if Senpai actually wanted one.

「He’s buying Sara’s present first, huh.」

「Well, if he doesn’t decide on that, he won’t be able to relax afterward.」

It looks like the two of them are heading toward a variety store.

「I wonder if he’s decided on what to buy?」

「I don’t think so. He said he didn’t want to just pick something easily.」

The classic choice is accessories, but Sara isn’t really into that kind of thing.

Well, she’d probably be happy with anything Takanashi-kun gave her, though.

I scan the items while keeping an eye on Senpai’s reaction.

Hmm… it would be easier to tell if she found something that caught her interest, but she’s just looking at me.

「By the way, are there any goods or items you’re interested in, Senpai?」

「Let’s see, I like looking at them, but as for something specific…」

Ugh… I’ve hit a wall already…

This is bad.

Choosing something weirdly expensive would be too heavy, but choosing something randomly would be meaningless. That leaves me with daily necessities, but that’s all I can think of…

「Come to think of it, Sara doesn’t really buy much even when she comes to places like this.」

To avoid looking suspicious to the people around us, we enter the shop on the opposite side and keep an eye on them while browsing.

This place is a fancy shop, so Tachibana-kun looks pretty uncomfortable… pffft.

「R-really? Then it must be rough for Kazunari.」

「You can tell from that bento box earlier, but Sara generally likes cute things. She’d probably even be happy with a plushie or something… but I’ve never actually seen her buy one.」

「I see… By the way, I feel totally out of place, so I’ll wait outside the shop…」

「No way. What if they see you? Patience, patience! ♪」

「……Yes, ma’am.」

We reached the cooking tools and kitchenware section.

I figured I’d find something here.

Actually, if I can’t find anything here, I’m in trouble…

「Besides bento, do you usually cook at home, Senpai?」

「Yes. I’m basically alone at home most of the time, so I prepare my own meals. I also cook at my grandmother’s house sometimes.」

「I see. Um, what about your parents?」

「My father is a bit of a workaholic, I suppose. He comes home late and even works while he’s at home, so we don’t eat together very often. My mother helps him out, but she joins me for meals when she has the time.」

……Come to think of it, this is the first time I’ve heard about her family.

Wait, in the first place… do I even know anything about Sara-senpai…?

Why am I only realizing this now…?

Despite talking a big game about how she’s a precious person to me, I only know the parts of her I’ve seen at school.

「…Is something wrong?」

Senpai asked with a slightly puzzled expression.

「No… it’s just, hearing that made me realize I don’t know anything about what you do normally, Senpai. Not your hobbies, or your home life, or even the student council. In the first place, I don’t even know why you were taking care of those flower beds all by yourself…」

I’m not trying to say something arrogant like I need to know everything.

But don’t I know way too little?

I’m starting to hate myself…