LMLCG – Episode 31 – Sara & Natsumi

Takanashi-san and Natsumi became friends, and now the three of us go to school together every morning, eat lunch together…

Right now, I’m genuinely happy… and deeply content.

Up until now, I couldn’t say I enjoyed school.

There were always events like sports festivals and school festivals, of course, but I always tried to keep my involvement to the bare minimum. I buried myself in committee and student council work instead.

Ironically, that’s what ended up improving my reputation, but I can’t say it ever brought me any real joy.

If it hadn’t been for Natsumi and the others, school would have remained nothing more than a daily routine.

But then I got to know Takanashi-san. I met him, I became friends with him, and now with Natsumi too, the three of us spend time together. For the first time, I find myself enjoying going to school.

If the me from a short while ago could see me now, she’d probably think I was someone else entirely.

When I think about it, everything changed after Takanashi-san came into my life.

He’s become that important to me.

Even though I should be happy that we’re friends now…

Why do I get so worked up over the smallest things?

Natsumi is also an irreplaceable, precious friend.

So when she said she’d make lunch, I really was happy and looking forward to it.

But… Takanashi-san’s bento is off-limits.

I’m the one who makes Takanashi-san’s lunch.

My grandma asked me to do so as well… but when Natsumi suddenly said she’d make his too, it’s not like I thought through what I was saying.

But… all I could think about was that preparing a bento for Takanashi-san was my role.

It’s not like Natsumi had any ill intentions. She only said it out of kindness and generosity.

So what does that make me, acting the way I did?

Same goes for the name thing. Why did I get so childish about that?

I should apologize to Natsumi.

But when it comes to Takanashi-san, I just can’t help reacting so strongly… and I still don’t really understand why…

Hmm… she’s definitely lost in thought again.

Ever since lunch break ended, Sara has been wearing a troubled expression.

It’s probably about what happened during lunch, I guess it’s about the bento.

She definitely got worked up when I said I’d make Takanashi-kun’s lunch.

Just like with the name thing, it’s obvious Sara has feelings toward Takanashi-kun that she can’t hand over to anyone else.

That’s probably jealousy.

The question now is… how much Sara is aware of her own feelings.

If we don’t clear that up, we can’t move forward.

After school, Sara came up to me.

“Natsumi, can I have a moment?”

“Hmm? Sure.”

“I’m sorry, it’s about lunch break…”

So Sara brought it up herself, huh.

Perfect. This is a good time to find out a little more.

“Let’s move somewhere else. There’s something I want to ask, too.”

“Then, I’m heading to the student council room after this, so how about near there?”

“I’m good with that.”

Even while walking, her expression stayed somewhat troubled.

When we reached a deserted spot, Sara began to speak.

“First, during lunch break, I was out of line regarding Takanashi-san’s bento. I’m very sorry…”

“Yeah, I was actually planning to bring that up. Oh, but before that, don’t worry. I’m not upset or anything. It’s really okay.”

“Thank you.”

Now, let’s see how far along she is.

“So, about the bento… You thought it was your role to make Takanashi-kun’s lunch, right?”

“…Yes… That’s true… But… I honestly don’t understand why I got so upset about it…”

“I see. Then, let’s try this. Say Takanashi-kun got hurt or caught a cold, someone would need to take care of him, right?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything.”

Yeah, there’s no doubt, she’s fixated on Takanashi-kun himself.

“What if Takanashi-kun was going out somewhere with another girl? Would you go with him?”

“…If it’s something he needs help with, I’d want to assist, of course… but if Takanashi-san specifically asked someone else… then for me to butt in would be… wrong… but… still…”

“You know it’s not your place logically, but emotionally, it still bothers you, doesn’t it?”

“…Yes. I guess I’m the weird one. If I think about it logically, I know I shouldn’t interfere… but…”

I see.

She’s clearly jealous, but she doesn’t understand that what she’s feeling is jealousy.

She hasn’t realized where those emotions come from either.

Hmm… Maybe this is her first love…

Better to let her take her time and realize it on her own.

“I get it. You know, it’s not strange at all to have feelings you can’t explain with logic toward someone you care about. Sara never let anyone get close before, so it makes sense this feels new. It’s okay.”

“I see… I’m glad if that’s the case. This is an emotion I’ve never felt before… I was wondering if I was going crazy.”

“Not at all. Just, if you ever want to act on those feelings, it might be better to talk to Takanashi-kun first. If not, it could end up troubling him.”

“Got it.”

“Okay, that’s all I wanted to ask. Are you okay, Sara?”

“Yes. Thank you very much. I feel much better now. I’ll be heading to the student council room, then.”

Now I know how Sara feels.

And if it’s Takanashi-kun, I can support her.

Now then… When will she realize it herself?