LMLCG – Episode 41 – About Sara

“Let me tell you a bit more, in order. If there’s anything you’d like to ask, please don’t hesitate.”

With that, Senpai began talking, starting from the part I’d mentioned earlier in the shop, when I realized how little I actually knew about her.

She spoke about how she used to have a close friend in the gardening club, someone as close to her as Natsumi-senpai. But after that friend moved away, no one was left to tend the flower bed, so Sara-senpai took over.

And when I first went to the flower bed, it was actually during a time when Senpai had caught a cold and took a few days off.

Then, the conversation shifted to Senpai’s personal life.

“In terms of family, it’s my father, my mother, and myself. Takanashi-san knows about my maternal grandmother, who lives nearby. My paternal grandparents have already passed.”

Senpai went on to talk about how she’s always had difficulty with boys, how that had gotten worse in middle school, and how she became fed up with them in high school, eventually leading to the way she interacts with others now. She told me how she focused on her studies and what led her to join the student council.

“Sounds like… Sara-senpai got fed up with the people around her and settled into her current stance. I think I understand how that feels.”

“When we talked before, I had the sense that you and I are somewhat similar.”

She then told me about her current, everyday life.

“I said I don’t really have any hobbies, but recently, I’ve been spending more and more time on cooking. I’ve been trying new recipes and practicing different dishes. I didn’t know much about meals that guys tend to like, so I’ve been having fun expanding my repertoire.”

She’s been learning to cook guy-friendly meals, that means it’s for me.

She’s been doing all that… for me?

“Um… I mean… thank you. I feel a little guilty for having you go that far, but… I’m really grateful.”

“I’m enjoying it, so if it makes you happy, Takanashi-san, then I couldn’t ask for more.”

Senpai really enjoys cooking… doesn’t she?

And maybe now it’s even fair to call it a hobby…

In that case, the present should definitely be something related to cooking.

I’ve heard that it’s better to use tools that you’re familiar with, so maybe not utensils… Something useful while she’s cooking, or something she can wear… Yeah, I’ve decided.

I’ll get her an apron.

A cute one, that Senpay will like!

And that other thing I spotted earlier, I’m going back to buy that, too.

“Fufu… Did something good happen? You look very happy.”

“N-No, it’s just… I am happy.”

I couldn’t hide the smile that slipped out once I figured out what to get her.

Then, Senpai reached out with both hands and gently touched mine as they rested on the table…

“…Right now, I’m really enjoying my school life. With Takanashi-san, Natsumi, and myself… Walking to school together in the mornings, eating lunch together, and now even spending my days off shopping or hanging out like this. Even if other people around me haven’t changed, I don’t even notice them and I still find everyday fun.”

Senpai had such a genuine happy smile.

I’m happy that I can at least be one of the things that makes Senpai happy… I realized again that I want to protect that smile.

“…Um, Yuuzuki-san…”

“…Don’t say it. I know…”

Yeah, we’re totally intruding…

We’re not even interrupting them directly, and yet somehow we still feel like a nuisance…

I’m sure Tachibana-kun feels the same awkward pressure. He’s visibly uncomfortable.

How are they not dating with that vibe?

I mean, if that’s how they act as ‘friends’, what happens when they actually become a couple?

It’s terrifying to imagine… And worse, I’m the one who has to watch it unfold right in front of me… Yeah, I need a sacrifice… or rather, a partner, to share the pain, right?

“Hey, Tachibana-kun. I don’t think I can watch over those two alone.”

“Uh… but I go to a different school, so…”

“Let’s exchange RAIN contact for now. Come on, give me your phone.”

“Huh? Right now!?”

“You’re lucky, Tachibana-kun. There are so many girls who wish they could get my RAIN, but can’t. Aren’t you glad?”

“…Yes.”

Good, good. Friends need to share the burden after all.