Episode 200: Today, Until the Very End

Todo:「Satsukawa-senpai, congratulations~」

Sara:「Thank you.」

Todo-san handed Sara-san a square box, adorably wrapped with a ribbon. Since it was wrapped, I couldn’t tell what was inside, but I guess she’d enjoy the surprise when she opened it.

Todo:「Ehehe, I found a cute photo frame, so I went with that. Please use it to display a photo of you and Takanashi-kun!」

Todo-san blurted out the contents immediately, but I guess that’s just how she is.

Meanwhile, my phone screen was currently filled with the image of Sara-san, holding more presents than she could carry with both hands, expressing her thanks with tears shimmering in her eyes.

Since I’d already given her my present, I didn’t join the circle. I stayed a bit further away, focusing on filming a video to make sure I captured the sight of Sara-san surrounded by her friends.

…It felt a little lonely, though.

By the way, Yuji and Hayato, who had finished giving their presents, came over to me early on. Maybe they were being considerate.

Yuji:「Are you finally going to go greet the Satsukawa household properly?」

Kazunari:「Yeah. I told Sara-san’s Father the other day that I had something to talk to him about. I’ll discuss it with Sara-san first, then head over for a proper talk.」

I paused the video I was recording to answer Yuji’s question.

Yuji:「Wait, you gave him an advance notice? You’re really bold when it comes to Satsukawa-san…」

Hayato:「Isn’t that one of Kazunari’s good points? I respect it.」

Yuji:「Well, you’ve got a point there.」

It was a bit embarrassing to have them say that so directly, but these two are the type to just say whatever is on their minds, so I’ve finally gotten used to it.

Nishikawa:「Alright, has everyone finished giving their gifts?」

As if to take control of the room, Nishikawa-san’s voice, switched back from the「clunky」tone I’ve heard often lately, gathered everyone’s attention.

Looking at the clock, we were a bit past the original scheduled time. It looked like the moment to end this fun party had arrived.

Why do fun things always end so quickly?

Natsumi:「You’re right. Well then, I guess it’s time to get a word from Sara.」

Sara:「From me?」

Just like when she’d suddenly asked for my greeting at the start, Natsumi-senpai tossed the ball to Sara-san without any warning or prior discussion.

Of course, Sara-san looked surprised by the suddenness, but she seemed to think of something immediately. She looked around at everyone before beginning to speak.

Sara:「Everyone, thank you so much for today. …Um, until now, I lived my life avoiding social interactions as much as possible. I thought only of improving myself, determined not to rely on anyone… Only Natsumi and Eri treated me as an equal, got angry with me, laughed with me, and became my friends. But now, I have Kazunari-san… and so many wonderful friends like all of you. I am truly happy…」

Come to think of it, this was the first time I’d seen Sara-san talk about herself to anyone other than me. I’m sure she was trying to answer everyone’s feelings in her own way.

Everyone listened to Sara-san’s words with serious expressions, and not a single person interrupted.

Sara:「I know that I am not very good at getting along with friends. But it is true that I want to continue being friends with all of you. So, I look forward to your continued friendship with both me and Kazunari-san.」

Having said her piece, Sara-san gave another deep bow.

Clap clap clap clap!!

A round of applause, that was the best way to describe it.

As she was showered with heartfelt applause from everyone, Sara-san wore a look of relief, as if she was glad she’d managed to express her true feelings…

Natsumi:「Aww, it’s over.」

Seriously, why do fun things like this end so fast? As long as Sara enjoyed herself, that’s all that matters, but still… you know?

Tachibana:「Well, that’s just how it is with fun things.」

Tachibana-kun, I was literally just thinking that.

I’ll let it slide and not say anything, though.

Natsumi:「Now there won’t be anything to look forward to for a while. It’s a long time until the next one.」

Next… I guess it’ll be the school festival.

Was there anything else?

Tachibana:「…Is it really that long?」

Natsumi:「About a month and a half, I guess. We have the school festival.」

Tachibana:「Oh, I heard about that from Kazunari. There’s a Miss Contest, right?」

Natsumi:「Hmm, so Tachibana-kun is interested in that after all?」

He is a guy, after all.

I guess he wants to see cute girls?

It’s probably unavoidable, but… somehow…

Tachibana:「Aren’t you entering, Natsumi-san?」

Natsumi:「Me? No way… plus Sara is entering.」

Since Sara is entering this time, the winner is basically decided no matter who else joins.

If there’s any uncertainty, it’s that Sara will absolutely not show any charm to anyone but Takanashi-kun, so she might not get high marks there.

Then again, she won’t care what anyone other than Takanashi-kun thinks of her.

Besides, there are a few others… like that overconfident girl who views Sara as a rival; she’ll definitely enter. She’s only got her looks going for her… just her looks. Though, even in that department, she won’t beat Sara.

Tachibana:「…I think you’re just as good, Natsumi-san.」

Natsumi:「Eh?」

Tachibana:「I think Satsukawa-senpai is incredible, and I’ve never seen anyone else who has it all like she does. Sometimes I still can’t believe someone like that is Kazunari’s girlfriend. But I don’t think you’re losing to her, Natsumi-san. Your approachability, how you’re truly kind and caring toward your friends, and how easygoing you are to be around. You aren’t a traditional Japanese beauty like Satsukawa-senpai, but I think you’re a cool beauty.」

W-wait a second…

What, what, what… what’s with this all of a sudden?

Tachibana-kun, what are you saying?

Even if you say that so suddenly… well… it’s the first time a guy has ever said something like that to me, what am I supposed to say…

Natsumi:「………Being easygoing to be around, is that even a compliment?」

I didn’t mean to snap like that, but the words just came out all blunt.

Tachibana:「Yeah. In my book, that’s intended as a compliment.」

Ugh… when he says it with such a straight smile, it’s embarrassing… I can tell he’s being serious, too.

Natsumi:「I, I see. Thanks… But either way, during the festival, the tennis club has an invitational match.」

Tachibana:「Oh, is that so? That’s a shame… By the way, can the general public come cheer for that match?」

Natsumi:「Well, yeah… wait, don’t tell me.」

Tachibana:「Then I’ll go watch. I was planning to go anyway, so I think I’ll go see you in action, Natsumi-san.」

Natsumi:「I don’t mind, but… why so suddenly…」

Tachibana:「Well, we usually only talk over the phone or RAIN, so I thought if there’s a chance… I don’t have any other girls I can talk to as easily as you, Natsumi-san.」

Ugh… my rhythm has been all off lately…

That thing during the school trip was Sara’s fault!

That said, it’s true that Tachibana-kun is the one I’m closest to right now. Even if it’s just through RAIN, he’s the only guy I keep in touch with…

Daichi is my childhood friend so it’s easy, but he feels more like a childhood friend than a「guy,」and as for a guy I can talk to this comfortably without hesitation… there isn’t anyone else…

Hmm, what exactly is Tachibana-kun’s position to me…

Hayato:「Good work, Todo-san.」

Todo:「Yeah, good work to you too, Yokogawa-kun.」

Satsukawa-senpai’s birthday party is over.

I was worried because of Takanashi-kun’s situation, but somehow everything seemed to go well. And it was so much fun.

I thought this before too, but gathering like this with everyone is really fun. I wonder when we can all meet again… Takanashi-kun is basically like our organizer now, so I’ll ask him again next time.

Hayato:「Thanks for following up on Kazunari’s part-time job. I wanted to thank you myself.」

Todo:「No, it’s only natural to do that for a friend.」

You’re as caring toward your friends as ever, Yokogawa-kun.

To be honest, my first impression of him wasn’t that great.

I knew he was popular, but he always had girls surrounding him and squealing, and from his looks, I thought he was a player. I kind of associated him with Yamazaki, so I didn’t like him much.

But after meeting him through Takanashi-kun and talking… I’m sorry for thinking you were a player. The real Yokogawa-kun is so caring toward his friends, kind, and not a two-faced flirt at all…

Hayato:「But I’m glad everything went well. All that’s left is for Kazunari to talk to Satsukawa-senpai’s Father safely, and then it’ll be perfect. I can’t help him with that part, so he’ll just have to do his best.」

Todo:「I wonder what Takanashi-kun will say? Probably, ‘Please give me your daughter,’ right?」

Ahaha, well, he probably won’t say that… but I feel like the day will come when he does, for those two…

Takanashi-kun and Satsukawa-senpai really treasure each other, which makes me want to cheer for them.

And seeing how happy they always are makes me honestly jealous.

I’m sure Satsukawa-senpai secretly hopes that if her relationship with Takanashi-kun continues like this, they’ll eventually get married.

I can’t imagine these two ever breaking up; it feels impossible… so I guess that’s how it’ll end up in the future.

Todo:「But they really are a wonderful couple. Must be nice… I’m so jealous… I want a wonderful romance like that too… ah!」

Crap, I accidentally let my true feelings slip.

Ugh… Yokogawa-kun heard me, didn’t he…

I glanced at Yokogawa-kun… and he was looking at me warmly.

Hayato:「I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Everyone wants to be happy, and I understand perfectly why you’d admire those two.」

Todo:「You too, Yokogawa-kun?」

Hayato:「Yeah. I think of Kazunari as my best friend, but when it comes to romance, I respect him. I want to emulate his proactiveness and his single-minded devotion to the person he loves. Plus, their relationship is just precious.」

I see… Yokogawa-kun feels the same way I do. It makes me happy that he understands… and he didn’t laugh at my true feelings.

Besides, this is the first time a boy has ever treated me like this.

…Wait, come to think of it, haven’t I been with Yokogawa-kun every day lately?

Tachikawa:「Should us ‘leftovers’ work hard on the cleanup?」

Nishikawa:「Wait!? Tachikawa-san, who are you calling a leftover!!」

Hanako:「I don’t even want a man in the first place. I’m not desperate like someone else.」

Nishikawa:「I’m not desperate either!?」

Hmm… Nishikawa-san’s character is really breaking down.

That’s weird; she was clearly a dignified young lady when we first met.

Kazunari:「No, we’ll do our part too.」

Sara:「Please let me at least participate in the cleanup. I’ve left everything to all of you today.」

Kazunari:「No, Sara-san, you don’t have to do it today of all days…」

Sara:「Kazunari-san, you promised to leave all the housework in this home to me, didn’t you? If anything, you must be tired from today, so please leave everything to me.」

I can’t exactly just dump everything on her. Besides, is this even housework in the first place?

Hanako:「Takanashi-kun, you can rest. Leave helping the wife to big sister.」

Kazunari:「Um…」

Nishikawa:「I’ll help too.」

Hanako-san and Nishikawa-san both volunteered.

I mean, I thought it was a joke and had been ignoring it until now, but with her emphasizing being a「Big Sister」this much, I wonder what Hanako-san is actually thinking…

While I was debating how to handle myself, Sara-san was efficiently taking down the decorations and cleaning up around the table.

Hanako:「Satsukawa-san, what about this?」

Sara:「Ah, that goes here.」

I knew it, but there was no room for me to step in…

With nothing to do, I happened to glance at those two pairs, and even from my perspective, they seemed to be in a pretty good atmosphere. My best friends have looked after me regarding Sara-san, so I truly hope they can find the same happiness.

Hanako:「Oh, come to think of it, what should we do with the futon?」

(Silence…)

Wh-what?

I felt a strange tension suddenly run through the room. The two pairs who had been chatting happily just now fell silent, and as for Nishikawa-san, her state was…

Sara:「The futon?」

Hanako:「Yeah, the futon that was folded here. Should we put it back?」

Sara:「Oh, was the futon I use left out?」

(CRACK!!)

I can’t describe it well, but it was like a crack had formed in the strained air, I don’t really know what I’m saying myself, but I felt a bizarre atmosphere…

Regardless of that, the futon?

…Ah, right. I’d taken it out once when I was cleaning the back of the closet because I thought they might go searching through it, and then I just left it out.

Kazunari:「Sorry, I took it out and forgot to put it back.」

Sara:「I see. Hanako-san, I’ll take that out again when it’s time to use i—」

Nishikawa:「Sara… as I thought, is that really your futon?」

Nishikawa-san’s state… a black aura was swelling up, and was her body getting bigger!?

…Jokes aside, Nishikawa-san is acting really weird.

Sara:「Yes, it’s the futon I use when I stay over… but… Um, Eri? Is something wrong?」

It seems even Sara-san noticed Nishikawa-san’s abnormality.

I mean, in response to Sara-san’s statement, Todo-san and Tachikawa-san were squealing.

Yuji and Hayato were approaching me with smirks…

Hayato:「Kazunari… as expected, I respect you.」

Kazunari:「No, I have no idea what you mean.」

Yuji:「Don’t be so cold. I’m not saying you have to report everything, but at least a little bit.」

Kazunari:「I’m telling you, what are you trying to say?」

What was this all about all of a sudden?

A weird flow had started from Hanako-san’s comment…

Nishikawa:「Y-Y-You, are you staying at a man’s house!!!!????」

!?

Crap, that’s right! Sara-san staying over has become a daily occurrence, so I’d stopped feeling anything was weird about her futon being in this house!!

So that’s why the atmosphere was like this…

Sara:「W-well, yes. I am staying over, but…」

!!!!!!!!!!

I might never forget Nishikawa-san’s expression at that moment. It was a face where everything had flown away and only despair remained.

Eventually, she collapsed to her knees.

Nishikawa:「S-So that’s how it was…… Sara is… already……… an adult woman…」

Sara:「Wh-what’s wrong? Is there something unusual about me staying over?」

Sara-san, not understanding the situation, was flustered and confused by Nishikawa-san’s state.

And I, having grasped the situation, understood everything about Nishikawa-san, the meaning of Yuji and Hayato’s words, and Todo-san’s group’s reaction.

In other words, they’ve massively misunderstood.

Hanako:「My little brother… became an adult before his big sister…」

For some reason, even Hanako-san seemed shocked.

Hayato:「Kazunari really is bold after all. He makes his move when it counts. I want to congratulate my best friend for becoming an adult one step ahead of me.」

Yuji:「You said it. Congratulations, Kazunari. Any thoughts on the matter?」

What do I do… if I let this flow continue and Sara-san understands and becomes conscious of it, her staying over might become awkward from now on.

I absolutely don’t want that!

To settle this… no matter how I think about it, I’m the only one who can take the fall. Even if they think I’m a wimp, if there’s no other way…

Kazunari:「……No, Sara-san is just staying over. Nothing else is happening.」

Hayato:「No, no… if it’s gone this far, I think it’s the natural progression.」

Yuji:「He’s right. No matter how you slice it, that’s just impossible…」

Kazunari: 「…………」

Sara:「Um, I am only staying over… is there something strange about that?」

Everyone looking at me seemed to judge from Sara-san’s behavior that I was telling the truth, and their faces turned to pure shock.

Well, technically, only Natsumi-senpai was smirking for some reason.

Kazunari:「…Really, nothing is happening, okay?」

「「「「「 WHAT!!?? 」」」」」

Wow, they harmonized perfectly.

Hayato:「Y-You’re lying, right? Kazunari…」

Yuji:「Y-You, you haven’t laid a hand on her in that situation?」

Hanako:「Look into your big sister’s eyes and speak.」

Nishikawa:「I believed in you two!!!」

So it ended up like this.

I guess it makes sense; I’d have thought the same thing if it wasn’t about me.

I’m sure everyone thinks I’m a wimp now…

Kazunari:「I just want to treasure Sara-san!!」

「「「「 …………. 」」」」

I accidentally shouted my true feelings, but these lukewarm gazes… I don’t want to imagine what they’re thinking.

Sara:「Kazunari-san!!」

(Lunge!)

Sara-san, the only one who didn’t understand, dove into me with a full-faced smile.

If she became conscious of it, this kind of skinship might hit the brakes somewhere. I absolutely don’t want that.

Sara:「Um… please stay with me today until the very end… until the end of my birthday…」

Kazunari:「Of course.」

Sara:「Tonight, let’s go to sleep together while we hold each other, okay?」

「「 Kyaaaa!! 」」

Nishikawa:「NOOOOOOOOOO!?」

Sara-san’s birthday party ended smoothly, with the punchline of beginning and ending with Nishikawa-san’s screams.

And while Sara-san stayed over as promised, I was so exhausted that I couldn’t even manage much conversation… I fell asleep instantly in her arms.