Episode 290: What It Means to Face Them

The fun dinner that ended in a commotion was over. We were having our usual relaxing post-meal tea time.

Once the talk about school settled down and it was almost time to wrap up, Masaomi-san suddenly changed the subject as if he’d just remembered something.

「Oh, that’s right. About the meeting with Kazunari-kun’s parents. It looks like it’ll be the Sunday after next. How does your schedule look?」

「Um, I’m fine then. Sara-san…」

I see. The schedule for the meeting has been officially decided.

It feels like things are finally getting real, but our minds are pretty much made up anyway.

So a formal meeting and greetings… well, I guess there’s no need to be nervous.

「I am fine as well. Fufu, I’ll be able to greet my Father-in-law and meet my Mother-in-law too, so I’m looking forward to it.」

「I’ve only spoken to them over the phone. I’m a bit nervous, but more than that, I’m really looking forward to meeting them to see what kind of parents they are.」

「No, they’re just an ordinary old man and mom you’d find anywhere, you know?」

They don’t have a high status like Masaomi-san, and my mom isn’t a beauty who turns heads like Mayumi-san. They really are just very ordinary parents.

「Haha, in that sense, we’re the same. But looking at you, Kazunari-kun… it makes me really want to meet them.」

「I, I see.」

「Nfufu, it means that since Kazunari-kun is such a good boy, his parents must be wonderful too.」

「N-No, a good boy…」

I know it means something different from the「good boy」Sara-san and Hanako-san always call me, but I haven’t been told that much, so it’s a bit much.

And I feel like my parents are being weirdly idealized.

「I spoke with Fuyumi-san during the parent-teacher visit, and she was a very lovely mother. She really dotes on Sara-chan too.」

「Yeah, my mom really loves Sara-san.」

「Fufu… I love my mother-in-law too. I want to hear more stories about Kazunari-san and have her teach me more about cooking.」

Sara-san seems to see my mom as someone special, and my mom really likes Sara-san. Of course that’s a great thing, but it’s still a surprise that my mom has that side to her.

「Darling, please don’t think of anything unnecessary like you did with Kazunari-kun. This is a truly important discussion this time.」

「I, I know. I feel bad about what happened back then too.」

「If any situation arises that causes trouble for Kazunari-san, I won’t ever forgive you.」

「S-Sara, you could trust me at least that much…」

There wasn’t even a hint of a joke in Sara-san’s expression.

That means it was a 100% serious warning.

But honestly, I think Masaomi-san will be fine even without her saying that much.

「Sara-san, it’s okay. Masaomi-san truly accepts us.」

「…Kazunari-san?」

「So even if you don’t worry, he’ll give us his support. Besides, my parents aren’t the type to sweat the small stuff.」

Maybe because of what happened earlier, I felt a stronger urge to back up Masaomi-san than ever before.

That’s probably why I found myself blurting that out naturally.

「Kazunari-kun…」

And Masaomi-san looked so happy. But even more than that, Mayumi-san… Mayumi-san was!?

「Kazunari-kun!! Gosh, why do you say such cute things!?」

Mayumi-san headed toward me as if she were about to pounce!?

…But, as expected, Sara-san was faster. She cut in front and hugged me, moving me away from Mayumi-san.

「Honestly… I can’t let my guard down for a second.」

「Gosh, Sara-chan…」

「Hahaha, I can understand how Mayumi feels, but Kazunari-kun is Sara’s fiancé. Leave it at that.」

「…Darling?」

「…Father?」

This is…

I guess Masaomi-san feels the same way I do after our talk?

If that’s the case… no, it must be.

And that makes me happy.

「Sorry about that, Kazunari-kun. Anyway, please don’t worry about the meeting. I’ll make sure to greet them properly so you won’t be embarrassed.」

「Yes, it’s fine. I’ll leave the explanation to my parents to you, father-in-law.」

「Kazunari-san…」

「Kazunari-kun…?」

It might be insensitive to say this, but I couldn’t help but feel like Sara-san’s older brother or sister gave us a chance to get closer to each other as a gift today.

Night.

Today, with all its events, was over, and it was finally time to sleep.

As usual, Sara-san got into the futon first, and I followed.

Sara-san immediately held me and started gently stroking my head.

「Good work today, Kazunari-san.」

「Good work to you too, Sara-san. A lot really happened today.」

「Yes. It was a very dense day. But I don’t intend to let what happened this morning slide as just one of those things.」

「You’re right, I hope they never come back.」

In fact, the only report I got from our teacher about those guys was that it was「all good.」I don’t know if there was a punishment or some kind of penalty, but I’ll just have to leave that to our teacher.

Besides… I feel like I remember our teacher saying something about backing us up before.

「Since the teacher seems to have handled it somehow, let’s wait and see for a while. If they ever stand in Kazunari-san’s way again, I won’t show them any mercy.」

「Sara-san, if that happens, I’ll handle it. So please don’t do something dangerous like standing on the front lines. That’s… a man’s job.」

It might not be very persuasive coming from me since I’ve been protected by Sara-san all this time.

But in a situation like this, you never know what’ll happen if things get messy.

So I should be the only one on the front lines.

Besides… I’m sure it’ll be settled soon anyway.

「Kazunari-san, I’m happy about your feelings, but I also…」

「Then at least stay behind me, Sara-san. Support me from behind. That alone will make me…」

I know I’m saying something a bit cheesy, but if it makes Sara-san agree, then that’s fine. In fact, if the positions were reversed, I wouldn’t be able to just say I’ll leave it to her either.

「Understood. Then, as my heartfelt wish, I shall support you from behind, Kazunari-san. But for now…」

Sara-san tightened her hug.

I didn’t really know what she meant by「as my heartfelt wish,」but if she was satisfied with that, it was fine.

If Sara-san is supporting me from behind, I’ll never lose.

「By the way, Kazunari-san, did something happen today… with Father?」

「Eh!?」

「I see. So something did happen. The way you two were acting was clearly different from usual.」

C-Crap…

I accidentally overreacted when she hit the bullseye.

At this rate, she’s definitely going to ask about the details.

But maybe I can get her to accept that it started from the present?

Anyway, I absolutely can’t talk about that matter yet.

「Was it really that different?」

「Yes. Even considering that you gave Father a present, it was like you two suddenly became close, or the distance between you shrank. Of course, I’m happy if you’ve opened up to Father, so it’s not a problem.」

It seemed that even to Sara-san’s eyes, it was obvious Masaomi-san and I had become close. I’m happy she thought so too, but I guess it’s impossible to convince her it changed that much just because of one present.

「I see… but honestly, I feel that way too. So I’m happy about it.」

「If you don’t mind, could you tell me what happened?」

Well… I guess it was bound to come to this.

If I told her it was a secret, I’m sure Sara-san wouldn’t push me.

But since we’re here, even if I don’t talk about the most important part, maybe I can at least tell her that Masaomi-san really treasures her?

Sara-san would probably be on guard if it came from Masaomi-san directly, but if it comes from me…

「When I gave Masaomi-san the present, he was really happy. So when we were discussing the part-time job, we talked about a lot of things. Like, when you were born, Sara-san, and what he thought of me.」

「Wh-When I was born? You even talked about that?」

Sara-san let out a cry of surprise, apparently not expecting the conversation to be that deep. Since I seem to be easy to read, she might notice if I try anything too clever. So if I just tell her straight what I want to say…

「Yeah. We talked about how happy they were when you were born… and how Masaomi-san wanted a girl… and stuff like that.」

「Father did? I-I see. That’s a bit embarrassing, and I don’t really know what to say…」

It really is embarrassing to hear people talked about the time you were born.

I’d be embarrassed too if Sara-san was talking about the same things with my parents.

But if I dig any deeper into this part, I’ll probably mess up, so on to the next…

「And so… because you’re so precious and you’re the one who chose me, Masaomi-san told me that no matter what happened, he intended to accept me properly. He said that even if he said one thing, his answer was decided from the start.」

「…So… that’s how it was…」

「Yeah. He said that because you’re the one who chose me, there was no doubt about me. That I was someone he could trust. So he said he always intended to accept us.」

「………」

I didn’t know what Sara-san thought after hearing that… but I’m sure she at least understood that Masaomi-san really treasures her.

That’s what I think.

「He told me that because of today, he felt all over again that he thought of me as his real son. Not like a son… but his real son. So I was happy, and I felt like I’d really become a member of the Satsukawa family in a true sense, with Masaomi-san.」

「Kazunari-san…」

「So, I think what you felt was our hearts getting closer, Sara-san. Masaomi-san told me I was his real son, and I felt the same about him… and of course Mayumi-san too, that they’re my second Father and Mother. I felt like I’d become family as a member of the Satsukawa household.」

It wasn’t like there was any resentment, and I love both Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san, so I thought things were fine the way they were. I’m sure they were, but because of what happened today, I think Masaomi-san and I can both say「real」instead of「like a real one.」

So the weirdness Sara-san noticed was probably just that difference showing.

「So that’s… how it was. Father… said that… that Father…」

It wasn’t exactly shock, but she seemed at least a bit shaken, or rather very surprised.

But that means she really understood what I said.

And by hearing that, she’s thinking properly about Masaomi-san.

「Yeah. So because of what happened today, I feel like I’ve become even closer to Masaomi-san. Now I can naturally call him Father-in-law.」

「I… see.」

「Yeah. So please trust Masaomi-san a little more, Sara-san. With the arranged marriage thing, he just didn’t know I existed yet. And he always intended to accept me unconditionally because I was the person you chose. He trusted me right away because he really treasures you and trusts you.」

「…………」

Squeeze.

Sara-san tightened her hug even more, holding me tightly as if to pour out some kind of emotion.

I’m sure my words reached her. I feel like she understood Masaomi-san’s feelings too.

I’m sure…

「Thank you, Kazunari-san. I never realized… that Father felt that way. No, I think I just didn’t try to face him. I…」

「Sara-san…」

「I’ll try to face Father a little more. After all, my precious Kazunari-san says so much… though I won’t say it’s unconditional, fufu.」

「Haha, I think that’s fine. It’s best when a family gets along well, after all.」

Good…

If she’s even a little more positive, that’s enough for now.

But Sara-san seemed to decide to face Masaomi-san more than I expected, which was a bit of a surprise. It’s a good thing, though, so there’s no need to worry.

All that’s left is for their relationship to improve even a little…

「Yes. Thank you… truly. But…」

Sara-san cradled my head and buried my face firmly in that soft place that felt like heaven. She hugged me deeply and stroked my head carefully with both hands.

「Honestly… Kazunari-san… just how much more 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 want to be with you?」

「S-Sara-san?」

「I love you. I love you from the bottom of my heart. I think… I was born to be with you. No, I’m sure of it. And when I think that, I feel a sense of gratitude toward my parents… even toward Father, for bringing me into this world.」

Sara-san really is consistent.

To find gratitude for facing Masaomi-san in her connection with me.

But regardless of the reason, if it gives her a chance to face Masaomi-san… her father… then that’s fine.

In fact, if I’m the trigger, I guess that’s an honor in its own way.

「You’re right. But in that case, I want to give my own greatest thanks to Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san for bringing you into this world, Sara-san.」

「Fufu… but it’s the same for you, Kazunari-san.」

「Eh?」

The same for me?

I didn’t think there were any elements in the flow of the conversation that would lead to that.

「Kazunari-san… I want to go to your home… it might be a bit of an exaggeration, but I want to go to your hometown.」

「…Mine?」

「Yes. So… please talk properly with Father-in-law, and with Mother-in-law too. The fact that you’ve barely ever talked about your home, that you don’t contact your parents, that you haven’t gone back even once…」

「!?」

So that’s what she meant…

Just as Sara-san learned gratitude so she could face Masaomi-san…

She told me to do the same, because we’re the same in that sense.

I guess Sara-san had noticed after all…

「The meeting is a perfect opportunity for that too. What we talked about today was completely unexpected, but because of it, I’ve made up my mind to tell you this, Kazunari-san. I’ve decided to face Father for your sake. So I’d like you to face your parents… for my sake, if you need a reason.」

Honestly, this was a revelation… but.

Yeah, Sara-san is right.

Either way, I intended to face my parents at least a little by giving them the present. It takes courage to talk about what happened back then, but I thought it was a good opportunity.

But if Sara-san…

If I think about facing my parents for Sara-san’s sake…

I’m… not afraid of anything.

And those words from earlier.

If she’s going to thank Masaomi-san and the others for bringing her into this world.

If I was also born to meet Sara-san.

Then I want to thank my parents for just that much, bringing me into the world.

And Masaomi-san’s feelings for Sara-san.

The joy her parents felt when Sara-san was born. I’m sure my parents felt the same way.

Thinking that way, I felt for the first time that I could deal with my parents with different feelings than before.

「Thank you, Sara-san!」

「Kazunari-san?」

「I already planned on talking to my parents at this meeting. I didn’t know how much I’d be able to say, but I still planned on talking. But if I think that it’s not just for me, but for you too, Sara-san, then I’m confident I can face them properly. So…」

Before I knew it, I’d pulled my face away from Sara-san’s chest.

But the timing was good.

I stared intently into Sara-san’s beautiful eyes as if to convey my feelings and my resolve.

Sara-san did the same, her eyes soft and full of kindness, staring back at me without look away for a second.

「I promise that I’ll definitely take you to my home soon, Sara-san. I want you to know the house where I was born, the town where I grew up, the places full of memories. So I… mgh.」

Chu…

It was like deja vu, but I couldn’t finish what I was saying… Sara-san stole my lips.

By the time I saw her look like she was overwhelmed with emotion, she was already kissing me.

But since I’d already said most of what I needed to say…

「…Kazunari-san, you’re unfair. If you say such happy things, I… I… Kazunari-san, once more… mnh.」

Chu…

Sara-san’s overwhelmed expression showed no signs of fading, and she stole my lips again. And since my head was cradled in her hands, I was completely at her mercy.

「Kazunari-san… I’m looking forward to it. But please don’t rush, okay?」

「Yes, I promise. Definitely.」

「I’m happy. I love you… from the bottom of my heart, I adore you… Darling.」

「Me too… Sara.」

「Mnh…」

Chu…

Sara-san’s third kiss…

It felt like our feelings, our love, had moved forward another step.

It was a happy kiss that made me feel infinitely gentle, like it could make anything okay.

~A Present for Big Sister~

After school, on the way to the student council room.

I’d brought the brooch to school today to give it to Hanako-san. So I could give it to her anytime, but because of that, the timing was difficult.

But if I didn’t give it to her now, I wouldn’t have another chance today.

Giving it to her in front of Sara-san would be way too insensitive, so I definitely wasn’t going to do that.

In other words, now was my only chance.

「Kazunari… what’s been up with you for a while now?」

「Eh!?」

「You’re acting all restless. If something is bothering you, talk to your Big sister?」

Hanako-san tilted her head cutely as she asked me curiously.

I was aware I’d been acting suspicious, so the word「restless」was probably being mild. I felt Hanako-san’s kindness.

I mean, it’s not a major matter like a confession or anything, so why was I so nervous?

Alright…

「Hanako-san, this’ll be quick, so could you give me a bit of your time?」

「Right now?」

「Yeah. It really won’t take long.」

「Alright. If it’s a request from Kazunari, Big sister is happy to listen. Hugs or kisses are fine too.」

「No… that’s a bit much.」

She’s joking, right…?

She said it so casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

If I jokingly asked for a kiss, she’d probably actually do it.

No, she definitely would… no doubt about it.

「Fufu… if you ask me to, Kazunari, Big sister will do it right away.」

「………」

I can’t say that, even as a joke.

I should just achieve my goal quickly without saying anything extra.

Before heading to the student council room, we took a short detour to our usual landing.

That place has become something of a secret spot for us since it’s so convenient for various things.

「Kazunari, in a place with no one around like this, what exactly do you want Big sister to do?」

「Watch your phrasing!」

「Sorry. But what’s this all of a sudden?」

I didn’t want any weird misunderstandings (even though I knew she was joking), so I quickly pulled the awkwardly wrapped brooch from my bag.

「Kazunari?」

「Hanako-san, this is for you.」

When I held it out, Hanako-san stared at it with a blank expression.

She didn’t seem to quite grasp the situation, but she understood what it meant for me to hold it out, showing a mix of confusion and joy.

「…Um, for me?」

「Yeah. Just… to say thanks for everything, Big sister.」

Once I said that, she finally seemed certain it was a present for her.

Hanako-san took it, her face breaking into a joyful, excited smile.

「Th-Thank you. I’m happy… so, so happy.」

Hanako-san held the gift I’d given her carefully with both hands. She looked completely moved and was already thanking me before even seeing what was inside.

But it was obvious she wanted to open it, so I figured I should be the one to suggest it.

「Hanako-san, we don’t have much time, so you should open it now?」

「Eh… y-yeah, I’ll open it… I’m opening it!」

Maybe she was in a bit of a rush, because her movements were a bit clumsy as she carefully started peeling the wrapping paper. And when she saw the brooch inside, Hanako-san just… froze.

For the record, Hanako-san’s brooch didn’t have anything special like Sara-san’s. That was specifically because it was for Sara-san. It wasn’t about discrimination or anything, but a way to settle things in my own mind for giving presents to people other than Sara-san.

Even so…

I’d chosen and made this brooch with Hanako-san’s image in mind.

It was a masterpiece composed of several small, cute flowers huddled together, and it had actually been quite a lot of work to make.

「A brooch…」

「Well, I thought about your image and stuff while I was choosing and making it. So…」

「I’m… so happy…」

「!?」

Hanako-san had been staring at the brooch in a daze, but then she looked at my face… and there were tears in her eyes…

「Happy… so… happy… a present from Kazunari, I’m really, so… happy. You made it for me, you thought of me when you chose it… Kazunari’s… brooch…」

「…Hanako-san.」

Hanako-san stared happily at the brooch with tears in her eyes. I didn’t think she’d be this delighted…

「This is my treasure. The first precious treasure I’ve ever received from my little brother… from Kazunari. I’ll treasure it… for the rest of my life.」

Cradling the brooch I’d given her carefully in both hands, Hanako-san wore a happy, blessed smile that made me feel happy just watching her. She gently wiped the tears from her eyes with her finger, but she was definitely smiling.

「…Thank you.」

「Why are you thanking me, Kazunari? That’s my line.」

「No, I was just happy you liked it that much.」

I’d said thank you without thinking, but it was a sentence I could agree with myself.

Even if it was handmade, it was a bit irregular and couldn’t be called pretty by any stretch of the imagination.

And yet Sara-san, Mayumi-san, Masaomi-san, and now Hanako-san had all been this happy. They’d all given me genuine smiles.

Just how happy of a thing that was.

Thinking that made the thank you come out naturally.

「Kazunari.」

Hanako-san gave my sleeve a small tug. An unspoken request for me to lower my head to where her hand could reach it when she wanted to stroke it.

I had no reason to refuse, so I obediently lowered my head… moving it to a position where it was easy for Hanako-san to reach.

Stroke, stroke…

「Kazunari… thank you. I’m really happy. I’ll treasure this brooch for the rest of my life.」

「I’m happy you like it that much. But since it’s a gift, I’d like you to feel free to use it.」

「Yeah. But it’s too precious, so I’ll think carefully about when to use it.」

「Alright. Then… thanks again for everything, Big sister.」

「…One more time.」

「Hanako-san?」

「Call me ‘Big sister’… one more time?」

I felt like I heard Hanako-san’s voice right in my ear for some reason.

Being asked like that was a bit embarrassing.

But for a moment like this, I thought it was okay to answer her request.

So…

「Thanks for everything… Big sister.」

「Yeah. Kazunari… thank you. I love you♪」

Chu…

And then… Hanako-san gave me a small kiss on the cheek…