Episode 320: Surprise Contestant

Lunch was finally over and the start of today’s main event, the Miss Contest, was almost here.

Sara-san wasn’t looking particularly nervous, and everyone else seemed a little excited. I, on the other hand… was secretly a nervous wreck.

「Well, we’ll head over first.」

「Sara-san, I won’t tell you to do your best, but please at least take down that woman.」

Everyone headed to the venue early to secure spots, while I stayed behind to see Sara-san off.

Though even if they said they were securing spots, it sounded like Nishikawa-san had already taken care of that.

I guess everyone was being considerate of us… I’ll accept that kindness with gratitude.

「Well then, I’m off.」

She didn’t look triumphant, but she didn’t look like she was dragging her feet either.

With eyes that held a hint of determination, Sara-san stared straight at me.

「Yeah. Good luck… wait, that’s not quite right, is it. In this case, what should I say…」

Since Sara-san herself had no intention of working hard, saying「Please do your best」felt a bit off.

So, instead…

「Sara-san, I’m always…」

「Kazunari-san, I am always…」

「「……」」

Our voices overlapped perfectly, surely because Sara-san was thinking the exact same thing I was.

It meant we were sharing the same feelings.

「Haha…」

「Fufu…」

That made me happy enough to laugh, and Sara-san let out a giggle as well.

That gentle smile of hers felt like it gave me a push on the back.

So… I had to be the one.

「Sara-san, like I said before, I’m always by your side. Right by your side…」

「Yes… I know. We’re always together, after all.」

「Yeah. So… um…」

I had one more thing I wanted to tell her… but I couldn’t find the right words to say it well.

What should I do… how do I…

「Kazunari-san…」

Sara-san wore a gentle smile while waiting for me to continue.

Right, if I couldn’t express my feelings with words, there was no need to even think about what to do.

「Sara-san…」

I reached out and pulled Sara-san’s body into a light hug. She must have expected it, because she didn’t look surprised at all. Instead, she leaned into me and settled against my chest.

I really wanted to hold her tighter, but I didn’t want to wrinkle her uniform… so I kept the pressure just right.

「Kazunari… san.」

The sweetness in Sara-san’s voice made my heart race. It was pounding so hard I thought she’d be able to hear it.

「Fufu… Kazunari-san… your heart is beating so fast.」

A certain kind of allure started to mix into Sara-san’s voice… if she kept whispering like that, I’d…

Wait, no, now’s not the time. We didn’t have time to linger. I had to make my move now!

「Sara-san.」

When I called her name, Sara-san, who had been leaning her ear against my chest, slowly looked up. Her eyes were a little misty and I couldn’t look away. I ended up freezing.

Maybe it was because I hadn’t taken the initiative in a while, but I just couldn’t get into the rhythm.

「Fufu…」

Sensing the atmosphere, Sara-san gave a soft smile and gently closed her eyes.

I put my hands on her slender shoulders and slowly brought my face closer… until our lips were only centimeters apart.

I put all the love and feelings for Sara-san overflowing in my heart into this kiss.

Chu.

I pressed my lips against hers, hoping my feelings would reach her.

Then, I felt Sara-san pushing back, and her hands wrapped around the back of my head.

It felt like she was pulling my face down… wait, no, it didn’t just feel like it!

Sa-Sara-san, wait a second!?

「Mmmph…」

「Fufu…」

Pressure was applied from both sides, making the kiss deeper. Sara-san let out a cute sound while I started to panic a little from the sudden intensity… but the kiss didn’t stop.

I was about at the limit of holding my breath… just as I thought that, Sara-san’s arms around my head loosened, and our lips slowly parted.

「S-S-Sara-san…?」

「Fufu… I am sorry.」

「No, I mean…」

「I was so happy you kissed me that I just couldn’t help myself…」

Sara-san had a mischievous look on her face as she said that.

The way she touched her lips felt strangely seductive… and with the lingering sensation of the kiss, my heart started racing all over again.

Calm down already…

「I have certainly received your feelings, Kazunari-san.」

「…Yeah.」

No more words were needed. My feelings had reached Sara-san loud and clear.

There was no need to force out anything that couldn’t be put into words.

「I love you… Kazunari-san.」

「I love you too, Sara-san.」

I hugged Sara-san one last time while she wore a radiant smile.

Then, suppressing my reluctance, I finally let her go.

「I’ll see you later, Kazunari-san.」

「Yeah. Good luck out there.」

I waved back to Sara-san as she gave me a small wave… then I watched her go.

I kept watching until she entered the school building and completely disappeared from sight.

Sara-san…

As I got closer to the venue, the crowds of people hanging around started to grow. It kept increasing until it was a literal swarm of people.

When I finally reached the ground, what was waiting for me was a sea of people packed into the audience area in front of the stage.

What the heck is this!?

There were grown men of all ages, normal students, the usual flashy groups, a bunch of people with backpacks who all looked similar, a decent amount of women, and even families with small children.

And so many people were holding binoculars… is everyone just used to this kind of event?

「Takanashi-sama.」

While I was staring blankly at the scene, someone called out to me from right beside me.

She was dressed sharply in a suit that didn’t fit the atmosphere here… wait, oh?

Looking closely, wasn’t she the person who prepared everything at the flowerbed?

「I’ve been waiting for you. We have a seat reserved, so let me guide you.」

「Ah, sorry, thank you!」

「Not at all. This way, please.」

With an unusually polite bow, the woman started walking. I followed her in silence as she rounded the side of the crowd toward the front of the stage, into a「space」between the front row and the stage itself.

Um, it shouldn’t be a problem since it hasn’t started yet… but this path is definitely going to make me stand out.

「Oh, it’s the Vice President!」

「Is he here to cheer for the President?」

「I knew he’d show up!」

「Hey… look at that guy…」

「Yeah. But seriously, are he and Satsukawa-san actually a thing?」

「You guys weren’t there to see what happened yesterday…」

「Maybe he’s just hitting on her?」

「That’s possible… I mean, if he can pull it off, it’d be a breeze for me.」

「Stupid, you wouldn’t say that if you saw them. They were flirting like crazy!!」

As expected, I was drawing attention from the guys in the audience in no time… but that wasn’t the problem. There were some clearly hostile reactions mixed in.

It looked like the rumors about Sara-san and me had spread further than I’d imagined.

「Oh, he’s here!」

「Takanashi-kun, over here!」

I looked toward the familiar voices and saw everyone near the center of the front row.

The ones waving at me were Natsumi-senpai and Tachikawa-san. It looked like I’d successfully met up with the group.

But how did they manage to get such prime seats in this crowd?

「Sorry for the wait. I mean, how did you get these spots…」

「Mufufu, that’s because we have Eririn with us.」

「This space was already here when we arrived.」

When Todo-san called it a「space,」she wasn’t using a metaphor. Suit-clad people were standing like a wall, surrounding our area.

I mean, I appreciate it, but did you really have to go that far…

「Fufu, since we’re here to see your big moment, Takanashi-san, only the best seats will do.」

「Exactly. I skipped the hospital for this, so you better make it entertaining.」

「Good luck, Takanashi-kun!!」

「I’m rooting for you!」

「Let’s do this, Kazunari.」

「Honestly, there’s a chance it’ll be over so fast everyone’s just disappointed, though.」

「You don’t need to worry about what happens after. Just focus on what you have to do, Kazunari. It’s okay, your Big sister is right here.」

「Yeah… thanks, guys.」

Seriously, having everyone here was so reassuring.

Executing the plan wasn’t the issue, but I had no idea what would happen once it was over.

The reason I could stay this calm was definitely because everyone was here for me.

Because my reliable best friends were by my side.

「Now then, while Sara isn’t looking…」

Nishikawa-san opened her pouch and took out「something」wrapped in a cute heart-patterned handkerchief.

I didn’t need to be mysterious about it, there was only one thing it could be.

「Here you go, Takanashi-san.」

While everyone watched with interest, Nishikawa-san unwrapped the handkerchief to reveal the contents.

What appeared was, of course, that red box.

「Eh… th-this is…」

「Eririn, what’s this?」

「Could it be…」

「Nishikawa-san, thank you for everything.」

「It was no trouble at all.」

When I took the box she held out, everyone’s curious stares focused on it.

I couldn’t just put it in my bag… right. Yeah, I get it, I get it, so please don’t look at me with such scary eyes, Natsumi-senpai and Hanako-san.

And Todo-san, please don’t look that sad. The guilt is real.

「Kazunari…」

「I know.」

Hanako-san made a second demand, so I’d make sure no one else could see… though we were already surrounded by a wall of people.

I still opened the box as discreetly as I could.

「Huh!?」

「WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!?」

「Wait, is that really what I think it is!?」

「Ta-Takanashi-kun, you’re really going that far!?」

The ones who just found out about the ring were wearing expressions of pure shock. But that couldn’t be helped. Since they knew I was proposing today, seeing a ring made it obvious what it was for.

「Well, it’s a necessity, isn’t it?」

「I-I guess so, but…」

「Hey, hey, Takanashi-kun, let me see it closer!!」

「Ah, I want to see it too!!」

「Kazunari…」

Natsumi-senpai was just shocked, while Tachikawa-san and Todo-san were full of curiosity. And Hanako-san… I’m sorry for keeping it a secret, so please stop giving me that side-eye.

「Whoa, whoa, this is amazing. You bought this, Takanashi-kun!?」

「Hwaaa… it’s beautiful…」

「Is this… for real!?」

「How rude, Natsumi. This is a genuine masterpiece that Takanashi-san purchased from a shop the Nishikawa family frequents.」

「Whaaat!? That must have been insanely expensive…」

「Don’t be so vulgar.」

「Ah, sorry, Takanashi-kun!」

「No, it’s fine. Honestly, it’s something I could never afford normally. I was only able to get it thanks to Nishikawa-san.」

I was only able to buy it because Suzuhara-san gave me a massive discount. It was something I usually couldn’t even dream of owning.

But even that only happened because of Nishikawa-san’s introduction… that’s why Suzuhara-san was willing to listen to my crazy request.

「Th-This is an eternity ring, isn’t it!?」

「Yeah. A half-eternity, technically.」

Todo-san looked more moved than anyone, as if she’d just met her idol.

She knew a lot about birthstones and the meanings of gems, so maybe she had a strong attachment to items with「romantic」meanings.

「Hey, are you giving this to her today too?」

「Of course.」

「Wow… how wonderful… I’m so jealous of Satsukawa-senpai.」

「Yeah. Just imagining it is making me feel emotional.」

「I might actually cry…」

Todo-san’s eyes were already starting to well up as she said that.

I haven’t even done it yet, so it was a bit embarrassing to have her get that emotional already.

「The Wife is happy to have Kazunari go this far for her.」

「Right… I mean, I didn’t think you were going this big. If you hand her something like this, Sara’s gonna cry her eyes out, isn’t she?」

「I bet. If it were me, I’d be too happy to even stand…」

「Me too. To have the person you love do this much for you… I’m so jealous of Satsukawa-senpai…」

「It’s so romantic… Takanashi-kun, you’re amazing!!」

I felt proud being praised for a ring I had such a strong attachment to, but hearing that Sara-san might cry… was a bit much.

But if it made her that happy, that’s all I could ask for.

「…Yuji, what are you thinking?」

「…You’re thinking the same thing, aren’t you?」

「…Ahaha, but honestly, Kazunari teaches us a lot.」

「…Yeah. Now that I have a girlfriend myself, I’ve really started to feel that way.」

「Ah, ah, mic test test test, mic test!」

The familiar, high-tension anime voice echoed from the speakers on stage.

I mean, why was she already so hyped for a simple mic test?

「OK? Everything’s good, alright, let’s get started then!」

The atmosphere in the venue shifted, and the noisy chatter died down instantly.

A sense of restless excitement filled the air, and every eye focused on the stage as they waited for 「someone」 to appear…

Opening BGM began to play from the speakers.

「ALRIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!! WELL THEN… YOU GUYS… HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!」

「「「 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!!!!!!!! 」」」

The voice from the speakers was so loud I thought the audio was going to distort.

And the audience let out a dark, massive roar in return.

「Eek…」

「Whoa, that’s…」

「I heard the rumors, but this is insane…」

The massive cheer made me and everyone else grimace… Hanako-san looked completely fed up.

We were lucky to have this space, because if we were packed in with that crowd, it would’ve been unbearable. Way too much man-sweat.

Pang!! Pang!!

Along with the sound of crackers, a huge amount of confetti fluttered through the air, and a small figure burst out from the center of the stage.

With two large pigtails swaying and a fluffy pink skirt fluttering, she was dressed in a magical girl cosplay.

「Is that…!? Tsk, she beat me to it!?」

Setting aside Hanako-san, who sounded strangely frustrated in a theatrical tone… thanks to the flashy entrance by Fukazawa-san, or rather Minamin, the audience’s voltage went up a notch.

I wonder what anime that’s from, though…?

「SORRY TO KEEP YOU WAITIIIIIIIIIIING! IS EVERYONE FEELING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!?」

「「「 YE-AAAAAAAH!! 」」」

「Hmmmm? I can’t hear you! One more time… ARE YOU FEELING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!?」

「「「 YE-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!! 」」」

I’d heard this yesterday too, but I just wasn’t built for this kind of vibe.

I know these festivals are all about getting into the mood, but I couldn’t help but feel like I was just a boring guy for looking at it so coolly…

But none of the others seemed to be getting into it either, so I wondered if we were the normal ones or just spoilsports.

「Yeah, alright, alright!!!! Energy is the best!! Nothing beats good spirits!! Now then… let’s get this party started!!! A Rinka Festival tradition!!! The 32nd Miss Rinka High School Contest!!! Your host is, of course, meeeeeee!! Everyone’s… Minamiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin!!!!!!!!!!」

「「「 UOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! 」」」

「「「 MI-NA-MIIIIIIIIIIIN!!!!! 」」」

The crowd let out roars of excitement while the fans(?) shouted the standard「Minamin」calls.

I had no idea if there was any order left in this place, but Minamin proceeded with her hosting.

「Man… the time has finally come. I was so excited last night that I only got about ten hours of sleep!」

「That’s way too much!!」

「Me too, me too!」

「Hmm, I see, I see. I knew you guys were looking forward to it too! I was excited too. I mean, maybe… just maybe, I might win… just kidding!!」

Minamin’s lighthearted talk put the audience in a relaxed mood.

She shared some school-related jokes that made me wonder how she knew them, and after getting a round of laughs…

「Now then, first off… a greeting from the representative of the prep committee!!!!!!!!」

「Hello everyone, welcome! Since some of you are new here, let me start with a brief introduction.」

An arrogant, theatrical tone, a broad build that projected a strange pressure, and a look that, to put it nicely, felt dignified. I’d met him once before and decided I never wanted to see him again. He was two hundred percent annoying.

「I am Tajima, the current chairman of this glorious Miss Rinka High School Contest Prep Committee. It is a pleasure to be here!!」

Clap… clap-clap… clap…

Overtly pitying applause followed, a feat that instantly killed the mood Minamin had worked so hard to build.

In a way, that was an incredible talent.

「Fufufu, I understand. It’s a Miss Contest, so having a man on stage isn’t very interesting, is it? Yes, yes, I understand completely.」

Whether it was a case of sour grapes or just being overly positive… surely the latter… the audience had one singular thought in response to Tajima. It’s not that a man being there makes it boring, it’s that you being there makes it boring!!

「But everyone, please give me just a moment of your time!! First, regarding this year’s Miss Contest, as you all know, we have contestants worthy of deciding the top spot in both name and reality at Rinka High School!! And in addition to that, we have decided on a special surprise contestant for this year!! Even I was shocked, and I am sure you will be too!! Such incredible beauty!!! This person is not a current student, but as a former Rinka student, I have judged her eligible to enter!!」

A surprise?

So there was a contestant who hadn’t been announced?

…Well, whoever it was, it didn’t matter as long as Sara-san wasn’t aiming for the win.

「Entering someone who isn’t a current student, even an alumna, is a bit much, isn’t it?」

「The Wife is likely running away with it, so they probably just panicked and threw someone in so the contest doesn’t lose its meaning.」

「That seems likely.」

I see… that was definitely a possibility. In that case, they might have brought in someone pretty impressive, which would explain his confidence. It’d be interesting if the stuck-up woman didn’t win because of that.

「…So I am certain that this Miss Contest will undoubtedly leave its name in the glorious history of the Rinka Festival!! I am sure all of you will be satisfied…」

Completely ignoring the bored audience, Tajima continued to drone on, clearly in love with the sound of his own voice.

It sounded like he wanted to claim this event as his own personal achievement… he was a delusional guy.

If that was what he wanted, I’d give him a Miss Contest for the history books.

「Well then, thank you for your attention.」

Clap… clap-clap-clap…

Under the cold stares of the audience, Tajima walked off stage looking triumphant, completely unfazed.

Minamin, on the other hand, looked dejected at the dead atmosphere… but she quickly pulled herself together and faced forward.

「Al… RIIIIIIIIIGHT, let’s shake it off and… HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!」

「「「 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!!!! 」」」

Her tone sounded a bit lower than before, but the audience still gave her a solid reaction.

I had to respect her ability to bring the energy back after that.

She’s a pro, in a way.

「Now, now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for, let’s meet the contestants!!!!!!!!!!!!」

「「「 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!!!! 」」」

「「「 THEY’RE HEREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! 」」」

「SATSUKAWA-SA-A-A-AN!!!」

「GODDESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!」

「RENA-SA-A-A-AN!!!」

The crowd was already screaming their favorites’ names even though not a single contestant was on stage yet. Minamin gave a satisfied nod at the heat in the air, which felt like the battle had already begun. She moved to the side of the entrance and pulled a folded piece of white paper from her pocket.

「It’s finally Satsukawa-senpai’s turn!!」

「Incredible… I can hear Satsukawa-senpai’s name everywhere…」

「I get Sara, but Kusahara-san seems pretty popular too.」

「Well, you can’t see someone’s true self in a Miss Contest, and she’s completely faking it. Plus, her looks alone are good.」

「Honestly, I can’t stand this vibe. Call me boring, but I’m just not built for it.」

「Yeah. Me neither.」

「Same.」

「Stress levels are at a maximum thanks to these idiots making such a noise.」

Compared to the excitement around us, the atmosphere in our group was a bit cool.

For the record, Hanako-san looked visibly displeased… and for some reason, she was gripping the sleeve of my jacket.

Not that I mind.

「Now for contestant number eight!!!! Finally, one of the top contenders is heeeeeere!!!!!!!!」

While we were talking, the introductions on stage proceeded, and it was turn for number eight… the stuck-up woman.

「A genuine celebrity young lady with elegance she just can’t hide!!! With those looks, it’d be weird if she wasn’t popular!? As you all know, the champion of last year’s 31st contest, Kusahara… Renaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!」

「「「 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! 」」」

Along with Minamin’s over-the-top introduction, the stuck-up woman appeared from the entrance looking triumphant.

The tension in the stands went up a notch, and I started hearing some 「Rena」 calls.

I guess being the previous winner meant something, after all.

「Heh, so she was last year’s winner. She’s certainly pretty, I suppose.」

「Sara bailed last year, after all. She convinced herself she won on her own merit.」

「Even if that’s true, she’s still the winner, so it doesn’t change anything.」

Just like Nishikawa-san said, I guess she was「at least popular enough to win in second place.」

But like Natsumi-senpai said, as long as she puts on a front during the contest, nobody’s going to know what she’s really like.

「Hmm… it’s frustrating that she’s getting ahead of herself when Satsukawa-senpai isn’t even trying.」

「Can’t be helped. Sara wasn’t into this Miss Contest to begin with.」

「The Wife basically doesn’t care about anything except Kazunari.」

「Right. I know that all too well.」

I’m not going to react even if you look at me with that nasty smirk.

I’ve gotten used to at least that much.

「Now… now, now, now, sorry to keep you waitiiiiiiiiiiing! Man, everyone’s so enthusiastic that even Minamin’s getting a little jealous!」

Minamin lowered the pitch of her voice and started teasing the crowd.

I knew it was just an act to introduce Sara-san, but showing such obvious special treatment compared to the other contestants… the stuck-up woman was making a face.

She’s going to lose votes if she lets the facade slip, isn’t she?

「Finally, today’s last number!!! The favorite who ignored every request and bailed last second last year!!!! Top of the class, good at everything!! And being a total pro at all things domestic is just way too calculated!!!! Can the title of most wanted girl as a wife win a Miss Contest too!!?? As you all know, our very own super heroine that Rinka High School is proud of!!!! This year she’s even got the title of Student Council President!!!! Contestant number nine!!! The Lonely Goddess!!! Satsukawa… Saraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!」

「「「 UOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! 」」」

Minamin’s shout sounded like an introduction for a martial arts tournament, and the crowd let out a cheer so loud I thought it could be heard outside the school.

It was so noisy I wanted to cover my ears.

But…

Sara-san appeared at the entrance, seemingly completely unfazed by the commotion.

She just stared straight ahead in silence, her face expressionless like a mask, without a hint of a smile.

Her posture as she walked was so dignified it felt almost divine… I found myself holding my breath.

And it wasn’t just me, everyone… even the idiots making a scene in the stands.

It was like everyone there was swallowed up by the atmosphere Sara-san carried, unable to look away from her on stage…

But unfortunately, that only lasted a second.

「SATSUKAWA-SA-A-A-A-A-A-A-AN!!!」

「GODDESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!」

「SARA-CHAA-A-A-A-A-A-A-AN!!!!!」

The noisy calls started again, and soon screams of Sara-san’s name were coming from everywhere.

The venue, which I thought had finally gone quiet, was now noisier than ever.

Couldn’t they at least read the room a little?

「Man, what a cheer. As a neutral host… whoops, I shouldn’t comment any further!! I’ll be careful!! So, these nine are our official contestants for this year!!!! Now, for one of our highlights, let’s meet our tenth contestant, who was decided on short notice as a special prep committee pick!!!」

The surprise contestant was finally coming out…

As long as Sara-san wasn’t aiming for the win, I didn’t care who it was, but I was still curious.

「Contestant number ten!!! Age unknown, real name unknown!!! A soothing voice and a soft, mature vibe with a curvaceous figure that awakens every man’s inner child!!! You won’t find a beauty like this often!!! Sexy glasses and a model’s physique, I’m so jealous!! The mysterious super beauty, Mayu-san is heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere!!!!!!」

With an introduction that would make any healthy high school boy react (I was fine since I had Sara-san), the person appeared.

She was wearing soft clothing, yet her model-like figure was impossible to hide. What really stood out was a certain something that was very assertive, the kind of large things any man would instinctively look at.

With her hair up, the sexiness of her neck was oddly emphasized.

And even though she was just standing there, she had a gentle smile that seemed to put everyone at ease.

It was almost like… she reminded me of someone I knew well?

No…

Wait a second.

It wasn’t just a reminder, this was… it was more than that…

Phew… calm down, calm down, me.

Let’s analyze this calmly.

First, imagine her without the glasses.

Then, let her hair down.

When I did that, what appeared was… a miracle.

A super beauty who made me wonder if this was what Sara-san would look like when she grew up.

To top it off, a tantalizing body that was impossible to hide.

Yeah… there was no doubt about it.

I mean…

Why on earth are you here, Mayumi-san!!!!????