Episode 323: Sara-san’s Special Skill?

「Now then, that’s already seven contestants introduced! How’s everyone feeling!!?? Have you already decided on a fave!!??」

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!!!!

Along with loud applause, I could hear voices from the right, left, and behind us, shouting the names of the contestants introduced so far from every direction.

I didn’t pay much attention during the initial reveal, but looking at them one by one now, they’re definitely all people worthy of entering a Miss Contest.

Of course, speaking for myself, there’s not a single person who could beat Sara-san, or even come close.

Oh, and for the record, Mayumi-san isn’t being judged, so no hard feelings.

I felt like I heard a voice from somewhere saying「Kazunari-kun, you’re so mean!! Your Mother-in-law is gonna cry!!」 but… it was probably just my imagination.

「Hmm, everyone really is pretty.」

「Well… it feels like all the famous girls in this school, the ones people call cute or beautiful, are all here.」

「Ah, I guess that’s true?」

「I know most of their names at least. Though I’ve never talked to them. Kazunari…」

「There’s no way Takanashi-kun would know!」

「Takanashi-kun isn’t interested in anyone besides Satsukawa-senpai, right?」

「Eh? No… well, that’s true.」

Hmm… I guess I should take this as them trusting me, or maybe I should feel like there’s a subtext I can’t quite swallow.

But they aren’t wrong, so whatever.

「But if all the beauties are being called up, it wouldn’t be strange if Natsumi-senpai was called too, right?」

「True. It wouldn’t be weird at all if Natsumi-san was…」

「Whaaa!? I-I’m not really cut out for this kind of thing!! I mean, Yuji, don’t just say crazy stuff like that so casually!!!」

Being praised even slightly indirectly made Natsumi-senpai turn bright red in an instant.

Now that I think about it, I’ve never heard anything about that from Natsumi-senpai. I wonder what the actual deal is?

I think it wouldn’t be strange if she was invited.

「Natsumi gets a lot of support from the same sex, so maybe it makes guys hesitate to approach her?」

「Ugh… w-well, I guess that’s how it is.」

「Ah, that makes sense after seeing that match this morning.」

「Natsumi-senpai was so cool!」

「Todo-san’s reaction is probably the answer. I think Natsumi is just a bit unsuited for a Miss Contest.」

「Yeah, yeah. I’m just boyish anyway.」

「I didn’t mean it like that, you know?」

For the record, I don’t think Natsumi-senpai is boyish, but rather the「cool as a woman」type.

She’s tomboyish, but she isn’t masculine. Well, I can leave the follow-up on that to Yuji.

「ALRIIIIIGHT, let’s move on to the next person!!! Next up is finally… the winner of the previous contest!! Entry No. 8, Kusaharaaaaa, Renaaaaaaaaaa!!!!」

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

「Kusahara-saaaaaaaan!!!!」

「Rena!! Rena!! Rena!! Rena!!」

The cheers were clearly a level higher than the previous contestants, and the voices in the stands shouting the stuck-up woman’s name weren’t few at all… in fact, there were surprisingly many.

I guess the title of「previous winner」is at least a fact, and it shows that she definitely has a corresponding amount of popularity.

「The atmosphere in the stands just changed.」

「Yeah, it got a bit noisier.」

「Now then… let’s see what that woman shows off… personally, it’d be the best if her mask just completely slipped off.」

「I once heard Kusahara-san bragging about taking a lot of lessons…」

I have zero interest in her myself, but I’m at least a little curious about what she plans to do in this situation. Especially since Sara-san’s「special skill for show」is still a complete mystery…

Pshhh!!

A smoke screen(?) rose near the entrance at the center of the stage, and a figure appeared along with dramatic BGM.

The figure illuminated by the backlight stood with hands on hips, striking a coquettish pose.

Yeah, yeah… that’s exactly what I expected.

「Whoa… that’s flashy.」

「I think that’s the first time I’ve ever seen someone wearing a dress like that…」

Emerging from the smoke, the stuck-up woman made her way to the front of the stage, dressed in a flashy, frilly gold long dress and a white fluffy thing (I don’t know what you call it) fluttering over it.

She moved slowly to the right, then to the left, giving a round of greetings to the audience before stopping back in the center.

Compared to the other contestants, her outfit was clearly out of place, making her look like she was in a completely different category.

「Whoaaa!!! That is one incredible outfit you’ve prepared… I’m not really one to talk since I’m in cosplay, but that is some serious luxury.」

「Fufufu… this dress is a custom-made item specially prepared for this day…」

Hmm… I don’t really care about her introduction or her bragging.

While it’s true there are people in the stands getting hyped up by it, there are also quite a few who seem bored. In fact, many of the people around us just look like they’re half-watching.

So, let’s just…

「YES!!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! Man, last year it was the violin, but this year it’s the piano!! And to go as far as bringing in your own personal piano, that is some serious effo… I mean, thank you for going that far! The organizers appreciate it!」

「Not at all, this much is only natural. If I am to perform, I must have the best conditions…」

Stroking her own piano pridefully, the stuck-up woman gave a humble(?) response.

Bringing something like that in, for better or worse, was a clear sign that she was serious about winning this contest… but it was a bit much.

Eh?

Did time just skip?

I have no idea what you’re talking about.

「Eririn, what did you think?」

「I think she’s normally good. At least better than me…」

「Eh? Nishikawa-san, you can play the piano!?」

「Yes. Though I only learned when I was little, so it’s just a hobby.」

「Heh… I guess playing an instrument is a mandatory skill for people in your position, Nishikawa-san?」

「Who knows. I’m not sure. But now that you mention it, there are a lot of people who learn something.」

It might just be a prejudice, but when I hear「young lady,」I have an image of them taking various lessons.

It feels like they’re multi-talented… the violin or piano would really suit Nishikawa-san.

「I wonder about Satsukawa-senpai? If she can play an instrument, maybe she’ll show that off as her special skill…」

「Hmm… Sara’s been all about housework since she was little. Her skills in home ec, like cooking and sewing, would put pros to shame, though.」

「I see… if that’s the case, then after all… wait? That means Satsukawa-senpai’s Mother is also good at housework…」

「Yeah, Mayumi-san is Sara-san’s mentor.」

Yes, the one who drilled those domestic skills into Sara-san was none other than Mayumi-san (and Sachie-san), and naturally, those skills surpass Sara-san’s.

Sara-san might be better when it’s under the condition of being「for me,」but in terms of basic skills, Mayumi-san is still a level above. (According to Sara-san).

「Whaaaat!? Her Mother is even better than Satsukawa-senpai? Just how good is she!?」

「B-but if that’s the case, then Satsukawa-senpai’s best subject, home ec…」

「Right, the Wife’s weapon has been sealed this time.」

「True. But wouldn’t winning be proof that she’s surpassed Mayumi-san then?」

「I suppose that’s true, but…」

But… in my opinion, I don’t think what Mayumi-san is asking for is for Sara-san to surpass her in technical things like cooking.

If it were just that, she wouldn’t need to make such a big deal out of it here. She could just do it at home.

In other words, Mayumi-san must want something else…

「YES, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! Now everyone, another big round of applause for Kusahara Rena-san!!!!」

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!

Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!!!

With the loudest cheers and applause of any contestant so far, the stuck-up woman gracefully exited to the side of the stage. She turned back one last time, lifting her skirt slightly in an elegant bow.

She looked quite practiced, clearly different from the classmates we saw yesterday…

I don’t want to praise her much, but I have to admit that part was impressive.

「Now… now, now… nfufufu, everyone’s so honest. Eh? Hurry it up? Don’t be so cold… I’m just kidding!!!」

The murmuring in the stands began to grow visibly louder. Voices started urging Minamin on, and people everywhere were already shouting Sara-san’s name.

People around us were holding their smartphones ready… and some older-looking guys had some seriously bulky DSLR cameras.

Is this an idol stage event or something?

「It’s finally Satsukawa-senpai’s turn. I’m so excited!!」

「Come to think of it, Takanashi-kun, did Satsukawa-senpai prepare an outfit…」

「No, I don’t think she prepared anything in particular.」

「There’s no way the Wife would do that kind of fan service.」

「Well, she is Sara.」

「True.」

「Right, I knew that, but still.」

Anyone who knows Sara-san’s personality could easily predict that even if she were instructed to prepare an outfit, she’d definitely ignore it.

Which meant this time, Sara-san would be the only one in her school uniform.

「ALRIIIIIIIIIGHT!!! Let’s call out the next person!!!!! The absolute favorit… I mean!!!! One of the top contenders, the person everyone’s been waiting for is heeeeeere!!!」

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!

Uoooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!

A level of cheers and shouts completely different from the previous contestants erupted from the stands. I could feel the voltage of the entire venue rising at an accelerating pace.

Just hearing these cheers, I felt like the gap was so overwhelming that the results were already clear without even continuing the contest…

But for me, I wasn’t happy about it at all.

「Entry No. 9!!!!! The Lonely Goddess, Satsukawaaaaa, Saraaaaaaaaa!!!!!!」

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

The contrast between Minamin’s high-pitched scream, the heavy and dark roar of the audience, and the flashy BGM from the speakers… On a stage enveloped in a very unwelcome trio of sounds…

Pshhh!!

A single figure appeared behind the rising smoke… and without any particular「build-up」or theatrics, she walked forward normally.

As she emerged from the smoke, Sara-san still wasn’t smiling. If anything, she looked a bit displeased… no, that’s not it.

She might just be overthinking the whole thing with Mayumi-san.

「Satsukawa-senpai’s expression looks a bit stiff, doesn’t it?」

「Yeah, she doesn’t look like she has much composure.」

「Nervous…」

「No way. Sara isn’t the type to get nervous over something like this.」

「She’s probably thinking about her Mother.」

「Right. She’s likely concerned about Mayumi-san. Depending on the result, it could affect her life with Takanashi-san.」

「Satsukawa-san will have to get serious this time.」

Everyone agreed with me.

But knowing Sara-san, I don’t think she’d fail from overstraining herself… but I was still a bit worried. I wonder if she’ll notice if I wave from here?

…Let’s give it a try.

Wiggle wiggle

「…Fufu.」

She noticed me, and a smile appeared on Sara-san’s face…

「UOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!」

「S-Satsukawa-san smiled!!??」

「Crap, that’s definitely a goddess’s smile!!!!」

「She’s way too cute!!!!」

「SHUTTER CHANCE!!!」

Along with a massive roar from the stands, the electronic sounds of smartphones and cameras taking photos erupted all at once from everywhere.

This was not fun. Not fun at all… but since she entered a Miss Contest, I guess I just have to endure it.

「Oh, Satsukawa-senpai smiled!」

「You’re right… I mean, she’s looking right this way… ah, it really was Takanashi-kun.」

「Kazunari secretly waved.」

「So obvious!」

「Sara’s emotions depend on Takanashi-san after all.」

「Hearing it put that way makes it sound pretty intense.」

Well… setting everyone’s talk aside.

Since we don’t know what Mayumi-san plans to do based on the result, it was only natural for Sara-san to be unnecessarily tense.

It’s frustrating for me that I have to leave everything to Sara-san, but at the very least, I want her to feel a bit more relaxed.

「Maaan… I knew it, but her popularity is as insane as ever. Ah!! For the record, this is Minamin info, but on a certain local beauty information site, Satsukawa-san is apparently the undisputed number one in this area. She was way ahead of the local idols!」

「…Pardon? What is that?」

「Well… um, M-Minamin didn’t run it, so I don’t know the details. Also, it’s apparently been shut down so you can’t see it anymore… yeah.」

The smile Sara-san had shown vanished instantly, replaced by an expression even beyond displeasure… one of blatant disgust.

Minamin was backing away in fear.

But that was the first time I’d ever heard of such a site.

If it’s shut down, is it okay for now?

「Heh… there was a site like that?」

「Well, if it’s Satsukawa-senpai.」

「I see…」

「Hm? Eririn, what is it?」

「Even if Sara’s looks draw attention, I thought it was weird that so many students from other schools and regular people were swarming here. But if Sara was famous through a site like that…」

「There’s a high possibility. A site like that would base popularity 100% on looks, so it wouldn’t be strange if she were treated like an idol without her knowing.」

「I see, so that’s a possibility…」

If that was the case, it explained why the situation looked like some idol event.

But if that’s true, then even in the future…

「Then today might actually be a good opportunity. With all these idiots gathered here, if we announce that Kazunari and the Wife are engaged…」

「I see!! If Satsukawa-senpai is being treated like an idol, then having a lover or being married would be a scandal. They’d hate seeing them flirting right in front of them…」

「So Kazunari just has to pull a stunt with the Wife like usual.」

「No, even if you tell me that…」

I’m certainly aware that I pull a stunt every single time, to the point where they can say it like that.

But I’ve never done it intentionally, and it’s a problem if you tell me to aim for it.

「Now then, Satsukawa-san, please give your self-introduction!!」

「Yes.」

Minamin stepped back to the side of the stage, leaving Sara-san alone in the center.

The murmuring in the stands gradually died down, and Sara-san, who was under the intense scrutiny of a crowd far larger than the one at the general assembly, remained calm. She didn’t even seem as tense as when she first came out.

「…Hello everyone, I am Satsukawa Sara. It is a pleasure to be here.」

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!

Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!!!!

Sara-san had only just said her name, but already a thunderous storm of cheers and applause erupted from the stands.

Sara-san, seemingly completely unfazed, gave a polite bow without even changing her expression and then looked toward the side of the stage… probably at Minamin?

「Um, Satsukawa-san?」

「Yes?」

「I mean… is that it?」

「Yes.」

「WHAAAAAAAAA!!?? No, no, I mean, you’ve seen everyone else’s introductions so you should know what to do!!??」

「Even if you say that…」

Sara-san’s face clouded over as she looked a bit troubled, and Minamin’s voice through the speakers sounded just as troubled.

Since Sara-san originally had no intention of doing anything, she probably really hadn’t thought of a greeting or anything.

「Whoa, does Satsukawa-san have a natural airhead trait too!?」

「Crap… a cool-type super beauty who’s also an airhead, that’s way too many moe elements…」

「Satsukawa-saaaaaaan!! You’re so cute!!!」

「Tell us your type!!!!!!!!」

The stands were soon filled with shouts and things from people who interpreted Sara-san’s reaction favorably, and the noise returned.

「U-um, okay then, can you do an introduction like the one at the general assembly, and maybe tell us your hobbies or special skills…」

「I understand… Then, once again, I am Satsukawa Sara, a second-year at Rinka High School. I recently took office as the Student Council President. It is a pleasure to be here. My hobbies… I don’t have anything in particular, but I pride myself on being quite skilled at cooking. In that sense, you could say my hobby is cooking.」

「LET ME EAT YOUR COOKING NEXT TIMEEEEE!!!」

「ME TOO, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!」

「You idiots!!! Don’t try to jump the line…」

「I refuse. Save your sleep-talking for when you are at home.」

Hahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

Even though Sara-san showed a sincere attitude of rejection, the atmosphere of the place thinned it out, making it look like a comedy skit.

The audience would set up a joke, and Sara-san would give a calm quip that made everyone laugh… it was like that.

「Kazunari, endure it for now. You can make those idiots eat their words later.」

「…I know.」

Maybe because I was visibly irritated, or maybe because she’s my Big sister… Hanako-san gently wrapped her hand around mine, and for the first time I realized I was clenching my fist.

「Kazunari, like Hanako-san says, let’s endure it for now. Even if there’s laughter, they aren’t making fun of Satsukawa-senpai.」

「The more hyped they get, the bigger the shock will be in return. Let them make a noise for now.」

「You’re right.」

That was a close one… if I’d been here alone, I might have lost it halfway through.

Seriously… I’m grateful to everyone.

「Is that all?」

「Yes.」

「Hmm… it’s still a bit short, but the crowd’s hyped up, so I guess it’s fine. Now then, let’s have her show off her special skill!!!」

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!

The time was finally here.

Sara-san’s special skill… if she refused by saying she had nothing to do, I had a feeling Mayumi-san’s evaluation would be bad.

Sara-san probably hadn’t expected this situation either, so how would she handle this first…

「Before that, may I borrow a prop?」

「Eh? Um… I don’t think that’s a problem… wait, where are you going!?」

After asking just that, Sara-san started walking toward the side of the stage. While we, the audience, and a shocked Minamin watched, Sara-san disappeared behind the stage… and returned holding something in both hands.

What is that?

「I shall borrow these.」

「Um… beanbags?」

「Yes. To be honest, I do not possess a special skill suited for a performance in a place like this. I happened to find these among the children’s toys over there earlier… it is not a special skill, but this was the only thing I could think of.」

「I-I see… that isn’t a rule violation, so it’s no problem!!! Then, Satsukawa-san!!! Give it your best shot!!!!!」

Sara-san took a spot near the front center of the stage, took a deep breath, and then held the beanbags ready. I’d never seen this before, so what was she planning…

But if she was just going to play with beanbags, that would be very like Sara-san and actually quite heartwarming.

「Here I go.」

Sara-san threw the first beanbag straight up, followed by the second and third.

Rhythmically moving her hands around her wrists, she skillfully caught and threw the three beanbags over and over.

Wait, is this juggling!?

「WHOAAAA!!!! I thought she was just going to play a normal game of beanbags, but she’s actually juggling!!!」

Varying her throwing style by crossing her hands or widening her arms, Sara-san continued to toss the beanbags rhythmically. She occasionally changed the height, tossing them high and low, but Sara-san’s movements held a sense of composure that left no room for anxiety.

As I watched intently, the beanbags changed their trajectory to form a perfect triangle. She threw a beanbag up with her right hand, caught it with her left, passed it to her right, and threw it again.

She repeated that with a good tempo, and eventually the triangle became smaller and faster…

Sara-san’s hand movements became more intense to match, yet the beanbags didn’t stop at all. The audience began to stir with murmurs and cheers as the triangle and her hand movements grew smaller and faster, and before I knew it, I… we were cheering for Sara-san with a round of applause, our eyes glued to the scene.

In that moment… the moment Sara-san glanced our way, I was sure our eyes met.

Sara-san gave a brief smile and then threw all the beanbags high into the air as a finish.

They soared up, reached their peak, and began to fall slowly… as if being sucked right into Sara-san’s hands.

One! Two! Three!

They all settled perfectly in place.

「…………」

「「「 …Whoa. 」」」

「OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!」

Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!!!

The stands erupted with a massive roar and cheers that eventually turned into a storm of applause enveloping the entire venue.

Whistles echoed from all directions, and if this had been a seated venue, I’m sure it would have been a 100% standing ovation. The hype was incredible.

As for me, I’d been moved the whole time… oh, Sara-san!!!

「AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING!!!!! Satsukawa-senpai, you’re incredible!!!!!!」

「What was that!? How can she do that!?」

Todo-san and Tachikawa-san were shouting excitedly, clapping their hands as they looked at each other. Seriously, why can Sara-san do that…

「Whoa… I didn’t know Sara had a hidden talent like that.」

「I’m a bit surprised… I never would’ve guessed she could juggle.」

「This is way too unexpected. The Wife and street performing, the images are just too far apart.」

Just like Hanako-san said, I couldn’t think of any reason for Sara-san, who used to avoid contact with others, to learn a street performance to show people.

Even if she called it a hobby, I’d never seen her do it once…

「T-THAT WAS AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGG!!! Honestly, that was such an unexpected special skill that even Minamin can’t stop being surprised and moved!!!!!!!!! Satsukawa-san, just what was that!!??」

「Fufu… being that surprised makes me a bit surprised in turn. I actually played beanbags during a time when I used to play with the neighborhood children who gathered at my Grandmother’s house. There were only beanbags for toys at the house, so when I looked up how to play on the internet… this way of throwing came up as well.」

As she said that, Sara-san tossed the beanbags in her hands back up and resumed her rhythmic juggling. The beanbags leaving Sara-san’s hands flew beautifully through the air, drawing more applause and cheers from the stands.

「Of course, this isn’t the original way to play beanbags. But once I learned it on the side, the children were unexpectedly happy… I kept practicing while teaching them, and before I knew it, I could do this. I haven’t done it recently, but it seems my body still remembers.」

「Haaa… I see. By the way, Satsukawa-san, do you like children?」

「Yes. Playing with children puts my mind at ease… besides, their innocence is truly adorable, isn’t it?」

Maybe remembering the children playing, Sara-san answered Minamin’s question with a soft smile.

I found myself staring at Sara-san’s expression… and before I knew it, the noise in the stands had gone quiet?

「S-she’s way too ideal…」

「The name Goddess isn’t just for show… she’s the best!!!!」

「Augh, if a girl like that was my girlfriend, I could die happy!!」

「I have to find a way to get close to her… close to her!!!!」

「Uooooh, please be my girlfriend!!!!!!!!」

「Man, as expected of Rinka High School’s No. 1 most wanted girl as a wife!!! Beautiful, good at all things domestic, and on top of that she’s gentle with kids, that’s just way too unfair!!?? If Minamin were a guy, I’d be confessing right now!!!! Wait, if you do that she’ll hate you, right!!?? This is a tough condition for guys!!!!!」

「Actually, in the first place, I have Kazu…」

「WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!! Satsukawa-san, don’t forget your promise to meeeeeee!!!」

「Ah, that is right. I am sorry, I accidentally…」

…?

What was that meaningful exchange just now?

I panicked for a second when Sara-san almost said my name, but now I’m more curious about her conversation with Minamin.

Did she say「promise」?

「Y-YES!!!! Then with that, we conclude Satsukawa-san’s self-introduction and special skill introduction!!!! Minamin was shocked by that special skill, but how was it for everyone else!!???」

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!

Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!!!

Minamin’s hurried rush to the closing comments felt a bit off… but.

Anyway, I was relieved that Sara-san made it through the first hurdle.

At the very least, Mayumi-san shouldn’t have given her a negative evaluation.

But since I don’t know the clear victory conditions, things will still be tough from here on out. And knowing that yet being unable to help makes me feel restless…

「That was Satsukawa Sara-san’s self-introduction!!! Another big round of applause for her!!!!!!!」

Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!!!

「SATSUKAWA-SA-A-A-AN!!」

「That was amazing!!!!!!!!!!」

「The best!!! You’re so cute!!!!!!!!!!」

「Please let me talk to you next time!!!!!!」

With a polite bow, Sara-san exited to the side of the stage amidst thunderous cheers and unending applause.

Mixed in with the whistles and voices praising Sara-san, I could still hear some unpleasant voices here and there… but it was a fact that the audience had given Sara-san’s performance a high evaluation.

I want to believe that served as some kind of appeal to Mayumi-san…

But I also saw the look of exhaustion Sara-san showed for just a second as she exited, and I knew that said everything…

I feel the same way… Sara-san.