Episode 361: Reveal

「Yeah, I think this looks about right.」

「Thank you very much, Masaomi-san.」

I looked at myself in the mirror and gave a slow, idle turn.

A vibrant navy blue with a modest design featuring white lines. The calm atmosphere felt just right, it was a yukata that was exactly my taste.

Well, whether it suits me or not is a different story.

「Surprisingly, it’s the sort of thing you keep without throwing away. Even so… haha.」

「Masaomi-san?」

Masaomi-san looked me over from head to toe several times and let out a pleasant laugh.

「No… I just thought it was quite moving, knowing the day would come when my son would wear the yukata I used to wear.」

「…I see. But really, thank you so much.」

For preparing the yukata like this.

And for calling me his son.

In both senses.

「You’re very welcome. Now… did you forget anything? It looks like Mayumi put all sorts of things in that drawstring bag over there.」

「Let’s see…」

Sitting alone on the table was a drawstring bag with an extremely typical green arabesque pattern on a brown background. Peeking inside, I found a handkerchief, tissues, a portable comb, and… are these wet wipes? There was also a small envelope.

…A small envelope?

「Um, Masaomi-san, this…」

「Since you’re going to a festival, it’s better to have some spending money, right? I didn’t give any to Sara, so I’m leaving it to you today.」

「…Understood. Thank you very much.」

The urge to decline reflexively almost slipped out, but I decided to accept it honestly.

More than anything, I didn’t want to use such distant, formal language with Masaomi-san after he’d just called me his son.

「Hehe… that’s better. Go on and enjoy yourselves without any worries.」

「Yes!」

Masaomi-san gave a big nod at my reply, wearing a satisfied smile.

Truly, I am…

「Masaomi-san, is Kazunari-kun’s preparation finished?」

Along with the sound of a knock, a soft, healing, and gentle voice came from the other side of the door.

They had been doing their own preparations over there, so it seemed they were finally finished.

「Yeah, we’re all set over here.」

Click…

A breath after Masaomi-san’s reply, the living room door slowly opened.

With the light, rhythmic patter of slippers, Mayumi-san stepped inside… and the moment she saw me, her face lit up with a smile like a flower in full bloom.

「Oh my!! It suits you so well, Kazunari-kun!! You look great in traditional clothes too…」

「Th-Thank you.」

「Hehe… seeing that cute face in an outfit like that, Mother-in-law’s heart is pounding!♪」

「Eh!?」

「Mayumi, that’s enough.」

「Fine. Then, shall we do our reveal too? Sara-chan!」

「Yes.」

At the mention of her name from Mayumi-san, the one who appeared… no, the one who descended into the living room…

Was someone for whom there was no other word but peerless. She was so divine she almost seemed to have a halo. My most beloved…

My very own… goddess.

「Hehe… sorry for the wait… !?」

Sara-san’s yukata, which was being revealed for the first time today, had a rare design with cat patterns scattered across a navy blue background that matched mine. A large cat silhouette was drawn on her sash, and the handmade brooch I’d given her was placed there as a subtle accent. It was a truly cute and wonderful yukata, very much like the cat-loving Sara-san.

And her beautiful, long black hair was wrapped up high today to match the traditional attire, held by an elegant hairpin and that familiar… light blue and white flower ornament I’d gifted her that day, which literally added a final touch to her beauty…

「Hehe… honestly, Kazunari-kun, you’re practically drooling, aren’t you?」

「……」

「Oh, can you not hear me?」

「Mayumi.」

「Fine.」

It wasn’t that I couldn’t hear her, but honestly, I had other things on my mind right now.

The Sara-san in front of me was just too pretty… too beautiful… I simply couldn’t take my eyes off her.

「Hehe… aren’t you glad, Sara-chan?」

「……」

「…Sara-chan?」

Sara-san, who was the picture of Japanese womanhood, truly and deeply suited traditional clothes. Her usual maturity and dignified presence stood out even more in a yukata… anyway, it was impossible not to be captivated by this.

The impact of seeing Sara-san in a yukata for the first time during the summer festival was huge too… but I’d been so nervous I couldn’t look at her directly, and I was also tense about my plan to confess.

「Sara-san…」

Drawn toward the「light」that was Sara-san, I moved forward one step, then another, almost unconsciously. Then, Sara-san’s eyes, which were also staring at me… wait?

Is something wrong?

「………」

「S-Sara-san, what’s wrong?」

She didn’t respond to my call at all. Sara-san just stared at me as if she were standing there in a daze.

It was as if her mind were somewhere else entirely…

「Kazunari-san…」

「Y-Yes?」

「It suits you very well. Truly… you look wonderful…」

「Ugh!? N-No, if anyone looks like that, it’s you, Sara-san…」

「Oh, my… I wonder if this is the pattern where Sara-chan is the one who ended up totally smitten instead?」

「Eh!?」

I didn’t quite understand the meaning of Mayumi-san’s words… Sara-san was smitten?

By who?

…Me?

「M-My apologies. It’s just… you looked so gallant, Kazunari-san… I was momentarily…」

With her cheeks flushed, looking enchanted… and showing a bit of embarrassment, Sara-san said those wonderful words to me.

But, if anything, those were my lines…

Sara-san was more mature than usual today, and because her hair was up, I could see her white, translucent nape, which usually stayed hidden, giving off a subtle sexiness…

And if she showed me an expression like that, I… I… !?

「Hehe… Sara-chan becoming like this, I’ve seen something rare.」

「Y-Yeah. By the way, Sara… isn’t the distance a bit too close?」

「Geez, Masaomi-san. Don’t say such tiresome things!」

「N-No, but…」

「Kazunari-san… truly, you look… wonderful.」

Looking at me with a somewhat feverish gaze, Sara-san conveyed her direct impression.

I could feel that she meant it from the bottom of her heart, not as flattery… and that’s why, rather than being happy about myself, I wanted to praise Sara-san even more.

Because the Sara-san right now was truly…

「Sara-san, you’re the one who is truly beautiful… and wonderful, and dazzling. Those words don’t even come close to enough. It’s just amazing. It’s frustrating that I can’t put it into words well… but, I really…」

At times like this, I really hated my lack of vocabulary.

The feelings I wanted to convey to the Sara-san of right now… my impressions. I knew they weren’t something that could be summed up in such simple words, so why couldn’t I think of anything better?

But…

Even at my cheap words of praise, Sara-san looked very happy and blissful…

「…I’m so happy. Just you saying that makes me truly happy, you know? As long as I have you… just for you…」

「Sara-san…」

Sara-san’s flushed cheeks and her moist eyes caught mine and wouldn’t let go.

I was driven by the urge to pull her into a tight embrace right now and kiss those lips… and I felt like Sara-san was probably thinking the same thing.

If that’s the case, then I…

「Kazunari-san…」

Sara-san suddenly narrowed the distance and gently placed her hand on my right arm…

She looked straight into my face as if appealing for something… and her eyes slowly closed…

「Ahem!!」

「!?」

In the middle of such a good atmosphere, the one who suddenly let out a loud throat-clearing was… Masaomi-san, of course.

I hurriedly checked the situation to find him wearing an obvious forced smile, looking a bit twitchy…

Actually…

We did it again, didn’t we. Yeah.

「Oh, honestly, Masaomi-san. You had to go and interfere right at the good part.」

「Wh-What part of that was the good part!? They’re both still high schoolers, they should show a bit more moderation…」

「Isn’t this much normal? Honestly… please just let go of your child already.」

「What!? I-If you’re going to say that, then you need to stop meddling with Kazunari-kun unnecessarily too!!」

「I certainly agree with that.」

「H-How cruel, both of you!!」

I didn’t quite understand, but the conversation seemed to be spreading in a strange direction.

And I had nothing but a terribly bad feeling about this flow…

「Sob sob… Kazunari-kun, you wouldn’t say something like that, would you? Communication with Mother-in-law isn’t something unnecessary, is it?」

「Eeeeek!?」

Just as I was thinking that, rather than a bad feeling, a direct ball came flying my way.

And Mayumi-san’s fake crying, even if it was fake, was nasty because she knew perfectly well I was weak against it!!

「Sniff… Kazunari-kun, with Mother-in-law…」

「That’s enough. If you take advantage of Kazunari-san’s kind heart, I won’t be lenient either, you know?」

「Hiee!?」

Suddenly, a chill so intense it made me shiver dwelled in Sara-san’s voice. Her tone was full of severity. This was no longer at the level where a「it was just a joke」would work…

「G-Geez, Sara-chan. It’s a joke, so calm down.」

「Whether it’s a joke or anything else, the moment you trouble Kazunari-san, it’s a capital offense.」

「S-Sara-chan’s eyes are totally dead…」

I could tell without even looking at her face. Sara-san was definitely serious…

Sara-san was usually very refined, full of motherly tolerance (limited to me), and infinitely kind (limited to me), but she showed absolutely no mercy toward malice or nuisance behavior directed at me.

That was also a clear side of Sara-san.

「Mayumi.」

「Fine… I understand. I’m sorry, Kazunari-kun.」

「N-No, I don’t mind.」

I understood perfectly well that this was just a bit of playfulness from Mayumi-san and that there was no ill will or malice. So I didn’t think of it as a nuisance at all to begin with.

「Sara-san, I’m fine, so please forgive Mayumi-san now.」

「If you say so, Kazunari-san.」

「Hehe… that’s why I love Kazunari-kun…」

「Pardon?」

「I-IT WAS NOTHING…」

In front of the current Sara-san, even Mayumi-san was like a frog stared down by a snake, or a pheasant before a hawk. There was no way she could possibly resist.

「Haha… looks like it’s Mayumi’s loss.」

「Sigh… when it comes to Kazunari-kun, Sara-chan really can’t take a joke anymore.」

「I can forgive other things, but I won’t compromise at all when it comes to Kazunari-san.」

「W-Well, now, Sara-san. That’s enough…」

「Hehe… understood. In deference to your words, Kazunari-san, let’s leave it at this for today. Since we’re wasting time, shall we head out soon?」

「Sounds good!」

We still had a bit of time before our promised meeting, but… I was sure everyone else would arrive early too, so heading out now would be just about right.

「Well then, Masaomi-san, Mayumi-san, we’re off.」

「Yeah, have a safe trip. I’m counting on you to look after Sara, okay?」

「Go and enjoy yourselves!」

「Yes!」

「We’re off.」

Waving to the two who saw us off at the entrance, Sara-san and I stepped out of the door together.

I was really looking forward to the festival today… but I remembered the disastrous state of last year that I’d heard about from Nishikawa-san. I’d keep that in mind and head out with caution.

After leaving the Satsukawa house, we headed to our first destination, the Hanasaki family’s apartment.

It was still early to call it night, but in this season of long autumn evenings, it was already getting dark outside… a girl walking alone was out of the question.

Assuming that would be the case, I’d insisted on going to pick her up… that was the right choice.

「The time it takes to get dark is getting faster and faster, isn’t it?」

「Yeah. The temperature has cooled down quite a bit too… Sara-san, if you get cold…」

「Hehe… in that case, I’ll take your arm, Kazunari-san!♪」

「…U-Um, understood.」

I hadn’t asked with that intention… oh well.

But even if she was joking, it was rare for Sara-san to be so playful with her words.

「Oh, look…」

「I hope we didn’t keep her waiting…」

In front of the apartment entrance, three silhouettes were illuminated by the dim light.

One was Hanako-san, whom I could recognize from a distance because of her flamboyant… and quite characteristic outfit… which meant the other two were.

「Sorry to keep you waiting, Hanako-san. And… it’s been a while, Tadao-san. Kayo-san, good evening too.」

「It’s fine. I wasn’t waiting.」

「Good evening, Takanashi-san. Always, thank you for looking after Riko.」

Kayo-san returned a polite bow with a soft, gentle smile. As always, she had a surprising youthfulness that didn’t feel like her age, in a different way from Mayumi-san.

「No, Takanashi-san, it’s been a while. Thank you for coming to pick up my daughter…」

「N-No, we’re neighbors… besides, it’s already dark. It’s too much for a girl to walk alone…」

Tadao-san was as humble as ever… it would be a problem if he were overbearing, but he was just a bit hard to interact with.

「S-So, um…」

The reason Tadao-san directed a probing gaze here was… naturally because he was curious about Sara-san standing next to me.

Even if she’d met Kayo-san before, it was her first time meeting Tadao-san, so it was only natural.

「I’ll introduce you. Sara-san…」

「Yes.」

When I called her name, Sara-san stepped forward and gave a bow so polite it was captivating. It was as if she were showing exactly what it meant to be perfectly refined.

「How do you do? I am Satsukawa Sara.」

「I-It’s a pleasure to meet you!! Nice to meet you, I am Tadao, Riko’s father. I haven’t had the chance to meet Executive Director Satsukawa directly, but…」

「No, my father is my father, and I am myself. Please, just act as you normally would.」

「Y-Yes…」

Against Tadao-san, who was visibly shrinking back, Sara-san’s attitude was truly dignified. It was to the point where I could even feel a sort of grace coming from her.

「I am on close terms with Riko-san as an irreplaceable friend. I look forward to your kind regards, along with Kazunari-san.」

「T-The same to you. She’s a clumsy daughter, but we look forward to your kind regards as well!!」

Bowing his head over and over, Tadao-san was so humble it almost made me feel bad for him. But seeing him like that reminded me of my own father in full low-posture mode when he ran into someone from his company while we were out…

「It’s a bit pathetic, but it can’t be helped given father’s position.」

「Hanako-san, don’t say that…」

「Understood. More importantly, Kazunari…」

Hanako-san directed a gaze full of expectation my way, not even trying to hide her excitement. Occasionally she’d glance at her own appearance, making it very easy to see what she was trying to show off.

Well… even without that, I’d intended to tell her from the start.

「It… it suits you well, Hanako-san. You look… u-um, cute.」

As always, my clumsy words of praise aside…

Hanako-san, with her unique fashion sense, had a yukata that was also full of her characteristic style.

It was a yukata with a so-called Gothic Lolita style, featuring black fabric with vibrant white borders, large sleeves, and a skirt-like shape. The pink sash wrapped around it also had black netting, and that brooch was there to add a finishing touch.

But despite the characteristic appearance, she wore a chic and calm atmosphere… it could be described as「containing a bit of maturity within its cuteness.」It was exactly right for Hanako-san.

By the way, her twin tails also had asymmetrical flower ornaments at the base and ribbons tied in the middle, a two-stage luxury specification.

Really… it was so cute that the word「cute」was the only thing I could think of.

「That yukata, it’s like a mature kind of cute… it fits your image perfectly, Hanako-san… so, it suits you really well.」

I was once again disappointed by my own lack of vocabulary.

It’s not like I wanted to say some smooth pickup line, but I wished I could at least say something a bit more clever…

「…I’m happy.」

「…Hanako-san?」

But…

Even at my awkwardly shaped words of praise, Hanako-san wore a smile in full bloom that was as good as her smile from that day…

「There’s no need for clever phrasing. I can tell you said I was cute from your true heart, Kazunari…」

「I-I see… yeah, I really do think you’re cute, Hanako-san. And that yukata suits you really well too.」

Pushed by the atmosphere of the place, I managed to convey my honest impressions… I hope. Even if the words were cheap, I hoped at least the feeling got through…

「K-Kazunari… um… well…」

「That’s nice, Riko. Having Takanashi-san tell you you’re cute.」

「…U-Um, yeah.」

「Hehe… to think this child would be this embarrassed, it’s a first for us too, you know? But I suppose it can’t be helped… ever since the day she bought this yukata, she’s wanted you to see it, Takanashi-san…」

「M-Mother, don’t say unnecessary things to Kazunari.」

Even in the dim light, I could clearly see Hanako-san’s cheeks flush deep red, and she looked down shyly when our eyes met.

That kind of fresh, youthful reaction, so different from her usual self, made me a bit… flustered, I guess…

「Just having Kazunari praise me made it worth taking the plunge.」

「I-I see. But it really does suit you well.」

「Yeah… thank you. I’m happy. And… um, you look cool too, Kazunari…?」

「Huh?」

Muttering that softly, Hanako-san looked down shyly once again.

Cool… me?

No way… it’s me, you know?

「It’s not flattery. You’re always cute, Kazunari, but today you look mature… and gallant… um, cool. So, I don’t mind the others, but I don’t want to show you to other women.」

「It’s a complete agreement. If possible, I’d like the current Kazunari-san to be for me alone…」

「That’s not fair. As his sister, I have the right to admire my brother too.」

「If you’re going to say that, as his fiancée and future wife, I believe I have the greatest and absolute right of exclusivity, don’t you?」

「Um, both of you, what have you been talking about…」

I offered a rebuttal to the two who were claiming mysterious rights.

By the way, if a right of exclusivity actually existed, I thought「Sara-san for me, and me for Sara-san」was the correct form.

「Hehe… I’m happy.」

「Yeah. There are things that worry me, but…」

「Let’s forget those for now, shall we?」

「…I suppose so.」

I didn’t quite understand what their meaningful conversation was referring to… but.

Since it wasn’t something I should meddle in.

「Both of you, it’s about time…」

「Yes. Shall we head out?」

「Yeah. Father, Mother, we’re off.」

「Have a safe trip. Takanashi-san, it’s a bother, but please look after Riko too.」

「Yes!」

「Go and enjoy yourselves. Be careful.」

「I will.」

「We’re off.」

Waving to Tadao-san and the others, the three of us headed for the station.

Looking at the two who were more flamboyant, beautiful, and cute than usual… I couldn’t help but feel that even more pest control would be necessary.

My top priority was guarding Sara-san, after all… it seemed I’d need to fire myself up even more… do your best, me.