Episode 7: The Thank-You

「I’ll go get some tea ready… please sit and wait.」

Senpai said that and headed toward what I assumed was the kitchen.

Since I was left alone with her grandmother, my brain went into「I need to say something」mode.

What should I even talk about…

「So… it was Takanashi-san, right?」

「Yes, I’m Takanashi Kazunari.」

Her grandmother spoke up first, so I faced her and made sure to introduce myself properly.

Looking at her again, she had this really calm, gentle vibe.

In contrast, Senpai is always so sharp, they feel like total opposites.

At least, that’s just my impression.

「How polite. I am Satsukawa Sachie.」

「Then, would it be alright to call you Sachie-san?」

「Yes. Even so, for you to be Sara-chan’s friend… the world really is small, isn’t it?」

Sachie-san started talking with a happy look on her face.

I’d been thinking the exact same thing about how small the world is.

「I was surprised too. I can’t believe things like this actually happen…」

「That day there was a gathering in the evening, so I had more groceries than usual. I’ve handled that much before, so in those cases, I usually just take a break on the stairs and carry it all up at once.」

From the sounds of it, this was a pretty common occurrence.

Did I end up doing something totally unnecessary… which would basically mean I was being pushy about helping.

「Did I… do something unnecessary?」

「No, no, not at all. It was definitely a struggle, so it really was a big help.」

Just as we were talking, Senpai came back with a tray in her hands.

It looked like she’d brought tea and what were probably some sweets to go with it.

「Sorry to keep you waiting. Takanashi-san, here you go… and this is for you, Obaa-chan.」

「Thank you.」

「Thanks.」

After placing the tea and sweets on the table, Senpai sat down next to Sachie-san.

「Once again, thank you for taking care of my grandmother. Thank you very much.」

「Thank you.」

Senpai thanked me with a polite manner, and then Sachie-san followed suit.

It felt a bit awkward, but I had to give them a proper response.

「No, it was just a whim, or rather, I just couldn’t walk past… anyway, please don’t worry about it anymore.」

「…Yes, if that’s what Takanashi-san says… then I will give you a proper thank-you at a later date.」

「No, I’ve already received plenty of thanks.」

「I am sorry, it’s just my own selfishness, but I would like to do at least one thing to repay you.」

Senpai looked somewhat apologetic, but she clearly had no intention of backing down as she told me that.

And as if to back her up, Sachie-san said…

「Takanashi-san, once this girl makes up her mind, she won’t budge… I’d like to do something to thank you too, but I wouldn’t want to trouble you… Sara-chan, could I ask you to handle my share as well?」

「Understood. Since that’s how it is, Takanashi-san, I am going to have you accept a thank-you no matter what.」

When she says it with such a serious expression…

There wasn’t really a reason to keep refusing, and if it would satisfy Senpai and her grandmother, I figured I should just accept.

I was just feeling a bit guilty because I only helped out of some weird sense of obligation.

It would be rude to keep turning them down anyway.

「…Fine. But at least, please make it something that’s easy to prepare.」

When I finally gave in, Senpai looked a little relieved.

「Yes, I’ll think of something that won’t be a burden and give it to you as a return gift.」

「Thank you.」

「I should be the one thanking you.」

Senpai replied with a somewhat soft feeling.

「Still, to think that Sara-chan would actually show me a boy who’s her friend.」

「Obaa-chan, it’s not like I don’t have friends… and it’s rude to Takanashi-san to assume we’re friends…」

Senpai said that, looking a bit flustered.

But judging by the way she said it, it seemed like she didn’t actually feel bad about being thought of as my friend.

「Oh? What about you, Takanashi-san?」

「Well, if Senpai thinks of me that way then I… either way, to me, she’s a Senpai I respect.」

When I answered honestly, Senpai showed an expression that looked troubled, yet also carried a hint of happiness.

「Is that alright with you, Takanashi-san?」

「Yes. As long as it’s okay with you, Senpai.」

「…Really?」

「Yes!」

「…Thank you.」

And then… I got to see a small smile.

I was happy to know that Senpai didn’t think badly of me.

Though more than a friend, I still have this image of her as a「Senpai.」

But… Senpai uses such informal speech when she’s with her grandmother.

I’m pretty sure I’m seeing something really rare here.

「Takanashi-san, what brought you and this girl together as friends?」

「Well, it was pretty much by chance.」

I gave her a general summary of everything from the meeting at the flower beds until today.

What made me happy was that Senpai helped explain things, adding details and agreeing along the way.

And before I knew it, a lot of time had passed.

「I’m sorry, I stayed longer than I intended. I don’t want to be a nuisance, so I’ll be taking my leave now.」

「Oh, you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.」

Sachie-san said that, but it was about time to start thinking about dinner.

I should head out before I become a bother.

「No, I have some shopping to do too… so I’ll excuse myself.」

「I see, well, please come by for tea again.」

「Thank you.」

After putting on my shoes at the entrance and saying goodbye, Senpai walked with me as far as the stairs.

「Takanashi-san, see you tomorrow.」

「Yes, excuse me, Senpai.」

While walking down the shrine stairs, I happened to look back halfway and saw Senpai still watching me, giving me a small wave.

Behind that face that usually looks expressionless, Senpai actually has all these different sides to her.

Why is she so strict with others? Why so cold?

Why does she treat me normally?

It hit me all over again that I really don’t know anything about Senpai at all.

But the bad mood I had before coming to the shrine was completely gone.