LMLCG – Episode 39 – An Undecidable Present

“Takanashi-san, how about this one?”

Senpai brought over another cute bento box, just as I expected.

Covered in illustrations of deformed animals, it doesn’t look like a typical “guy” item.

It’s a little embarrassing, but more than anything, I’m happy that Senpai picked it out for me.

So I’ll just accept it.

“Thank you. I think… it’s pretty cute.”

“Yes! But… um, is it too childish, maybe?”

“If you’re the one who chose it, Senpai, that’s enough for me. I’m happy with it.”

That’s how I really feel.

I need to make sure that comes across.

“So, if Senpai is okay with it, let’s get this one.”

“Yes.”

That settles the bento box.

I’ll carry it for now and hand it over when we part ways later. No way I’m letting Senpai carry the bags…

Now then, what should we do next?

The options are: an early lunch, a break at a café, or just continuing to check out shops, especially ones where I can look for a present for Senpai.

Might as well ask directly.

“Sara-senpai, what would you like to do next? We could rest a bit, or get lunch early…”

“Let’s see… it doesn’t feel like time for a break just yet.”

“Then is it okay if we look around another store?”

“Yes, please, wherever you’d like.”

For now, time to check out some general goods stores.

I had thought through a few ideas last night, but I just couldn’t decide.

Going for accessories felt too trivial.

But if Senpai wants it, then that’s a different story.

“So he’s going to buy a present for Sara first.”

“Yeah, he said he wants to take care of it before relaxing.”

Looks like the two of them are heading into a general store.

“Think he’s decided what to get?”

“Doubt it. He said he didn’t want to pick something lightly.”

Accessories are the go-to, but Sara’s never shown much interest in them.

That said, she’ll probably be happy with anything from Takanashi-kun.

While casually browsing, I kept glancing over at Senpai to gauge her reactions.

Hmm… Ideally, she’d stop at something and show interest, but she’s just watching me.

“By the way, Senpai, are there any particular kinds of goods you like?”

“Let’s see… I enjoy browsing, but there isn’t anything in particular I always go for…”

Ugh… I’m already hitting a wall…

This is bad.

If I choose something too expensive, it might feel like a burden. But something too random is meaningless. That just leaves… daily-use items?

“Now that I think about it, Sara rarely buys anything when she comes to places like this.”

To avoid drawing attention, we slipped into the store across the way and kept an eye on them while pretending to browse.

This one’s a fancy shop, so Tachibana-kun looks a bit uncomfortable… Fufufu.

“Really? That might make it tough for Kazunari.”

“Well, you saw the bento box, Sara does like cute things. I think she’d be happy with something like a plushie or something… but I’ve never seen her actually buy one.”

“I see… By the way, I feel out of place here, so if I could just…”

“Nope. What if they spot you? You’ll just have to endure it ♪”

“…Yes.”

We moved into the cooking and kitchenware section.

I think I might find something here.

If I not, I really will be in trouble.

“Senpai, aside from making lunch, do you usually cook at home?”

“Yes. I’m often alone at home, so I cook for myself. I also sometimes cook at Obaa-chan’s place.”

“I see. Um, your parents…”

“My father is a workaholic. He comes home late and usually keeps working at home too, so we don’t eat together often. My mother helps him with his work, but when she has time, she eats with me.”

…Come to think of it, this is the first time I’ve heard about her family.

Well, to begin with, I barely know anything about Sara-senpai…

Why am I just now realizing this…?

I go around saying she’s important to me, but I’ve only seen the parts of her at school.

“…What’s wrong?”

Senpai looked at me with a hint of confusion.

“No… um, just now, hearing about your home life made me realize… I don’t know anything about you, Senpai. Not your hobbies, what you do at home, even your work with the student council… I didn’t even know why you were always tending the flower bed alone in the first place…”

I’m not saying I should know everything about her.

But I know too little.

This… is really making me hate myself.