Episode 386: Christmas Party (Preparation)

December 24th, Christmas Eve.

It’s a special and important day for lovers… and of course for families and friends as well. Even if it has nothing to do with its original meaning, that’s how society generally recognizes it.

And for me, who had absolutely no connection to it in my life until now… no, starting from this year, I have a special woman named Sara-san whom I will love for the rest of my life… so even an event like Christmas takes on its own meaning.

But…

That memorable first Christmas is…

「Nishikawa-san, is this okay over here?」

「Yes. Please line them up on that table. For the layout, follow number five in the documents…」

「Kazunari, this decoration is…」

「That should go in the spot most visible from the entrance, so use that shelf.」

「Got it!」

The first memorable Christmas since Sara-san and I became a couple. As promised, we are holding a party for Mio-chan. So we’ve been busy with preparations since early this morning, with Nishikawa-san and me leading the charge while everyone else scurries around… decorations are going up, and various objects (which Nishikawa-san provided additionally) are taking shape one after another.

They even prepared an extra-large Christmas tree (this was Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san), and far from the original plan, a full-scale party venue that could be called a completely different thing is taking shape…

「Ojo-sama, the outside decorations are complete.」

「Good work. For now, please gather everyone.」

「Understood.」

The woman in the suit gave a textbook-perfect bow before heading back outside at a brisk pace. I saw her during the school festival… and even during「that incident,」and I’m told she’s a company associate close to Nishikawa-san.

To set up today, she came to help along with the people who formed the human wall at the Miss Contest. Right now, they are working on the building’s exterior decorations (unplanned) and even creating snowmen out of artificial snow. Honestly, they’re working so hard it’s almost scary. I plan to go check on things later, but I’m caught between being excited to see it and being a little afraid.

Also, I’m secretly terrified to ask about the costs.

Is this really okay… hmm.

「Takanashi-kun, Satsukawa-senpai wants you to come over when you’re free.」

Popping her head through the entrance of the hall and showing off a cute frilly apron with a chick pattern was Todo-san, the resident healing specialist(?) of our group.

Today, she’s been tasked with helping the head chef Sara-san, and is stationed in the kitchen along with Hanako-san…

「Sara-san?」

「Yeah. I think she wants you to do a tasting?」

「I get it. I’ll be done here in a bit, then I’ll head over.」

「Thanks! Well, I’m going to…」

She said that while casting a glance in another direction… where, of course, Hayato was working on the task I’d assigned him. It looked like he was watching her too…

「Marina-san, good luck. And… that apron is, um, really cute.」

「A-ah, Hayato-kun… ehehe, thanks! Good luck to you too, Hayato-kun.」

Todo-san blushed at Hayato-kun’s bashful compliment and gave a shy smile. She waved a little before scurrying out of the room. It’s nice to see those two are as fresh as ever.

「Takanashi-sama, is there anything I can help you with?」

「Eh? Oh, um…」

Before I knew it, the female employee with the straight back had returned and was speaking to me with a respectful attitude.

Actually, when we talked before, there was a bit of this stiffness, but today it’s even more intense. It makes things difficult, to be honest. When someone older treats me like this, I really don’t know how to respond.

「Th-then, I’ll leave it to you. Also, if you could at least act a little more casual…」

「My apologies. Given my position, I cannot treat Takanashi-sama with anything less than this, of all people…」

「No, what do you mean ‘of all people’… I’m just Nishikawa-san’s friend.」

「It is true that you are a close friend of Ojo-sama, but even putting that aside, there are reasons why I must treat Takanashi-sama with the utmost etiquette… I apologize, but I would like to keep things as they are.」

「I-I understand, if you put it that way…」

「I am grateful.」

I don’t quite get what those「reasons」are… but after being told all that, I can’t exactly force her to stop. Pressing the issue would only trouble her, which would be missing the point.

But why me… is it because of the connection to Sara-san?

「I-in that case, for now, could you help Yuji and Hayato with the work over there?」

「Understood. Well then…」

The female employee gave a quick bow at my instructions, called out to the other employees waiting nearby, and led them all toward Yuji and the others.

With this many people, it should be finished pretty quickly. Regardless, I’m grateful for the help… so I guess it’s fine for now.

「Sara-san, sorry to keep you waiting.」

「No, your timing is perfect.」

Drawn by the「delicious smell」wafting down the hallway, I entered the kitchen to find the central table crowded with various dishes. The room was filled with an appetite-inducing aroma… ah, I’m starting to drool.

「Oh my… your eyes really light up when you see food. You’re a growing boy after all, Kazunari-kun.」

「U-um, I didn’t mean to look like that… wait, were you helping too, Sachie-san?」

The master of this house, Sachie-san, spoke to me while letting out a cheerful laugh as she watched me look at the food. Like everyone else, she was wearing an apron, so it seemed she had been helping.

「Grandma, please don’t tease Kazunari-san.」

「Oh my, I’m sorry. I was just joking.」

「Ah, it was a joke?」

I was a bit worried that I’d shown a greedy side in front of everyone, but I guess I was saved by the joke.

「Hehe… Sara-chan scolded me. I guess I’m no match for her beloved husband.」

「A-ahaha… so, Sara-san, what was that about a tasting?」

「Ah, yes. The cooking is mostly finished, so I wanted Kazunari-san to be the first to taste it.」

「She says that, but she just wants Kazunari to be the first one to eat.」

「And what if I do?」

「Ugh… there you go being bold again.」

「Hehe…」

Sara-san easily brushed off Hanako-san’s jab with a boastful smile, while Hanako-san looked slightly frustrated. Those two really are an interesting duo.

「Ufufu… Sara-chan has brought so many friends over. Ever since she met Kazunari-kun, it’s been nothing but good things♪」

「That is true. The biggest turning point in my life was meeting Kazunari-san… in other words, everything that makes me who I am now can be traced back to him.」

「Ahaha, it’s the same for me, you know?」

Sara-san’s line is exactly how I feel. My life’s turning point… it’s no exaggeration to say my entire existence is based on Sara-san!!

No… I actually prefer it that way!!

「Oh my, what a treat. It’s wonderful to see you two so lovey-dovey as always.」

「These two are like this year-round. They flirt the moment there’s an opening, and they don’t hold back at school or in public.」

「A-ahaha…」

Hanako-san joined in on Sachie-san’s wholesome observation with a fed-up look. Todo-san didn’t voice her agreement, but her awkward smile seemed to say plenty. I wonder what that’s about?

「Hehe… there are no obstacles to our expressions of affection. Right, Kazunari-san?♪」

「…Right. Nothing can stop the way I feel about you, Sara-san.」

「Me too. No matter who the opponent is or what happens, my feelings for Kazunari-san cannot be stopped.」

「Sara-san…」

「Kazunari-san…」

No matter what people think, in the end, it’s about our feelings.

No matter the situation, I can’t stop loving Sara-san, and it’s the same for her.

「…Stupid couple.」

「…They really are a stupid couple.」

「…What a stupid couple.」

「Hey!?」

To think even Sachie-san would call us a stupid couple. It’s totally unexpected… or maybe not. I know we’re a stupid couple myself, so at this point, I’ve reached a state of just accepting it.

「Here, Kazunari-san… aan.」

Paying no mind to the lukewarm glares from the three of them, Sara-san picked up a piece of potato from the frying pan… it was cooked with bacon and sausage, so it was probably German potatoes… and held it up to my mouth with her left hand underneath…

「Aam… chew, chew.」

When I bit into it without hesitation, the fluffy texture of the potato and the perfect saltiness filled my mouth… yep, as expected of Sara-san!

It’s perfectly delicious and suited to my taste as always… wait?

「Sara-san, this…」

「Hehe… since I’m the head chef, I decided on all the seasoning by my own judgment♪」

「I see…」

In other words, today’s food is also made entirely based on my preferences… so that’s it. I get it.

「I want to say this is a gross misuse of authority… but I’ll let it slide this time. Thanks to this, I understand Kazunari’s tastes a little better.」

「Well, I have no intention of teaching you the key parts. This is something I reached after pursuing Kazunari-san’s tastes to the limit.」

「It’s impossible anyway. Her hands move too fast. I couldn’t tell what she was doing at all… it’s a bit frustrating.」

「It’s true. Natsumi-senpai always said that Satsukawa-senpai’s wife-power was on a different dimension… seeing it in person, it’s incredible.」

「Nfufu, I’ve been training Sara-chan thoroughly since she was little. She didn’t dislike it and learned everything properly.」

「I simply thought it was more constructive to do things that would benefit me rather than wasting time playing with boring people.」

「…u」

At Sara-san’s casual remark, I found myself swallowing my words…

As someone who knows about her life from childhood until we met, I can’t help but have some thoughts about that…

「Hehe… please don’t make that face. It’s true it wasn’t for a positive reason, but the day has come where it is useful for Kazunari-san… and by extension, for myself… Looking back, I can honestly say I had great foresight.」

「Sara-san…」

Sara-san put the chopsticks down on the table and stared at me with a smile full of affection… then she reached out and softly pulled my head toward her.

So I gave in without any resistance…

「My past was for the sake of Kazunari-san. Kazunari-san’s past was for the sake of me. Nothing that has happened was a waste or meaningless. It was all a precious accumulation… we talked about this together, didn’t we?」

「…Sorry, it just slipped out.」

I didn’t need to be told. It was the conclusion I’d reached myself, and we’d confirmed it with each other many times… yet I…

「Thinking that everything I’ve learned has borne fruit and is now useful for our life together… and for Kazunari-san… then it was all worth the effort♪」

「Sara-san… thank you.」

It might just be a few words, but considering the long years Sara-san spent… I’m truly grateful and happy. I’m humbled.

So, at the very least, I’ll offer my gratitude with everything I have…

「Hehe… every time you thank me like this, Kazunari-san, I feel a firm sense that my efforts are being rewarded. So…」

Sara-san stopped speaking and stopped stroking my head… this time, she wrapped her whole arms around me and held my head deeply and gently. I could feel her breath right there, a small laugh like a whisper, and her warm touch… I felt like it told the story of her joy and happiness.

「Please lean on me as much as you want from now on, okay? That is my joy and my wish… no holding back, okay? That’s a no-no.」

It was just purely sweet. Just hearing her voice made my heart feel like it was melting. That was Sara-san’s pampered voice. Immediately after, something covered the back of my head… the top of my head… and I was further enveloped in the comfort of Sara-san’s heaven…

「How long are you stupid couple going to keep this up. Just because it’s Christmas, don’t get worked up over a single tasting.」

「Auuu… u…」

「Oh my, just when it was getting good… how unfortunate.」

The one who cut in to destroy our wonderful atmosphere was… of course, Hanako-san, her voice full of displeasure. Still buried in Sara-san’s heaven, I couldn’t see her face, but I’m sure she was looking at us with that dead-eyed look that makes even a crying child go silent.

「Kazunari-san is finally leaning on me honestly, so I’d appreciate it if you didn’t meddle unnecessarily?」

「The fact that she truly means that is what’s terrifying.」

「Natsumi, when did you get here?」

「Since about the time you two started flirting like usual!!」

「Oh my, ufufufu…」

「No, Sachie-san, this isn’t the time for laughing.」

Despite Natsumi-senpai’s extremely calm jab, Sachie-san’s soft laughter didn’t stop… anyway, I didn’t know what was happening, so I thought I should pull my head back… but Sara-san let go first.

「Nfufu, I’m sorry. It’s been so long since it’s been this lively and fun, so I’m just very happy…」

「Ah… um.」

「Grandma…」

At Sachie-san’s sentimental words, Sara-san and Natsumi-senpai had an indescribable reaction… and I felt like there was something deep behind the words I’d just heard.

「Ufufu… but with the two of you being so close, maybe it’s best if you finish the marriage registration early?」

「Eh?」

「G-Grandma?」

Suddenly, Sachie-san showed a mischievous expression and said something completely out of left field… wait, registration?

「Because, you know… if you have a child before marriage, it causes all sorts of…」

「Pfft!?」

「Wha!?」

At Sachie-san’s wild bombshell, I completely spat out my breath… I reflexively turned to the side and locked eyes with Sara-san, who looked just as shocked. As a result, Sara-san’s face began to turn bright red…

I-I mean, if you make a face like that, I’ll also!?

「Mother and now Grandma, why do you suddenly bring up stories like that!?」

「Oh, this is a very important matter, you know? Especially for Sara-chan…」

「I know that without being told!! Even if you don’t worry, things like that will only happen after our life is established following the formal marriage…」

「Nfufu… could it be you’ve already discussed it with Kazunari-kun?」

「We haven’t!!! This is strictly a matter of mental preparation, why would we be discussing things that far ahead now…」

「Sara-san is right!! A story that far ahead…」

With Sara-san’s face completely red and her denying it with all her might, I couldn’t just leave it to her… I mean, Mayumi-san too, why do they bring up such sensitive and premature topics!?

If Sara-san starts thinking about it, I won’t be able to lean on her in the futon in peace !?

「Hehe… it was a joke, a joke. The reactions of you two young people were just so fresh, I couldn’t help myself…」

「Don’t joke about things like that. In fact, just leave us alone!!」

For now, the discussion reached a conclusion, but Sara-san’s face was still bright red. Every time our eyes met, she would look down shyly, a gesture that really tugs at a man’s heartstrings… Sara-san, you’re unfair in so many ways!!

「Sigh… why does everyone keep giving the stupid couple more fuel…」

「S-Satsukawa-senpai and T-Takanashi-kun’s b-ba, ba…」

「Marina, don’t over-imagine things.」

「I-I wasn’t over-imagining anything!!」

「Ufufu… since the conversation went off track, shall we get back to the main topic? Time for more tasting…」

「The one who took the conversation off track was you, Grandma.」

「Oh? I wonder who it was that started flirting with Kazunari-kun and ignored the rest of us?」

「Gugh…」

Sara-san fell silent in frustration after being told that by Sachie-san in an innocent tone. I wanted to offer some cover fire to help Sara-san… but since it was a fact, I couldn’t argue.

「Now then, Kazunari-kun can continue the tasting…」

「Kazunari, after that’s done, eat mine too.」

「Yes, yes!! Since we’re here, I’ll help with the tasting too!!」

「Natsumi, that was your goal from the start, wasn’t it?」

「Ah, I guess I’m busted?」

「Obviously.」

「Ufufufu♪」

At our sudden noisiness, Sachie-san let out a heartfelt laugh once more… and the moment our eyes met, she gave a very gentle smile and a small bow for some reason.

I feel like I vaguely understand what that meant… but still.

「Oh, since we’re at it, I’ll feed Kazunari-kun too…」

「No you won’t. Even if you are Grandma, I will absolutely not allow that.」

「Goodness, Sara-chan is way too possessive.」

「Possessive or not, this is a privilege allowed only to me. Right, Kazunari-san?♪」

「Haha… right.」

「Oh my, ufufu.」

Even at the sight of Sara-san getting all defensive when it came to me, Sachie-san just laughed happily… I felt like I could understand the feelings behind that smile. That’s why Sachie-san’s smile made me feel even more warmly toward her.

It was a pleasant moment… filled with happy feelings.