Episode 99: Sara-senpai and Okan

I felt a strange sense of wonder watching Senpai prepare tea while standing behind her with my mother.

「I shall prepare the tea first.」

There was no hesitation in Senpai’s hands as she started the preparations.

For Senpai, who knows not just the location of the tea but even where my clothes are stored, this was only natural, and it didn’t surprise me anymore.

But for my mother, seeing this for the first time, it was different… well, it’s no wonder she’s shocked.

「Sara-senpai, let me help…」

「No. I will do it, so Takanashi-san, please talk with your dear mother.」

I was rejected as a matter of course.

I wanted to help because it was difficult to talk to my mother, though.

「…I wonder if I am dreaming…」

The mother in question didn’t seem to have accepted reality yet.

「Er… let me introduce her properly again. This is Satsukawa Sara-san, a second-year at the same school as me and the student council vice president. It’s a bit late for this, but I’ll say it clearly: she looks after me in many ways. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that my school life only functions because of Sara-senpai.」

When I said that much, Sara-senpai showed a smile and gave a small bow.

「Again, as I have been introduced, my name is Satsukawa Sara. It is a pleasure to meet you, dear mother. And actually, it is I who am in the care of Takana… Kazunari-san.」

She seemed a bit nervous, as her movements and way of speaking were even more polite than usual.

I’m really sorry to have made her meet my mother so suddenly without any preparation or mental readiness… I’ll have to apologize later.

「No, no, the pleasure is mine. Honestly, I’m a little… no, quite surprised. I never thought Kazunari would have a girl… and such a cute girl, without any flattery… if that person finds out, he might faint.」

Even without being told, the fact that someone like Sara-senpai stays with someone like me makes me feel like I’ve used up a lifetime’s worth of luck.

「Oh no, I am just…」

「No, no, I… er, is Sara-chan okay?」

「Yes, I would be happy.」

Watching Senpai smile happily like that made my mother freeze again for a moment.

「Hah… there really are girls this cute. She puts those idols around here to shame. So, how much is Sara-chan looking after you? You’re probably having her do things like cleaning this house too, aren’t you? Since I want to thank her myself, tell me everything honestly.」

…Since it’s come to this, I have no choice but to talk.

It would have happened sooner or later anyway, and it wouldn’t be bad to have my mother thank her.

I talked about everything up to now, the bento, and the current situation, keeping it within a harmless range.

「Hah… what is that… it’s not just “looking after” him. I am so sorry, my stupid son has been such a handful, hasn’t he?」

Okan let out a massive sigh and bowed her head to Sara-senpai in apology. Even I am aware of just how much I’ve been looked after.

「No, it is what I wanted to do for Kazunari-san… actually, I am happy that he accepted it.」

Seeing Senpai maintain her smile, Okan realized she was speaking from the heart and suddenly hugged Sara-senpai as if moved.

「I’ve never seen such a good girl! To be this cute and have such a good personality! Sara-chan, he’s a handful of a stupid son, but please don’t abandon him!」

「Thank you. I am happy that you would say that.」

Sara-senpai accepted Okan’s embrace without any sign of dislike. For now, it helped me out that the two of them were getting along.

Still hugging Sara-senpai, Okan looked toward me.

「Kazunari! Someone like you will never get a second chance to meet such a wonderful young lady! Treasure her so she doesn’t lose interest in you!」

「I know that without you telling me! I only have Sara-senpai, after all.」

I reflexively blurted out my reply, and Sara-senpai left my mother’s embrace to come to me.

She leaned against me, resting her weight.

「I am happy. I only have Takanashi-san too…」

My eyes met with Senpai’s as she looked up at my face, and we instinctively stared at each other.

「…I never thought I’d see my son flirting right in front of me.」

Hearing that murmur, I remembered that I was right in front of my mother.

「If you add this, it becomes the Takanashi family version.」

「I had not thought of that. I shall try making it next time.」

To think a day would come when I’d see Sara-senpai cooking side-by-side with my mother.

The two of them seemed to be talking about all sorts of things while cooking, looking like they were having fun.

「Takana-sa… Kazunari-san did not teach me this…」

「That boy only eats, so he doesn’t understand. More importantly, if it’s hard to call him that, why don’t you just call him by his name from the start?」

「……Eh… um.」

「Kazunari, come here for a second.」

Since she told me earlier that I was a nuisance and not to come, I thought about pouting and not going.

「Um, Takanashi-san.」

「What is it, Sara-senpai?」

Of course, if I’m called by Sara-senpai, that’s a different story.

「………Why don’t you come when I call you? Oh well. What would you do if Sara-chan said she wanted to call you by your name?」

I don’t even have to think about that, but why did that topic come up?

Looking at Sara-senpai, she was fidgeting looking a bit embarrassed… Whoa, she’s cute.

「? What are you looking at… yeah, yeah, I get it, so answer.」

「Of course I’d be happy. It makes me feel like I’m someone special.」

「Someone special… I understand! Well then, I look forward to your support, Kazunari-san.」

Nice… very nice.

Just this once, nice job, Okan.