Lonely Me And The Lonely Caring Goddess - Chapter 158: Someday, with a smile.

Someday, with a smile.

As soon as we stepped out of the hotel, a car glided smoothly up and stopped right in front of us—almost as if it had been waiting for the perfect timing.

The driver stepped out and opened the door, standing by in position.

“…Incredible.”

I couldn’t help but be impressed.

I suppose for someone like Nishikawa-san, this kind of scene is just part of everyday life.

It’s clear—she’s not just an ordinary person.

***

“So, you see, Sara suddenly started wiping off Takanashi-kun’s shirt in the classroom, and then everyone started wondering whose shirt it was.”

While the conversation in the car grew more lively, the topic naturally shifted to stories from our respective schools.

Natsumi-senpai was now talking about that rainy day—when I shielded Sara-san and got drenched.

I had no idea things escalated like that after she took my spare shirt with her.

“The moment the boys in the class started badmouthing Takanashi-kun, Sara just snapped. Not because of what they said—just the moment they started saying it.”

“There’s no reason for someone I don’t even know by name to talk about my relationship with Kazunari-san.”

“…But they are your classmates.”

I had always known, but it still struck me—Sara-san was something of a school idol. To the other guys, I was probably nothing more than an object of envy.

And honestly, I don’t enjoy seeing other guys approach her either. At some point, I’m going to have to do something about that.

Still… taking that step would probably turn most of the male student body against me. I’m used to it, though. I’ll be fine.

“Takanashi-kun, do you have any comment?”

“That look I had… it meant: ‘I won’t forgive anyone who touches my girl.’”

“Huh!?”

Hanako-san suddenly dropped a bombshell.

I wasn’t thinking anything that intense… Though yes, I had wanted to keep others from getting close.

“I don’t really like the expression ‘my girl.’ Since Sara had a strong aversion to men, wouldn’t that kind of language rub her the wrong way?”

That was such a Nishikawa-san thing to say. But as for Sara-san… how did she feel?

“…Actually, I don’t mind at all. If Kazunari-san wants to call me his girl… I’d be happy.”

As she said this, Sara-san placed a hand on her cheek, glanced up at me shyly, and cast several side glances my way.

Then, when our eyes met, she gave me a look filled with hopeful expectation.There was no mistaking it—she wanted me to say it.

“A-ah… Because Sara-san is my girl, I don’t want any other guys near her.”

I thought I was being modest, but Sara-san beamed, clearly overjoyed. She wrapped her arm around mine, clinging to me with her entire body.

“Yes… I belong to you, Kazunari-san. So please, keep me all to yourself.”

Seeing Sara-san’s blissful expression as she leaned against me made me feel warm and content as well.

“Don’t feed the lovebirds.”

“…My apologies.”

It was a funny sight—Nishikawa-san, who looked the oldest, being scolded by Hanako-san, who looked the youngest.

***

“To be honest, it’s not like I hate school right now, but it’s not particularly fun either. I don’t have any close friends.”

Although Hanako-san and Tachikawa-san attended the same school, they weren’t classmates. If they didn’t go out of their way, they wouldn’t see each other. They weren’t the kind of friends who hung out together.

They were more like allies—connected by a shared grudge and working together as needed.

“But thanks to all this, you and Youko probably grew closer, right? Maybe school will feel a little more enjoyable now?” said Toudou-san.

Tachikawa-san nodded at that, but Hanako-san said nothing.

“Yeah. I’ll forget about Yamazaki and focus on enjoying school. Let’s get along at school too, okay, Hanako-san?”

“…Sure.”

Tachikawa-san seemed determined to make a fresh start at school—but I couldn’t help noticing the shadow on Hanako-san’s face.

***

We arrived at the station and everyone got out of the car.

A limo pulling up and several people stepping out in a group was bound to draw attention—and it did. The stares from bystanders were a little embarrassing.

This was where we would part ways with Yuuji, Hanako-san, and Tachikawa-san.

“Yuuji, I really appreciate everything. Thanks for all your help.”

“You won’t be bothered by Yamazaki or Yuzuha anymore. So now, enjoy school as much as you missed out on back in junior high. Yokokawa! Look after Kazunari at your school, alright?”

Yuuji called out to Hayato, and Hayato replied with a raised hand.

“Yeah. Though with Sara-senpai around, I doubt Kazunari will be getting into any trouble.”

Am I really the kind of guy who needs to be looked after…? I couldn’t help but feel a little annoyed at how that assumption was taken for granted.

“Satsukawa-senpai! You were amazing! A woman who can become stronger for the one she loves… I admire that so much!”

“Eh, oh, thank you. I’m really not that remarkable…”

Sara-san seemed a little overwhelmed by Tachikawa-san’s enthusiastic praise.

It was a rare sight—to see her on the back foot like that.

Pull, pull…

That familiar tug on my arm—it had to be Hanako-san.

I’d come to recognize it by now.

When I looked down, she was staring up at me with that same unreadable expression.

With a small hand gesture, she beckoned me closer—just like last time. It meant she wanted to whisper something.

“…I’ve changed my mind. I’ll tell you my name. I’m Hanasaki Riko… You can call me either Hanako or Riko. I don’t mind.”

!?

So Hanako-san had finally told me her real name…

But now, what should I call her? She did say Riko is fine, so… does that mean I can call her by her first name?

She glanced briefly at Sara-san—who was still reeling from Tachikawa-san’s intensity.

“…A reward for taking down Yamazaki.”

And then, as she shifted slightly to my ear…

Chu…

!?

“H-Hanako-san!?”

Out of habit, I called her by the name I was most familiar with.

Still, that wasn’t the point. Did that really just happen!?

“Relax. It didn’t mean anything deep. Just a reward… and affection.”

After saying that, Hanako-san gave me a genuine, heartfelt smile.

I glanced around—hopefully no one saw. And if they did, maybe they chose to pretend they hadn’t.

“See you again, Takanashi-kun.”

“Later, Takanashi-kun.”

“Take care, Kazunari.”

After watching the three of them walk away, we got back into the car and headed off ourselves.

“Well then, everyone—until we meet again.”

After watching Nishikawa-san’s car disappear, it was time for the rest of us to part ways.

“Alright, I’m heading off. See you tomorrow.”

“Same here. I’ll go straight home. See you~”

Hayato and Toudou-san walked off in their respective directions. That left just me, Sara-san, and Natsumi-senpai.

“Shall we go, Sara?”

“Please wait a moment.”

Sara-san stepped closer and looked intently at my face, as if searching for something.

“…Of course. It’s impossible that you’re completely fine.”

She whispered almost mournfully, then gently leaned into me and softly said, “I’ll visit you later.”

After pulling away, she left me with a quiet “See you later…” and went to stand beside Natsumi-senpai.

“Really… Even for just a moment, you two have to be all lovey-dovey, huh? Anyway, see you tomorrow, Takanashi-kun.”

“Yes. See you tomorrow.”

And with that, Natsumi-senpai and Sara-san left together.

Thus, a long and eventful day finally came to an end.

***

Knock knock… click

As expected, Sara-san had come, just as she said she would.

When the door opened, I heard the sound of a car driving away outside—likely Mayumi-san, who had dropped her off.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

It hadn’t been long since we parted, so she must’ve returned shortly after reaching home.

Looking more closely, I noticed she had brought her travel suitcase… Wait, why the suitcase?

Before I could ask, she gently set it aside in a corner, then walked toward me. But instead of starting a conversation, she wrapped her arms around my head and pulled me into her chest.

“Sara-san…?”

“…I could tell, just by looking, that the matter with Sasagawa-san affected you. So… please don’t push yourself too hard.”

It was impossible to hide anything from Sara-san.

In the end, all I did was make Yuzuha suffer—without achieving anything meaningful.

I had underestimated the situation. Yuzuha was far more twisted than I had imagined. And the result? I drove her away in tears.

I wasn’t devastated, but there was definitely a lingering sense of regret.

“You must be tired today, so take a bath and try to get some rest early, okay?”

Holding my head gently to her chest, Sara-san softly stroked my hair as she spoke.
Whether she said it or not, I could tell she intended to stay the night—for my sake.

So I decided not to ask anything that would ruin the moment.

Without much conversation, I headed to take a shower.
By the time I came out, Sara-san had already laid out her futon.

…I didn’t comment on the two pillows placed side by side as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

While she was in the bath, I didn’t have the courage to get into the futon and wait for her there. Instead, I stayed on my bed, aimlessly scrolling through my phone. Before long, drowsiness began to set in.

I wondered if falling asleep like this would be inconsiderate of Sara-san…

I thought I was still awake—still thinking—but at some point, I must’ve drifted off. When I opened my eyes, Sara-san was gently peering down at me.

Wait… had I fallen asleep?

“Hehe… We can always talk tomorrow. For now, let’s get some rest, shall we?”

I sat up and turned off the lights. Sara-san took my hand as if guiding me, and I lay down in the futon beside her.
She gently wrapped her arms around my head, holding me close.

“Kazunari-san… I believe that someday, Sasagawa-san will come to understand. It wasn’t the best ending, I know—but I think what happened today will become a turning point. So I don’t believe it was all in vain.”

“…Yeah.”

She must’ve noticed that I was feeling a little down. Sara-san was doing her best to comfort me.

So I let myself lean into her kindness.

“Let’s believe that someday, you’ll be able to meet again—with a smile. For now… you’ve done enough for today. Goodnight, Kazunari-san.”

***

She must’ve planned to stay like this until I fell asleep.
When I nuzzled into her slightly, seeking comfort, she pulled me in with a warm, gentle embrace.

Wrapped in the quiet warmth of Sara-san’s kindness, I said nothing… and soon, I slipped into peaceful sleep.