Lonely Me And The Lonely Caring Goddess - Chapter 194: Staying Strong…

Staying Strong…

It seemed that this aquarium had several shows, not just the main dolphin performance, but other attractions as well.

Currently, Sara-san was peering curiously into a tank, her arm entwined with mine. Honestly, while I wanted to hold her hand, I was relieved when she let go. Of course, I was prepared to endure the pain rather than let go myself, but right after that moment, she unexpectedly released my hand. Though, she immediately linked arms with me, so she probably just wanted to switch.

Having narrowly escaped that crisis, I was now checking the pamphlet for the show schedule. It looked like we could catch the sea lion show if we moved now.

“Sara-san, it looks like we can see the sea lion show. Shall we go? If you’d like to watch it, we should head over.”

“Ah, I really wanted to see that! The pamphlet said there are penguin and sea lion shows, so if possible, I’d love to see both—ah…”

Seeing her so excited was rare, and I couldn’t help but smile. The moment our eyes met, Sara-san suddenly blushed.

“I-I’m so sorry… I just got a little carried away.”

“Please, don’t hold back, Sara-san. Nothing makes me happier than seeing you enjoying yourself. So please, just stay as you are.”

“…Yes! Then, let’s go see the sea lion show first!”

Today, Sara-san seemed especially cheerful. Knowing she was looking forward to this so much made me feel truly blessed as her boyfriend.

The sea lion show wasn’t as flashy as the dolphin show, with grand swimming and high jumps. Instead, it was an adorable performance featuring balls, hula hoops, and gestures to charm the audience.
Sara-san was completely captivated.

“Now then, let’s have someone help us out~. This little one will toss a ball somewhere, so please catch it if it comes your way. And remember, stay seated for safety!”

And just like it had been decided in advance, the ball flew straight towards us.

Seriously… this is…

Thud.

“Amazing! You did it, Kazunari-san!”

I honestly wished it had been thrown to Sara-san instead. The ball, thrown in a high arc, came directly towards me and landed perfectly in my arms without me even moving.

“Alright, the young man there, please come forward~. Feel free to bring your companion along too.”

“Yes!”

Well, if we’re going together, I don’t mind… Sara-san stood up, looking a little excited, and followed me to the front.

I was starting to feel a bit nervous.

“Alright, everyone, give them a round of applause~!”

Clap clap clap clap!

Ugh, this is a bit embarrassing.
If Sara-san wasn’t so happy, I’d have preferred to pass on this.

“Wow~ young man… your girlfriend is unbelievably cute, no exaggeration…”

The host’s words seemed less like flattery and more like an honest reaction that slipped out.
Even Sara-san looked a bit embarrassed.

“Now then, young man, please play catch with Ku-chan! And miss, please cheer him on~”

“Yes, do your best, Kazunari-san!”

Though I suspected the host knew it would look better if Sara-san did it, they still called on me… But once the game started, it was surprisingly fun. The sea lion skillfully bounced the ball back to me with her head, and I couldn’t help but be impressed.

“Thank you very much! Now, let’s take a commemorative photo, please line up over here.”

At the host’s cue, Ku-chan returned the ball to the staff and hopped onto a podium, waiting patiently. As Sara-san and I stood beside her, a staff member with a camera approached.

“By the way… Ku-chan is a girl~. Maybe she had her eyes on you, young man?”

Whistles and laughter rose from the audience. So that’s why they chose me over Sara-san.

“Alright, here we go~. Say cheese!”

At that moment, Ku-chan suddenly leaned forward and pressed her nose against my face. The suddenness of it startled me more than I’d like to admit.

“There you have it, a kiss from Ku-chan~. Sorry, miss. But since your boyfriend did his best, maybe you could give him a little praise too?”

“Yes, of course.”

Replying to the host, Sara-san stepped in front of me, placed her hands on my shoulders, stood on tiptoe, and brought her face close.

Chu…

She kissed me on the opposite cheek from where Ku-chan had touched.

“Fufu… that was your reward. Also, no cheating with Ku-chan, okay?”

“Y-yes…”

“…………”

The host and the entire audience fell silent, probably shocked that Sara-san kissed me so suddenly. She wore a mischievous smile.

“Ah… w-well then, what a loving couple you two are~. Everyone, give them a hand!”

Whistles
Clap clap clap clap

“Here’s your commemorative photo~.”

“Thank you.”

The photo we received was placed in a folding frame from the aquarium.
It showed me with a dumbfounded expression beside Ku-chan, and Sara-san smiling gently at us.

This will be a great memory…
The thought alone made me smile.

Returning to our seats amidst applause, I handed the photo to Sara-san. I wanted her to have it.

“Here you go, Sara-san.”

“Eh, but this is yours, Kazunari-san.”

“No, I really want you to keep it.”

“…Are you sure… Thank you so much. I will treasure it.”

Stopping herself mid-refusal, she hugged the photo to her chest with a bright smile. I felt she truly wanted it.

***

We exited the main building to move to the annex. Along the way, there was an open plaza where families and couples sat eating lunch.

Checking the time, it was just about lunchtime.

Seeing others eating their packed meals, I thought it would be okay for us too. I spread out a plastic sheet and reached for the lunch box, but for some reason, Sara-san didn’t hand it to me.

“Um…”

I remembered this from before, when I sprained my wrist.

In other words…

“Leave it all to me today!”

Of course, I had no way to resist her smile. She seemed as cheerful as ever… In fact, she had been in high spirits since morning. As long as she was enjoying herself, I had no complaints.

“Here, say ‘ahh~’”

In the end, she fed me every bite of lunch herself…

***

“Zzz… zzz…”

While waiting for the dolphin show to start, our lunch break turned into a rest time. Currently, Kazunari-san was sleeping on my lap.

Emotions are truly mysterious. They say, “it’s all in your mindset,” and indeed, the guilt I felt so strongly yesterday has completely disappeared. All I feel now is happiness, joy… and deep love and gratitude.

And these feelings… trouble me as well.

I am so happy right now.
So very happy.
After all, today is a day that Kazunari-san worked part-time to give me as a present.
He even injured his hand… I am truly the luckiest woman.
Thinking of it almost brings tears to my eyes.
Even now, I am barely holding them back…
But I can’t cry yet, I mustn’t.
Because right now, I still haven’t realized anything.

Kazunari-san, I… truly, truly… as long as I have you, that alone is enough for me…

***

It seemed I had dozed off for a bit. When I opened my eyes, I realised I had been sleeping. Sara-san was gently stroking my head, and when she noticed I was awake, she smiled warmly at me.

But in that first fleeting moment, I thought I saw a look of deep sorrow on her face…

“Sara-san?”

“Yes, is something wrong?”

“…No. Sorry, it seems I fell asleep.”

“Yes, you looked so adorable sleeping. So please don’t worry about it.”

No, it must have been my imagination. There’s no reason I can think of for her to look like that.

“Alright! Let’s go secure our spots now.”

“Yes! I can’t wait to see the dolphin show.”

There were still so many events left today.
I needed to reset my mind and move forward.