Lonely Me And The Lonely Caring Goddess - Chapter 210: Everyone’s Feelings.

Everyone’s Feelings.

“…I see. So, it’s about Sara-chan…”

“Yeah, that’s why.”

“I understand. Things might get tough from here on out, but if anything happens, just bring Sara-chan back home anytime. We’ll take care of convincing her parents afterward.”

I knew my mom would say that. But I had absolutely no intention of leaving that to them. This is something I have to handle myself. Besides, I’m sure Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san will understand. For me, relying on my parents is only a last resort.

“I’m not going to tell you it’s too early. If it’s necessary for you to be with Sara-chan, then age doesn’t matter. So make up your mind. It’s a world we can’t fully understand, but you’re choosing to jump into it, aren’t you?”

“Yeah.”

“…Don’t lose to those people who would drag such a wonderful girl into their petty power struggles. If you ever need anything, call me right away. I’ll speak to her parents myself.”

…With this, I know my parents will be okay. Honestly, I never planned to rely on them for this matter in the first place. This was more like a report than a consultation.

“Oh, and by the way, I heard about Yuzuha-chan… That was partly our fault too. We noticed something was wrong, but I was too soft on you for not beating it out of you back then.”

“Wha—!?”

I panicked at my mom’s sudden violent statement. Now that I think about it, with everything going on, I completely forgot to tell my family about it. If she knows about that, then…

“Your father and I went to apologise together. Honestly, I was shocked to see Yuzuha-chan looking like a complete shell of herself… And then when they mentioned compensation, I didn’t even know what to say. Anyway, we’re keeping that money aside. Though I doubt you’d want to use it as… an engagement gift, would you?”

“Engagement… gift?”

What is that…?

“In any case, right now, just focus on Sara-chan. Don’t you dare make her cry, you hear me? Show her what kind of man you are!”

***

POV: Toudou Marina

“Toudou-san, are you going to pray?”

We passed under the torii and stood together before a small shrine. Yes, that’s partly why I came. Even if it’s just praying, I want to do whatever I can. But that’s not my true purpose. Hayato-kun probably has no idea, so it’s only natural he’d wonder.

This might be meddling… She might even get angry at me later.

It’s frustrating, but when it comes to what’s happening at the company where Satsukawa-senpai’s father works, there’s nothing we can do. We have no choice but to rely on Nishikawa-san. But if there’s anything I can do besides that…

“Oh my, Marina-chan, welcome. You’re not with Mio-chan today?”

“Hello, Yukie-san.”

I wonder if Yukie-san knows about what’s happening. If she does, then this is unnecessary meddling. But if she doesn’t…

“Oh my! And you’ve brought such a handsome boy with you today. So it’s like that, huh? Following after Sara-chan, Marina-chan, you’ve gotten yourself a boyfriend too?”

“Whaaaa!?”

B-boyfriend!?

Hayato-kun!?

“Th-that’s not it, Hayato-kun is…”

………Hayato-kun is?

What was I about to say just now…?

When I glanced beside me, Hayato-kun looked just as shocked, his face slightly red.

“Oh, is that so? But you two look so good together.”

Yukie-san smiled gently at us, looking at us side by side.

We look good together? Me… with Hayato-kun?

“U-um, nice to meet you, I’m Yokokawa Hayato.”

Hayato-kun managed to regain his composure and introduced himself politely.

But I… I couldn’t focus on anything else.

Hayato-kun…

What is he to me?

Just a friend? A close friend?

But to Yukie-san, we looked like lovers.

I’d never thought about it before…

“Kazunari is a dear friend of mine.”

“Takanashi-san is blessed with wonderful friends… Oh my, Marina-chan, are you alright?”

“Eh!?”

Hearing my name snapped me back to reality.

No, this isn’t the time to be thinking about Hayato-kun. I came here for an important reason. I have to talk about Takanashi-kun and Satsukawa-senpai first…

“Yukie-san, I’m sorry if you already know, but I have something I need to discuss…”

If I can help them, even just a little bit…

***

“Kazunari-san, is there anything you would like for dinner tonight?”

As she held onto my arm, Sara-san asked me suddenly.

Ever since she started staying over, she seems to have calmed down quite a bit. Looking at her like this, you wouldn’t notice anything wrong.

But…

“Hmm… that’s a tough question.”

“If you tell me your preference, I’ll whip something up on the spot.”

“No, it’s just… everything you make is so delicious that it’s hard to choose one.”

Honestly, I’ve never had anything from Sara-san that wasn’t delicious.

I suppose I could just ask for one of my favourites like hamburger steak, but with her cooking, it feels wrong to limit myself to something so simple.

“Flattery won’t get you anything, you know?”

“That’s unfortunate… but I wasn’t flattering you.”

“Oh, Kazunari-san…”

Sara-san smiled softly and stepped closer to me. Rising slightly on her toes, she leaned in—

Chu…

I felt her lips lightly brush my cheek. Then, looping her arms around mine, she gazed up at me with those eyes.

“Hehe… That’s my way of returning the happiness you just gave me.”

“Sara-san…”

“Well then, since you can’t decide, I’ll make the choice. So, let’s stop by the supermarket on the way home, alright?”

…Even so, there was still something that didn’t feel right.

At first glance, everything seemed normal, but there was so much physical contact. Whenever we’re together, she’s always touching my arm or my shoulder, or staying close enough to do so.

And her wanting me to come shopping with her… That’s unusual. Normally, when it comes to housework, Sara-san never expects me to help. If I don’t insist, she’ll handle everything herself. For her to suggest stopping by the supermarket together—it’s rare.

In other words… I think there’s a part of her that just doesn’t want to be apart from me. That in itself makes me happy, of course, but knowing the reason behind it… I can’t rejoice so easily.

“…Hey, do those two realise this is the student council room?”

“…Maybe they think they’re at home?”

“…So that means it’s always like this at home, huh?”

“…Wow, ignoring everyone around them like that, they’re amazing.”

“…They just kissed, right? My image of Satsukawa-san is shattered. I don’t even know what to think anymore.”

When I turned off the lights and lay down on the futon, Sara-san immediately reached out for me. Taking her hand, I sat down beside her, and as soon as I lay down, she clung to me tightly.

“Kazunari-san…”

As I hugged her, she held onto me as if she’d never let go.

Ever since she started staying here, she’s been like this every night. I continue to hug her and gently stroke her head until she feels calm enough to drift into sleep.

“Tomorrow, I’ll be going out with Natsumi and Eri.”

“Please, enjoy yourself. You need a break every once in a while.”

Of course, this was according to plan. Technically, Nishikawa-san wasn’t supposed to go with them, but it shouldn’t be a problem.

“Kazunari-san… I’m sorry… I…”

She wants to say something but can’t. That’s what pains me the most. Her whole demeanour shows it clearly.

That’s why I replied with these words:

“Sara-san… you don’t have to force yourself. I’ll wait, no matter how long it takes, until you’re ready to talk.”

These words might sound like mere stalling.

But for me, they’re not just buying time. They’re giving her the space she needs so that one day, I can tell her—

“It’s okay now. You can rest easy.”

Tomorrow… it all begins.

***

The next day.

It seemed Nishikawa-san had arranged for a car, and she arrived together with Natsumi-senpai to pick up Sara-san.

They were a bit earlier than planned, so while Sara-san was finishing up getting ready inside with Natsumi-senpai helping her, I was left alone with Nishikawa-san.

“How is Sara doing?”

“She’s much calmer compared to the beginning. But… I still couldn’t bring up the arranged marriage issue.”

I knew she wanted to talk about it. But I didn’t force her. I believed that if I could ease her worries, then that would be enough… though it’s not as if I’m confident about that either.

“I see. Leave Sara to us for now. We’ll have a talk with her and try to bring her back to her usual self.”

“Thank you. But please… don’t push her too hard.”

“Don’t worry. Takanashi-san, just focus on your upcoming meeting with her father. And… just so you know, we’ve managed to arrange some support for what’s to come at Sanami Electronics.”

!? They managed to secure support!?

Honestly, I hadn’t thought it possible, nor did I think it was something I could rely on. That’s why this report was such a truly welcome surprise.

“But of course, everything hinges on what happens today. So…”

“I understand. Hearing that only fires me up even more. I’ll make sure they acknowledge us—no matter what!”

Hearing my answer, Nishikawa-san smiled and gave a firm nod.
When all this is over, I’ll have to find a way to properly thank her…

“Sorry to keep you waiting. …Oh my, Kazunari-san, did something good happen? You look so happy.”

Having finished getting ready, Sara-san stepped out of the house and immediately sensed something from my expression. As sharp as ever.

“No, it’s nothing. Alright then, have a good time.”

“Yes. I’ll be back by evening, so please don’t worry about dinner. Well then…”

As we exchanged farewells, she naturally stepped closer to me and rose slightly onto her toes.

Chu…

She placed a light kiss on my cheek, just barely brushing against it, then softly whispered, “I’ll be off,” before stepping away.

“…Sigh, they look just like usual, don’t they? What do you think, Eririn?”

“…………”

“Ah, well, you’re just like usual too…”

When I glanced at Natsumi-senpai’s muttered words, there stood Nishikawa-san with that all-too-familiar “Dark Nishikawa” expression, eyes devoid of highlights.

I watched as the three of them got into the car, waving back until Sara-san disappeared from view.

Alright… it’s time to prepare for battle.

***

!?

As I stepped outside, I was startled to find a familiar face standing right there. I wasn’t expecting that…

“Ready to go?”

“Eh, Hanako-san?”

I had only told her the general outline of my plans, so she shouldn’t have known the exact time. Could it be that she had been waiting here ever since Sara and the others left?

“I’ll walk with you part of the way.”

Her words were brief, but I could tell she had come out of concern for me.

So I accepted her kindness honestly.

“…Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

“It’s nothing… I am your big sister, after all.”

As blunt as always, but she gave me a dazzling smile I rarely get to see. Then, as if to lead me forward, she began walking ahead.

“It’ll be fine. Today will go well. You have nothing to worry about. And that goes for everything that comes after this too… so don’t overthink it.”

Walking ahead of me, Hanako-san spoke her words of encouragement without turning back.

Everything that comes after this… she must mean beyond just today. Perhaps she had heard something from Nishikawa-san.

Then, just as we were approaching the station—

On my way to the Satsukawa residence, I was following behind Hanako-san, reviewing in my mind what I needed to say today. Lost in thought, I wasn’t really paying attention to my surroundings. That’s why I didn’t notice my best friend standing there at the station until he called out to me.

“Kazunari!”

“Yuuji… Why are you here?”

I didn’t even need to ask. If Yuuji was here, it could only be because of what I was about to do. But I couldn’t stop myself from asking anyway.

“I was just worried, so I came. Don’t mind me. Go out there and knock it out of the park. If you could overcome Yamazaki, then this will be nothing for you, right?”

With a grin, he gave me a firm slap on the back as if to pump me up.

He’d come all the way here just because he was worried about me. I was truly grateful.

“You’re right! Tonight, I’m going to tell everyone in Group RAIN that I’m officially engaged to Sara-san, so be ready for it.”

“You said it, huh? I heard you loud and clear. Alright, go get ‘em. And if anything happens, call me right away. I’ll keep my phone on me at all times.”

“? Ah, yeah, got it. I’m off then!”

Everyone was supporting me. Mayumi-san would be there too. I believed I had already built a good rapport with Masaomi-san as well.

So it’ll be fine… I’m sure it’ll be fine.

“This is as far as I go. I’m looking forward to your report. Now, come here for a moment.”

“? Sure.”

What was this about, at a time like this?

Feeling a bit puzzled, I bent down to bring my face closer to Hanako-san’s. Given our height difference, I had to lower myself quite a bit.

“I’ll be on standby, so if anything happens, call me.”

“Y-yeah, okay.”

Yuuji had said something similar, but… was she planning on waiting until I finished?

“This is for good luck.”

Chu…

!?

A soft, warm sensation brushed my left cheek— Not the right side where Sara-san always kissed me, but the left.

“Do your best.”

And with that, Hanako-san sent me off with a radiant smile, just like before.

***

POV: Tachibana Yuuji

It had been a while since I’d seen that determined look on Kazunari’s face.

But then again, with everyone supporting him like this for the sake of the girl he loves, there’s no way he wouldn’t be fired up. I’d like to think my own words of encouragement helped, but in the end, Hanako-san completely stole the show. That was unfair…

“Hanako-san… could it be that you…?”

I couldn’t stop myself from asking what had always been on my mind.

There was no way Kazunari would ever break up with Satsukawa-san. Which meant… it was a love that would never be returned.

“That’s not it. It’s not that simple, so don’t jump to conclusions.”

The aura she had shown to Kazunari moments earlier vanished, and she returned to the usual Hanako-san I knew. Between Satsukawa-san and her, Kazunari really does attract this type of woman, doesn’t he…?

“Hey, Tachibana, you’re already here, I see.”

“Hello, you two.”

A voice called out from behind, and I immediately knew who it was.
But I hadn’t heard anything about them coming. It seemed they had come to see him off as well.

“Yeah. I thought I might run into Kazunari if I came early and waited, and it turns out I was right.”

“From the sound of it, he’s already left then. We just missed him.”

“No worries. Hanako-san and I gave him plenty of encouragement on your behalf.”

“Thank you, Tachibana-kun.”

“Hey, did you include mine as well?”

That was an unexpected voice. Natsumi-san and Nishikawa-san were with Satsukawa-san, so in the end… everyone was here.

“Yeah, I made sure to include yours too, Tachikawa-san.”

“That’s good to hear. So, what should we do now?”

I had only planned to wait alone somewhere nearby. If worst came to worst, I was prepared to barge into the Satsukawa household, drop to my knees, and plead with them to listen to what I, as a friend, had to say about those two. Whether it would change their minds, I didn’t know, but it was better than sitting around doing nothing.

“Tachibana… no, Yuuji. If it comes to that, I’ll go with you.”

Yokokawa whispered to me softly. It seemed he was thinking the same thing.

“You’re right. Two guys kneeling in apology might actually make an impression. If it comes to that, I’m counting on you, Hayato.”

But…
It probably wouldn’t come to that. After all, what parents wouldn’t accept two people so deeply in love?