Lonely Me And The Lonely Caring Goddess - Chapter 218: I Will Take Care Of You At Your House!!

I Will Take Care Of You At Your House!!

Right now, I’m experiencing a level of nervousness like never before.
When I tried to confess to Sara-san, that was the most nerve-wracking moment of my life, but this is a different kind of tension altogether.

Why, you ask…?

“No, no, truly… yes, thank you so much.”

My dad and Masaomi-san are talking on the phone right now!

While Sara-san and the others were busy preparing dinner, I thought I should at least contact my family back home. Mom had said she would respect my wishes, but I wouldn’t know for sure until I actually spoke to them. So I decided to let them know early, and when I told Masaomi-san I would be calling home, he asked if he could speak with them for just a bit as well.

So, I called my mom, but for some reason, my dad picked up. Apparently, she had forgotten her phone when she went shopping. Fortunately, it seemed she had already filled him in, so I didn’t have to explain everything from scratch.

“If this girl really is important to you, don’t you ever give up on her. Also, your mom told me about her – cute, sweet personality, great at housework… I honestly can’t believe you managed to land someone like that. But if it’s true, don’t let her slip away. You won’t get another miracle like this, trust me. Haha.”

My dad was, as always, incredibly laid-back.
If only he had at least half of Masaomi-san’s dignified, commanding presence… is that too much to ask?
Also, once he meets Sara-san in person, I’m definitely making him apologize properly.

After that conversation, my dad was now speaking with Masaomi-san. They seemed to be laughing occasionally, so I doubt there’s any problem… but knowing my dad, I can’t imagine him saying anything appropriate, and I’m on edge, worried he’ll say something stupid.

“We’ll contact you again to finalize the date. Apologies for calling out of the blue today. Well then, I’ll return the phone to Kazunari-kun.”

It sounded like their conversation was over. Still, I was worried if it really went okay.

“Wow, I’m honestly surprised. When they asked if they could adopt you, it just didn’t feel real to me. But it’s not like you’d stop being our son or anything. If this is what lets you be with her, then I guess it’s fine.”

“Well… I’m relieved you think that way.”

He’s just so… casual about everything. But even though he sounds so flippant, I know my dad always thinks carefully about what truly matters.

“I only spoke with him briefly, but he seemed like someone trustworthy. The final decision will be made after meeting him in person, and I’ll tell your mom too, but… judging from what you two discussed last time, I think it’ll be fine. Still, this came out of nowhere, so it’s not something I can answer on the spot…”

The whole “adoption” discussion itself came up suddenly today, so for Dad, who hadn’t even been part of the conversation, this was like being blindsided. Honestly, I’m just glad he didn’t outright reject the idea here and now.

After finishing the call, I hung up, and Masaomi-san spoke to me with visible relief.

“Thank you. I’m glad I could speak with your father. It was a short conversation, but I can tell he truly cares about you. He seems like a good father. I look forward to meeting him.”

I wasn’t sure what they talked about, but judging by his reaction, there were no problems… or so I wanted to believe.

“We’ll discuss the details and formalities next time, but he said he has no intention of opposing it. Honestly, I’m relieved. I was prepared to do my best to persuade him, but if he had been completely against it, it would’ve been a tough battle.”

Seeing how reassured Masaomi-san looked, it seemed like Dad actually managed a decent conversation. That made me feel relieved too.

No intention of opposing it… huh.

***

On the dining table, the main dish stood out among the array of food – my absolute favourite, hamburg steak. The entire menu was tailored perfectly to my tastes, and seeing two half-sized patties lined up, it was obvious they each made one. Though I couldn’t tell by appearance alone, having tasted both before, I was certain they’d both be delicious.

But… as much as I hate to say it, going up against Sara-san, who knows my preferences inside out, is probably a losing battle.

“Come, let’s eat before it gets cold.”

My seat was placed right next to Sara-san. She pulled out the chair for me with a gentle, “This way, please.”

“Itadakimasu,” we all said in unison.

Now then, here we go.
We’re just eating dinner, and yet… why does it feel like every single movement I make is being closely observed?

“By the way, Kazunari-kun, please guess which hamburger steak I made and which one Sara-chan made.”

“Eh!?”

Right before taking my first bite, an unexpected hurdle was thrown my way. I absolutely cannot get this wrong… If I do, I won’t be able to face Sara-san again.

“Fufu… I’m sure you’ll get it right, Kazunari-san.”

She’s just innocently cheering me on, believing in me wholeheartedly… but in a different light, it’s also an unimaginable pressure.

While I was crumbling under that pressure, Sara-san cut the first hamburger steak into bite-sized pieces and, as usual, brought it to my mouth with her chopsticks. The way her left hand gently supported mine always reminded me of how nurturing she is.

“Here, say ‘ahh…’”

Chomp… chew chew…

Yeah, delicious! The sear is perfect, and the meat juices are just right… but—

“Next, try this one. Here, ahh…”

Chomp… chew chew…

“Ahhh!! I wanted to feed him at least one bite myself!!”

“Please save your sleep-talking for when you’re actually asleep. This is my role.”

The second one had a completely different fluffy texture. The tenderness was just how I like it, and the sauce had a slightly sweeter touch – without a doubt, this was Sara-san’s.

Noticing my expression, Sara-san smiled brightly.

“See? I knew Kazunari-san wouldn’t get it wrong!”

“Even though I’m the one who taught her the recipe… why did he identify it so easily…”

I hadn’t even commented on the flavour yet, but… Despite her words, Mayumi-san didn’t look frustrated; she seemed more amused than anything.

“Hmm, this one’s softer… did you mix something into it?”

Masaomi-san also seemed to notice the unique texture.

“It’s the Takanashi family’s recipe my mother-in-law taught me.”

“What!? That’s cheating~.”

“Fufu… that’s why I said you can’t beat me. Not that I’d lose to you in anything else, either.”

Sara-san looked so proud, with a small, triumphant smile. Seeing her like that, Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san both relaxed into gentle smiles.

And as for me, while watching her adorable expression, I couldn’t help but savour every bite of the delicious feast.

***

“Excuse me, could I have a word with you two?”

Just as we were about to start thinking about heading home, Masaomi-san spoke up. His gaze included both me and Sara-san, so it seemed he had something to say to us together.

Once everyone, including Mayumi-san, was seated on the sofa, Masaomi-san, wearing a serious expression, began to speak.

“I’ve been wondering for a while… and after dinner, I’m almost certain. Sara, have you been cooking at Takanashi-kun’s house regularly?”

“…”

Sara-san and I exchanged a quick glance.Considering the future, it was probably best to explain this properly. There was nothing shady about it, after all.

“Yes. I do spend most of my time at Kazunari-san’s house. I prepare meals and handle household chores there.”

Sara-san answered without an ounce of guilt or hesitation. In fact, she was so assertive that Masaomi-san seemed slightly taken aback.

“Is there a problem with that? You’re not going to tell me to stop, are you?”

“Uhmm…”

Her gaze grew sharp, as if silently declaring, “If you tell me to stop, I’ll leave this house right now.”

“Masaomi-san, I was fully aware of it. And I approved.”

Mayumi-san quickly interjected to support her.

“I figured as much. Judging by how naturally Sara treats Takanashi-kun, she’s completely used to it.”

It seemed that Masaomi-san wasn’t interrogating us, but simply confirming the current situation.

“Um, Masaomi-san, it’s true she comes over, but I swear we’re not doing anything inappropriate. It’s embarrassing to say this outright, but she really just does the housework.”

“I see. I believe you. Mayumi trusts you too, which is why she approved. Though… with how close you two are, it wouldn’t be surprising if things had progressed even further.”

He seemed to accept it with calm understanding, despite the surprise. If he had yelled at us to stop, I honestly wouldn’t have known what to do.

“Then, Masaomi-san, is it alright if things continue as they have been?”

“Ah, yes. But I’d like you to keep it at that level. Anything more… at least wait until you’re formally engaged.”

Receiving his approval, I finally felt I could breathe easy. And I silently promised myself to live up to their trust from now on.

“Understood. I promise to continue just as before.”

Sara-san answered confidently, but something about her tone hinted at another intention… was that just my imagination?

“Ah… yes, a promise. As long as it stays the way it has been.”

“Very well. Kazunari-san, you heard that, didn’t you? Father has given his formal permission. I will continue to take care of you as always. Mother, you heard it too, yes?”

Strangely enough, even though it was Sara who was being asked to make a promise, she ended up confirming with Masaomi-san whether he truly understood and accepted it.

Mayumi-san seemed thoroughly amused by this odd exchange, as she nodded and covered her mouth to stifle her giggles. I couldn’t help but wonder what she found so funny…

“So… in the end, who won the cooking contest?”

Perhaps feeling a bit awkward, Masaomi-san suddenly tried to change the topic, albeit in a somewhat desperate manner.

Now that he mentioned it, I realized I hadn’t actually given a clear verdict on whose dish tasted better—it had been left unresolved.

“Kazunari-kun, my cooking was delicious, wasn’t it? You don’t need to hold back for Sara-chan’s sake—just tell us honestly.”

Although Mayumi-san undoubtedly already knew my answer, she asked in a tone that was clearly meant to tease Sara-san.

“…Please ignore Mother’s nonsense, Kazunari-san.”

Normally, Sara-san would have brushed off such taunts without a second thought. But—perhaps it’s arrogance to think so—I could tell this was different because it involved me.

“But Kazunari-kun, when you ate my hamburger steak before, you said it was delicious, didn’t you?”

“…What?”

I could sense the shift in Sara-san’s aura the moment Mayumi-san’s further provocation landed.

In my eyes, it was as if Mayumi-san was smiling while lighting the fuse of a bomb labelled “Danger (Part-time Job Incident).”

“Well, I am your future mother-in-law, after all. When Sara-chan isn’t around, it’s only natural that I’d take over cooking and doing the laundry for you…”

“…Wait a moment. What is that supposed to mean?”

Cold. This was beyond cold—it felt like I’d been plunged into the arctic.

W-What do I do? How am I supposed to handle this…?

Sara-san hadn’t even turned to look at me yet, but imagining what expression she must be making was terrifying.

“Oh, you mean during the time you worked part-time here. Come to think of it, Sara was away on her school trip then, so you didn’t have anyone to make dinner for you, did you?”

“Yes, so I cooked his dinner and made his lunch boxes in her place… Wait, Sara-chan?”

Finally realizing Sara-san’s change in demeanor, Mayumi-san paused mid-sentence. But it was too late.

…I know. It was my fault for putting off telling her about it.

It wasn’t as if I had been hiding it deliberately—it just hadn’t felt like something urgent, so I kept postponing it.

When Sara-san turned to me with a smile, it was unexpectedly serene. Or rather, it was an impeccably crafted smile.

“…Kazunari-san, care to explain?”

“Y-Yes…”

With that one sentence, all thoughts of resistance vanished, and I resigned myself to confess everything right then and there. As I explained, I could see Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san looking increasingly uncomfortable, which made me feel even worse.

This is all my fault…

I told them about my part-time job at the Satsukawa family’s house and how Mayumi-san had taken care of me in various ways during that time. Once I finished explaining, it was time for Sara-san’s interrogation.

“So, while I was away, Mother was making your dinners all this time?”

“Yes…”

“And your lunch boxes, too?”

“Yes…”

“Is there anything else?”

“Well… she also did my laundry and… cleaned my room…”

“!?”

Even if I kept quiet, she would have found out eventually, so I answered honestly. Upon hearing everything, Sara-san’s smile vanished entirely, and her cheeks began to puff up with anger. I knew better than to say it aloud, but… she looked so cute like that. Though, undoubtedly, she was absolutely furious… but still cute.

“…I see. So my important role was completely usurped by Mother… Is that what happened?”

Sara-san continued to pout.

Thinking about how seriously she regarded the household chores she did for me, guilt welled up inside me. Of course she had every right to be angry.

“…I’m sorry.”

“No, this happened because I was away. It is my own failing. My absence allowed Mother’s reckless behaviour to burden you unnecessarily. Therefore, I will ensure such a mistake never happens again.”

She seemed to understand, but something about her wording felt off, as if she were accepting it in a way I couldn’t quite comprehend. Still, it was probably safe to assume she had accepted it… right?

“Kazunari-san, may I ask something of you? I have shown you such a shameful side of myself recently, and now I have even allowed Mother, a third party no matter how close, to take over my duties. This is an unforgivable failure on my part. That is why… to ensure this never happens again, I want you to let me be by your side in the truest sense.”

She seemed to have made up her mind about something, as she looked directly at me with resolve.

To be honest, I didn’t think she had done anything shameful at all over the past few days. And to call what happened during my part-time work a failure… that was simply unthinkable to me.

But if agreeing would bring her peace, then I had no reason to refuse. In fact, it made me happy.

“Of course. I want to always be with you too, Sara-san.”

My answer would never change. This was how I truly felt.

“I’m so happy! In that case, starting today, I will take care of you at your house every single day!! If we live together, I can always be by your side to take care of you. Problem solved!!”

“““!?”””

She declared it loudly, as if making a solemn vow.

Wait, live together…? Live together!?

“S-Sara!! Didn’t you just promise to keep things as they have been!?”

Masaomi-san exclaimed in a flustered attempt to stop her. Right, she did promise that just moments ago, didn’t she?

“? I haven’t broken any promises. I’ve always stayed over at Kazunari-san’s house, so I will simply continue doing that. Therefore, I’m not overstepping any boundaries.”

“Wha!? Y-You’ve been staying over…? K-Kazunari-kun, explain, please!?”

Masaomi-san’s expression turned to one of sheer shock.

Even Masaomi-san, so composed most of the time, could be rattled this much when it came to Sara-san… Not that this was the time to be impressed.

“W-Well, um…”

“I already explained everything earlier, didn’t I?”

“You never mentioned staying over!!”

“B-But Masaomi-san, we haven’t done anything improper!!”

“Hmm~ I see… Well, it’s true they’ve been doing this for a while now. My, Sara-chan, when did you become so sly?”

Indeed, Sara-san had stayed over many times before, and she had been staying consecutively these past few days as well. In that sense… she wasn’t wrong in saying it would just continue as before… maybe?

“I am merely continuing as I always have. But let me say this—if Father intends to go back on his promise, then I will simply act freely as I please.”

“F-Freely!? What does that mean!?”

“It means exactly what it sounds like.”

“Hmm… If we don’t keep our promise, Sara-chan won’t hold back. Conversely, if Masaomi-san keeps his promise, at least the minimum will remain intact…”

“Ugh…”

Mayumi-san’s muttered words seemed to hit Masaomi-san hard, and he fell silent.

Meanwhile, Sara-san snuggled up to me, entwining her arm with mine and resting her body happily against me.

“S-Sara-san, are you really okay with going this far!?”

“Of course. But… if you didn’t want me to… I…”

Seeing her look so sad, what man could ever say no? Especially not someone in love. My answer was decided before she even asked.

“Of course I don’t mind! If I can be with you, that’s all I want…”

“And I want to be by your side as well. So please… leave everything to me.”

Seeing her smile so blissfully made me think—why not? As Mayumi-san had said, this was no different from what we had already been doing. If anything, it made me happy, so why should I hesitate?

“We’ll always be together from now on. I will make sure to bring you happiness, always… my love.”

And so, from today onwards, my new life began—with a devoted goddess who just couldn’t stop caring for me.

“Kazunari-kun, I trust you. I really do, okay? But… there’s something we need to discuss after this… is that alright?”

…Yeah, I guess I really do need to have a proper talk with Masaomi-san later.