Lonely Me And The Lonely Caring Goddess - Chapter 223: Sara-san’s Popularity Is…

Sara-san’s Popularity Is…

“See you later~”

“Good job today~”

“Wishing you happiness~”

After parting ways with the lively student council members at the station, we headed to the shopping district to pick up groceries for dinner. Personally, I would have just grabbed something quick from the convenience store or a supermarket, but Sara-san has strong preferences and sometimes shops at her favorite specialty stores. I heard she used to go shopping with Mayumi-san, so perhaps that’s why she visits places I’ve never even heard of.

Incidentally, after we said goodbye to the student council, Sara-san immediately linked arms with me, clinging tightly to my left side, looking quite pleased.

“There are a few ingredients we’re missing, so I’d like to stop by the butcher and the greengrocer.”

“Got it. Is it the same butcher we went to before?”

“Yes. You remembered.”

“Of course. That lady there made some comments about me being a potential son-in-law… not exactly pleasant for me.”

I still remember that moment clearly. When the shopkeeper tried to introduce me to her son, I thought, Isn’t this a bit too stereotypical? If I hadn’t shown up that time, she probably would’ve just introduced him without asking. It’s not that I don’t trust Sara-san—I’m sure she’d turn something like that down—but still, it left a weird feeling.

“…Um, Kazunari-san. If a similar situation arises in the future, would it be alright if I told them I already have someone I’ve promised my future to? I think that would help make it clear and avoid unnecessary trouble.”

“U-uh… y-yes. I’d be glad if you did that…”

Sara-san declared “promised my future” without even a hint of hesitation. Her words caught me off guard, and I ended up blushing instead. She always says these things so naturally, but I still haven’t gotten used to it.

“Hehe… What’s the matter, darling?”

!?

She noticed I was flustered and teasingly called me “darling” with a mischievous smile. Being called that makes me squirm inside—I can’t even describe the feeling. Is it happiness, embarrassment, nervousness… maybe all of them?

Lately, I’ve begun to suspect that Sara-san’s devilish charm and tendency to spoil me so openly might actually be influenced by Mayumi-san. I have a feeling I might not be too far off with that guess…

“Welcome, Sara-chan! Your boyfriend’s with you today too?”

That cheerful greeting as we entered the shop gave off a clear sense of familiarity.

Since I’ll probably be coming along more often, I figured I should at least say hello so I don’t embarrass Sara-san.

“Hello. I’ll be joining her from now on, so I hope you’ll take care of us.”

“Well, hello! You two are always so close. What’s the occasion?”

“I’ve always left the shopping to her, but I thought I should help out—carry bags or whatever I can.”

Of course, I wasn’t about to say it was because Sara-san sweetly asked me to. What I said was something I genuinely believed anyway, so it wasn’t a lie.

“My, my, that’s wonderful, Sara-chan. Looks like he’ll make a good husband one day.”

“Fufu… I already believe that myself.”

“Haha, you’ve become quite assertive, haven’t you, Sara-chan? Watching you grow up makes it all the more touching.”

It was obvious she was used to handling such teasing comments with grace. Seeing her composed like that really highlights her maturity. And when I get called “cute” in comparison, it just makes me feel more like a kid…

After that, the conversation proceeded normally, and we bought what we needed before leaving the store. Next stop was the greengrocer’s right next door.

As we looked at the vegetables displayed outside, a middle-aged man wearing a headband and apron—looking exactly like a stereotypical grocer—stepped out of the shop.

“Oh, Sara-chan! Haven’t seen you with Mayumi-san lately… Wait, who’s this young man?”

“Yes. From now on, we’ll be coming together, so please remember him.”

As expected, it was another conversation typical of a regular customer and a familiar shopkeeper. It reminded me of our first visit to the butcher. I just hoped there wouldn’t be another awkward “let me introduce you to my son” moment.

Upon hearing Sara-san’s reply, the man’s eyes widened in surprise.

“…I’d heard a bit about this from the neighbors… but it’s actually true, huh? I mean, to think someone managed to win over you, Sara-chan… Kid, you must be something else!”

“Uh… yeah, I honestly think it’s a miracle myself…”

“Kazunari-san, I fell in love first, remember? I told you that before.”

That’s right—we once had a debate over who fell for whom first. She silenced me with a kiss back then, and I had no choice but to raise the white flag. Totally unfair, if you ask me.

“Ohh! So you’re the one who caught him, huh? Now that’s even more shocking! Kid, I’m jealous—Sara-chan’s going to be a fantastic wife, no doubt about it!”

Whack! Whack!

“R-right. I think so too…”

He smacked my back so hard I almost choked. I really had no clue how to respond in situations like this. I could never handle it as smoothly as Sara-san.

“Sir, please stop. You’re making Kazunari-san uncomfortable.”

Thanks to Sara-san’s gentle but firm intervention, the man immediately stopped and scurried back to his post.

“Oops, didn’t mean to upset you, Sara-chan. Tell you what, I’ll throw in something extra—pick out what you want.”

“Good grief… Well then, I’ll take this and…”

We only visited those two stores today, but even while walking around, a few other shopkeepers called out to Sara-san. I realized for the first time that she’s not only well-known at school but also quite popular around the shopping district.

After dinner—curry, to be specific—we were enjoying some dessert when both our phones rang at the same time. That could only mean one thing: a group call from RAIN.

Since mine was charging, Sara-san checked hers.

“Kazunari-san, we’ve received a message from Eri. She’s proposing a meeting tomorrow to share updates—possibly over dinner, if everyone’s available.”

Tomorrow, huh…

We owed Nishikawa-san and the others a great deal again this time, so I had been thinking we should report back soon. A group chat would have worked, but for something like this, I believe it’s best to meet in person.

“Understood. Are you okay with that, Sara-san?”

“Yes. I… have no problem.”

Though she said so, her slight hesitation caught my attention.

“If something’s on your mind, please tell me. No need to hold back.”

“Umm…”

When I pressed gently, she gave me a slightly troubled look before explaining.

“It’s nothing serious. It’s just… we finally started our life together, and now we’re already having dinner outside.”

For Sara-san, who takes pride in cooking for me, it probably wasn’t a small thing. After all, this was only the second dinner of our new life together. It was natural she’d feel a little disappointed.

“In that case, maybe I’ll try not to eat much outside. That way, I can still enjoy dinner at home.”

“That’s not fair… I can’t let you do that just because of my selfishness.”

She puffed her cheeks adorably and pouted, protesting my half-serious joke.

“I’m serious, though. I’d rather eat your food than have dinner at some fancy hotel. To me, your cooking is the best—better than any restaurant. And that’s not flattery.”

It was the honest truth. Even the famous place Nishikawa-san once took us to couldn’t beat her cooking in my heart.

“…Thank you. That makes me really happy. Please don’t worry about tomorrow. Just knowing how you feel is more than enough for me.”

She seemed to have cheered up, visibly returning to her usual self.

“Really, I meant every word.”

“I know. Then, will this be enough to convince you?”

Chu…

Without hesitation, she leaned in and kissed me with a smile that said she believed every word.

“How about that? If you’re still not convinced, next time I’ll kiss you on the lips.”

“Ah…”

There was no doubt now—she was happy. But even so, a kiss on the lips still feels like something special, and when she says it first… it’s impossible not to get flustered.

“Hehe… Your face always gives you away, even though your heart is so shy. It’s adorable…”

Noticing my reaction, Sara-san gently embraced my head to her chest with a warm smile.

“Kazunari-san, look at me…”

As she whispered by my ear and guided my face upward, she slowly leaned in again… and I closed my eyes.

Chu…

“Mmm…”

I don’t know how long we stayed like that. When she finally pulled away, I was still caught in the moment.

“…”

She gazed at me dreamily, then smiled sweetly.

“My body feels light… That always happens to me after a kiss. How about you, Kazunari-san?”

“I feel like I’m about to burst with happiness…”

“Yes… I suppose I feel the same. Kazunari-san, come here…”

“Y-yeah…”

Still dazed, I stumbled through my response.

Sara-san pulled me to her chest again and gently stroked my head.

“Hehe… If you stay shy like this, I’ll always be the one initiating kisses, you know? I don’t mind, of course.”

“Uwaa… I-I’ll try my best.”

I wasn’t sure if “try my best” was the right phrase here, but I didn’t want to keep leaving everything to her. So I meant it.

“Yes… I’ll always be waiting, my dear.”

As she held me in her arms, I silently vowed that next time, I’d be the one to kiss her first.