Lonely Me And The Lonely Caring Goddess - Chapter 226: We're Living Together.

We’re Living Together.

Although there had been a bit of a commotion earlier, we were soon informed that dinner was ready, and everyone took their seats at the table.

Since no specific seating arrangements were indicated, I was about to take a seat at the corner when Hanako silently pulled me by the arm and led me to a seat in the center.

Sara-san quickly took the seat to my right, while Hanako, who had brought me over, sat to my left.

Everyone looked on with amused smiles, observing this scene play out. Everyone except Yuuji, who, deep in thought, seemed to be watching—not me—but Hanako.

***

The meal was served in a formal course style. In the past, I might have struggled with proper table manners. But thanks to Sara’s gentle—emphasis on gentle, not strict—guidance, I was a changed man.

Nishikawa: “Well then… let us raise a toast to celebrate the engagement of Takanashi and Sara.”

Everyone: “Cheers~~~~~!!”

The high-pitched clinks of glasses echoed all around as I leaned in and made sure to toast with everyone. For the record, our glasses were filled with juice and oolong tea.

Once the appetizers were served, it was finally time for me to show the results of my training with Sara—how to use a napkin, the proper order of utensils…

Sara-san occasionally stole glances at me, perhaps still a little worried. But since she made no corrections, I took it as a sign that I was doing just fine.

As I savored each stylish dish (which had names just as elegant), I couldn’t help but think—deep down—that nothing beats Sara’s home-cooked meals. And I suppose that’s only natural; after all, I already know what the best meal in the world tastes like.

Nishikawa: “It seems you’ve really taken to this, Takanashi. I’m glad to see Sara’s efforts have paid off.”

While I was enjoying dessert, Nishikawa-san spoke up. Apparently, he had also been observing my table manners—just like Sara-san.

Me: “Sara taught me very patiently, after all.”

Nishikawa: “As her fiancé, you’ll likely find yourself at more formal events in the future. It’s good to be prepared.”

Now that he mentioned it, I vaguely remembered Nishikawa-san giving me similar advice in the past. Back then, he said I should learn table manners if I intended to pursue a relationship with Sara. It seems he had anticipated this outcome from the very beginning.

Sara: “There’s nothing to worry about. I’ve been watching, and Kazunari has clearly absorbed everything I taught him. I’m very proud. I’ll give you a little reward later—some head pats, just for being a good boy♪.”

Me: “Uh, thank you…”

Toudou: “H-Head pats…?”

Tachikawa: “As expected, Sasagawa-senpai really likes kids!”

Hanako: “Okay, that comment makes Takanashi sound like a child, so maybe don’t.”

From the outside, I probably looked like I was being treated like a child. But I knew—this was Sara’s way of showing affection. And that’s why I didn’t feel embarrassed by it at all.

Sara: “I do it because I want to. Of course, if you didn’t like it, I would stop… But you do like it, don’t you, Kazunari?”

Me: “U-Um… yes.”

Of course, there was no way I could bluff here. Even if people looked at me strangely for it, getting to be close to Sara mattered more. Hurting her feelings with a false denial was the last thing I’d ever do.

Sara: “Fufu… I know. That’s why I want to do the things you enjoy. I’ll give you head pats later♪.”

Natsumi: “A needy Takanashi and a doting Sara… Honestly, you two are perfect together.”

Hayato: “Hard to believe that’s the same Kazunari I know. He never seemed like that.”

Yuuji: “To be fair, this might be a kind of rebound effect. The Kazunari I knew during his darkest days was nothing like this. That period was… brutal.”

Yuuji was the only one who had seen me at my lowest. I’d never really analyzed it myself, but maybe he was right. I have wondered if I’ve always been this needy, or if something changed.

But in the end, when Sara-san hugs me, all those thoughts disappear.

Hanako: “It’d be pathetic if he were just clingy, but Takanashi steps up when it really matters. He handles his responsibilities as a man. That’s why Sara can afford to pamper him.”

Nishikawa: “You seem to observe him almost as closely as Sara does.”

Hanako: “Not really… it’s just a feeling.”

Natsumi: “Still as cryptic as ever, huh, Hanako?”

It wasn’t the first time Hanako had said something ambiguous like that. I once asked Sara about it, and she told me to wait until Hanako was ready to talk. And Hanako herself promised she would explain things to me someday. As curious as I am, I know it’s best to wait.

Sara: “Hanako’s right. And Kazunari-kun isn’t always needy.”

Tachikawa: “…Needy?”

Toudou: “…Sasagawa-senpai’s word choices are always so cute.”

Natsumi: “Seriously, if you knew the old Sara, you’d be questioning your ears and eyes right now.”

Hanako: “Just for reference… when does Takanashi tend to get clingy?”

Nishikawa: “H-Hanako! That’s not something you need to ask!”

Flustered, Nishikawa tried to stop Hanako, clearly panicked. Honestly, I was a little scared too. I didn’t think I ever intentionally acted clingy…

Sara: “Let’s see… he’s especially clingy right after waking up. Even when I get up, he won’t let go of my chest. But he’s so adorable like that, I end up holding him until the very last minute.”

Me: “Wha—!?”

Everyone: “!?!?”

Wait—what!? After waking up? I don’t remember that… or maybe I do? Was that a dream!?

Toudou: “You get… held? In the morning!?”

Tachikawa: “Wait, does that mean…?”

Natsumi: “Hold on—chest?! What!?”

Hayato: “Oh man…”

Yuuji: “Kazunari, you didn’t…!”

Me: “I swear I didn’t do anything!?”

Hanako: “Just to be sure… you’re sleeping in the same bed when you stay over?”

Sara: “Until now, yes, only when he stayed over. But now we live together, so we sleep together every night. I’m truly happy to wake up each morning with Kazunari snuggled against me.”

………

Everyone: “EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!?!?!?”

That collective shriek was, without question, the loudest human voice I’d ever heard. It pierced my eardrums, causing a ringing sound. But it wasn’t just my ears—clearly, the entire group was overwhelmed.

Especially Nishikawa-san…

Natsumi: “Wait—cohabiting?! You mean, actually living together!?”

Toudou: “A boy and a girl… living together…!? Fweh~!”

Tachikawa: “W-Wait—don’t tell me—you’ve already…!?”

Hayato: “So it finally happened… Kazunari, you’re something else.”

Yuuji: “Dude, why didn’t you tell me sooner? This is big!”

Hanako: “Everyone, calm down. He’s been staying over for ages—this just makes it official. But Takanashi, look at me in the eye. Don’t you have something to say to your big sister?”

Hanako tried to act composed, but it was clear she was shaken. She practically charged at me with a head-on tackle.

Toudou: “…Sleeping in the same bed… cuddling… Gaaah! I’m such an idiot!”

Tachikawa: “M-M-Marina! Don’t let your mind go there!”

Hanako: “……….”

As Toudou flailed, trying to erase imaginary images from her mind, Tachikawa joined her in flapping her hands frantically. Meanwhile, Hanako stared at me from up close with an expression that said, “Explain. Now.”

Natsumi: “So, um… Sara’s parents are okay with this arrangement?”

Sara: “Yes. They gave us permission to live together.”

Natsumi: “I see… Takanashi-kun, I don’t want to sound accusatory but… are you sure this is okay?”

Her emphasis on “okay” made her true concern obvious. And I understood what she really wanted to ask.

Me: “It’s fine. Mayumi-san made sure I understood, and I’ve promised Masaomi-san too. I swear I’ll always treasure Sara-san, no matter what.”

I carefully chose my words so that Sara wouldn’t read too much into them, while still giving Natsumi a meaningful look—letting her know I understood the deeper question.

Apparently, it worked. Most of the group took my words at face value, but Sara, especially, looked deeply moved, her eyes shimmering with emotion.

Toudou: “Takanashi, that was so heartfelt… You really care about Sasagawa-senpai.”

Tachikawa: “To be loved that deeply by someone… what must that feel like?”

Sara: “Kazunari… I’m so happy…”

She approached slowly and embraced me from the front. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around her as she leaned fully into me.

Hayato: “…Those three are so pure.”

Yuuji: “…No, man, the fact that Sara doesn’t get it makes this torture for Kazunari…”

Natsumi: “Still taking every chance to flirt… Well, if Masaomi-san trusts you, I guess I have no more complaints. Takanashi, I’ll believe in you too, okay?”

Seeing me nod firmly, Natsumi seemed—reluctantly—satisfied.

I wouldn’t blame her for being skeptical. If the roles were reversed, I’d feel the same.

That’s why I’ll prove myself through my actions.

Hanako: “…To think you’re actually living together now.”

Toudou: “It was shocking at first, but it kind of… fits. Feels natural, even.”

Tachikawa: “Right? If you’d told me you were already living together, I wouldn’t have been surprised.”

Their reactions made it painfully clear how we’ve been perceived. Not only had they accepted our cohabitation, they’d barely batted an eye.

Apparently, we’ve always given off that vibe…

Hayato: “If anything ever comes up… just talk to us, man. Guy to guy.”

Yuuji: “Yeah. Living together isn’t easy. Say something early, okay?”

Me: “Y-Yeah, I will.”

When it comes to man-to-man struggles, only close friends really understand. I appreciated their concern, even if part of me felt a little pathetic for needing it.

Sara: “If anything becomes difficult, please let me know right away, okay? I’ll do anything I can to help. And even if I can’t… I’ll still try my best.”

Me: “Thank you…”

That radiant, innocent smile—it was pure, sincere, and utterly devoid of guile.

And that’s exactly why I felt so undeserving.

With Sara’s soft-spoken but disarmingly powerful words lingering in the air, my two best friends looked at me with expressions of quiet sympathy.

Nishikawa: “……………”

And Nishikawa-san?

…He appeared to have mentally checked out long ago.