Lonely Me And The Lonely Caring Goddess - Chapter 231: A Confrontation in the Living Room.

A Confrontation in the Living Room.

I was led into the living room and shown to the sofa, where I now sat facing Hanako-san’s father. He wasn’t exactly glaring at me, but the look on his face—laden with uncertainty—made me feel extremely out of place.

Turning my eyes away slightly to avoid seeming rude, I let my gaze wander around the room… and noticed what looked like a small Buddhist altar. It was smaller than what I’d imagined such altars to be, but it definitely resembled one. What caught my attention, however, was the presence of several toys—clearly meant for a young child.

Hanako-san returned from the other room and, without hesitation, sat down gently to my left.

Watching her do that made me suddenly realize something: whenever I’m seated, Sara-san is always on my right, and Hanako-san invariably takes my left.

Hanako-san had sat beside me so naturally that her father seemed visibly surprised, his eyes widening.

I… I really wish we could just get this conversation started…

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting,”

Hanako-san’s mother returned, carrying a tray with tea and the sweets I’d brought as a gift.

I had handed them over before sitting down, making sure to say the customary “It’s just a little something”—a phrase I wasn’t used to saying and nearly tripped over.

Once everyone had their tea and her mother had settled next to her husband, it seemed it was finally time for introductions. I had been anxiously waiting for this moment, desperate to free myself from the pressure of Hanako-san’s father’s gaze.

“Allow me to properly introduce myself. I’m Hanasaki Tadao, Riko’s father. Thank you for looking after my daughter.”

His words were formal, but he offered a polite bow, which I returned in kind. I figured calling him “Hanasaki-san” would be safer than “Father.” Next, the woman beside him spoke up.

“I’m Kayo, her mother. Thank you for being such a good friend to Riko.”

Kayo-san also bowed, and I mirrored her gesture. I assumed it was my turn to speak next, but Hanako-san interjected before I could.

“Let me introduce him—this is Takanashi Kazunari. He’s the one I’m closest to.”

“Th-The one you’re… closest to…?”

“…Kazunari?”

Her words delighted me, yet they clearly invited misunderstanding. Still, Hanako-san didn’t seem to give that any thought. With great confidence and a cheerful expression, she introduced me. Tadao-san looked thoroughly shaken, while Kayo-san, unexpectedly, remained composed.

I should hurry and introduce myself before things get worse.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Takanashi Kazunari. Hanako-san and I—”

“‘Hanako-san’?”

Oops.

I used her nickname out of habit. In this context, I should have referred to her as Riko-san. I’ll probably slip up again at this rate…

“S-Sorry, I usually call Riko-san ‘Hanako-san’.”

“I told him he can use whichever name he prefers—Hanako-san or Riko.”

…Well, yes, she did say that, but this wasn’t the time to bring it up. As expected, Tadao-san began to glare at me.

“Riko… So, to you, he’s someone that important?”

“Important? …Yes. Takanashi-kun is someone very important to me.”

She had answered the same way when asked about me by classmates before. I’m sure she meant “best friend,” but I couldn’t help but think that her identity as an “older sister” factored into her answer as well.

Still, now wasn’t the time for calm analysis. This was a full-blown misunderstanding in the making—I had to fix it fast.

“A-Ah, if I could just explain—”

“Takanashi-kun, was it? I understand that Riko sees you as someone important, but don’t you think such things are best said by the man?”

“Riko, why would you call him just a ‘friend’? If you’re introducing your boyfriend, you should say so up front.”

As I feared, they had completely misunderstood.

And this time, it wasn’t something I could clear up alone.

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

Just as I was losing hope, Hanako-san finally voiced the words that would begin to clear the air. I wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip away.

“…Eh?”

“Riko, what are you saying? You just said he’s important to you.”

“He is. But I never said he was my boyfriend. It’s not that simple.”

It’s not that simple. I was sure now that this had to do with her role as an “older sister.” I wanted to hear more, but it might not be something she wanted her parents to know, so for now, clearing up the misunderstanding was priority.

“Um, Han… I mean, Riko-san and I aren’t dating. I consider her a close friend.”

“A close friend? Are you two really not dating?”

Tadao-san’s question wasn’t directed at me, but at Hanako-san. If she denied it now, this misunderstanding would finally be resolved.

“No, we’re not. Besides, Takanashi-kun already has a girlfriend—actually, a fiancée.”

“F-Fiancée!?”

With that, Hanako-san delivered the decisive blow that would dissolve the tension. Now we could finally talk in peace.

Judging from Tadao-san’s expression, he seemed to have accepted that we weren’t romantically involved. At long last, the oppressive pressure lifted. Thank goodness…

“You’re still in high school and already engaged? Well, it’s not really my place to comment, but that’s quite early…”

“Well, Takanashi-kun too, but the other person is… unusual. Actually, you know her, Dad.”

“I do? Who?”

“Takanashi-kun’s fiancée is Satsukawa Sara. You know her, don’t you?”

He knows Sara-san?

What kind of connection…? Oh, right. I’d heard that Hanako-san’s father works at Sanami Electronics. Then it wouldn’t be strange if he knew Masaomi-san.

“Satsukawa Sara… No, I don’t know anyone by that—wait, Satsukawa?”

“The Satsukawa at your company is the father of Takanashi-kun’s fiancée.”

“Satsukawa… No, that can’t be. I only know one…”

“Probably him. It’s a rare name—you don’t hear it often.”

“You… You’ve got to be kidding…”

“There’s no reason to lie.”

“D-Dad? What’s wrong?”

“C-Could it really be… Executive Satsukawa!?”

Tadao-san looked absolutely stunned. I guess he’d figured it out. I’ve experienced it too—‘Satsukawa’ is not a name you forget.

Given that he’s Sanami’s number two, it’s no surprise a company employee like Tadao-san would know him. But still, this reaction…

“Y-Yes. Executive Satsukawa is Sara-san’s father.”

“!!!!!!!!!!??????”

At this point, I started to wonder if I had some kind of time-freezing power like Sara-san—Tadao-san froze completely, a dramatic expression plastered on his face.

With her husband rendered speechless, Kayo-san turned to me instead.

“S-Sorry, Takanashi-san. About this Executive person’s daughter… is it really…?”

“Yes. Satsukawa Sara is… well, my fiancée.”

At that, Tadao-san finally stirred. He slowly turned toward me, his expression now entirely different—shock and nervousness had replaced suspicion. His lips quivered as he struggled to speak.

“I-I… I’ve heard that Executive Satsukawa has a daughter, but…”

“That’s Sara-san. She’s one year ahead of us at school, the next student council president—and Takanashi-kun’s fiancée. Dad, I’ll say it one more time: Takanashi-kun is the fiancé of Executive Satsukawa’s only daughter. He’s also planning to join Sanami in the future. You get what that means, right?”

Hanako-san emphasized my future at Sanami, for some reason. Technically, I’d just listed Sanami as my career choice—I hadn’t been hired yet. As per my promise with Masaomi-san, my first step was getting into university.

“T-Takanashi-san… I realize I was under a misunderstanding, but I must apologize for my earlier rudeness.”

For some reason, Tadao-san was now calling me with the respectful “-san” suffix. I didn’t mind the previous tone, but…

“No, as long as the misunderstanding’s cleared up, that’s all that matters. Once again, I’m Takanashi Kazunari. Thank you for having me. Riko-san has been an incredible help to me—I’m deeply grateful.”

“N-No, we’re the ones in your debt. Our daughter… she may be a handful, but please continue looking after her!”

And so, at long last, we returned to the initial round of introductions. I was far more exhausted than I’d expected. After such a formal reception, I honestly just wanted things to return to normal. It was all a misunderstanding—I didn’t take offense. I just wished they’d treat me as they did at the beginning.

“She’s not lacking in charm at all. Riko-san has a lovely smile and a truly kind heart—that’s what I believe.”

It wasn’t flattery or politeness—I meant every word. Of course, what Tadao-san said earlier likely came from a place of modesty, as parents often do.

“…Saying things like that so effortlessly… that’s unfair.”

“!?”

Hanako-san’s quiet reaction visibly startled both her parents. I wasn’t sure what exactly surprised them, but Hanako-san—her cheeks slightly flushed—looked endearingly embarrassed.

“A-Anyway, I asked Takanashi-kun here today because there’s something I want to talk about. Now that introductions are over, we’ll head back to my room. Takanashi-kun, come with me.”

With that, Hanako-san stood up from the sofa. As I followed suit, she reached out her hand toward me. I figured she wanted me to take it, so I gently grasped her small hand once more. She gave me a warm smile as she squeezed it in return.

“!?”

Her parents were once again left speechless.

Giving them a quick, respectful bow, I let myself be half-led, half-pulled out of the living room by Hanako-san.

As I followed Hanako-san into her room, the first thing that caught my attention was the towering bookshelf that reached all the way to the ceiling. It was a sliding shelf, filled front to back with books.

What struck me as a bit odd, however, was the sheer number of manga and light novels—and the complete absence of anime merchandise. It didn’t seem like she was just your typical anime fan.

But what drew my eyes the most… was the photograph on the desk.

A baby photo. Of course, it couldn’t be Hanako-san’s child. Which meant… it probably connected to the small Buddhist altar and the toys in the living room. I had a gut feeling. This was something delicate, and I decided not to bring it up myself.

Hanako-san sat down on the bed, silently watching me. Feeling a little curious, I walked over to the bookshelf to scan its contents.

…There were a lot of “big sister” themed titles. Could this have something to do with her “older sister” persona?

“Interested?”

“!?”

Before I knew it, Hanako-san was right beside me, peering at my face from up close—startling me a little.

“Interested?”

She repeated the question. It felt like she was giving me a signal: if I asked, she would tell me. I wasn’t sure if this tied into what I truly wanted to know, but if she was willing to talk, I definitely wanted to listen.

“Yeah… I’m curious.”

“I see. Then I’ll tell you. It’s connected to why I invited you here today, too.”

That clinched it—this was something I had to hear. I nodded.

Still holding my hand, Hanako-san led me back to the bed and sat down on it. Then, without a word, she gently patted her thigh and looked up at me.

…Was she offering me a lap pillow?

Refusing here might embarrass her. But I wasn’t sure if this kind of physical closeness fell within what Sara-san had approved…

As I debated silently, Hanako-san continued to gaze up at me without looking away.

…Right. I had already decided to accept Hanako-san for who she is today. I’ll just be honest with Sara-san about it afterward.

Resolving myself, I took off my jacket and draped it over the chair. Then I sat down at the edge of the bed and gradually shifted my body toward the center. As I lowered my head onto Hanako-san’s thigh, I was taken aback by how delicate she felt, and hesitated to put my weight on her.

But Hanako-san gently pressed my hovering head down with her hand, and I finally settled into her lap.

It was nothing like Sara-san, of course, but it was still soft, warm, and comforting.

She quietly ran her fingers through my hair. I don’t know how long we stayed like that.

“It’s my first time giving a lap pillow… but I think I understand now how it feels to be a wife.”

“You mean Sara-san?”

“This could get addictive. I’m jealous of your fiancée.”

Lying on my side, I couldn’t see Hanako-san’s face. But judging by her tone, I imagined she was smiling.

“Did you… see the photo?”

“!?”

I’d assumed the topic would shift back to the books, but it seemed Hanako-san wanted to talk about the photo instead.

It caught me off guard—but it was the thing I’d been most curious about.

And if she was willing to open up about it, I wanted to listen.

So, without speaking, I simply nodded and waited for her to continue.

***

— A Conversation Between Hanako-san’s Parents —

“Haaah… I’m still in shock. Not just that Riko brought a friend over—but that it was a boy, and then…”

“Hey, um… Dear? This Executive Satsukawa…”

“Ah, yes. The one from Sanami Headquarters. He’s the Executive Director—rumored to be the next CEO of the whole group.”

“Eeeeh!?”

“So yeah, that’s why I was shocked too! If Takanashi-kun is engaged to his only daughter, he’s bound to be the heir someday. That’s what Riko meant.”

“…I can’t even begin to imagine that.”

“He’s a figure far above us lowly employees. And yet… Riko’s gotten close to someone like that. From what I can tell, the boy seems honest and pleasant enough, but still…”

“Yes… I got the same impression.”

“Honestly, I have no idea how I should treat him. I don’t even know where to draw the line. But whatever happens, just make sure we don’t offend him in any way.”

“Y-Yes, of course.”

“…But still, Riko called him ‘someone important.’ Is it really just a friendship? What is she truly thinking…?”

“…Kazunari.”

“Something on your mind?”

“No, it’s nothing. Just a feeling… But… if this is just coincidence, it’s a strange one.”