Lonely Me And The Lonely Caring Goddess - Chapter 235: Let’s Go Furniture Shopping.

Let’s Go Furniture Shopping.

Sunday.

Today, I came shopping with Sara-san and Natsumi-senpai at a large store that specializes in furniture. Since I had started living with Sara-san, we decided to pick up a few items we felt were missing around the house.

The store was a bit far, so we had to take the train. But according to Sara-san—who had made an adorably persuasive case—it was well worth the trip. The place had a great selection, stylish Western furniture, and reasonable prices. That was more than enough to convince me.

So, why did we suddenly decide to go furniture shopping?
It all began this morning, when I got a phone call from Mayumi-san asking us to come over to Sara-san’s family home.

“Here, Kazunari-kun. I’d like you to take this.”

With that, Mayumi-san handed me a plain brown envelope.

I took it, but I hesitated to check its contents. Noticing my hesitation, Mayumi-san added:

“Use that money to either replace or add to your furniture.”

Money?

I opened the envelope, and even a quick glance told me there were easily over ten bills inside. There was no way I could accept that kind of money. I tried to hand the envelope back to Mayumi-san—after all, I could manage the furniture expenses on my own. I still had some money left from my part-time job, and thanks to Sara-san’s support, we’d been able to save a decent amount for living expenses.

“Mayumi-san, I really can’t—”

But Mayumi-san didn’t budge.

“No, you must accept it. Sara-chan, if there’s anything left over, put it toward your living costs.”

“Understood. Kazunari-san, please accept it.”

With Sara-san already on board, I no longer had any room to refuse. I still felt guilty, but in the end, I decided to respectfully accept their generosity.

“…Thank you very much. I really appreciate it.”

After expressing my gratitude, I handed the envelope to Sara-san for safekeeping. She placed it carefully in her bag and gave her thanks to Mayumi-san as well.

“Feel free to use all of it. And if there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to call your mother-in-law, alright?”

Smiling warmly, Mayumi-san slowly began inching toward me. Naturally, Sara-san noticed and quickly stepped in front of me to block her path.

“Honestly, Sara-chan, don’t get in the way of some affectionate bonding between a mother-in-law and her adorable son-in-law.”

“There’s no need for that kind of bonding. Physical affection with Kazunari-san is my exclusive privilege.”

Of course, Mayumi-san was just teasing us. And because it was her, Sara-san responded in a tone more playful than usual. Watching them exchange words like that brought a smile to my face.

“Well then, looks like we’ll need to settle this with a match someday. If I win, I get to dote on Kazunari-kun all I want.”

“Save your dreams for when you’re asleep. There’s no match to be had—Kazunari-san is mine to be close with, and that’s final.”

…They’re just joking, right? They’re not actually serious… right?

And so, that encounter ended with us accepting Mayumi-san’s kind offer and deciding to get new furniture—primarily a wardrobe and vanity for Sara-san, along with some new tableware.

Sara-san had insisted she didn’t need a vanity, but I was already set on getting one once we reached the store. It’s something every woman deserves, and I could tell she was simply holding back. If I pushed for it, she’d eventually give in.

On the other hand, the item Sara-san had strongly requested… was a futon. Not because the one we had was lacking—Sara-san isn’t the type to complain about such things.

So then why the futon?

Her answer was:

“Let’s take this opportunity to get a double-sized futon. It’s going to get colder, and I want to make sure Kazunari-san doesn’t catch a cold. Bigger is better.”

Given that, if our budget allows, I’m considering buying a double bed altogether. I don’t mind sleeping on the floor, but I’d prefer that Sara-san sleeps comfortably in a proper bed—if we can afford it.

With that as our goal for the day, we happened to get a call from Natsumi-senpai, who then joined us.

She had initially hesitated, but I encouraged her to come along. Since Sara-san is always with me, I thought it’d be good for her to spend time with a close friend of the same gender now and then.

“Sorry for dropping in like this. I’ve always wanted to visit this store. Don’t worry, I won’t get in your way. Once we get there, you can just leave me to wander.”

Of course, that wasn’t happening. Since we decided to come as a group, we were going to enjoy the day together. I was sure Sara-san felt the same.

Which brings us to the present—

I was completely overwhelmed by the store’s sheer size. If we just wandered around aimlessly, the day would be gone before we knew it. The store even had a stylish café inside. Naturally, Natsumi-senpai—an avid café-hopper—was already excited to visit it.

“Looks like they’ve renovated. There wasn’t a café here before…”

“We are stopping by later, okay?”

“Yes, yes. Natsumi, you really do love cafés, don’t you?”

“They’re my life’s work!”

“That’s quite the grand life’s work.”

“Hey! You’ve got no room to talk. Your life’s… never mind. It’s just Takanashi-kun.”

“Fufu… Kazunari-san is everything to me.”

“Yeah, yeah. Of course he is.”

Hearing their conversation, I could tell Sara-san was a lot more relaxed around her best friend—probably in a way that’s different from when she’s with me.
Inviting Natsumi-senpai was definitely the right call.

“Alright, let’s split up for now. I’ll browse on my own. You two take your time.”

“You don’t have to go off on your own. We’re totally fine together.”

“Well… I just don’t want to watch you two picking out a futon you’re going to share.”

…That must’ve been a joke, but her guess hit far too close to home. I was left speechless. Sara-san, however, tilted her head in confusion.

“Oh my, how did you know?”

“Eh—w-wait, that was a joke! You’re really buying one?”

“Yes. Even though we cuddle, a regular futon is still too small. And it’s getting colder, so I don’t want Kazunari-san catching a cold…”

Natsumi-senpai listened with a visibly drained expression. She seemed to be looking more at me than Sara-san, as if silently accusing me of something.

“After hearing that, I’m definitely going off on my own. I don’t want to be anywhere near while you’re picking it out.”

Can’t say I blame her. I’ve made more than enough questionable choices to deserve that.

“W-well then, I’ll be somewhere in the store… Call me if you need anything…”

She turned to leave, almost like she was fleeing the scene.
But just as she began walking—without checking her surroundings—someone stepped out from behind a shelf at the worst possible moment.

Sara-san and I noticed it at the same time, but before we could call out—too late. Natsumi-senpai collided straight into the other person, and both of them staggered backward.

“Ah—s-sorry! Are you okay—”

“I-I wasn’t looking—sorry!”

They both blurted out apologies in a panic, but as soon as their eyes met, they froze.

Sara-san and I, watching from nearby, froze as well.

Because the person Natsumi-senpai had run into was—

“Tachibana-kun!?”

“Natsumi-san!?”

To our complete surprise, it was Yuuji.
None of us had expected to run into him here of all places.

“Yuuji? What are you doing here?”

“Kazunari!? N-no, I was just dragged along to accompany someone… What about you guys?”

“We’re here to look at furniture, of course. You said you were accompanying someone—are you alone now?”

“Yeah, we got separated…”

As he spoke, Yuuji glanced around restlessly, clearly trying to spot the person he came with. Given how massive this store is, it wouldn’t be surprising if they got split up.

“Why don’t you try giving them a call, Tachibana-kun?”

“I did—several times, but they’re not picking up…”

“Ahhh!! There you are!! Finally!!”

Startled by the sudden loud voice, we all turned in the direction it came from—and saw a girl running toward us.

With a distinctive hairstyle—what looked like a bun perched on top of her head—and legs energetically darting beneath a sporty miniskirt, she hurried over at a half-jog.

She… looked younger than us. Probably still in high school?

“Geez, Yuu-kun, you just left me behind!”

“You’re the one who disappeared without a word!! I called you how many times!? Do you know how long I was looking for you!?”

“Yuu-kun,” huh? That’s a pretty affectionate nickname.

And Yuuji, in turn, was speaking more casually than usual with a girl. Even without guessing—it was obvious they were close.

“…Wait a minute, don’t tell me you were flirting with someone while I was gone!? Even though I’m right here!?”

“My, my… you two seem very close, don’t you, Tachibana-kun?”

As if snapping out of a daze, Natsumi-senpai finally raised her head… and turned to Yuuji with a radiant smile. The kind of smile that doesn’t reach the eyes—the kind that makes you suddenly appreciate the phrase “smiling coldly.”

“Wha—!? N-no, this girl is—”

“That’s right! He gets mad easily, but Yuu-kun is really kind deep down, and I totally love him for it! …Oh! Wait, are you two his friends?”

Seeing Natsumi-senpai visibly annoyed, I decided to step in and respond. Strangely enough, Sara-san also looked… displeased? Why, though?

“Uh, nice to meet you. I’m Takanashi Kazunari. Yuuji and I are…”

“Ah! I know you! You’re Takanashi-kun, right? Yuu-kun’s best friend!”

So she’d heard about me from Yuuji. Best friend, huh? It made me honestly happy to know Yuuji introduced me that way.

“Y-yeah… and Yuuji’s my best friend—my closest friend.”

“That’s great! Good for you, Yuu-kun!”

“Y-yeah, I guess so.”

Even though we both think that way, hearing it said aloud like this was embarrassingly heartwarming.
Still… this isn’t the time to be basking in the mood. I needed to know—who is this girl?

“By the way… uh—”

Before I could even finish asking, she let out a little “Ah!” as if remembering something, and clapped her open left palm with her right. A surprisingly animated gesture. She was… amusing, honestly.

“Oh right! Sorry, I’m Kishiyama Asami!”

“Kishiyama-san, got it. Um… you seem really close with Yuuji…”

“Yuu-kun and I are super in love! 💖”

“In love, huh… in love, is it…”

Meanwhile, Natsumi-senpai was inching toward Yuuji with a menacing aura radiating off her.
Yuuji noticed her mood immediately and started to flinch.

“H-hey! Don’t say weird stuff like that! I mean, you’re not even—!”

“Whaaat!? That’s so mean!! Even my mom said she was happy for us!”

Hold on a second—
I always thought Yuuji had feelings for Natsumi-senpai.
But now… was I wrong?

Looking at them now, they did seem unusually close…

“Um, by the way, who’s the older lady?”

Asking her that, now of all times? Kishiyama-san was either fearless… or completely oblivious. Possibly both.

“Oh, don’t worry about me,” Natsumi-senpai replied, her voice razor-sharp in its sweetness. “I won’t be around much longer anyway. Takanashi-kun, if anything comes up, just call me.”

“Y-yeah. Got it.”

After saying that, she turned to Yuuji with the most artificial smile I had ever seen and stepped in closer.

“Wishing you and Kishiyama-san a wonderful future together, okay?”

“Wha—!? Wai—!”

And with that, she turned on her heel and briskly walked away, leaving a flustered Yuuji behind in stunned silence…