Lonely Me And The Lonely Caring Goddess - Chapter 253: Mayumi-san and Mom.

Mayumi-san and Mom.

As the others began a lively discussion—something like a strategy meeting—Sara-san and I, who were supposed to be the main subjects of said discussion, were somehow left out entirely.

Because of that, I couldn’t help but feel somewhat awkward—restless, even. There was this weird sense of being out of place, unsure of what to do with my hands or myself.

Knock, knock.

The gentle sound of someone tapping on the student council room door slipped neatly between the waves of conversation, echoing faintly through the air. Since visitors here were a rarity, even a simple knock felt unusual. Whether that was the reason or something else entirely, everyone who had been deep in discussion suddenly stiffened, a strange tension rising in the room.

The gazes that had gathered toward the door then shifted to Sara-san—likely to confirm whether or not we were expecting anyone. When she shook her head, the answer was clear: there were no scheduled visitors. Which meant whoever it was… was unexpected. The atmosphere grew tenser still.

Could it be… something about that issue already?

Even I couldn’t help but feel wary. But that didn’t mean we could just ignore the person waiting outside. It could even be someone here for me. So, I decided I’d handle it myself—until Uesaka-san raised a hand to stop me.

Apparently, she intended to take care of it herself.

“Alright, may I ask who’s there?”

“Ah, it’s Satsukawa~! I’m here to pick up Kazunari-kun and Sara-chan~.”

The soothing, almost honey-like voice that flowed through the door washed away all the tension that had filled the room. It was Mayumi-san’s voice. She was supposed to call us after the social gathering, but it seemed she had come directly instead. Come to think of it, Mayumi-san was an alumna of this school—of course she’d know where the student council room was.

Click.

When Uesaka-san opened the door, Mayumi-san entered with a cheerful smile, glancing around the room curiously as if checking whether anything had changed.

“Mother, I told you to call first, didn’t I?”

“My, how nostalgic… Ah, this is still here, I see.”

Ignoring her daughter’s gentle scolding, Mayumi-san simply murmured to herself, her tone rich with fond memories. If the room was still in the same place as back in her time, it wouldn’t be strange if much of it remained unchanged. The furnishings did look rather well-worn, after all.

“Uh…”

“Wait, is that Satsukawa-san’s mother?”

“No way—that’s her sister, right!?”

“Whoa, seriously… she’s stunning…”

“Excuse me~.”

!?

Following Mayumi-san’s relaxed greeting, another familiar voice came from behind her—my own mother. Apparently, the two had met up beforehand and decided to come here together.

“So this is the student council room, huh? Pretty interesting~.”

Just like Mayumi-san, my mom looked around curiously, though her curiosity felt more like simple amusement than nostalgia. And, as one might expect, the sudden appearance of two mothers had thrown everyone completely off balance.

“Mom, couldn’t you at least call first?”

“Well~ I met up with Mayumi-san, and we figured we’d just drop by together! Oh, and by the way, I’m here to pick up Sara-chan, not you.”

“Yeah, sure you are.”

“Um… Mother-in-law, I’m very grateful, but perhaps you could consider Kazunari-san’s situation as well…”

At this point, I was too tired to keep up with my mom’s teasing remarks. But unlike me, kindhearted Sara-san couldn’t help but defend me—even to my mother.

“I’m here to pick up Kazunari-kun, actually. So that works out perfectly, doesn’t it?”

Before I could even figure out what exactly was “perfect,” Mayumi-san turned to me with a gentle smile and extended her hand. I wasn’t prepared, and before I knew it—

—I was wrapped in her arms.

But almost immediately, I was yanked free—straight into Sara-san’s embrace, which, in all honesty, felt like heaven itself.

“Honestly! You go too far every time!”

“My, my, Sara-chan, you’re so possessive. This is just a bit of motherly affection between me and my adorable son-in-law.”

“Then please do that with Father, not with Kazunari-san!”

Usually so composed and mature, Sara-san couldn’t help but sound adorably flustered whenever it came to Mayumi-san. She was always earnest with family, but when I was involved, she became twice as intense. And Mayumi-san, clearly knowing this, seemed to be enjoying every bit of Sara-san’s reactions.

“Wait, is Satsukawa-san’s mom seriously that young?”

“Are they… fighting over Takanashi-kun!?”

“You’ve gotta be kidding me… I’m so jealous…”

“Life is unfair…”

“Wow, Satsukawa-senpai’s mom looks just like her older sister!”

Even Toudou-san, usually composed, bounded over with shining eyes. She’d mentioned wanting to meet Sara-san’s mother before, so this was probably her chance.

“Fufufu~ thank you, dear.”

“A-ah, my apologies! I’m Toudou Marina. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for Satsukawa-senpai!”

Realizing she hadn’t introduced herself yet, Toudou-san bowed repeatedly before turning to my mother as well, greeting her with equal politeness. Classic Toudou—earnest as ever.

“So, how long are you planning to stay like that? In front of everyone, no less. You’re embarrassing Sara-chan.”

“Ah—”

Only then did I realize I was still nestled against Sara-san’s chest. My mother gave me a look that clearly said, What are you doing, seriously? It had been a while since I’d seen that expression.

“Mother-in-law, I’m not embarrassed at all. In fact, if Kazunari-san wishes it, I’m more than happy to stay like this…”

Her voice was calm, but her words carried boldness. Even my mother was momentarily stunned, glancing around to confirm she wasn’t the only one shocked. When she saw no one else reacting much, she let out a weary sigh.

“When did you… turn into that kind of person?”

Whatever “that kind” meant, I could guess—it probably referred to how openly affectionate I’d become. To be honest, I never imagined I’d end up like this. When I first met Sara-san, I was too caught up in my own mess to even think about leaning on someone. Looking back, I hardly recognize the person I’ve become.

“Probably… because my wife spoils me too much.”

Hanako-san’s sharp (and accurate) comment drew unanimous nods from everyone. And she wasn’t wrong. Sara-san’s warmth had changed me before I even realized it—and I had no regrets whatsoever.

“Fufu… I don’t mind. If Kazunari-san wants to depend on me, then I couldn’t be happier.”

Gyuu.

Sara-san’s arms tightened around me, her expression radiant. And honestly, at this point, I didn’t care about the stares. If she was happy, then that was enough.

“Kazunari-san, do you dislike it when I hold you like this?”

“Not at all. I love it.”

“Then that settles it. We’re perfectly fine just the way we are.”

“………………”

A heavy silence hung in the air, followed by the collective sighs of everyone around us. Still, Sara-san refused to let go. Out of the corner of my ear, I caught my mother murmuring something to Uesaka-san.

“It’s always like this,” Uesaka said quietly.

***

Once we finally left the student council room, we moved to a café near the school, just as planned. Inside, there were other groups—families from the parent–teacher visit, friends chatting over drinks, and a few curious glances our way.

“Hey, isn’t that Satsukawa-san?”

“Huh? Wait, is that…?”

“They’re the president and vice-president, right?”

“Then… those must be their parents?”

We found a four-person table, and for some reason, Mayumi-san sat right beside me without hesitation. Sara-san, being considerate, took the opposite seat, assuming her mother would sit next to her.

“Oh? Then I’ll sit next to Sara-chan,” Mayumi-san said cheerfully.

And, as if in agreement, my mom plopped herself down beside Sara-san as well. Which meant—once again—Sara-san and I were the only ones caught awkwardly in the middle of this confusing arrangement.

“Well then, shall we begin with introductions?”

“Of course. Though I suppose it’ll mostly be between the two of us,” my mom said with a wry smile.

After ordering, Mayumi-san turned serious, her tone soft yet formal.

“Allow me to reintroduce myself—Satsukawa Mayumi. Thank you so much for taking care of my daughter, Sara.”

“I’m Takanashi Fuyumi. Thank you so much for taking care of my son. Really, you’ve taken care of him too much—it’s almost embarrassing.”

The way my mom emphasized that last part made me wince. I knew exactly what she meant. I’d been relying on the Satsukawa family far too often.

“Oh no~ It’s Kazunari-kun who’s always taking care of Sara-cha—”

“I’m sorry, Mayumi-san, but I can’t let that slide. If anyone’s being looked after, it’s me, not her.”

I knew it was just polite phrasing, but I couldn’t help blurting out the truth. There was no way I could let it stand that Sara was the one being cared for.

“That’s not true, Kazunari-kun,” Mayumi-san said gently. “Even if Sara is the one doing the little things, it only works because you accept it. Relationships are built by two people. A home exists because both sides make space for each other. Neither of you is being ‘taken care of’—you’re both caring for each other.”

“She’s right,” Sara-san added, her smile warm. “It’s my joy to look after Kazunari-san, but that’s also my selfish wish. And Kazunari-san accepted all of me—including that part. So I’m the one who’s grateful.”

Their words left me quiet for a moment. The idea that we were supporting each other, not one-sidedly dependent—it wasn’t something I could deny.

“…I see. Thank you,” I said simply.

“Fufu, such a good boy. You’re so serious and—”

Before her hand could reach my head, she froze midair—stopped by the pressure emanating from Sara-san.

“Mother… I won’t allow that.”

“W-wait, you don’t need to get so worked up…”

Unable to physically block her mother’s hand, Sara-san had resorted to sheer willpower. And judging by Mayumi-san’s nervous chuckle, it was highly effective.

“Haha, you two really are close, aren’t you? I can see where Sara-chan gets her personality,” my mom said, breaking the tension with a laugh.

Whether intentional or not, her timing diffused the moment perfectly.

“But honestly,” my mom continued, “I’ve never met such a flawless girl. Sara-chan really is something special.”

“Oh, Fuyumi-san, that’s my line! Kazunari-kun is a wonderful young man—serious, kind, and steadfast where it matters. When Sara told me she wanted to make lunch for a boy, I was so surprised. But after meeting him, I understood completely.”

***

Clatter! Clatter!

Somewhere behind us, glasses fell with a loud crash—apparently from a group of students from our school. The staff rushed over in a panic.

Meanwhile, Mayumi-san and my mom continued their friendly duel of compliments as if nothing had happened.

And as they praised us endlessly, Sara-san and I could do nothing but sit there, red-faced and squirming in embarrassment.

Still… seeing both our mothers smile so warmly—
somehow, that made it all worth it.