Lonely Me And The Lonely Caring Goddess - Chapter 283: Anniversary.

Anniversary.

After hearing the general explanation from the instructor, we decided to formally request the accessory-making class. The cost was quite affordable for simpler items, and as long as we didn’t choose anything too complicated, it wouldn’t take much time either.

I’d already spent a fair amount on the ring, so my budget was pretty tight… but since Sara-san managed our living expenses separately, it shouldn’t be a problem.

That settled it—I was going all out.

Of course there was one for Sara-san. And for Mayumi-san and Masaomi-san, who were always looking out for us. And for Hanako-san too—I wanted to give her something.

And then…

I knew. Deep down, I’d already noticed it myself. Ever since that incident, there’d been some lingering knot in my heart toward my parents.

So this wasn’t exactly an attempt to fix things, but…

I’d never given them a proper gift before. It wasn’t anything grand, but still. I wanted to hand them these and, with just a single sentence, let them know that I’d finally moved past the old me.

Now I had reliable friends by my side.

I had someone I loved more than anyone.

I had someone who loved me more than anyone.

For Sara-san—the most precious person in the world to me—I could become as strong as I needed to be.

Of course, I probably wouldn’t be able to say anything that dramatic.

But even just one line—“I’m okay now”—that alone, I wanted to tell them.

That’s what I decided.

***

“Then please feel free to choose whatever you like.”

The instructor brought out a cardboard box from the shelf and began lining up its contents on the table.

Inside were crafting kits with photos of finished products on the covers: classic beaded ones, artificial flower types, animal-shaped ones, even wooden furniture—or was it decorative objects? In any case, there were surprisingly many varieties.

With this much selection, it was only natural to hesitate, but apparently all the kits cost the same. We could pick whatever we wanted.

“For the artificial flower ones, they lean more toward corsages. If you’re thinking of everyday use, the beaded types are the standard. The animal ones are popular too.”

Corsage… I’d heard the word before, but I wasn’t entirely sure what made it different.

But if it wasn’t for daily wear, did that mean it was for parties or special occasions?

Hearing that only made the choice harder. If it was for special events, people would probably wear something more formal. Mayumi-san and the others almost certainly already owned things like that.

In that case, maybe I should focus on everyday pieces after all.

“This one… and this one…”

“Kazunari, you’re making that many?”

“That’s just like him. He’s probably including ones for Hanako-san and everyone else he feels indebted to.”

“Yes, that sounds exactly like Takanashi-san.”

“Is that… a compliment?”

“Of course it is. I quite like that side of you, Takanashi-san.”

“………”

When she said it so casually, without a hint of embarrassment, I honestly didn’t know how to respond. But… just a little…

“Kazunari, are you blushing?”

“Shut up!”

“Fufu… Sara might get jealous. But it’s true—I do find you very appealing. I think you’re a wonderful man.”

“No, I mean…”

Even as I fumbled for words, Nishikawa-san’s smile carried an effortless composure. It was immediately clear there was no ulterior motive. It didn’t feel like empty flattery either; she was simply praising me sincerely.

And that was exactly why I felt so embarrassed. Someone stop her!

“I think I understand a little now why Sara calls you cute. So that’s how it is.”

“Please, can we drop it already?”

“…That’s the part that tickles her heart, isn’t it?”

“Huh?”

“Fufu, it’s nothing. Shall I choose mine now?”

With a slightly mischievous smile, Nishikawa-san turned her attention to the kits on the table. What was with her today?

“…Kazunari really attracts a certain type, doesn’t he?”

“…Probably the kind that stirs maternal instincts.”

“…Yeah, looking at the people around him, that makes way too much sense.”

***

The kits I chose already contained beaded parts shaped like flowers and stars. You tied them onto the base of a brooch called a “shower stand,” then decorated the surrounding area with colorful beads.

There was no needlework involved, so it was relatively easy, but the fine detail work was still quietly time-consuming.

Still, after finishing two or three, I started getting the hang of it.

Naturally, I saved Sara-san’s—the most important one—and the semi-important ones for Mayumi-san and Hanako-san until last. I wanted to make theirs as nicely as possible, so I’d do them once I was more practiced.

Which meant… my very first test piece was for my old man (lol).

I did want to make something more elaborate for them, but physically, budget-wise, and time-wise, it just wasn’t possible.

Since I was making so many, I was predictably the slowest. The other three had already finished and were now waiting for me.

But rushing would only lead to mistakes, so I forced myself to stay calm… calm.

“Kazunari, you’re making ones for your uncle and aunt too, right?”

“Yeah, I am.”

“I see… Hey, Kazunari. When you give them these, you should really talk to them properly.”

“Yuuji?”

What’s this all of a sudden?

I stopped working and looked at him. Something seemed off.

He looked more serious than usual—frankly, pretty intense.

But I’d already planned to talk when I gave them the gifts. I’d thought about it earlier—I had things I wanted to say to both Dad and Mom.

Still, Yuuji’s tone felt like he was pushing for something deeper… which probably meant…

“Yeah. I was planning to talk to them anyway.”

“Good. Then forget I said anything. Sorry for butting in.”

“It wasn’t butting in. You were worried about me, right? Thanks.”

“…”

Yuuji knew more than anyone about what happened back then. He was probably telling me to bring it up—to talk about that.

It wouldn’t be strange if he’d noticed that I still hadn’t gone home because some resentment lingered deep inside. That’s why he was worried and spoke up.

Of course I was grateful for his concern. I’d never think it was unnecessary.

“…Jeez… Kazunari, you really…”

“…Yeah. I’m honestly jealous of Sara.”

It wasn’t just about thanks or telling him not to worry. Maybe I needed to talk more… and perhaps even apologize.

Maybe it was time I finally faced my parents properly.

***

“Alright, that’s the last one!”

The first piece I made was a little unbalanced because I wasn’t used to it yet.

But… well, it should be fine.

They were just beads, but the instructor had thrown in some extras, so they turned out more colorful than I’d expected… probably. Hopefully.

“Good work, Takanashi-san. You finished faster than I thought.”

“No, we’re way over time…”

“It’s fine. We didn’t have anything else scheduled today.”

“Yeah, watching you desperately working away was pretty entertaining.”

“Your expression kept changing—were you thinking about each person as you made theirs?”

“Uh…”

It was true: I’d wondered if they’d like them, imagined their reactions, and enjoyed it.

“Kazunari’s feelings always show on his face.”

“…Is it really that obvious?”

“Yeah. Though Satsukawa-senpai and Hanako-san seem to read you perfectly no matter what.”

“Sara only ever looks at Takanashi-san, after all. She probably notices even the tiniest changes we’d miss.”

“Now that you mention it, Hanako-san was watching Kazunari pretty closely too.”

“Yeah. You’re really loved, Kazunari.”

“………”

Why did everyone keep praising—or was it teasing?—me today? Was something wrong with me?

“Sigh… I wish someone that straightforward would appear for me too… Really. Why is it always me… always, always, always…”

“““………”””

I could see it—something dark and ominous swirling around Nishikawa-san…

Joking aside, she was muttering angrily at some invisible presence (or person)…

Something must have happened again.

Choosing not to pry was probably kindness in itself.

So I wouldn’t touch that topic—though I wasn’t exactly afraid of divine retribution.

***

With everything accomplished, we thanked the instructor once more and returned to the car.

Today had been full of valuable lessons, and unexpectedly gaining a new goal for the future was a welcome bonus.

Once inside the car, the conversation naturally turned to our now-late lunch.

Nishikawa-san offered:

“If you don’t have any ideas, I can still reserve the hotel restaurant?”

A suggestion that screamed “refined young lady.” We politely put it on hold.

Eating a full meal at this hour would ruin dinner, and a hotel restaurant was obviously out of budget.

That would inevitably lead to Nishikawa-san treating us again—and this time, I absolutely refused to let that happen.

“What do you want to do?”

“I’m fine with something light.”

“Same. Honestly, I wouldn’t even mind McD◯nalds.”

“Dude, Nishikawa-san’s here…”

“Oh, that sounds perfect. Shall we go there if everyone’s okay with it?”

“““ Eh!? ”””

Wait—Nishikawa-san at McD◯nalds!?

Not that there was anything wrong with it, of course.

It just… didn’t match her image at all. The mismatch was overwhelming.

“Um… I feel like there’s some misunderstanding. I’m just a normal high school girl, you know?”

“Y-Yeah, that’s true…”

“Now that you say it… but still.”

Yuuji and Hayato’s feelings were completely understandable. Especially after seeing her in action today, imagining Nishikawa-san munching fries and a burger felt impossible.

The only image I had of her eating was gracefully wielding fork and knife in a high-class restaurant…

“W-Well, if Nishikawa-san’s fine with it, I’ve got no problem.”

“Y-Yeah. I’m good too.”

“Me too. Actually, it’s been ages since I had McD◯nalds.”

“My, Takanashi-san, isn’t that rather rare for a high school boy?”

“Well… Sara-san…”

“““ Ah… ”””

Just mentioning her name earned instant, total understanding.

But they were probably misunderstanding.

They likely thought she’d get angry or scold me.

For Sara-san’s honor, let me be clear: she would never get mad over something like that.

She might give me a gentle “nooo” at most…

“Just to clarify, Sara-san never told me I couldn’t.”

“Oh, really?”

“I totally thought you were scared of getting scolded.”

“Same. Then why?”

“If I go home and Sara-san makes me the best meal imaginable, why would I choose fast food?”

“““………”””

We rarely ate out to begin with.

Even on dates, unless there was a special reason (“let’s eat out for a change”), Sara-san would pack bentos. On nice days, we’d find a spot with a good view and eat together.

“I see… So it was just bragging.”

“Yes, yes, we’ve heard enough.”

“Well… that’s very you.”

“W-What’s that supposed to mean?”

I only told the truth, yet they reacted like I’d killed the mood…

They could say that only because they’d never tasted Sara-san’s cooking. Anyone who ate it every day would feel the same—no need for restaurants.

“…Well, Sara’s cooking really is exceptional.”

“So it’s true? Kazunari keeps raving about how amazing it is.”

“I see it during lunch breaks pretty often, and it’s all handmade—no frozen stuff. That’s seriously impressive. I’ve never tried it, though.”

“If you eat lunch together, why not ask Kazunari for a bite?”

“You think any guy could say that in front of Satsukawa-senpai?”

“““………”””

Hayato’s remark turned every gaze on me again.

True, even Yuuji or Hayato probably couldn’t ask easily. But if Sara-san made enough for everyone from the start, I think she’d be fine with sharing.

The usual bentos were made just for me, so both she and I would say no.

I kept that thought to myself—otherwise they’d call it bragging again.

***

“Nishikawa-san, thank you so much for today.”

“Not at all. Being part of such an important day for two of my dearest friends made me happy too.”

“Ahaha… W-Well, yeah, I definitely consider today a special day myself.”

Today was the anniversary of buying the first ring I’d ever give Sara-san. More than that—it was the day I bought the ring for my proper proposal. A day I’d remember for the rest of my life.

“I’m looking forward to your gallant figure on the day of the Miss Contest.”

“Yes. Leave it to me.”

“Fufu… Sara will probably be so happy she cries. I’m jealous.”

“Well… um…”

Remembering the day I gave her the locket, it wouldn’t be strange if she did.

But if those were tears of joy, tears of happiness—then even Sara-san’s tears would be a precious treasure to me.

“…Yuuji, when are you giving yours?”

“…I’ve been thinking about it. More importantly, what about you?”

“…I’m going to make my move soon too. Toudou-san doesn’t seem like the type to notice unless I’m direct.”

“…Is that so?”

“…Right now, I’m probably just a close male friend. And if it’s purely friendship, I’m definitely losing to Kazunari.”

“…Got it. Good luck—cliché as that sounds.”

“…Yeah. I’ll at least try to make her conscious of me by the autumn festival.”

“Did something happen with the autumn festival?”

““ !? ””

Yuuji and Hayato had been whispering about something—I only caught “autumn festival.”

Probably the one at the shrine near school the week after the school festival?

Maybe Yuuji was coming… perhaps he already promised Natsumi-senpai?

…It seemed likely.

“No, it’s the shrine near school…”

“Ah, yes, it’s that time of year. That festival has all sorts of stories. They’re good memories now, but…”

“Really?”

“Yes. It’s a big festival, so people come not just from our school but from all the surrounding ones. When Sara, Natsumi, and I went together… the boys were relentless. Sara got genuinely angry, and Natsumi slipped and kicked—n-no, never mind. It got annoying, so the executive commit—n-no, forget I said anything.”

“““………”””

She almost said “executive committee.” And that Natsumi-senpai kicked someone…

I’d half-jokingly imagined something like that when I heard about the festival before, but they actually cleared obstacles behind the scenes?

Rich people…

Still, if it helped Sara-san, I could only be sincerely grateful.

“Um… thank you?”

“Eh? Why is that?”

“Well… because it sounds like you saved Sara-san…”

“…Fufu, you really never waver, Takanashi-san. That part of you suits Sara perfectly.”

“I-Is that so?”

Nishikawa-san gazed at me warmly. I supposed that was a compliment?

Being told we suited each other made me honestly happy.

“The festival sounds fun this year. Since everyone will be together for the school festival, it’d be nice to go to the autumn one too…”

“That’s a great idea. Actually, I was planning to bring it up with everyone at the school festival. And the trip too.”

“Yes, I definitely want to go on the trip.”

“Count me in. Sounds fun.”

“Same here. It’ll be way better than the school trip.”

Good… I’d worried the trip idea had been a spur-of-the-moment thing that fizzled out.

But everyone still remembered.

We’d need to start planning seriously… I was looking forward to it.

“Then let’s discuss everything at the school festival.”

“Yes, I’m really excited.”

“Got it!”

“The fun just keeps piling up. Though we’ll probably have to schedule around club activities.”

Natsumi-senpai would be the same.

Hopefully we could find a time that worked for everyone… but that could wait until the school festival.

“Then I’ll say goodbye for today.”

“Yes, thank you so much for everything!”

“My pleasure. We’ll see each other again on pickup day. I’ll be in touch.”

With a polite bow, Nishikawa-san returned to her car.

Today really had been nothing but gratitude toward Nishikawa-san.

“Well, I’m heading home too. See you at the school festival.”

Yuuji waved and disappeared into the crowd heading toward the station.

In the end, only Hayato and I remained.

“Shall we go too?”

“Yeah. Your wife’s probably waiting, right?”

“Come on…”

“But it’s true, isn’t it?”

“Well… yeah.”

Being called “wife” instead of “girlfriend” felt a little strange.

But… it was true, after all.

Anyway, I’d successfully obtained the ring. And made gifts for everyone I owed thanks to.

I’d actually made one for Nishikawa-san too… but of course, the very first person I’d give one to was Sara-san.

So hers would wait for the next opportunity.

Now—time to head home to the house where Sara-san was waiting.

I hope she likes the brooch…