Lonely Me And The Lonely Caring Goddess - Chapter 287: Relaxation Method.

Relaxation Method.

Afterward, our homeroom teacher returned and informed us that “everything is fine now.”

I’m not entirely sure what exactly made it “fine,” but in any case, it seemed the morning’s incident had been officially brought to a close.

To be honest, even if I had pressed the matter further back then, I could only have forced them to back down—I could never have made them truly understand. So in that sense, this outcome was… reasonably resolved. At least, that’s what I told myself.

But Sara-san had declared she would never forgive them.

And I felt exactly the same.

That is precisely why, if anything like this happens again… it will fall to me to act.

As a man.

As her fiancé.

I will protect Sara-san.

This one feeling—this single conviction—is absolute to me.

Something I will never compromise.

***

Lunch break.

We finished our meal in the flower garden as usual, and inevitably, the morning’s events came up again.

While giving a brief explanation to Hayato and Toudou-san—who were hearing it for the first time—I also brought Sara-san and the others up to speed on how things had concluded.

“If they say it’s fine now, that means they won’t be approaching Kazunari-san again, correct? Then there’s no problem. But if they dare repeat it… next time, I will crush them without hesitation.”

“Hey, Sara. I understand how you feel, but the way you’re putting it sounds pretty dangerous.”

“Any fools who would cause trouble for Kazunari-san—I cannot even tolerate their existence. That’s why I said I would crush them. That’s all.”

Even though she appeared calm on the surface, Sara-san’s anger clearly hadn’t dissipated yet.

I was happy she was angry for my sake, but honestly… I wished she would forget about those idiots as quickly as possible. I wanted Sara-san’s heart to be at peace.

“Sara-san…”

So I reached out and gently stroked her head, pouring all those feelings into the gesture.

Hoping it would soothe her.

Silently telling her that I was alright now.

“Fufu… that tickles♪”

A soft, happy smile bloomed on her face. She leaned in closer with obvious delight, eyes narrowing contentedly as she relaxed her entire body against mine.

Sara-san when she’s acting spoiled like this… is unbearably cute.

I want to keep petting her forever.

“…Fufu, Satsukawa-senpai is really cute, isn’t she?”

“…It’s kind of rare to see. But it just shows how much she trusts Kazunari.”

“…Well… if it fixes Sara’s mood, I guess it’s fine.”

“…Having Kazunari be the one to do it… yeah, that’s nice in its own way.”

“I’m truly glad you got angry for me. But more than anything… I want to see you smiling, Sara-san. For that, I would—”

I swallowed the rest—Please go back to being the usual Sara-san—and instead continued to stroke her hair gently, carefully, again and again.

“…Kazunari-san. May I make one selfish request?”

“Of course. Anything I can do.”

“Yes. Then… please let me hold you.”

“Eh? Uh… t-that’s all…? Mmph—”

We do this all the time, so I didn’t think she needed to ask, but before I could finish agreeing, Sara-san pulled me in and effortlessly enveloped me in her arms.

“Being petted by Kazunari-san is truly wonderful… but nothing soothes my heart the way holding you like this does. My mind settles. My body warms. It feels… perfect.”

I understood that feeling completely.

Because for me, being held in Sara-san’s arms was the one moment my heart truly found rest.

Enveloped in security, comfort, and every kind of happiness—this was literally my paradise.

“Sara-san…”

And if being held like this made her happy too, then there was no reason to hold back.

I wrapped my arms around her in return—just a little—and let myself melt into her embrace.

“Fufu… Kazunari-san, come here a little more?”

With a joyful laugh, she drew me even closer, tightening her hold.

I surrendered completely, letting my body fully relax against hers until I was practically cradled in her lap.

“…Haa… and they’re at it again. How do you two manage to be so clingy every single time… seriously.”

“The opening changes, but the ending’s always the same. They just needed another excuse to flirt.”

“But Satsukawa-senpai’s mood seems better now, so… isn’t that good enough?”

“Yeah. Seeing them this happy makes me feel happy too.”

Stroke… stroke…

“…Fwaa…”

“Fufu… sleepy?”

“Ah, no, not really… it just slipped out.”

It wasn’t sleepiness.

More like all the tension that had been wound so tight inside me finally unraveled, escaping in a soft, involuntary sigh of relief.

In short… this was just how deeply soothing it felt to be held by Sara-san.

“Hey, if that’s your couple’s relaxation method, fine—but what about moving forward?”

“Indeed… To be frank, it’s incredibly irritating to have rabble constantly meddling in our affairs. Perhaps I should simply borrow the broadcast room microphone during lunch and make a statement?”

“And say what?”

“The exact words I just said, obviously.”

“I get the sentiment, but you should really reconsider. Going that far would affect your position as student council president. To the people who’ve stayed out of it, it would come across as ‘Who do you think you are?’ and stir up backlash.”

What Hanako-san pointed out was exactly the risk I had considered from the start.

It might intimidate people who already liked Sara-san or idiots like the ones from this morning—but to everyone else? It could easily backfire.

We’re not celebrities. For one student to stand up and declare in front of the entire school,

“We’re dating, so stop interfering.”

…would almost certainly be seen as arrogant. Especially to people like that Takapi girl who already had a bad impression of Sara-san—it would be like handing them fuel for resentment.

That’s why I abandoned that plan and waited for a better moment.

One where people gathered naturally.

Not a forced declaration, but a spontaneous proposal right there in the moment—making our relationship clear while minimizing opposition.

That was the real goal for the Miss Contest.

“I understand. That possibility is very real. I don’t care how people view me personally… but I absolutely cannot overlook anything that might harm Kazunari-san.”

“Yeah. So until everyone knows about us, we’ll just have to handle things case by case—even if it’s a hassle. I’ll cover the blind spots the wife can’t reach.”

“Indeed… It’s frustrating, but Kazunari-san’s safety comes before everything. I’ll have to impose on you too, Hanako-san… really…”

…squeeze…

…stroke… stroke…

Perhaps to soothe the anger that had started to flare up again, Sara-san tightened her embrace before resuming her gentle petting.

I really wanted to tell her, “I’ll take care of it.”

But… just a little longer. Just a bit more patience.

“…Soon… just a little more…”

“…Sara-san?”

…chu…

I thought I heard her murmur something.

Then came the soft, warm sensation against my forehead.

Sara-san’s kiss.

But… why so suddenly?

“Fufu… it’s nothing. I simply felt a small surge of irritation toward the rabble who keep interfering…”

“Yeah. If being with me calms you, then please—use me however you like.”

“…Kazunari-san. Saying ‘use’ like that is no good, you know?”

This time she gave my forehead a light poke with her finger—more of a playful scolding than real anger.

I winced.

Yeah… my wording was definitely off.

“Sorry. I phrased it badly. What I meant was—if being close to me like this helps calm you down, then please do whatever you want.”

“Fufu… Thank you. Then, if you’ll allow me…?”

…chu…

Another kiss—right on the spot she’d poked.

The ticklish feeling made me shiver without thinking.

“Is something wrong?”

“Eh? No, just… it tickled a little.”

“Fufu… I see. Mm…”

…chu…

With a soft laugh, she kissed my forehead once more.

Still ticklish, but the happiness overwhelmed everything else.

“…Kazunari-san?”

“…Ah.”

Only when she called me did I realize how tightly I’d been clinging to her—far more than I’d intended.

Oops. I got carried away…

“S-sorry, I just—”

“Fufu… Kazunari-san is so cute…”

…chu…… chu……

“Nn…”

…chu…… chu……

Over and over, Sara-san showered my forehead with tender, affectionate kisses.

Each light peck was unbearably ticklish, making me tremble, but she only held me closer, as if to keep me right where she wanted me.

“…Hey!! They’re getting way too into it again!! Shouldn’t we stop them already!?”

“…Agreed. This isn’t even about calming down anymore. The wife’s just completely lost in how adorable her husband is.”

“…Y-yeah… Satsukawa-senpai’s love mode is on another level… How does Kazunari even handle that much…”

“Fuaa… S-Satsukawa-senpai… amazing… doing that to a guy…”

“Kazunari-san…”

“Sara-san…”

“…Oi!! Enough already, you idiots!! How long are you gonna keep going!?”

“Ah!?”

Natsumi-senpai’s irritated shout hit me point-blank, snapping me back to reality.

Wait… did we do it again?

Lately déjà vu is hitting way too often…

“Seriously… how long do you plan to keep flirting? Your moods have been calm for ages now, haven’t they?”

“Please don’t phrase it in such a vulgar way. This is simply my pure expression of love.”

Yeah… I understood that perfectly.

In fact, her words just now reconfirmed it beyond any doubt.

The way she said it so confidently, without hesitation—that was Sara-san’s true heart.

Everything she did was nothing more than her “pure expression of love.”

There was no ulterior motive… at least, not yet.

“Exactly, Natsumi-senpai. Please don’t say such misleading things.”

Which meant that everything she wanted from me was also pure.

My duty was to make sure it never went too far.

Someday she’ll realize.

But even then… I will always treasure Sara-san.

That vow is unshakable.

“…Got it, sorry sorry. I said something weird.”

Natsumi-senpai looked at my face and gave a complicated, wry smile.

Just so we’re clear—this isn’t me desperately holding back!!

***

“By the way… I noticed it this morning too, but what’s with that brooch on Sara’s bag?”

“I was curious too. I thought the wife had a strict policy against bringing non-school-related things to campus.”

Hanako-san was right—Sara-san almost never brought unnecessary items to school.

That’s probably why it stood out.

I’d actually thought no one had noticed since no one said anything earlier.

“It’s not exactly like that… but putting that aside—this brooch?”

Even though she clearly knew what we were asking, Sara-san still acted a little coy.

It was an unusually playful gesture, and honestly adorable—but it already gave away the answer.

“I see. A present from Takanashi-kun.”

“How did you know?”

“How could I not? You’d normally just say it straight out.”

“More like, you were grinning like crazy. Super obvious.”

“W-was I…?”

Sara-san hadn’t even realized how transparent she was being. When called out, she smiled shyly.

But seeing how happy it made her… made giving it to her worth everything.

“Ohhh… a brooch, huh… wait, hold on—the symmetry on the sides is a little… ah!”

“!? N-no way… Kazunari made it himself!?”

“Fufu… yes. This is a one-of-a-kind brooch made just for me—personally crafted by Kazunari-san.”

“Wow… after the rocket, now a handmade brooch. You really know how to hit Sara’s weak spots, Takanashi-kun.”

“No, when you phrase it like that it sounds like I’m deliberately targeting her vulnerabilities, so please stop.”

I just wanted to make her happy—purely, sincerely…

“Ahaha, sorry sorry. You’re just naturally good at hitting Sara’s weak spots. You’re not even trying.”

“Y-yeah… well…”

For some reason, even after the correction, I still couldn’t nod with full conviction.

Something about it still felt… slightly off.

“Kazunari’s handmade… Kazunari’s… Kazunari’s…”

Meanwhile, Hanako-san was muttering under her breath, looking completely stunned.

If she were just jealous, I’d understand, but… why does she look so shocked…?

“Wow… Takanashi-kun made it himself? It’s such a cute brooch!”

“Yeah, it is. But calling it ‘Sara-exclusive’ is kind of strange wording, isn’t it? It’s a present from Takanashi-kun, so obviously it’s Sara’s anyway.”

“Fufu… this is Kazunari-san’s way of showing off to me♪ Right, Kazunari-san?”

“Y-yeah. That’s right.”

As she proudly showed the brooch to everyone, Sara-san’s excitement was the same as yesterday.

Watching her like that filled me with warmth. Pure happiness.

“Showing off?”

“Showing off? Wait… maybe this part… Hey, Takanashi-kun, what stone is this?”

Toudou-san tilted her head cutely while gazing at the emerald.

I wasn’t sure about Natsumi-senpai, but Toudou-san definitely seemed like the type who knew stone lore inside and out.

“It’s an emerald.”

“Ah, right—your birthstone, Takanashi-kun.”

The moment she heard “emerald,” she immediately connected it to my birthstone.

As expected of Toudou-san.

A true maiden angel.

“Hmm… so it’s Takanashi-kun’s birthstone? The presentation is pretty bold, but still—‘Sara-exclusive’ means…”

“Um… could you maybe soften the phrasing just a little…”

“Eh… ahhh!? Wait, could it be—”

The moment Toudou-san realized something, her eyes widened.

Then she turned to me with a delighted smile.

The fact that she didn’t smirk was so very Toudou-san—so perfectly angelic.

If it were Natsumi-senpai, she definitely would have.

“What? I’m guessing there’s something about the stone’s meaning.”

“Y-yeah… well, emerald’s primary meanings are good fortune and successful love.”

“Really? But these two are way past ‘successful love’ already…”

“Exactly. But… it also carries the meaning of marital love!!”

“Marital!?”

“Ai!?”

…Yeah, Hanako-san and Natsumi-senpai really are close… but that’s not the point.

I was prepared for their surprise, but I was honestly a little scared of what kind of reaction would come after they learned the meaning.

Even objectively speaking, talking about “marriage” was way too soon.

Who knew what they’d say…

“Heh… I seeee… heh…”

Natsumi-senpai gave me a very obvious deadpan stare.

Ouch. I knew it was coming, but that gaze stings!!

“Sara… if you’ve got something to say, I’ll hear you out.”

Sara-san turned to Natsumi-senpai with a smile.

A smile that didn’t reach her eyes at all.

The playful tone from this morning was completely gone.

Her voice had dropped noticeably.

Natsumi-senpai seemed to notice and her face twitched violently.

Meanwhile, Hanako-san had pulled out her phone and was now frantically tapping away at it.

…What is she doing?

“…Siblings… stone meaning… relation…”

Wait, no way… right?

“O-okay, okay! My bad. I did think it was way too early, but when I consider your relationship, it’s honestly not strange at all.”

“Yeah, I agree. In other words, Takanashi-kun is seriously thinking about marrying Satsukawa-senpai in the future. So calling it ‘Satsukawa-senpai-exclusive’ makes perfect sense!!”

Thanks to Toudou-san’s follow-up (though she probably didn’t mean it as a save), Sara-san’s scary smile(?) finally returned to normal.

But now that they were this moved… I couldn’t exactly admit that the “marital love” part was something I only realized afterward…

“Thank you. So I accepted this as Kazunari-san’s way of showing off to me. I also received permission to explain its meaning whenever someone asks.”

Sara-san happily continued her explanation, her joy over the brooch radiating from every word.

Everyone else seemed to feel the same—Natsumi-senpai with a wry smile, Toudou-san with pure delight, Hayato with quiet surprise—all of them watching her fondly.

“Siblings… relation… no relation…”

And Hanako-san…

…Yeah.

Maybe I should give it to her sooner rather than later…