Chapter 31 – Sara and Natsumi

TL: Cheetah

ED: Ryuubii

Now that Takanashi-san and Natsumi have become friends, the three of us commute to school together every morning and eat lunch together…

Right now, I’m very happy.

Up until now, I have never been able to enjoy school, even to say the least.

Of course there were events like the athletic and school festival, but I preferred to keep my involvement to the bare minimum, and was absorbed in prioritizing my work as an officer and in the student council.

Ironically, this led to a positive evaluation of me, but of course I did not enjoy it.

If it weren’t for Natsumi, going to school would have been nothing more than a hassle.

Now that I know Takanashi-san, met him, and became friends with him, I enjoyed going to school and spending time with Natsumi and Takanashi-san; the three of us together.

If the person I was before were to see me now, she would think I am a different person.

Thinking about it, everything was related to Takanashi-san.

Takanashi-san was a person who meant that much to me.

Now that we’re friends, I should be happy but…

For some reason, I get upset over the smallest things…

Natsumi is my best friend and I consider her to be irreplaceable.

When Natsumi said she would make me a lunch box, I was very happy and excited.

However…Takanashi-san’s lunch is off-limits.

I’m the one who will make Takanashi-san’s lunch.

Grandmother also asked me to return the gratitude… However, when Natsumi said she would make Takanashi-san’s lunch box too, I never thought to that extent.

I just… I thought that I was the one who should make Takanashi-san’s lunch and that’s all I could think about.

Natsumi had no ill intentions, she just said it out of kindness and gentleness.

On the other hand, what am I acting like that for…?

And the same goes for the name calling. Why did I think about such a childish thing?

I need to apologize to Natsumi.

However when it comes to Takanashi-san, I don’t understand myself…

——————————————

Mmm, she’s thinking about something again, isn’t she?

Ever since lunch break ended, Sara’s been putting on a difficult expression.

Probably because of our conversation during lunch, so I guess it’s about “making lunch boxes”.

When I told her I was going to make Takanashi-kun’s lunch, she was quite concerned.

Like the name-calling thing, it was obvious that Sara had some feelings for Takanashi-kun, one that made her not willing to give him up to anyone else.

That’s probably what it is – jealousy.

The other thing is… to what extent is Sara aware of her feelings?

Maybe I need to check here, to know where the story will go.

——————————————

After school, Sara called out to me.

“Natsumi, may I have a word with you?”

“Hm? Okay.”

“Sorry about what happened during lunch break…”

Sara told me.

Just in time, we should have a little in-depth talk.

“Let’s change places. I also have some questions I want to ask you.”

“Well, I’m going to the student council room later, so how about somewhere near there?”

“I’m fine with that.”

I checked her expression as we walked, and as I guessed, she was somewhat troubled.

When we arrived at a place that was a little less crowded, Sara started to talk.

“First of all, regarding lunch break, I was rude to you about Takanashi-san’s lunch box. I apologize…”

“Yes, I knew you were going to say that. Ah, just to be clear, I really don’t mind it. So you have nothing to worry about, I’m fine.”

“Thank you very much.”

Well, let’s find out just how much feelings she has towards him for the time being.

“Regarding the lunch boxes… you thought it was your role to make Takanashi-kun’s bento, didn’t you?”

“Yes… that’s right… but I just don’t know why I ended up being that way…”

“I see. For example, if Takanashi-kun gets injured or catches a cold, and someone else has to take care of him…”

“I’ll take care of everything, so don’t worry.”

Apparently, she’s obsessed with Takanashi-kun.

“If Takanashi-kun were to go out with another girl, would you go along with him?”

“…If it’s for some errands, I’d like to help him, but if Takanashi-san asked that person out… then I’ll leave… huh, it’s weird… but…”

“Even though your mind knew you shouldn’t, did your heart tell you that you didn’t want to?”

“… Yes. Am I crazy? After all, I know that normally I shouldn’t intervene… but…”

That’s it.

She’s definitely jealous, but she’s having trouble understanding jealousy itself.

Furthermore, she doesn’t have a clue where those feelings came from, does she?

Hmm… it could be her first love…

Let’s not be impatient and just follow her until she realizes it on her own.

“I see. First of all, it’s not strange to have feelings that you can’t reasonably process for someone you like. Sara just didn’t have anyone she felt that way about because she didn’t let anyone around her. You’re fine.”

“Is that so…? I’m glad to hear that. I thought I was going crazy because I had never felt this way before.”

“Yes. However, if you just throw those feelings out to the people around you, you might cause trouble for Takanashi-kun, so if you feel like doing it, you probably should ask him.”

“I understand.”

“Okay, I’ve asked what I wanted to ask. Are you also done Sara?”

“Yes, thank you very much. Thanks for your help, I feel relieved. Now I’m off to the student council.”

Now I understand Sara’s feelings.

If the other party is Takanashi-kun, I can be of assistance.

And now I wonder… when will she realize it?