CH 41

Chapter 41 – About Sara-senpai

TL: Cheetah

ED: Ryuubii

“Let’s talk a bit shall we? If there’s anything you want to ask, please just let me know.”

With that, Senpai began the story from the part I didn’t know of.

She had a friend in the gardening club who was as close as Natsumi-senpai.

But that friend moved to a new neighborhood and there was no one left in the gardening club.

So Sara-senpai took over the task of taking care of the flower garden.

When I went to the flower garden for the first time, it was when Senpai was absent for a few days due to a cold.

Then the conversation shifted to Senpai’s personal story.

“My family is composed of my father, mother and myself. Also, as Takanashi-san knows, I have a grandmother from my mother’s side in the neighborhood. My grandmother from my father’s side has already passed away.”

From there, she told me how she had always been uncomfortable with boys, how it had gotten worse in middle school, how she had gotten sick of them in high school… how she had worked hard at her studies, etcetera, and how she had joined the student council.

“For some reason, I can understand how Sara-senpai got fed up with her surroundings and took on her current stance.”

“When we talked before, I felt that Takanashi-san and I were somehow alike.”

Then she told me about her daily life.

“I’ve told you before that I don’t really have any hobbies, but lately I’ve been spending more time on cooking. Checking out new menus, researching, and practicing how to make them has become a little more frequent. I didn’t know a lot of menus that boys would like, so it’s fun to have a whole new set of repertoire.”

I mean, if you’re practicing cooking for boys, does that mean you’re doing it for me?

Just for my sake, you’re doing that much…

“Um… thank you. I feel bad that you’re doing that much for me, but… I’m really happy.”

“I really enjoy doing it, so if it makes Takanashi-san happy, then I’m really glad.”

Senpai really likes cooking, doesn’t she?

And she’s got a hobby of cooking now.

If so, the present should be something related to cooking.

I’ve heard that it’s better to use tools that you’re familiar with, then since I’m not going for tools, it’s probably something she can use or wear when cooking.

It’s decided. An apron would be a good choice.

I’m going to find a cute apron that Senpai would definitely like!

Also, I should buy the one she spotted earlier!

“Fufu… what’s the matter? You have such a happy look on your face.”

“I-it’s nothing. I’m just really happy.”

My reaction was written all over my face while thinking about the present.

Then Senpai reached her hands to mine on the table…

And gently touched them.

“… Right now, I’m really enjoying my school life. With Takanashi-san, Natsumi, and myself… going to school in the morning, eating lunch everyday, and shopping on our breaks.  Even though there were no drastic changes with the surroundings, I really had a lot of fun.”

Senpai gave me a really happy smile.

I’m glad that I’m at least one of the factors of Senpai’s happiness… I want to protect that smile.

——————————————

“…. Um…Yuzuki-san…” (TN: Natsumi Yuzuki is her full name)

“Don’t tell me… I know…”

Yeah… we’re probably interrupting them…

Although we’re not directly interfering with each other, I still feel like we’re being a nuisance…

Tachibana-kun probably feels that way too, and thus he can’t hide his awkwardness anymore.

How can they create this much of a mood and not be lovers…?

I mean, with all this, they still think they’re friends…? What more will happen if they actually become lovers?

Just thinking about it is frightening… And having it unfold right in front of me all the time… Yes, this needs a sacrifice… or a partner who I can share this hardship with, right?

“Hey, Tachibana-kun. It’s hard for me to continue watching over those two alone.”

“I-I’m at a different school, so…”

“Let’s just exchange LINE contacts. Okay, take out your phone.”

“What? Right now?”

“Don’t you know that Tachibana-kun is very lucky. There are many girls who cannot have my LINE, even if they want to know it. You must be happy right?”

“…Yes.”

Good, alright, we friends have a lot to share, don’t we?