Chapter 420 - The Most Beautiful Color
(1)
"Good morning, Toya-san. It's morning. Please wake up."
"Good morning, Airi."
Exchanging morning greetings with Toya-san like that, I go to the kitchen to make breakfast.
By the time I finish making breakfast, Toya-san comes out to the dining room.
While eating breakfast, and even while I finish breakfast and clean up, Toya-san keeps me company.
His work also seems to be going well.
However, it seems he will enter a busy season starting next month.
Since Toya-san has never experienced it either, he doesn't seem to know how busy it will be.
But since it's work, it can't be helped, right?
After finishing the cleanup, the two of us sit on the living room sofa, watch TV, and relax.
I gratefully indulge in this precious time that Toya-san went out of his way to wake up early to create.
At that moment, Toya-san spoke as if suddenly remembering.
"I don't need dinner today."
"Eh?"
"Shall we go out to eat for once? I have a restaurant reserved."
It seemed Toya-san had remembered.
"Yes. Then I will get ready and wait for you."
"Yeah."
And then Toya-san goes to work.
"I'll come home as early as possible."
"Understood. Take care, and have a safe trip."
Once I send Toya-san off, this is where my work begins.
I clean while running the washing machine.
By the time I finish cleaning, the drying is done.
I take it out and put it away.
By the time I finish putting things away, it is just around noon.
Then, by the time I eat lunch and finish cleaning up, a call comes in from Toya-san.
He calls me every day on workdays.
Once the call is over, I start choosing today's outfit.
I choose my clothes and change.
It is still too early to get ready.
Since there is no need to prepare dinner today, there is no particular need to go out either.
I exchange messages with everyone in the Watanabe group.
I don't really like the dramas broadcast during the day.
Because they are melodramatic.
I kill time while watching wide shows and variety shows.
When evening comes, I start getting ready.
A message comes in from Toya-san.
"I'm heading home now."
"Yes, please take care."
After finishing getting ready, I watch TV in the bedroom.
The doorbell rings.
If it were Toya-san, he should have his keys.
Who could it be?
Maya-san and Rie-chan were standing there.
"Airi-chan, happy birthday."
Rie-chan gave me a pillow, and Maya-san gave me matching pajamas as presents.
I invite the two of them into the living room and pour some tea.
While we are talking for a bit, the sound of the door opening is heard.
"I'm home. Guests?"
It is Toya-san's voice.
"Welcome home. Thank you for your hard work."
"Welcome back, Toya."
"Welcome back, Toya-kun~ Thank you for your hard work~"
Maya-san and Rie-chan greet Toya-san.
"Ah, you guys were here."
"Toya-san, will you take a bath?"
"No, I don't have much time."
"Oh, are you going out somewhere?"
Maya-san asks.
"Yeah, I'm planning to go out for a meal with Airi."
"In that case, we should be taking our leave soon. Take good care of Airi-chan, at least for today."
"I know."
Maya-san and the other said so and went home.
"What was with those two today?"
"They brought me presents."
I say so and show him the presents.
At that, Toya-san holds his head.
Then, entering the bedroom, he takes out a wrapped box from inside the desk.
"This is... a birthday present."
It seemed he had been saving his allowance little by little every month.
When I open the box, there is a necklace inside.
"Sorry, I should have given it to you this morning."
"Why is that?"
"Because I wanted to say 'Happy Birthday' to Airi earlier than anyone else."
Hearing that, I ended up laughing.
So Toya-san gets depressed over something like that.
But there's no need to worry.
I show my smartphone to the depressed Toya-san.
There was a message from Toya-san.
The timestamp was 0:00 AM today.
"Happy Birthday. Let's grow old together."
It seemed Toya-san had forgotten that he had sent it himself.
However, Toya-san regrets having forgotten.
I hug Toya-san.
"I'm happy just that you remembered. You gave me a message earlier than anyone else. That alone is enough."
Was I able to encourage Toya-san?
"Well, shall we go soon? You have a reservation, right?"
"That's right."
After that, we went to the city by bus and enjoyed dinner at the restaurant.
After that, we went home. We took a bath and relaxed together in the bedroom.
Was Toya-san drunk?
He spoke to me.
"What is the most beautiful color, I wonder?"
Eh?
Even after that, Toya-san's talk continues.
What is the most beautiful color, I wonder?
What is the brightest shining thing, I wonder?
I was looking for the best gift.
While imagining you being happy...
You say you want to find your "true self," but.
You say you want to know the "meaning of being born," but.
When my hands hand it over, I hope the mystery is suddenly solved. Will you accept it?
If I search for a color that suits you and give it a gentle name, look, I will give you the most beautiful color.
What is the most beautiful color, I wonder?
What is the brightest shining thing, I wonder?
I embrace the gift you gave me.
It will keep shining deep inside my chest forever.
"It is shining inside me too. It is my greatest treasure."
Saying so, I hug Toya-san.
It will probably keep shining until the end of the world.
(2)
"Therefore, for our company, this is the absolute limit of where we can compromise..."
"This is out of the question."
The negotiations between Senior Managing Director Mizoguchi and the client's president were running into difficulties.
Our company is widely diversified.
That is, from rice to petroleum.
We are widely diversified, from game software development to satellite launches.
Though some slightly dangerous things are mixed in.
Today's transaction was a relatively safe one.
To put it simply, it was a trouble surrounding the trademark rights of a game software title.
Because the trademark rights of the title were taken first, we cannot make a sequel.
So we want to buy out the trademark rights of the title, but the other party is grumbling.
Three hours have already passed since the negotiations began.
It is nearly an hour past regular working hours.
It will be bad if we don't decide soon.
Bad in many ways.
"Your company's opinion is perfectly reasonable, but we believe it would be better for you to make a decision around here..."
He gently warns.
"Is that meant to be a threat? Young man?"
I think a mere threat would be kinder. I think it would be better to settle this while it's still just me, though.
Then, a voice was heard.
"Madam! The president is currently in the middle of important negotiations..."
"I hear you've been keeping him for three hours! What are you struggling so much with?!"
Here she comes. That's why they should have decided quickly...
"Zen-kun, what are you doing?! What do you mean by making me wait for an hour?!"
Akira-chan barged in, shouting.
"W-We are currently in the middle of a transaction with a client, so please wait a little longer."
"The carbonara I went to the trouble of preparing is completely ruined! I hear you've been at a standstill for three hours, what on earth are you doing?!"
I explain the details of the transaction to Akira-chan.
Hearing the details, Akira-chan snorts.
"Isn't it fine? We just have to change the title and develop it, right?"
Easy for you to say.
"However, since you've interfered with our business, I assume you're prepared?"
It has started.
"Is that a threat?"
The client's president says. He probably thought a young girl in her twenties was nothing to worry about.
However, there are no threats or bluffs with her. She never goes back on her word.
Akira-chan looks at the contract, snorts, and throws it onto the table.
"Zen-kun, forget about this deal. It's no big deal. We just need to postpone development by a month."
Huh?
"You will pay the price for looking down on our company. Let me give you a warning. Within a month, you will definitely regret not being able to make a deal today."
Ah, she's serious. I feel sorry for the other party.
If they had been able to sign the contract before Akira-chan arrived, and if today's dinner hadn't been carbonara, the tragedy that is about to happen would not have occurred.
The client's president glares at Akira-chan without saying anything and leaves.
Akira-chan doesn't care at all.
As soon as the client's president leaves, Akira-chan immediately takes action.
She calls the chairman of the local bank—Hiyama-senpai's father—to cut off the other company's loans and force a loan recall.
At the same time, she embarks on headhunting talent from the other company.
Far from securing talent, the company, unable to manage its cash flow, collapses in no time.
At that time, the trademark rights, which are intellectual property rights, fall into the hands of the administrator.
We have them transferred to us, and our company starts moving without any issues.
It even came with the bonus of talented personnel.
For now, that's it for today's work, and I go home with Akira-chan.
When we get home... I had a feeling it was about time.
"...Akira-chan. Go inside the house first."
"Did they come again?"
"Seems so."
"Well, whatever. The food got cold anyway, so please clean them up while I remake it."
Saying so, Akira-chan enters the house.
"Don't be so full of bloodlust, come on out."
When I say that, a man appears.
He is holding a short sword.
"Because of you guys, I lost my job..."
I understand how you feel, I sympathize.
Because the number of companies that have gone bankrupt due to Akira-chan's whims—like wanting to watch a movie or her soup getting cold—reaches three digits.
"I understand your feelings. Why don't we calm down and talk? I can at least help you find a new job."
"Don't screw with me!"
Saying so, the man lunges at me.
Calmly dodging the attack, I trip him.
I take the blade from the man who fell clumsily.
"It's a good thing your opponent was me. If it were Akira-chan, you wouldn't have your life, you know?"
"I lost my home... my family... I have nothing left to lose!"
"It's a life that was barely saved... let's use it more effectively."
"Zen-kun! How long are you going to keep dealing with him? The food is going to get cold again!"
Akira-chan's voice is heard.
If I anger her too much, my own head might fly off.
"Well, that's how it is. Do your best to live."
Saying so, I go into the house.
The owner of a life lighter than the temperature of the food walked away in silence.
(3)
As soon as my work was over, I went straight home, grabbed the carry-on suitcase I had prepared in advance, and went to the bus terminal.
At the bus terminal, Emi, the Akiyoshi couple, and the Shimizu sisters were waiting.
We went to the local airport by bus, and upon arriving at Haneda Airport on the last flight, we stayed at a hotel.
The next day, after meeting up with Nakamura-san, who is active in Tokyo, we headed to a major record company.
It was for ALICE's contract.
The demo tracks had been handed over in advance.
And then, negotiations took place.
It went smoothly.
Well, they are idols who can sell 100,000 copies through in-house sales. If it becomes a nationwide expansion, expectations will surely increase.
They also accepted the condition that recording would be done locally so that she could do so during the period she is enrolled in the university.
However, there seems to be a rule that they must release more than a certain number of songs within the contract period.
That is not a problem.
After signing the contract, we left the record company.
We plan to return home tomorrow.
I told the two of them to return to the hotel by a set curfew and gave them free time.
Since the Shimizu sisters are with them, they should be fine.
In the meantime, we met with Anan-kun and Naka-san, whom we had arranged to meet at a predetermined time.
I asked about their recent situation.
It was exactly the situation I had heard from Nakamura-san.
It seems they are making smooth progress, getting minor roles in movies, appearing in commercials, and being welcomed as guests on popular shows.
After hearing their stories, we met up with the Akiyoshi couple and the Shimizu sisters to have dinner.
After parting with Anan-kun and the others after dinner, we returned to the hotel and took a breath.
"Somehow, things have gotten on track. USE as well."
"That's right, I didn't think it would go this smoothly."
Emi says.
After the two of us took a shower, we went to sleep immediately today.
Returning home on the morning flight, Arisu went straight to her lesson.
Emi and I went home to take a break.
When I woke up, it was evening.
Emi was not at home.
I send a message.
It seems she is at Blue Bird.
"What do you want for dinner?"
"I'd like a meat dish."
"Why is it that you only eat meat, yet you stay so small?"
"I wonder why."
"Well, whatever. I'll splurge and grill a steak for you."
"Thank you."
Placing my smartphone on the desk, I decided to take another nap until Emi came home.
(4)
Major debut.
We've finally come this far.
I was happy.
I was so happy I almost screamed.
The president told us to return by the scheduled time, and we were given free time.
The Shimizu sisters, who were our security, were with us, but perhaps out of consideration, they stayed a little distance away.
While being jostled by the crowds of Tokyo, we enjoyed our date during the time we were given.
We went to various places.
When we returned to the hotel, we had dinner with the president and the others.
After that, we returned to our hotel room, took a shower, and fell asleep.
Returning home on the morning flight, we returned to our daily routine.
After returning to the office and taking our lessons, I had my hair set and changed into my costume while talking with Maki-san, the stylist.
Knock, knock.
Someone knocks. It must be Keita.
"You can come in."
When I say so, Keita comes in.
"Are you okay? It's sudden right after returning from Tokyo."
"I was able to rest for a day, so I'm fine."
"Don't push yourself."
"Thank you."
"Well, my work is done, so the two of you can spend time together until it's time."
Maki-san said so and left.
"The new song is amazing."
"Yeah, it was an amazing song. It will definitely sell."
"You're raising the bar. It's pressure."
"I didn't mean to..."
Keita panics.
"Hey, Keita?"
"What's wrong?"
"Am I doing well?"
"With what?"
"Am I properly giving everyone dreams and hope?"
"I don't think I even need to answer that."
Without attaching handshake rights or date rights, we are legitimately increasing sales.
And on an indie label at that. Keita passionately argues that it's to the extent that appearance requests are coming from radio and TV stations.
But those aren't the words I want.
"I guarantee it. I'm proud to have such an Arisu as my wife."
That was the one line I wanted to hear.
"It's almost time."
The staff member says.
"Well, go on."
"Yeah, once today is over..."
"Yeah, let's celebrate together, just the two of us."
I smile warmly and leave the waiting room.
"We've warmed up the venue for you."
"Do your best out there."
The two members of Mustard cheer me on.
I stand on the stage.
The spotlight is cast on me, and the intro starts playing.
I expressed today's joy through my dance.
(5)
"Urabe-san, a moment..."
Urabe-san is being called out to by Hannya.
Honoka and I naturally lent our ears to the two of them.
"It seems you have a relationship with Kanda-sensei."
Hannya demands.
Urabe-san says nothing.
That meant affirmation.
"To think a girl like you, who doesn't usually talk, is sneaking around behind our backs."
You're having an affair with the chief of internal medicine yourself, aren't you? Don't you think that's more of a problem?
"I have plans, so..."
Saying so, Urabe-san leaves the changing room.
And there, Kanda-sensei was waiting.
"I heard you were on the day shift today. The usual restaurant is fine, right?"
"Kanda-sensei, I don't think it's appropriate to bring that kind of relationship into the workplace."
Hannya snapped.
"What kind of relationship do you mean by 'that kind of relationship'?"
Kanda-sensei is unfazed.
"Have you never thought about things like disrupting the workplace atmosphere?"
"I don't quite understand what you are saying?"
"Do you not think about how the people around you might feel awkward or walk on eggshells?"
"In this day and age, Suzuki-san is the only one who thinks about such stiff things."
Kanda-sensei replies with a refreshing smile.
"What Kanda-sensei says is correct. Suzuki-san, I don't think it's good to meddle too much in other people's love lives."
As expected of the Bodhisattva, her words are on another level.
"Because you are like that, Saotome-san, the workplace has a hard time when people get boyfriends or get married and leave their jobs."
"There are people who work even after getting married, like Nakajima-san and Kiritani-san. There is no need to worry."
Saotome-san says that, then looks at Kanda-sensei and the other and says.
"I don't think it's good to keep her waiting. Go on ahead."
Kanda-sensei bows, then takes Urabe-san's hand and walks.
Meanwhile, Saotome-san was receiving Hannya's grumbling.
We also changed and went home in the meantime.
"Ai, what are you doing after this?"
"I'm going home for once. Eita is probably waiting."
"I see. See you later then."
"Yeah, see you."
After that, I go straight home and open the door.
The room is pitch black.
It seems Eita is sleeping.
It's a rare day off. I guess I'll let it slide.
The room is tidy.
Dinner is also finished being made.
"Eita, I'm home. Let's eat?"
I gently wake Eita up.
"Ah, Ai, welcome back. Thanks for your hard work."
After that, we eat dinner together.
I decided to do the cleanup.
"I was going to do it..."
"Rest a little. I'll do the rest. It's your day off, right?"
"Sorry."
Saying so, Eita takes a bath and then gets into bed.
Even though he would usually be playing games or something.
Once I finish cleaning up, I also take a bath and take a nap to prepare for the night shift.
And when I wake up, I get ready and try to leave the house.
Then, Eita saw me off.
"Have a safe trip."
"Eita... can't you sleep?"
Eita nods silently.
"You have work starting tomorrow, right? You have to rest even a little."
"It's just that I wake up right away..."
"...How is your appetite?"
"Normal, I guess?"
Is it still too hasty to judge?
"Anyway, even if you have to force yourself, rest."
"Understood."
Saying so, I headed to work.
I had overlooked my own husband's subtle SOS.
Perhaps I myself didn't have the leeway.
(6)
That night, I played an online game for the first time in a while.
This was because I was asked to act as a proxy in the absence of the commander, Kiritani-kun.
Since I had no particular business, I took it upon myself.
I enjoy the game with Airi.
And when the two-hour PvP battle ends, I log out and Airi watches a drama.
I also fiddle with my smartphone while watching it.
Everyone was worried about Kiritani-kun.
There was a message from Ai-san saying Kiritani-kun was sleeping.
Kiritani-kun is simply tired and sleeping.
Everyone judged so.
But I had a bad feeling about something.
Next week is Kisaragi-kun and the others' wedding.
I'll meet him then and offer him some advice.
I was thinking that while staring at my smartphone.
When the drama ends, Airi gets into bed.
I also got into bed.
Airi clings to me and sleeps.
I also fell asleep.
"Toya-san, please wake up. It's morning."
I hear Airi's voice.
"Good morning, Airi."
"Good morning."
Exchanging morning greetings with Airi, Airi gets out of bed and starts preparing breakfast.
While getting ready, I look at my smartphone.
Kiritani-kun seemed to be the same as usual.
But, I feel some sense of discomfort.
"Breakfast is ready."
Called by Airi, I put down my smartphone and head to the dining room.
And then, as usual, I get ready, spend some relaxing time with Airi, and go to work.
Since it was a sign that Ai-san overlooked, I ended up overlooking it too.
If it were our student days, I wouldn't have overlooked it.
If it were around the same time as Nakajima-kun, I wouldn't have overlooked it.
But we were so busy living our daily lives that we failed to notice Kiritani-kun's slight SOS.