"Ayame-sama, this way."
"Thank you, Sasaki-san."
As always, Sasaki-san came to pick me up—even though she's busy with tasks from the main house.
While I was admiring the building bathed in the soft colors of the sunset, my mind drifted to the boy who gave me that handkerchief.
"Fufu ~"
I couldn´t stop grinning.
"It's been a while since I've seen your genuine smile."
"Ah, could you tell?"
"Of course. I've been watching over you since you were a child. So, did something good happen?"
"Actually… I got to talk with the boy I met during the male scholarship interview."
"Did he meet your expectations?"
"More than that—he really cares about me. I can tell."
"Ayame-sama, I'm glad you're happy… but I'm afraid you might be making a hasty decision."
"You think so? I mean, he gave me a handkerchief as a gift, and we even started calling each other by our first names! Oh, and—he called me kind and cute!"
I couldn´t stop smiling. This is the first time I've ever felt like this.
"That's… impressive, my lady. However, I heard Satou Ryuichi is in the same class as you. Did he speak with this boy?"
"Yes. It's obvious he's trying to pull Tomoki to his side. But that's fine with me. After all…"
I could feel a little bit of my meaner side showing through.
"Ayame-sama?"
"...If all the other girls think Tomoki is like every other guy… that's evenbetter."
"..."
♦♦♦
"... and that´s what she said, Madam."
"I'm a little concerned about my daughter's behavior, but… I'm glad she's found something to be passionate about."
"Even so, I'm worried that Morikawa Tomoki may have hidden motives."
"Hmm… I've looked into his background. Everything suggests he's just an average boy who's lived a decent life. If what you said is true, he could pass as a Hollywood actor."
"Still, I worry about Ayame-sama's feelings. She's thinking too positively about him."
"Well, love is blind. But I trust my judgment—he doesn't seem to look at women in a negative way, that much is clear."
"Then… what if he's just being kind because of his personality? Not because he sees Ayame-sama as someone special?"
"Sasaki, if you keep doubting like this, you'll never land a man yourself, you know?"
"...Sorry, I might be overthinking things."
"sigh... no, I said too much. I know you're just concerned about Ayame."
"It's part of my job, after all."
"So stiff, as always. Anyway, it's common sense that women should go after the men they want, right? It's only natural she'd want to win his heart."
"Yes, that's true."
"And if, by chance, he rejects her… then she can just try again. Persistence is the key to success."
"..."
"Are you felling unwell, Sasaki?"
"No, Madam. It's a little embarrassing, but… I'm just feeling sleepy now."
"Haha, you always work too hard. You really should take a vacation sometime, you know?"
"Thank you for your concern, Madam. But I'd rather stay close to Ayame-sama, especially now."
"If you insist, I won't stop you."
"If you'll excuse me, I'll be leaving now."
"Yeah, take care."
...
"Sasaki-sama, well done for today" - one of the Edomae family maids said with a bow.
"Thanks. How's Ayame-sama?"
"She's asleep now."
"I see. I'll be heading out then."
"Good night, Sasaki-sama."
♦♦♦
"...And that's what happened, sir."
"Thanks for telling me, Sasaki."
"Do you have a plan?"
"I have a few ideas. So, is this boy really that special?"
"I've never met him personally. But Madam and Ayame-sama seem to hold him in high regard."
"sigh... what a troublesome young man. Do you at least know if he has a girlfriend? Or someone he likes?"
"It doesn't seem like it. At least not a girlfriend—otherwise, she would've shown up at school by now."
"Fair point."
"Should I contact him directly?"
"Not yet. If you act now, it might make them suspicious."
"Understood."
"I know my daughter well. She's just like her mother. I can't let this boy get too close to her."
"It won't be easy."
"Exactly. They're sharp. If I move recklessly, they'll notice immediately."
"Sir… if you speak to her directly, I'm sure she'll understand. She is your daughter, after all."
"THAT'S NOT—"... He paused. "Sorry. I lost my composure. Sasaki, you know why Edomae Ltd. is the main sponsor of the male scholarship, right?"
"..."
"It's to find a man who's... attractive."
"Yes, I´m aware."
"Even though it was my wife's idea, Ayame knows the truth. They're the same, those two."
"..."
"Sasaki, I just don't want to see another man fall into the same trap I did. Can I count on you?"
"Yes, sir."
"Thank you."
♦♦♦
With a lit cigarette, smoke drifted through the moonlight.
[Sasaki, as you already know. I´m the current president of Edomae Ltda. I have high expectations for you.]
[My wife seems to trust you a lot, sending you here like this. Well, just relax. I don´t have anything to do anyway.]
[This is our daughter. Isn't she cute? I hope you'll get along with her.]
[I don't want to see her anymore.]
... ~Fuuu~ a long, tired breath escaped with the smoke.
[Sasaki onee-chan, look! I drew a picture of you! Do you like it?]
[Sasaki onee-chan, if I become first in my class, do you think Mom and Dad will get back together?]
[Sasaki-nee… a boy at school said I'm just like all the other girls—just looking for attention. Is that true?]
[Sasaki-nee, do you think my father regrets having me?]
...
[Sasaki-san, you should take a break. I know everything about our family… and about myself. You don't need to put up with us.]
[Sasaki-san, do you think I'll ever be like a heroine? The kind who can bring a smile to the male lead? Ahh… what am I saying? Sorry. I've been reading too many novels.]
...
The air was heavy with cigarette smoke, lit only by the faint glow of the moon.
And a quiet prayer slipped into the night.
"Ayame-chan… from the bottom of my heart, I hope you find happiness."