“YOUR birthday party?” Satsuki Narusawa asked, holding the pretty white envelop Satsuki Tsujikawa just gave her.
“That’s right. I think it’s a bit silly to hold a birthday party when I’m turning eighteen...but it’s become something of a family tradition. My father has every intention of throwing one again this year,” Satsuki explained.
Tsukasa informed Satsuki the previous night that she was going to have a birthday party yet again this year. He handed her several invitations, instructing her to pass them out to her friends and acquaintances at school.
After distributing invitations to the teachers and faculty with whom she interacted, she went around giving them to members of the Student Council and her acquaintances. Although it was the sort of task that could be delegated to Shindo and her other attendants, Satsuki felt it would leave a completely different impression on the guests if she personally delivered the invitations. If they were coming to celebrate her birthday, she wanted to make them feel as welcomed as possible. This was a small way of showing she cared. Naturally, Shindo was with her the entire time she handed out the invitations.
“I can’t wait! I had a great time last year. That was the most incredible birthday party ever!” Narusawa held the invitation to her chest as she turned to face the attendant at her side. “It was amazing!” she explained to Kurihara. “All of the prominent figures in politics, finance, and business were there. You could certainly tell it was hosted by Tsujikawa Corporation’s president. I brought my father as my escort, but he practically ran himself ragged handing out his business cards. But it’s amazing how Miss Tsujikawa manages to stand out, even amongst such an impressive crowd. Her beauty doesn’t let you forget who the star of the evening is.”
“Yeah, I can imagine. Miss Tsujikawa is so beautiful on a daily basis, I bet she must look extra stunning when dressed up for the party...” Kurihara complimented Satsuki with a smile.
The man was paying the little lady a compliment. As her retainer, it shouldn’t rub him the wrong way. Yet behind his perfect mask, Shindo was inwardly annoyed.
It was hard to say whether Satsuki was aware of Shindo’s inner turmoil as she threw out the vulnerable offer, “Mr. Kurihara, if you’d like, you’re more than welcome to come as Miss Narusawa’s escort.”
“Huh? I can tag along?” he asked.
“Yes, of course you can! Not only were you kind enough to lend a hand with those books the other day, you chastised Shindo for slacking in his duties as my attendant,” Satsuki said, looking up through her lashes with a somewhat mischievous twinkle in her eye at Shindo beside her.
Rather than argue in his defense, Shindo turned on the charm, directing a dashing smile at Narusawa. “I’m looking forward to laying my eyes upon your elegant beauty in a dress.”
“Wow! Mr. Shindo, you certainly know how to flatter a lady!” Narusawa squealed. She laughed in amusement as Shindo casually dipped his head in a slight bow as he offered his smooth compliment.
Satsuki was less than amused.