“I think you should put some more thought into this.”
In the entire world, this was probably the only man outside of the intermediate family who could find fault with documents presented by the current president of Tsujikawa Corporation.
“They just don’t sit right with me,” Manabu said and slapped the stack of documents on the table in front of him. He sank into his chair and continued, “They aren’t good enough. Not for Satsuki.”
With his chin propped on his right hand, a contemplative expression washed over Manabu’s face. The sight drew a vinegary smile from the older man sitting on the opposite side of the marble table. It was followed by a long pause of silence that weighed on the spacious living room. Eventually, Tsukasa broke the silence with an exasperated sigh. “You’re being too harsh, Manabu.”
“Are you honestly satisfied with the four you picked, Uncle?” Manabu asked, shifting the hand at his chin to indicate the documents he rudely flung onto the table only moments ago.
His shoulders visibly dropping, Tsukasa heaved another hard sigh and relented, “I’ll admit, I did make some allowances.”
“That isn’t like you. You never compromise on the business front. Isn’t this just as important—no, even more important?” Manabu demanded.
“Yes, of course it is... But I can only think of one man who would qualify if I didn’t,” Tsukasa responded. The look he gave Manabu as he picked up his coffee cup to take a sip spoke volumes. The implication stilled Manabu’s tongue. No matter how badly Tsukasa wanted him for this “task,” he was unable to fulfill that request.
Tsukasa enjoyed the fragrance of the coffee before filling his mouth with the bitter liquid. Upon achieving a certain level of calm, he shifted his gaze to the documents Manabu had flung down and explained, “I was originally hoping to inform Satsuki today, what with you here and all. But she’s currently recovering from that trying incident. I think it would be best to put it off another two or three days, don’t you?”
This was hardly the type of thing Satsuki would want to hear while recovering mentally and physically. The news would undoubtedly throw her into emotional turmoil. Not only Tsukasa, but also Manabu, felt it would be best to give her some time.
Manabu shifted his gaze, following Tsukasa’s eyes to the documents on the table. They were profiles for four young men with sound positions and promising futures. They were background checks for Satsuki’s “marriage candidates.”
“Satsuki’s eighteenth birthday...is essentially a matchmaking party...”
✦ ✦ ✦
“FROM the looks of it, Father is planning some amazing entertainment for my eighteenth birthday.” Satsuki forced herself to smile brightly as she said that to Miharu, her heart sinking under the oppressive feelings she felt. “He’s been asking Manabu for advice about it for a while now. Have you heard anything, Miharu? I’m dying of curiosity!”
“Manabu? I had no idea he was giving input on anything like that,” Miharu answered. She returned the teacup she was holding to the table. With the fingertips of her right hand pressed against her lips, she mused, “I wonder what it could be. It’s unusual for him to keep something from me. I’ll be sure to pry it out of him later!”
“Let me know what it is when you do,” Satsuki said with a giggle in response to Miharu’s bold determination. Then she leaned toward the slightly older woman like she did when she wanted something and demanded, “And you simply must come to my birthday party this year. Promise you will!”
“Of course I will! I can’t wait to see what Manabu and Mr. Tsujikawa have up their sleeves,” Miharu promised.
“You weren’t able to make it last year, so you absolutely must come this year, okay?” Satsuki insisted. She dipped her head as she said the word “absolutely” for extra emphasis. Satsuki’s childish form of begging was so adorable, Miharu couldn’t wipe the grin off her face.
“I’ll come no matter what! But the only reason I didn’t go last year was because you told me not to, remember?” Miharu reminded her. She drew closer to Satsuki, scooting her chair next to the bed as she did.
“You and Manabu were new to your jobs last year, so I was afraid you’d be too busy...” Satsuki grumbled.
Neither Manabu nor Miharu attended Satsuki’s seventeenth birthday party almost a year ago. Upon graduating from university, they both began working at the Hayama Group’s main company, Hayama Pharmaceuticals. Manabu became the managing director while Miharu became his secretary. Their hectic schedules made typical new employees look like they had it easy. That was why Satsuki told them “Please don’t come” when she handed over their invitations.
If she invited them without saying that, she knew they would take time out of their busy schedules to attend the party. As new employees, it was an important period for them. Satsuki wanted the two to put all of their attention into their work. She was a little disappointed there was no sign of either at the party venue on the big day, but Shindo softened the emptiness inside by staying with her the whole time.
As she indulged in memories of last year’s birthday party, Satsuki looked up at Shindo somewhat awkwardly. After the party, she stayed in Shindo’s room well past bedtime and let him pamper her. She remembered how he cradled her in his lap and they split a cookie.
Maybe I’ll sneak into his room this year, too... She could just see Shindo angrily scold her “Now that you’re eighteen, it’s inappropriate to simply waltz into a man’s room!” Not that I’d mind a scolding if it came from him...
Shindo was puzzled to find Satsuki looking at him bemusedly, but her expression was so adorable, he couldn’t help but smile. In the middle of enjoying the moment, Shindo noticed a knock come from the sitting room door. Still smiling, he offered the ladies a bow before stepping out of the bedroom.
Satsuki could hear the sound of the sitting room door open followed by Manabu’s voice offering salutations.
“Ah, it’s Manabu! He certainly took long enough!” Miharu fumed, but the inflection of her voice bounced with joy. A moment later, the man who put the pep in her voice entered the room.
“Hello, Satsuki. It’s a pleasure to see you,” he greeted.
“The pleasure is all mine, Manabu.”
As he returned Satsuki’s greeting with a smile, Manabu swept behind his fiancée sitting at her bedside. He rested both hands upon Miharu’s shoulders.