I….I!

“Director hasn’t changed, has he?” murmured Marin as she lay in bed.

“Yeah, he hasn’t.”

“I heard a little from my dad… it seems the Director was thinking of quitting.”

“…Really?”

“Yeah, he must have been struggling with a lot of things.”

“…I see.”

“…What do you want to do tomorrow? Go shopping? Or go out somewhere?”

“…I just want to spend the day being lovey-dovey with you,” I confessed.

“…You want to be lovey-dovey with me?”

“…Yeah.”

“I see, I see. Aoi-kun, you’ve become quite a cutie,” she said, reaching out in the darkness to stroke my head.

“…Sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing? It’s not a bad thing.”

“I just feel… kind of pathetic.”

“Since when did you change into the ‘manly’ character? I love you just the way you are, Aoi-kun.”

“…ok.”

“Alright then! Tomorrow, let’s have a day full of flirting, just the two of us.”

“…Okay.”

“Hehe. Let’s be really lovey-dovey,” she said, with what felt like her usual smile in the dark.

◇ 9:15 AM, October 1st

As we were snuggling in the morning, a sound rang out. It’s from the concierge.

“…A visitor?” Aoi-kun started to get up, but I stopped him, saying, “I’ll take care of it!”

Aoi-kun had finally said he wanted to spend the day being affectionate with me. I couldn’t let this be interrupted!

I quickly got out of bed.

“The concierge says three friends have arrived. I don’t recall any such plans for today. How would you like to handle this?”

“Could you please tell them that we have plans today and can’t meet?”

“Understood.”

Returning to bed, Aoi-kun asked, “Who was it?”

“Uh, a package arrived!”

“Oh, okay,” he said just as his phone rang.

No doubt, it was Kiyohito.

I swiftly took Aoi-kun’s phone.

“Huh?”

“Today is our day! No phones allowed…”

“But it could be something urgent…”

“No, it’s definitely not urgent!”

“…Okay.”

Just then, my phone started ringing. It was a call.

Damn, not now! I glanced at the screen and saw it was my dad. I declined the call instantly.

“Wasn’t that a call?”

“It was just a telemarketer! No need to answer.”

“…Okay.”

I discreetly turned off my phone. Now, there should be no more interruptions… or so I thought.

◇

“Ahaha… I was so surprised when the call got cut off.” (Dad)

“I thought Marin had cut it off on purpose~” (Mom)

“Dad… Mom… G-good morning…” (Marin)

“Good morning.” (Dad?)

After that, my parents had shown up at the house. Why now, of all times!?

“Ahaha… you two are still in your pajamas… did we interrupt something?” (Dad)

“It’s already 10 o’clock. Just because you’re alone doesn’t mean you should slack off too much, you know?” (Mom)

“So? Why are you two here?” (Marin)

“Well… we wanted to talk about your future plans.”

“Um… I… I’m thinking of going to an acting school.” (Aoi)

“…” My mother swallowed the words she was about to say.

“Yeah, I see. It’s a good thing to chase your dreams.” (Dad)

“Thank you.” (Aoi)

“…I’m a little confused.” (Marin)

“Okay. What are you deciding between?” (Dad)

“…Tokyo University or going to the same school as Aoi-kun.” (Marin)

“I see. What’s making you hesitate?” (Dad)

“…I’ve never had something I really wanted to do… But after doing the play, I became really interested in things like screenwriting and directing… But I know going to Tokyo University would be better for my future… And Aoi-kun and I would be separated, even if we might still live in the same house…” (Marin)

“I understand. Well then, I’ll give you one piece of advice. Go to Tokyo University.” (Dad)

Everyone looked at father.

“Marin, I know you’re confused. But no matter what, Tokyo University is the better choice. They have clubs and societies for film and media there too. Do you know why I allowed you to attend Mori no Oka High School? Because I thought your final education would be from a university. Honestly, what’s important in the job market is your final academic background and qualifications. Companies may deny it, but academic filters exist. On job sites, A-rank students get the best information from companies, while lower-ranked students have to find their way on their own. There’s a clear difference. No arguments or excuses can stand against academic qualifications in the job market.” (Dad)

“…But…” (Marin)

“But what?” (Dad)

“…I…” (Marin)

“I’m not saying it’s wrong to chase your dreams. There’s nothing wrong with it. But everyone has their own way of chasing their dreams. You can’t achieve much by just following someone else’s path. If you want to achieve your dreams, do it your own way.” (Dad)

Father spoke more clearly than ever before.

When he talked about something really important, he always spoke clearly and decisively. He was always right, never wrong… and that’s why… that’s why I hated him.

“…I also think Marin-chan should go to Tokyo University,” Aoi-kun added.

“…”

“…I’ll support whatever path Marin chooses… if it’s a choice Marin made herself…,” mother murmured.

“…I… I!”