[CH.72] At a Wrap-up Party Bingo Tournament
**TL Notes: So as not to confuse you all, I made a list of the characters that get mentioned in this chapter that you may have forgotten before. Sumire Matsuda: MC Yoko Ando (Yoko-san): Sumire's manager. Azusa Oshima: Sumire's mentor. Ryuya Ishidou: From the Boy Idol "Dannies" |
Saki Kashiwagi is a plain office worker.
During the later years of elementary school, her growth spurt slowed down surprisingly, and upon entering junior high school, it abruptly stopped. It remained that way as she grew into adulthood.
Confessing her feelings to someone she liked resulted in being rejected with comments like, 'I'm not into younger girls.' Each time, she was plagued by a growing sense of inferiority, leading her to adopt a progressively inconspicuous appearance.
Preferring to develop her abilities rather than her appearance, Saki graduated from high school with excellent grades, entered a junior college, and later secured a job at a major corporation, gaining experience as a working professional.
While many female employees joined the company with the aim of finding a marriage partner, Saki, with her inherent diligence and sense of responsibility, devoted herself to her work. Gradually, she found herself entrusted with significant tasks. Amidst invitations from senior female colleagues, often referred to as 'office ladies' who focus more on marriage hunting than work, Saki skillfully avoided getting involved, instead increasing her presence within the department.
As her influence in the workplace grew, so did the envy and mockery from her female colleagues. However, Saki paid little attention, focusing on her work with passion and finding fulfillment in it.
After two years of employment, Saki, who had completed her training and been selected as the mentor for newly assigned employees, found herself taking care of her same-aged junior, Takasugi. Initially, Takasugi, a plain-looking office worker, felt resentment towards Saki, who provided strict guidance. However, as Saki sincerely approached her work and praised Takasugi when she did well, Takasugi gradually developed a favorable impression.
One day, both were summoned by the usually cheerful and amiable section chief, who wore a stern expression this time. They were informed that complaints had been received from a client they were handling. The client's anger was significant, to the extent of threatening to sever ties. Upon investigating, it was discovered that there was an error in the estimate handled by Takasugi. When Takasugi suggested going to apologize, Saki intervened and insisted on going herself.
Facing the possibility of severing the business relationship, the section chief proposed that both Saki and Takasugi go together. The severity of the complaint suggested there might be an underlying issue. Given the worst-case scenario, the section chief provided them with the option to announce the termination of the deal from their side. Armed with this last resort, Saki and Takasugi visited the client's company under the pretext of offering an apology.
As they bowed their heads in apology, the client's representative sneered, stating that they couldn't deal with a company that makes such simple mistakes. Despite several apologies and concession proposals, the client continued to blame and criticize Saki and Takasugi. With permission from her superior and realizing the situation couldn't be resolved peacefully, Saki decisively declared, "Understood. In that case, we will cancel our business dealings with your company as per your request."
Despite the situation unfolding as planned, the client's representative seemed flustered. When he began making excuses like, "It didn't have to go this far...," Saki responded firmly, "We have proposed as much apology and concession as we can. However, if it is not acceptable to you, we have obtained permission from our superiors, and there is no other option than to proceed in this manner. Thank you for many years of doing business with our company."
Perhaps underestimating her because she was a woman, the client's representative suddenly approached Saki aggressively, attempting to grab her. Saki, who had experienced being looked down upon both in her student days and within the company due to her short stature, did not want to succumb to such prejudice. She wanted to hold her head high and face forward, regardless of how others perceived her. So, without avoiding the client's representative's violence, Saki met his force with a strong gaze.
At that moment, Takasugi swiftly intervened between the client's representative and Saki, catching the representative and causing a scuffle. Perhaps unsettled by the sudden intrusion, the client's representative raised his clenched right hand and struck Takasugi's cheek. However, Takasugi planted her feet firmly on the ground, neither falling nor retreating, and met the opponent with a sharp gaze.
Without retaliating against the intimidated client's representative, Takasugi calmly stated, "I will report this incident to my superiors. It seems impossible to continue doing business with a company where people resort to violence against others," putting an end to the situation with her words. She then turned to Saki, who she had shielded, and softly suggested, "Shall we go back?" with a small smile.
Upon returning to the company, Saki and Takasugi reported to their section chief and left work. Saki had never experienced someone of the opposite sex putting themselves on the line for her before. Despite being teased for being short, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of emotions towards her junior. Using the incident as an excuse, Saki decided to invite Takasugi out for a drink to express her gratitude. Although she wasn't particularly fond of izakayas due to her height sometimes causing issues, she made the suggestion nonetheless.
Then Takasugi also said, "Because of my mistake, I put senpai in a dangerous situation, so let me treat you to make up for it," and accepted the invitation. From that point on, members of the department occasionally witnessed the two of them having meals or going out for drinks after work. However, they watched the wholesome interaction between the two with warm eyes.
There were moments of hesitation due to Takasugi's feelings for a female colleague and misunderstandings caused by Saki's lack of romantic experience. Nevertheless, after confessing their feelings, Saki and Takasugi finally made their feelings blossom into a romance. The story reached a happy ending with the couple using the height difference to their advantage, kissing on a staircase.
As the scene of the potential kiss pulled back, showing the city streets of Tokyo with a black background and staff credits rolling, I sighed in relief.
Yes, I believe I played the role of the heroine who genuinely fell in love with Takasugi-kun. Objectively, aside from height and appearance, I might have successfully portrayed an adult woman. The applause from those around me seemed to confirm this self-evaluation.
Today is the wrap-up and preview party with invited guests, and I'm wearing a sophisticated navy dress to make a greeting. However, no matter how much I wear this kind of clothing, I can't help but feel like I look like a child trying to cosplay or act more mature. I wish I could grow into the kind of person who looks good in these clothes, but I suppose I'll just have to wait for growth.
Ishidou-san... I mean, Ryuya-san, looks stylish in his morning coat, truly exuding an idol-like coolness. Standing next to him, my childishness becomes more pronounced, and it feels somewhat unbearable. Initially awkward in his acting, his performance gradually matured, developing a unique flavor towards the end. Perhaps Ryuya-san indeed had a talent for acting.
I'm really grateful to Ryuya-san for this shoot. After receiving instructions from the director, Ryuya-san took the time to have meals together whenever our schedules allowed. In between shoots, he even took me to places like aquariums and zoos. Of course, we had various conversations, and we got to know each other reasonably well. Although Ryuya-san is a junior as an actor, he began to feel like a kind older brother, and his kindness added a touch of realism to our romantic scenes.
However, it doesn't mean he harbors romantic feelings for me. Or rather, the emotions of love and romance are inseparable between a man and a woman, but I wonder if it's necessary to immediately associate them with real-life relationships. Lately, I've started to think that way. Everyone, including the staff and co-stars, teases us like that, and it's becoming a bit tiresome.
"Sumire-chan, there was a kissing scene in the play, was it your first kiss?"
It's supposed to be a wrap-up party for those involved, but somehow a male entertainment reporter managed to sneak in and directed a question at me with a microphone. Although it's not a press conference, and I don't necessarily need to answer, giving a cold response might create a negative image, like being cheeky or lacking manners. Instead of shouldering such unnecessary risks, it's probably better to answer with a smile.
"That's actually not true, there is no kissing. The director kindly said it would be pitiful to have the first kiss captured on film, so we didn't do it."
"When the director handed me the cellophane before the shoot, it was quite challenging to apply it to Sumire's mouth in a natural way."
As Ryuuya-san and I explained this, someone responded with, "It was a missed chance to kiss an idol." It's not a big deal, though. If we're calling the first kiss with someone other than family the "first kiss," then I've already had mine.
I recall back in nursery school when Nao and Fumika would frequently give me kisses during nap time. It was heartwarming, but I didn't like it when my mouth got all wet with their saliva.
From the recent footage, it seems like the cellophane that prevented the kiss between Ryuya-san and me wasn't visible, so the director must have handled it well. However, if I were to participate in another romantic drama or movie in the future, there might be situations where I actually have to kiss. Whether the partner is a man or a woman, I need to be prepared for the possibility of a real kiss.
I was asked about various other stories from the shoot and how we spent our time off set, but the security personnel at the venue intervened and stopped the interview.
As part of the entertainment, a bingo tournament was also held, and surprisingly, we had a fun time. All the cast and crew members were welcome to participate. The companies that supported us with costumes and the sponsor companies allowed two representatives each to join. Since a considerable number of people attended, there was a concern about running out of bingo cards and prizes if everyone participated.
The highlight prize was a luxury sedan provided by an automobile manufacturer. The seats and steering wheel were made of leather, and even sitting in the back seat made me feel like a company president. However, being a current elementary school student without the ability to drive, I thought I'd prefer a high-end pressure cooker if I were to win. With that in mind, I used my finger to press and indent the numbered bingo card as the numbers rolled out of the round cage.
"Oh, Sumire. Isn't that a reach?"
Yoko-san, who was participating next to me, exclaimed with excitement. Since no one had achieved bingo yet, if I were to get bingo on the next number, I would win the car. It would be impossible to exchange it for a pressure cooker, considering the sponsorship, and it would be equally impossible to transfer the rights to someone else.
While others had numbers scattered in multiple lines vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, my card had holes forming a straight line as if leading directly to victory. I hoped for just one more number, preferably an off number. And ideally, I wished to achieve bingo when the pressure cookers were awarded after others had won high-end prizes.
With a feeling almost like praying, I watched the rolling ball, and it showed the number 25. Checking my card, the number in the lower right corner was also 25. It seemed I had won.
Worried about whether people would think it was staged or if a child like me winning a car would cause displeasure among others, I had no time to spare for such concerns. Yoko-san, who had been attentively watching the fate of my bingo without paying attention to her own card, cheered and, as if announcing the winner in a ring, grabbed my wrist and lifted my arm.
"Yes, our Sumire got bingo!"
The announcement from Yoko-san caused a commotion around us, and event staff rushed over to verify. Well, I hadn't cheated, and in fact, I wanted the pressure cooker.
After confirming that everything was in order and the staff assured there were no issues, I was led to the stage. The potential issue was my age, in my memories from my past life, minors couldn't register as car owners. Most people here were adults, and surely, no one had imagined a child like me winning an expensive prize like a car.
As I contemplated whether to decline while observing the flustered staff, Ms. Azusa, who was supposed to be greeting the sponsor companies while participating in the game, came up to the stage.
Ms. Azusa stated that the car she would receive on behalf of the agency and declared it would be my dedicated transportation. The private junior high school I was planning to take the entrance exam for in January next year is a bit far, and having transportation would be appreciated. If Haruka also passes the entrance exam, we can ride together, and Yumi-san, who attends the high school section, can join if the timing works out.
When I agreed to Ms. Azusa's proposal, the event staff and people from the automobile company visibly sighed with relief. I'm sorry, it was unexpected for a child like me to win such a high-value prize.
Other winners received prizes as well. Ryuya-san won a set of the game console released last year and five game software titles. Yoko-san got a box of canned beer, which was great for her, as she enjoys alcohol.
Unexpectedly obtaining a dedicated vehicle this way, I ended up receiving a substantial amount of money. I had mentioned wanting to make a donation since Ms. Azusa always takes care of everything, and the agency provides the dormitory supplies. However, I was sternly reminded that significant amounts of money should be handled properly.
I feel both overwhelmed and apologetic about it, but honestly, it's grateful to have extra funds for tuition. With a deep bow, I accepted Ms. Azusa's proposal.
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