Male Idol V13c180

Volume 13 Chapter 180 Shirogane Aqua, Don’t Underestimate The ‘Berry-Berry’ Staff

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Edited by: Kanaa-senpai

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 ”The last surprise is a surprise that supports a man’s proposal from behind the scenes!”

 ”Wow!”

 I’ve been waiting for something like this!!

 In this world, it’s not common for men to propose or confess to women.

 However, I heard that after I publicly proposed to Kanon, proposals from Tenga-senpai to Haruka-san and confessions from Shintaro to Awashima-san were featured in magazine interviews, leading to an increase in men wanting to do the same.

 ”Aqua-san, you’ve wanted to do this for a while, haven’t you?”

 ”Yes. At first, I was also hesitant about going to take Kanon away, but at that time, it was Toa, Shintaro, and Tenga-senpai who pushed me forward. That’s why I want to give back not only to everyone who helped me but also do the same for other men. I want to support those who wish to confess but can’t take the first step.”

 Tenga-senpai and Shintaro have said in interviews that they are grateful to me, but I feel the same way.

 I am always thankful for those 3 who pushed me forward back then.

 ”So, please take a look at the video on this tablet.”

 I play the video that was handed to me by the producer on the tablet.

 ’Nice to meet you, Shirogane Aqua-san. My name is Kuga Kiyohito.’

 The man appearing in the video bows politely.

 With such grace, could he possibly be someone from a former aristocratic family?

 Wait, did you just say “Kuga”?

 ”Kuga? Rihito-san’s relative? Oh, so it’s not Kuga in kanji, it’s Kuga!”

 Then is it a different person?

 No, but I feel like there’s a vague similarity to the public persona of Rihito-san.

 I’m related to them.

 If the surname has “Kuga” in it, like “Kuno” or “Kuuon”, they’re from a close branch of the Kuga family.

 If it’s “Kokonoe” or “Kushima”, they’re from a distant branch.

 So, if the name starts with “Ku” or “Kyu”, they’re from a branch family.

 ”Kuga” is read the same way, so they’re quite closely related.

 Hmm, that’s interesting.

 Huh?

 Even elementary school kids know that?

 Oh, I see.

 It’s natural that I don’t know since I didn’t go to elementary school in this world.

 It’s been over a year since I came to this world, and I still feel these gaps in understanding from time to time.

 ’…’

 Hey, is Kuga-san okay?

 He’s been quiet for a while.

 Is the video frozen or something?

 ’I’m sorry. I’m not good at interacting with people, so I spend my time at home reading books. That’s why I’m not used to talking like this…’

 I see…But it’s amazing that someone like him would propose!

 How did you meet that woman?

 ’I met her through a matchmaking arrangement that Rihito-san enthusiastically recommended.’

 The woman’s name is Saito Minayo-san.

 While Kuga-san is a graduate student, Saito Minayo-san is only 19 years old and just started university this year.

 Like Kuga-san, Saito Minayo-san loves reading, and that’s how they began to interact with each other.

 As they met more and more, Kuga-san became attracted to Saito Minayo-san.

 ’Soon after, the marriage arrangement between our families was settled, and the two of us decided to get married through the mediation of our respective families’ Rihitos.’

 Congratulations!

 I place the tablet on my lap and clap my hands.

 Wait, what!?

 You’re getting married, right!?

 Huh?

 What about the proposal!?

 I’m confused; I don’t quite understand the situation.

 ’After that, it was just a matter of waiting for the wedding. But then, I found out…’

 What!?

 I lift the tablet from my lap with both hands and stare at the screen intently.

 ’She’s a fan of the great Hakuryuu Aiko!’

 What!?

 You mean the great Hakuryuu Aiko, whose novels are so sweet they make you spit sugar and are said to give you diabetes just from reading them?

 In my heart, I am touched by how popular Ai is with the ladies.

 ’Minayo-san is a quiet woman, and like me, she doesn’t show her emotions much. That’s why I thought. Maybe she didn’t want to have an arranged marriage, but actually wanted to have a love marriage like Hakuryuu-sensei’s…’

 I see.

 That’s what it is.

 I nodded vigorously, understanding what Kuga-san was thinking.

 ’Minayo-san not only accommodated me, who isn’t very good at conversation, but also accepted the idea of ​​marrying me like this. That’s why I want to try my best this time. Even if I can’t be as cool as Shirogane Aqua-san, I want to tell her that I want to marry her not because we’re arranged, but because I fell in love with her while we spent the same time together.’

 ”I’m up for that!”

 Kuga-san, you’re cool enough.

 Like me?

 No, you’re the star of the day.

 I thought that just for today, I want to make you cooler than me.

 ”Aqua-san, we’ve arrived at the meeting place with Kuga-san.”

 ”Yes!”

 I got off the location bus and entered the hotel where I was to meet him.

 As I walked down the corridor, trying not to bump into any regular customers, I passed someone I recognized.

 ”What? Prime Minister Habu, what are you doing here?”

 ”That’s right Aqua-kun. Just now… hmmm, no, it’s not that, today I was reflecting on what I just said… hmmm, I promised to have a meal with Emily-chan and Kaede-chan. Ah, today is my day off. I’m not just slacking off, you know!”

 Prime Minister Habu shook her hands from side to side in a panic.

 I see, that’s how it is.

 Understanding the situation, I turned my eyes to one of the people standing behind Prime Minister Habu.

 ”Prime Minister, is it okay if I borrow Rihito-san over there for a moment?”

 ”Of course, of course.”

 I thanked Prime Minister Habu and explained the situation to Rihito-san.

 ”Ah, I see… so that’s how it is. I understand the situation. Since I’m the one who introduced Kiyohito-kun to Minayo-san, of course, I’ll help out.”

 Alright, with this, we’re unstoppable.

 I quietly enter the room where Rihito-san and I are supposed to meet with Kuga-san, careful not to make a sound. It looks like Kuga-san is already talking to a staff member who arrived earlier.

 ”And that’s why I’d like to offer my full support for Kuga-san’s proposal.”

 Hmm?

 When I take a closer look at the camera, I notice it has a sticker from another TV program.

 I hope they got proper permission. If they did, fine—but if not, let’s try to avoid causing any trouble with other networks.

 ”Thank you very much.”

 Rihito-san and I exchange glances, confirming that we’re both thinking the same thing.

 Silently, we move closer to Kuga-san at a leisurely pace.

 Once we’re right behind him, we lean some of our weight onto the back of his chair to reveal our presence.

 ”Wha──!?”

 Startled, Kuga-san spins around and freezes when he sees us.

 ”Rihito-san? And… Aqua-san too!?”

 I wait for him to process what’s happening before I speak up.

 ”We’re here to make sure today’s proposal plan is a success. I’m Shirogane Aqua from BERYL. Nice to meet you, Kiyohito Kuga-san!”

 ”Ah, thank you. I-I’m Kiyohito Kuga. Um… are you really… the real deal?”

 I smile and give his arm a couple of reassuring pats.

 Yeah, I’m the real deal.

 See? You can feel it, right?

 ”Just a little earlier, we ran into each other by chance. Kiyohito-kun, if this is the situation, please let me help too.”

 ”Rihito-san…! Both of you, thank you so much.”

 We all sit down, facing each other, and start planning the proposal strategy again.

 ”Kuga-san, do you have any ideas or plans in mind already?”

 ”Well, um… I think it would be best to do it somewhere quiet since neither of us feels very comfortable in noisy places.”

 A quiet spot, huh? That makes sense.

 Rihito-san is the first to speak.

 ”If it’s at home… it might not feel very special.”

 ”Yeah, I agree. I think it’d be better to propose somewhere outside.”

 It might be cliché, but girls generally like a setting with a bit of a special atmosphere.

 Kanon, who’s the ultimate romantic dreamer, always says so, and I trust her judgment.

 ”Maybe somewhere with a nice view? Since it’s hot during the day this time of year, indoors or at night might be better.”

 ”Then how about dinner while enjoying the night view? Going out for a meal makes it easier to invite her without making her suspicious.”

 Classic, but foolproof.

 Trying to be flashy when you’re not used to it is more likely to backfire, and this way, Rihito-san and I can assist more easily.

 With our thoughts aligned, we suggest the idea of a dinner with a night view as one of the options for the proposal.

 ”Restaurants in hotels seem quiet, and for someone like me, who struggles with words, having a meal might help bridge the gap until the proposal.”

 Then it’s settled.

 ”Alright, let’s do it today, here.”

 ””Huh!?””

 Kuga-san and Rihito-san look surprised.

 No, no, if you’re going to do something like this, you really need to prepare properly; dragging it out is not good.

 I face Kuga-san with a serious expression.

 ”Kuga-san, when I thought about proposing to Kanon, I couldn’t spare even a second. How about you?”

 Kuga-san looks startled at my words.

 Seeing Kuga-san’s face while talking about Saito Minayo-san in that recent video gave me confidence.

 Kuga-san’s feelings are the same as mine were at that time.

 ”…Yes, you’re right. I want to propose to her as soon as possible too. I want her to know how I feel about you, as soon as possible.”

 Rihito-san and I exchange glances and nod decisively.

 ”Then Rihito-san, please arrange Kuga-san’s outfit. Since we’re at it, let’s make it look really cool!”

 ”Got it!”

 ”Can Kuga-san secure a dinner appointment with Saito Minayo-san? At this time, it should just barely be before dinner, but please hurry.”

 ”Understood.”

 After asking the two to take care of their tasks, I turn my gaze toward the producer.

 ”I will negotiate directly with the restaurant in this hotel.”

 I leave the room, take the elevator, and head to the floor with the restaurant.

 ”Ah, Aqua-sama.”

 Seeing me come out of the elevator, the staff member instinctively covers their mouth with both hands.

 They probably thought it would be bad if they yelled out and made a scene.

 ”Aqua-sama, what’s the matter with you today?!”

 ”Don’t be so nervous. I’ve come here today to ask you a favor.”

 I explained the situation to the manager and asked if there were any seats available at the restaurant.

 ”First of all, thank you for choosing our hotel’s restaurant. However, I’m sorry to say that we unfortunately have no available seats today…”

 Sometimes these things happen.

 I expressed my gratitude to the manager, who looked pained, saying, “Please don’t worry about it. I apologize for making a sudden request. Thank you for your kind assistance.”

 For now, I’ll have Kuga-san convey the change of location to Minayo-san again, but I have to find another hotel restaurant.

 While I was thinking about such things, I noticed some familiar figures standing at the entrance.

 ”I see, Aqua-sama, I’ve heard everything.”

 ”Aqua-kun, if that’s the case, you can use the seats we reserved.”

 ”What are you talking about? The happiness of the people is my happiness. Manager, please use the seats we reserved for Aqua-sama.”

 Emily!

 Kaede!

 Prime Minister!!

 Ah, come to think of it, they said earlier that they were going to have a meal together.

 ”Are all 3 of you okay?”

 ”Of course! It’s just that I’ve been craving the taste of Ramen Takeko Ramen lately because I haven’t been eating much due to morning sickness.”

 ”To begin with, it’s ridiculous for us losers who couldn’t even win once to hold a reflection meeting at a hotel restaurant.”

 ”Ah, I just got a reply from Kohina-san. Kanon-san and Kotono-san are at Takeko Ramen too. Let’s join them!”

 What?

 Everyone’s at Takeko Ramen today?

 Ugh, just imagining the thick soy sauce flavor of Takeko Ramen makes me drool.

 No, the light soy sauce is good too.

 No, no, here we can enjoy luxurious chashu noodles!

 Just thinking about it is making my stomach growl.

 I don’t fully understand what Kaede means by reflection meeting, but I might just drop by Takeko Ramen after the program is over.

 ”Thank you, all three of you! You’ve really helped me out. I know it’s not much, but as a token of my gratitude, I’ll cover the cost of this restaurant as well as Takeko’s expenses. Prime Minister, could you let Kohina-senpai know too? Oh, everyone’s staying for a while, right? I’ll join you later.”

 ”Thanks a ton! I’ll gladly take you up on that!!”

 I waved to the three of them with a smile as I saw them off.

 I still didn’t understand what Kaede meant by a “review session,” but their help was invaluable.

 While the staff set up the cameras, I headed to the room where the two of them were.

 ”Oh wow, that looks great!”

 It was definitely the right choice to leave it to Rihito-san.

 Kuga-san, dressed sharply in a suit, shows a slightly embarrassed expression.

 ”I’m usually in traditional clothing, so wearing this Western outfit feels a bit embarrassing.”

 ”Kuga-san, you look great in Western clothes too.”

 The standard for a proposal is a ring, but it seems like they give the engagement ring earlier once the arrangement is confirmed.

 In that case, should we stick to something safe like flowers?

 I suggest to Kuga-san that I might want to send flowers.

 ”That sounds nice. She might be happy since she uses flowers as bookmarks.”

 Alright, it’s decided!

 Based on the patterns of the kimono that Saito Minayo-san often wears and the info from the date when they strolled through the garden, Kuga-san orders cosmos flowers, her favorite, from the hotel florist.

 I thought cosmos would be better for bookmarks than roses.

 ”Now, we just need the words for the proposal.”

 ”That’s right.”

 It seems that Rihito-san and Kuga-san have been struggling with that for a while.

 I see, if that’s the case, let’s ask for help from the best advisor.

 ”Oh, hello. Ai, are you free right now?”

 ’Yeah, I’m free.’

 In the background, I can hear Inko-san’s voice saying, “You know what, Yukari…”

 Could it be that Ai and the others are also at Takeko Ramen with Kohina-senpai?

 ’I’m moving to a quiet place, so wait a moment… okay, I’m good now. So, what’s up?’

 ”Actually…”

 I briefly explain the situation to Ai.

 ’I see. So Saito Minayo-san is a fan of mine and wants to know if I have any good proposal phrases…’

 Nodding lightly at Ai’s words, I shift my gaze to Kuga-san, who is seriously staring at my phone on the table.

 I hadn’t called Ai from the beginning to ask her to come up with the perfect proposal words for me.

 With someone as perceptive as Ai—no, as Hakuryuu Aiko—I believed she would say exactly what Kuga-san needed to hear most in this moment.

 ’Kuga-san, I think Minayo-san would be happier if you simply expressed your true feelings directly, rather than relying on the words I came up with. No flowery lines from a romance novelist could ever surpass that.’

 As expected of Ai.

 Kuga-san also had a startled expression at Ai’s words.

 ’Kuga-san, do your best. I’m rooting for you too!’

 ”Thank you, Hakuryuu-sensei…!”

 Seeing Kuga-san’s determined face, I nodded in agreement.

 I pick up my smartphone that was on the table.

 Since it’s a special occasion

 ”Ai, thank you. I love you”

 ’Fugya!?’

 Huh?

 Ai?

 I can’t hear your voice anymore, are you okay?

 ’Sad news, Hakuryuu-sensei loses to reality again’

 ’LOL’

 ’At this point, losing is part of the act, right?’

 ’What are you doing? Seriously’

 It sounds like someone is talking later.

 As I press my smartphone hard against my ear, suddenly a loud voice comes through.

 ’If you don’t hurry, I’m going to eat all the char siu and soft-boiled eggs!!’

 ”Whoa!”

 That startled me.

 After saying that, Kohina-senpai hangs up Ai’s call for me.

 Still, only eating soft-boiled eggs and char siu is way too inconsiderate to Takeko-san.

 That’s just too much freedom.

 I wish they’d use the name “Freedom” that I thought of for kids for Kohina-senpai’s child.

 But, it’s not the time to think of unnecessary things like that.

 Isn’t it about time?

 I turn my gaze toward the clock installed in the room.

 ”Everyone, Saito Minayo-san has arrived at the hotel”

 Rihito-san and I pat Kuga-san on the back.

 ”Kuga-san, do your best! We’re watching over you”

 ”Kiyohito-kun, it’s fine. Stay calm, and everything will go smoothly.”

 After seeing Kuga-san off, we headed to a separate room kindly prepared by the hotel staff.

 From there, we planned to monitor the two of them through the cameras set up in the restaurant.

 ”Minayo-san, thank you so much for agreeing to this on such short notice today.”

 ”No… I’m happy to see you too.”

 Oh!?

 When I saw Minayo-san’s cheeks turn a soft shade of pink, the producer and I exchanged glances.

 That’s unmistakably the face of a girl in love.

 It’s not just because this is a formal arrangement.

 I could tell that, after meeting Kuga-san several times, she had grown to like him—and that’s why she accepted the engagement.

 ”Keep it up, Kiyohito-kun…”

 It seems that Rihito-san hasn’t noticed.

 Rihito-san thought everything was perfect, but I guess he’s a bit dull in situations like this.

 He also didn’t seem to notice Shikimi-san’s feelings…

 Now that I think about it, Shintaro didn’t notice Awashima’s “I like you” vibes at all at first.

 ”This place is so pretty.”

 ”Y-Yes.”

 Kuga-san looks really nervous.

 Even though we know this is a sure-win proposal, just watching makes us nervous.

 Watching their calm meal together, I imagined myself and Kanon and the others eating together in my head.

 Ah, I really want to see everyone soon.

 Even though I’m at work, I couldn’t help but feel how happy these two seem together.

 ”Minayo, as proof of our engagement, could you take this along with the ring?”

 ”Oh… it’s lovely.”

 Kuga-san held the bouquet of cosmos flowers close to his chest like it was very important, and Saito’s face lit up as she looked at it.

 ”Alright, here we go.”

 ”You can do it. You can do it.”

 It’s the perfect chance for a proposal. But Kuga-san can’t seem to say the first word.

 Ugh, if it goes like this, he’ll fail. That can’t happen!!

 Before I even think, my body starts moving.

 ”Aqua!?”

 ”Aqua!?”

 I left the room and went through the hallway staff use, heading to the customer area.

 Quietly, without anyone noticing, I sat down on the piano bench in the corner of the restaurant.

 ”Huh?”

 Only the group at a nearby table where they could see me noticed I was there.

 I put my finger to my lips and mouthed the words softly.

 ──Please, don’t say anything.

 Everyone nodded quietly, covering their mouths as if to say they understood.

 Crap, I didn’t think this through. What should I play?

 I can’t play my own song in a fancy restaurant, but Rachmaninoff is way too long… I need something short and perfect to cheer him on. But there’s no time to think!!

 Before I realized it, I was playing a famous song named after the love of my life.

 ”Oh, this song…”

 ”This is the one played at Kanon’s wedding.”

 ”So beautiful…”

 ”Whoever’s playing the piano is amazing.”

 ”They’re not just good. I can feel how much they love this song.”

 The reaction isn’t bad at all.

 If it’s come to this, I’ll pour all my love for my wife into this song.

 Kuga-san, listen to this happy song and picture Saito’s smiling face.

 I’m not the man who can make her smile. There’s only one person in the whole world who can do that──it’s you!!

 ”Bravo!”

 ”That was amazing!”

 When I finished playing, the restaurant filled with applause.

 Alright, Kuga-san, it’s all on you now.

 Through the earpiece, I could hear their voices.

 ”Minayo, I love you.”

 ”Huh?”

 Well said!

 I clapped in my heart.

 ”Our first meeting was an arranged one. Our engagement was decided between our families, and we were engaged through representatives. But that’s why I wanted to tell you this myself, directly. Minayo! If you’re okay with it, even after we get married… please keep falling in love with me!”

 I could hear Minayo-san sobbing softly.

 W-Which is it?! I already know the answer, but I held my breath, waiting.

 ”Yes, I’d love to.”

 Yes!! I made a fist pump at the piano.

 ”Aqua, before this causes a commotion, come back quietly.”

 No, it’s not over yet. My real job starts now.

 I picked up a mic nearby.

 ”Good evening, everyone enjoying your meals here. I’m Aqua from BERYL.”

 ”””””””””Ahhhhhh!!!”””””””””

 I looked at the manager peeking from the corner.

 They gave me a nod, like “Go ahead.”

 ”If it’s okay with you, could I sing one song for everyone?”

 ”””””””””Yesssss!!!”””””””””

 While playing the piano, I sang the song from my wedding.

 In the middle of the song, someone tapped my shoulder.

 Huh, Shintaro!? Why are you here?!

 Looking closer, I saw Toa and Tenma Senpai nearby too.

 ”Toa said, ‘If it’s some kind of project, it’s probably the Berry-Berry staff.’”

 Ah, I see… Leave it to Toa to figure it out.

 I handed the piano to Shintaro and walked around the restaurant, singing to the customers.

 For the encore, I sang near Kuga-san and Saito-san’s table.

 ”Thank you, everyone!”

 I bowed to the customers and staff who helped.

 The manager said, “No one’s complaining since they got a free BERYL dinner show!” That was a relief.

 ”Thank you too, Rihito-san.”

 ”No, no, the last concert was great. Aqua, everyone, thank you so much.”

 After saying goodbye to Rihito-san, we borrowed the hotel rooftop for one last shoot.

 ”So, even though we all ended up together at the end, this is the last surprise plan. It’s the last one, right!?”

 When I looked at the producer, she handed me a flip board with a sly grin.

 No way… We ended on such a good note. Is there more? Huh? You want me to read this? Got it.

 I looked at everyone, peeled off the sticker on the board, and read it out loud.

 ”‘At the end of August, after Aqua’s summer break, BERYL will restart its activities. Also, from August 31 to September 1, we’ll do a 24-hour BERYL TV broadcast, so make sure to watch!’”

 What?!

 A 24-hour broadcast?!

 I didn’t hear anything about this!!

 ”Okay, so BERYL, good luck!”

 ”Wait, hold on──ahhhhh!”

 The cameraman slowly panned away from us.

 I knew it. It was the Berry-Berry staff. I had a feeling there’d be something at the end.

 As we were left on the rooftop, the staff quickly packed up and left us there.

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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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